If your frame is optimized for 1x drivetrain there are also weight/strength benefits to be had from the symmetrical chain stays, burlier main pivot and loss of the front mech mounting gubbins

I didn’t like the WTB Trial boss on the front – had a tendency to wash out and lacked feel – so the 2.35 Magic Mary (Evo Snakeskin Trailstar flavour) I replaced it with feels like a big improvement. I not noticed any drag – and in any case this that small negative is IMHO outweighed by the confidence the tyre inspires in looser terrain [Surrey Hills].

Currently using a Pacestar Rock Razor on the rear, but a Pacestar 2.35 Hans Dampf will be going on after this final tease of sunny weather.

I’ve got a 2016 RS and the higher spec is better value. However, with the 2017 bikes subject to a £200 price hike over las years bikes, it brings them into the price territory of some seriously tempting competitors. For me a carbon Devinci Troy RS from Freeborn at £2699 had got to be worth a comparable test ride.

Oh and the T130rs climbs beautifully with the shock fly open. Never notice the weight, but I do notice how comfortable the riding position is and how easy if it’s too keep the front wheel down

I’ve got a 2016 RS and the higher spec is better value. However, with the 2017 bikes subject to a £200 price hike overt lady years bikes, it brings them into the price territory of some seriously tempting competitors. For me a carbon Devinci Troy RS from Freeborn at £2699 had got to be worth a comparable test ride.

Mucking about on the red trails would be my tip. Start at the purple stars and go for it!

Funny to think the most fun we had was doing ‘segments’ with a casio watch on the handlebars.

Good old Knettishall Heath. Being only a mile from where I grew up, I use to rag the hell out of the walking trails on my old rigid Shoguns and Konas as a teenager.

You’re not meant to cycle on any of it, but I can’t ever remember getting any grief. The further south you go from the river and car parks the quieter it is and there are some lumpy sections of singletrack. Lots of dogwalkers though, so you need to be watchful.

The eastern triangle between Norwich Lane and the Coney Weston Road used be fun though the trees and the loop trails near the tumuli on the southern side has some reasonable singletrack.

It’s definitely worth exploring for a morning, as there are some bomb hole/gravel pits scattered about. The Peddars Way/Anglers Way are sort of downhill in parts and link up with some other woodlands further north.

I haven’t thought about riding there for years and looking on Streetview brings back some good memories of my yoof!