I bought an old ’95 Kona Cindercone that had a stuck post, no amount of brute force would shift it. I turned the frame upside down, filled through the bottle bosses, the seat tube with penetrating oil an left it for a week. Still wouldn’t budge! I then heated the seat tube with a hot air gun (hair drier may work) gave it a twist and the got covered in oil – seat post in hand!

Never had a blood test, have been thinking about getting checked over for while and promised myself I’ll do it next year when I reach 50.

Mavic xm819

Certainly a stalwart and legend in the mtb industry. I recently bought some stuff over on Retrobike from a SteveW – amazed that it was the man himself! RIP

Middleburn is the only option. You can’t have it both ways – cheap and good – rarely anyway 😉

Haven’t ridden a trail centre for a few years, would like to try CYB again – must have changed in ten years!

PS: I probably haven’t got big enough wheels for trail centre riding 😉

cut myself three thick and uneven slices of wholemeal bread, toasted. One with olive based spread, one with almond nut butter the other local honey. One mug of tea, followed by one mug of Earl grey. Normally, a shit to follow but I don’t eat that! 😀

I bet that Nicolai was a harsh ride?

Oddly after everything I said, I’ve now ordered a pair of type 11 forks for my Soulcraft. Will update when I get them in 10 weeks or so time.

I’m starting to think it may not be ACL from the replies – thanks for sharing your experiences.

My original knee prob was originally diagnosed as torn meniscus which turned out not to be the case. Thinking it could be the same problem that has moved or deteriorated. Just haven’t had even the slightest from it for absolutely years, and did nothing strenuous or unusual to bring it on.

Dez, did you have surgery on that? Long time no see btw!

Tried to get Doctor appointment today but of course couldn’t fit me in until next week

I appreciate your concern Jamie – thank you

Cheers guys, your experience sounds terrible – hope you’re on the mend now?

No swelling at all, so perhaps it’s something else. 12 years ago I had arthroscopy to this knee with suspected torn meniscus. They found that was good, but I had a rough patch on the femur to one side – arthritis through wear. I had 2-3 years or more of discomfort and ride impingement, then nothing for the last can’t remember how many years. Maybe (fingers crossed) I’m just going through a flare up period, although this feels different – not necessarily worse though, and not brought on by cycling.

If I had the spare cash I’d get a scan for my own understanding.

DC – do you ride with the Tuesday group, just intrigued as we must have met…

Pete aka Woodsman

I know (!) don’t try if it isn’t going to cause financial problems.

I’ve a new custom frame that isn’t even built up yet, but it hasn’t stopped me looking at other bikes I’d like to own someday!

If you can afford it why not! :-

And a 26 – good man! 😀

Can you explain the symptoms of partial damage to the ACL please?
I seem to have done something to my knee (not riding). I get a sharp pain when climbing or descending stairs in particular. Went for a gentle ride which was fine seated, I couldn’t stand in the pedals without similar pain to descending the stairs. I also had a limp for some days which has passed – still can’t do stairs!
Your experience of partial ACL damage would be appreciated. Oh, and it’s been almost a week since this started, straightening from a squat tending the fire at home!!

auto body materials suppliers will have some strong stuff

The first one – half a VW with half a Beech tree on it looks best

call the Powe-lice if you’re in Scotland or the Police anywhere else in the UK

I pee a fair few times on a ride. I like to be hydrated before I start a ride, and sip during so that equals a fair bit of pizzing. I don’t think/hope there is anything wrong in that…

Rest, if it’s still there after a week or so, or becomes worse go see your GP

Just get out and join your riding buddies, doesn’t matter if they understand or not – importantly, get back to something you previously enjoyed – a positive routine is not a bad thing.

All the best, you have an exciting life ahead of you, you just don’t know it yet 🙂

If this thread is still going by the end of summer, I should be able to add something minty green and made just for me 😀

I think you’ve got the idea anyway sooballas, but King still make and sell all the previous standards and parts including 1 inch headsets. Plus as I suggest they last, I’ve got them on all my bikes, some new (15 years) and some second hand. Prise the seals off (new ones available) and re-grease every 5 or so years or once a decade as in my case and all is good! My experience anyway.

3M 08210 available from good auto car body materials suppliers

Just got a bit more awesome that’s all 😉

To me this is just like the 26 v 650/29 current situation. Because it’s new and the manufacturers promote it doesn’t mean it’s better. I’ve gone back on all but one of my bikes to square taper – it works – it’s super smooth – it can be cheap(not if you buy boutique of course)

Fox are still listing new 1 1/18th 26 forks.

I spoke to Mojo about this, and they initially laughed but, said perhaps in time although the majority of their forks listed are for 26. They have a huge stock of steerer units and lowers – you can still get canti-mount lowers for the first generation Fox 26 forks new! Also, they did say that 650B forks have a chassis that can be used for 26. And, of course if you have 1 1/8th then fit a Chriss king headset -nuff said!

I wouldn’t say it’s not a concern but the market will decide the future of 26, if you go with the hype as manufacturers want, all buy a new bike in 650 or 29 flavour!

Vortexracing – yes that is bling! You’ve made it so 🙂

2nd the theotherjonv!

I remember being in a group when a helicopter was dispatched to a rider with a broken collar bone, also he had landed on his head and was delirious. I reported it on here and got severely flamed!

I’ve had one for about six months max now, bought it new. I would say maybe has slowed down a bit, which is inevitable I suppose as you fill it up with stuff.

How do you look after a mac please?

coastkid – I didn’t expect to hear that on this thread but I totally get it – feel it! 😀

Yep, easy – go ride some tight natural single track 🙂

Get a bike to fit her

A few people agreeing with me, can this be happening on STW! 😉

Having said what I said, I would say that more mtb’ers are drawn to certain areas of Surrey Hills, with the publicity the official trails get in magazines etc. A similar thing on a micro scale in comparison, happened to a small patch of wood near the south coast. MBR IIRC were invited down for a photo shoot/article/s and the area grew in popularity – this area is now in great contention with other users and bikers. They’re going to ‘trail centre’ that too to keep bikers away from other users – it’s a long process fortunately! The trails are trashed too compared to what they were. The mag even published a photo of me riding over a pile of logs, which was ironic as the one’s who wanted to get in the mag didn’t and I was trying to keep out of it.

I don’t have any answers, what I’ve written (gibberish aside) is an observation

It’s complex pleasing everyone. I can’t help but feel the more official trails are made the less of the original goal is achieved. We managed ok didn’t we ten years ago.

No even near 🙁

Nostoc, ahh yes familiar with said drinking establishments. Luckily, we can get Harvey’s in West Sussex too 🙂

haven’t started yet, but later I expect I’ll begin with a Harvey’s

I’ve tried Rapha and Howie’s, I just find they pull my ball sack up as if they were designed to separate each testicle from it’s pouch – uncomfortable is an understatement!