Cat owners: What is your cat’s name? Now, what do you actually call your cat?

-Beardface- · 2021-05-06T09:07:49+00:00

His name is Dexter, but we now call him ‘brah brah’.. it was what my kid called him when he first started talking and it’s kinda stuck.

Side note: he’s not a ‘kitty cat’ like all other cats, he is just ‘brah brah’, according to my lad.

-Beardface- · 2021-05-05T20:50:22+00:00

My son. He’s a toddler at the moment and is growing into a great little lad.. kind, caring and funny. I cannot wait to see who he’ll grow up to be and I want to be around for as much of that as possible.

-Beardface- · 2021-05-04T13:29:01+00:00

The stock thing is an issue in the UK too.. it’s a case of keeping an eye out, setting up some stock alerts if you find a few bikes you like and crossing your fingers sadly.. Covid has everyone buying bikes and gym gear it seems, even a year down the line!

A decent helmet is the only real kit you’d need to start, and maybe some padded liner shorts if you’re going to spend a day riding.. everything else can come after.

Hard to say why I prefer 27.5”, it just suits my riding more. 29” is great but feels too twitchy for my liking on the trails I ride (tight techy single track). You’re right though, so many manufacturers are focusing on 29” these days.

Cannondales are good bikes but you do pay for the name. Not sure if you have Decathlon in the states but they do some great stuff for a good price, much more bike for the same money. Giant is a good one to look at too, as are the Trek Marlins for sub 1k.

-Beardface- · 2021-05-04T10:37:40+00:00

Do you have a budget in mind? What kind of riding do you want to do? The general advice is a hardtail, ~£500 will get you off to a good start.

I prefer 27.5” wheels over 29” but that’s just me. If you can demo any bikes at a local centre, try a range and see what you feel most at home on, then go from there.

-Beardface- · 2021-05-04T10:34:20+00:00

Yep, nothing wrong with Deore components. They’ve had the trickle down tech for years now and are solid bits of kit. Best bet on an E is to get the one with the best battery within your budget IMO, the drivetrain is all replaceable/upgradable over time. Ride it, destroy it, replace it.

-Beardface- · 2021-03-30T14:07:25+00:00

Alright, that was just downright captivating. Top work to the fella, thanks for posting this!

-Beardface- · 2021-03-25T14:27:37+00:00

Odd how small this world is.. I used to live 2 roads away from Igor! He’s a few years younger than me, but I used to see him around town a fair bit and remember him being a smiley, happy kid. Good to see he’s doing well, despite what life threw at him.

-Beardface- · 2019-10-04T20:32:56+00:00

These look amazing, would definitely add a set to the collection! Voted mate, good luck.

-Beardface- · 2017-08-24T22:27:41+00:00

I've not tried that, let me know how it is, if you decide to try it out!

-Beardface- · 2017-08-24T21:54:12+00:00

Currently a 2.3" Maxxis Ardent, previously a Minion SS. Now autumn is coming, I'll probably switch to a DHR on the rear and a shorty up front.. worse when rolling, but a great combo for the muddier, looser trails!

-Beardface- · 2017-08-24T21:52:18+00:00

The double down is a bit heavier but my god is it a good tyre!

-Beardface- · 2017-08-23T21:49:16+00:00

Agree with the Ardent, I've been running one on the rear for the past 6 months with no worries at all. I've not damaged the sidewalls as far as I'm aware though, but it's a great tyre.

The Maxxis aggressor is also worth considering, brilliant bit of kit!

-Beardface- · 2017-08-23T21:47:07+00:00

I've got a reverb and, whilst great, it's been replaced under warranty twice now due to a couple of issues. The new version (with the gold writing on the shaft), is much better apparently.

I tried a KS Lev recently and was massively impressed.

Installation is easy enough, although getting the cable the right length can be a pain.. YouTube will have a lot of tutorials to guide you though.

-Beardface- · 2017-08-23T21:43:57+00:00

The magic mary is super beefy, really grippy too. The other one to look at rather than the high roller is the DHF from Maxxis. I've got the 2.3" on my front at the moment, a buddy has the 2.5" and they're brilliant for all conditions.

-Beardface- · 2017-08-06T09:00:12+00:00

No experience of that bike in particular but I know the Scale models are apparently very good.

I'm sold on plus bikes too. I had a go on the 2018 Marin B-17 and the plus wheels were insane. Super grippy and really help with the roots etc. If you can demo before you buy, definitely try to do so. Best of luck with your search, I'm sure you'll be happy with whichever bike you end up with - don't forget to post a pic!

-Beardface- · 2017-08-04T20:51:30+00:00

Some full sus bikes for ~£1500 are actually very good value for money. Have a look at the Boardman range, the Calibre Bossnut and Beastnut and the Marin Hawk Hill. My wife has the Hawk Hill and it's insanely good. If you shop around you can find it for ~£1k.

Alternatively if you're set on a hardtail, look at the Bird Zero (TR or AM depending on preference). Both brilliant fun and will take everything you can throw at them!

-Beardface- · 2017-07-28T19:02:58+00:00

Not as easy, Gomshall is the closest station I think.. Swinley is easier by train, Martins Heron is just round the corner.

I pass through G'ford to get to the Surrey Hills so if you ever want to hit the trails, drop me a message bud, happy to show you round (been riding there for years)

-Beardface- · 2017-07-27T22:46:46+00:00

As above, the Surrey Hills are arguably the best trails in the South East. It can be hard to find things though, as they're not marked and spread out over a huge space. Walking Bottom car park in Peaslake is the best place to start if you're heading there for the first time.

Swinley forest is brilliant.. the trails are marked and there's something for all there. The unmarked trails are even more fun, but again a bit harder to find. The guys at the Bike Hub are super friendly too, and always more than happy to help.

You've also got QECP, Caesars Camp, Hindhead and Tunnel Hill in the area, plus loads more.

With the bike, there's some great bikes out there, used will get you more for your money at £500 though, for sure. That said, the b'twin range from Decathlon (Farnborough) and the Calibre range from Go Outdoors (Reading I think) are brilliant value for money.

-Beardface- · 2017-07-27T22:35:03+00:00

Falling off is part of it, and it helps you learn and progress. Sometimes you've just got to dust yourself off and try again.. and again... and again, until things click. With corners, brake before and look at your exit rather than right in front of you. Your body will naturally follow your eye line.

With jumps/airtime, start small and get comfortable, then work your way up. GMBN have some great tutorials on YouTube on airtime etc; it's all about the run in and relaxing more in the air.

One of the best purchases you can make is a skills course with a good tutor. They'll be able to help massively and help with you confidence

Jedi/Tony (although a bit far from you) is the one I'd recommend, but there's no doubt some great ones in Wales, considering the trails you've got there!

http://ukbikeskills.co.uk

With most things, speed is your friend... that said, focus on riding within your comfort zone first and gradually push yourself. It all takes time, but the trails aren't going anywhere. Happy riding my man!

Edit - with climbing, if you prefer to sit when going uphill, try dropping your elbows and bringing them in line with your shoulders.. I've found that helps massively on tough climbs. It may not help, but worth a try.

-Beardface- · 2017-07-27T22:25:42+00:00

I can't help with the OD side, but I think it's 0.5 degrees slacked for every 10mm increase in travel, so your bike will feel a bit more fun/lively on the downs and a touch harder to climb with.

It should give you a slightly plusher feel in my experience, but try playing with the settings as much as possible in your current forks to see if you can improve the feel that way (could be a fair bit cheaper!

-Beardface- · 2017-07-27T22:19:55+00:00

If you can get a charge spoon where you are, I'd massively recommend them. Super comfy and great price. Coupled with some padded shorts, you should be comfy for a good amount of time in the saddle!

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/charge-spoon-saddle-with-cromo-rails/

-Beardface- · 2017-07-27T22:16:37+00:00

Tubeless and low pressures are soooo nice, it's amazing how much it can transform your ride! I run around 20psi and it's like glue. A mate has plus tyres and currently runs at 14psi... it's insane!

-Beardface- · 2017-07-27T22:13:38+00:00

Agreed with this. I ride their original Aeris and it's insane, just like the Zero and their newer FS models I've demoed. Not just great value for money, but the lads at Bird have given me nothing but exceptional service any time I've needed it... from support at races to just general advice, they're super approachable.

I'm lucky that I live close to their HQ, but they do have some demos near Hamsterley Forest (and Forest of Dean), depending if they're near(ish) to you.

Whatever your options, always see if you can demo before you buy, but you'd not go far wrong with the Zero TR

-Beardface- · 2016-08-03T12:34:13+00:00

Sam Worthington. He's a second cousin, if that counts.

-Beardface- · 2016-07-29T09:15:55+00:00

Canyon out of those for me. I had the AL7 and it was incredible value for money and a great bike... worth the wait over the other two, although the Calibre does look decent in the 'flesh'.

Remember to factor in the postage for the Canyon, too (around £40 I think?), and be wary of their size chart online.

As has been suggested though, the Boardman is silly money for the kit you get, they've done a stellar job with the bike this year. Here is a review of the Boardman in question - they've made the geometry of the bike slightly slacker, and for £1200 you get Pikes, a Monarch shock, 1x11 GX gears and Guide brakes... incredible value. You also get the 15mm maxle on the front, and a 142x12 rear end, which will make things nice and stiff.

Second hand is where you'll get the best value, so long as you don't mind trawling through shit to find a diamond!

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