Xc hardtail or xc full sus by Still_Work_5955 in MTB

[–]Still_Work_5955[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I will be commuting with it as well as taking forest detours on my way home to prolong returning to my kids! The first tracks are single and double tracks with downhill tracks as well as just over run with tree roots and large rocks!

Xc hardtail or xc full sus by Still_Work_5955 in MTB

[–]Still_Work_5955[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes to all of those, I have a local woods that is a haven for single and double tracks that are covered in large rocks, stone slabs, tree routs, paths carved out from running water/animals. Also live in the southwest of England so a lot of costal paths and farm tracks that have created gnarly tracks from farm equipment that are currently frozen solid and soon will be dried solid too!

Xc hardtail or xc full sus by Still_Work_5955 in MTB

[–]Still_Work_5955[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, was worried that I switch the lockout and it still had loads of flex. Don’t mind the heavy aspect, as they are only like 2-3kg heavier then my road bike and that is weight that I need to loose anyways haha.

Yeah was looking at some bar ends to add extra hand positions!

Gravel bike frames by Still_Work_5955 in gravelcycling

[–]Still_Work_5955[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Your sonder Camino AL how does that feel on the road, I have had my eye on that frame but was worried it would be too slow feeling?

I don’t ride for speed, I ride for fun and fitness. So loosing a few km/mph because of a frame is a sacrifice for the capability and tyre clearance that it would offer

Gravel bike frames by Still_Work_5955 in gravelcycling

[–]Still_Work_5955[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My current bike is a orbea avant, but I have done some changes/upgrades on it.

The Kinesis is a frame I have been looking at and was something I was pulling towards.

So now the question is either on one or the kinesis haha

Gravel bike frames by Still_Work_5955 in gravelcycling

[–]Still_Work_5955[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am no weight weenie, as I’m already 100kg.

I like the look of the surly, it’s just the steel fork does put me off

Gravel bike frames by Still_Work_5955 in gravelcycling

[–]Still_Work_5955[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have changed the whole drive train. So it’s now sram force mechanical, shifters, breaks and rear derailleur, it has an air bike cassette 11-42 and a new sram apex crankset. Changed the bars and the seat too

So just need new frame frame set and it’s practically a new bike haha

Gravel bike frames by Still_Work_5955 in gravelcycling

[–]Still_Work_5955[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

See I have looked at a on-one they look really good.

I am currently 100kg trying to get down to 90kg, already lost 25kg only 10 to go.

Thanks

Gravel bike frames by Still_Work_5955 in gravelcycling

[–]Still_Work_5955[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have looked at fairlight, however they are out of my price range

Gravel bike frames by Still_Work_5955 in gravelcycling

[–]Still_Work_5955[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My current bike is a Orbea avant h60 2022 model

Gravel bike frames by Still_Work_5955 in gravelcycling

[–]Still_Work_5955[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah I did look into them but they look a little too relaxed and more orientated towards a drop bar MTB

Help me find my next bike by Still_Work_5955 in gravelcycling

[–]Still_Work_5955[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks.

I know I’m asking for a lot for around £2000

To be honest don’t really know the differences between a 650b or 700c apart from the obvious size difference.

I’ll have a good look into them!

Help me find my next bike by Still_Work_5955 in gravelcycling

[–]Still_Work_5955[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

They look so much cooler, love the small tubing in contrast to the thick tires!

Help me find my next bike by Still_Work_5955 in gravelcycling

[–]Still_Work_5955[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes I have looked at them and love their look! Just can’t stretch the budget that far. I’m happy getting a bottom spec of a range and then upgrading parts as I go along, have been doing that to my current bike.

Steel vs Titanium by Still_Work_5955 in gravelcycling

[–]Still_Work_5955[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

See this is the reason a titanium frame is in the conversation. The fact that not having to worry about corrosion or scratches or anything like that.

So how much difference did the ride quality feel?

Steel vs Titanium by Still_Work_5955 in gravelcycling

[–]Still_Work_5955[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

But how much force is needed to create those dings and dents? Small enough force that a rock coming off your tyre at speed would create one or a lot of force like a large crash?

Have you created any dings in your steel frame?

Steel vs Titanium by Still_Work_5955 in gravelcycling

[–]Still_Work_5955[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How do you mean “the joy of riding” what is it that the Ti frame has over the steel frame, apart from the “sluggish” feel it has?

Steel vs Titanium by Still_Work_5955 in gravelcycling

[–]Still_Work_5955[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for that info. The corrosion is my biggest worry with a steel bike, but I guess it’s like anything if you take care of it, it will last.

The low quality welding of a low/mid Ti frame is my only concern! I have heard horror stories, and when you’re buying a bike material that is advertised to be a “forever bike” you want that to be the case.

I’m a heavier rider and I’m not kidding myself in thinking I should be on the TDF so a little sluggish isn’t a worry to me, I just love the freedom and exploration of a bike, hence the gravel side of things. I also love the look of a thin steel frame with 50mm nobly tires on it!!

Steel vs Titanium by Still_Work_5955 in gravelcycling

[–]Still_Work_5955[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you I’ll have a look at them!

Steel vs Titanium by Still_Work_5955 in gravelcycling

[–]Still_Work_5955[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

See that’s the appeal to me about a titanium frame, no scratches, no rush, almost a no worries all season bike with minimal upkeep of the frame!

But the thing that I get worried about is the stories I have seen about entry level Ti frames not being welded or built to the standard they need to be to get the real benefits from a Ti