Yes, and I did

I think things will settle down in a few years, I’m hearing conflicting opinions on the new wheel sizes within the many groups I ride with. Go with what suits your body size, and riding style. All the wheel sizes have their pros and cons it’s about finding the right one for you. I may stock up on a few wheel rims of choice incase production is as I can imagine is concentrated, on the Emperor’s new clothes at the moment ;0)

I’d love to try the other two places, AQR and Basque – in fact I’m sure I will.

Pyractif are only road now, the original owner who was more MTB focused sold the company. I’m sure they do great road trips.

I went with Altitude Adventure year before last. Just to balance things – I didn’t think they were that single track-y to use BasqueMtb’s phrase. Not been with them either by the way. I know the owners at AA have good connections with the MTB industry…..

I have to say I wasn’t overly impressed – sorry.

You wouldn’t understand, you’re already closer to the ground than most of us with our droppers dropped!

Surprised you can see that far ahead to tell

😛

Dropper post in Stanmer!! 😯

I’m glad Barbour are back in vogue. I can actually wear mine in public without being looked at like some kind of pikey!

Mine is 25 years old, a few rips but so comfortable.

To answer one of your questions. I’ve had a Rohloff on a winter mtb for 8 years now, and I would say that the gap between ratios isn’t a problem – in fact I find it ideal. But, make no mistake the drag is noticeable and present. After five month of trudging through the winter on it, I’m so looking forward to using my best (derailer) bike as the weather ‘hopefully’ dries up soon!

That’s two questions answered :0)

The co-motion wins :0)

I bought one last year and wish I had done so years ago! Mine is a kit that cost about £180 and came with a remote cable type drive (like a dentist’s drill) and various bits and bobs – spare chuck and loads of fittings/tools. It’s variable speed too.

Fantastic little thing!

Nope – Breville Cafe Series! Looked at Dualit and they’re quite shallow, can’t get a decent big loaf slice in there and toast it all was my opinion. The Breville was recommended from someone on here when I ran a similar thread some years back. Nice and heavy duty/cool thing imo! Google it…..

Almost no visible grain in that wood, like to see how he’d get on with some hedgerow Oak or Hornbeam.

Useful, if you can access that type of timber- whadya reckon straight grained Birch maybe?

Horsham Fencing Supplies are one of the biggest stockists of Sthil in the area. I bought the base model 14″ about 20 years ago……..

Electric chainsaws seem quite capable for what you are likely to use them for (neighbour has one – does ok with it)

I’ve been thinking all along ”I don’t know if I would have that repaired” but then it didn’t occur to me – I’m riding a bike that has had a down tube and head tube replaced by fillet brazing, on a previously tig-welded frame – doh!

It was replaced under warranty 3 years ago, no idea who did it SJS farmed it out.

Later paintwork owner’s own….

Ps: glad you and the bike are all mended!

start your own thread/advert 😉 (nice bikes though)

It’s all on the website, the online form can be a little intimidating/tedious looking but once you’re through that, pay a deposit and double the wait time!

26″ I’m a bit old skool plus I’ve got short legs!

anymore Soulies out there then……

🙂

Another Uk Soulcraft here – not built up yet though…

I’m more than happy with the weight of my old 819’s so looking forward to these – I’ll feel like flying! ;0)

If you want it to ride like the Kona but away better go for a 100mm steel hard tail frame. Any more travel and it’ll be just like your soul.

Enigma, 26″ are long like the Kona, classic geo but 100mm up front and disc of course. Quick on the ST. A million times better than the Kona ever was to be honest – I’ve got both and more…

Hey Paul! Great to hear from you – been a long time mate, hope all’s good with you?

Yeah, they’re quite funky the new 819’s and I think the 450g may be referring to the previous model, but who cares they are the lightest rims I’ve had on a bike! I pair them with the super light drag free Rampage UST tyres as well – fastest rolling tyre I’ve ever owned too! Ha – I like my stuff durable if I need less weight I’ll take a dump before a ride :0)

morning bump

What’s Strava?

Proper singletrack wheels – nice Unit!

debt 😉

I like your straight talking style PW!

🙂

haha – don’t take any notice of the strava listings for our group last night, we were stopping and gassing whilst the rest of the group caught up. I’m sure Pengy’s time is super quick though.

I’m glad in a way that they have changed the route, just don’t know how they’ve managed to make it so dull with all that’s on offer. I bet it will be different next year is my last word on it!

Enjoy, and I’ll be watching that hill – the onder lap temptation has all but passed sort of. 😉

Well that was er different wasn’t it! Just ridden the course and the impression I’m left with is; lots more ups, less singletrack – much less singletrack, and bizarrely fire road descents. That’s what I’ve come away with, I’m sure it will suit some folk but personally I’m quite glad I’m a spectator this year.

Best of luck everyone, it’s always a good vibe and they serve beer 🙂

Perhaps my M&S deal isn’t that terrible after all. I’ll have a think on it all. Thanks everyone.

Tom, not riding tonight as you will have gathered by now! Long day at work – it does happen sometimes! 😉

Thanks, I’ll look into NFU.

In the meantime anyone getting a good deal insuring their bikes?

More than doubled – 120%! from 220 to 450 quid per year, which does include home contents but NOT buildings cover.

Boloclips – do the NFU cover non-farming related domestic then?

Thanks for th advice so far..

Salsa are reputed to make some nice STEEL rigids. Can’t be doing with the carbon myself, had them and the difference to steel is ‘shudder’, haven’t noticed that with my retro P2’s so I’m sticking with steel.

Loving all these futile arguments, it’s what STW is all about. I like to check in a few times a year to catch the latest ‘hang them’ thread.

back to the thread…I think they are ok, if that’s what floats your boat. Not something I would bother buying myself as I could see it ending up in landfil, if it went wrong/I owned it!

Oops – double post

I’ve got some exprience on this one!

I’ve been using UN54 and UN72/3 for the last ten years or so. I do ride a fair bit and find either of the above last me the same – one year no longer and they’re grindy and have play. As I’ve said I ride a fair bit!

Recently, I’ve bought some new Middleburn’s and decided to go with a bling Royce BB. It is massively lighter for a start, feels absolutely smooth and yes it really is very noticable when riding – just makes me want to go faster! The down side is that there can be problems getting them to bed in to the crank taper. Mine creaked and squeaked for a year despite following the set up instructions religiously! Now, it doesn’t make a sound, but I have also noticed that some play in the bearings is developing after two summers use. In summary this product is nice but can be temperamental and may not last any longer before it needs bearings (serviced at Royce) than replacing a UN54/72/3 but it does feel incredibly nice when riding. I’ll probably take a chance and get another for my next build!

Cheers everyone, and it was great to meet locals Buzz and Sharki again for some top riding on the Q’s. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

Fantastic – looking forward to meeting you all again – Sharki (Robert Carlyle look-a-like) and Mr Lightyear (sensible head amongst us)! 😉

I’ve no idea where my fitness is right now either, but not to worry we’ll have a grand time at the varying pace of the group.

No-one’s mentioned the ‘Chimney’ yet………?

Hey Buzz,
🙂
That would be great if you could help us, you did a ride a couple of years ago with Sharki and a bunch of us from Sussex. We had a great time!

Rich, we ought to have Mr Lightyear on board if we can…

Have a look at Altitude Adventure in the Pyrenees. I’ve just come back from a few days there with the gf and it could be ideal for a couple with mixed abilities.

Cats are cool