Big Bike Thread

Burned_Alive · 3 Jul 2009 at 17:18

Yeah it is, it's the thudbuster ST. It's an awesome little thing, sure it looks a little odd and take away the clean line of exposed seat post, but its a joy to ride on. Where I ride the trails and bridlepaths are more or less just large gravel/rocks compacted down, which just batter you even when just riding on the flat. This thing just takes out all the buzz, pretty much the comfort of a full susser, with the performance of a hardtail. Obviously you ride as you would normally, it's not designed to be sat on whilst taking huge knocks. I would like to try a carbon seatpost to see how it compares, but cant really be bothered with the extra expenditure just to test. Just make sure you have enough space to fit one, baring in mind if you ever drop your seatpost for descents.

Cuchulain · 3 Jul 2009 at 17:19

Burned_Alive said:
Yeah it is, it's the thudbuster ST. It's an awesome little thing, sure it looks a little odd and take away the clean line of exposed seat post, but its a joy to ride on. Where I ride the trails and bridlepaths are more or less just large gravelrocks compacted down, which just batter you even when just riding on the flat. This thing just takes out all the buzz, pretty much the comfort of a full susser, with the performance of a hardtail. Obviously you ride as you would normally, it's not designed to be sat on whilst taking huge knocks. I would like to try a carbon seatpost to see how it compares, but cant really be bothered with the extra expenditure just to test.

Sounds ideal, I might have to invest in one now.

chucky · 3 Jul 2009 at 19:23

Morzine goodness

weescott · 3 Jul 2009 at 19:36

Love the Cove.

I'm not convinced by suspension seat posts at all though.

ivrytwr3 · 3 Jul 2009 at 19:39

looks good!

MrKnifey · 3 Jul 2009 at 20:09

chucky said:
Morzine goodness

That the top of Plenney? You dunno how much I hate you right now! :mad:

Draeger · 4 Jul 2009 at 08:27

Anyone used SRAM chains in a Shimano groupset?.

My OEM Shimano chain on my Pinarello FP1 snapped last week ( and yes, I was on a climb up out of the saddle and it did indeed hurt

) and after reading about a lot of folk saying that SRAM chains were better than Shimano replacements, I bought an SRAM 951 chain yesterday to try. It would appear the Powerlinks will afford a lot more flexibility over the Shimano pinned one when it comes to cleaning the chain, being able to split the Powerlink and completely remove the chain from the bike to get it really clean. :cool:

Anyway, I'm going to fit it today but I've read mixed reviews on using SRAM chains in Shimano equipped bikes. Some are very happy with them but a few folk have said that the shifting quality deteriorated, some to such an extent that they decided to change back to a Shimano chain. :confused:

Anyone got any experience of the SRAM/Shimano mix?.

Ta.

Bennah · 4 Jul 2009 at 09:03

Cuchulain said:
That is one sexy bike!

Is that a thudbuster seatpost? I've been umming and arring over one for a year or so now but wanted someone's opinion on it.

---

I'm still on the same bike as 2 years ago (Cube Ltd Race), it's still bile green coloured but for £700 notes you couldn't get a better specced one if you tried.

Cube Ltd Race[/QUOTE]

Cracking bike for the money. Did you buy it new?

I guess they arn't the original tyre's from 2 years ago? :p

What pedals are those?

Bennah · 4 Jul 2009 at 09:16

Reality|Bites said:
if you want a reliable one yes. I have the one linked above, always works in all weathers

Ive also had the Cateye Vectra Wireless. Great computer for the money.

Mine did have a mind of its own though. Not resetting itself before or after a trip. I just had the overal mileage. Before a ride I just had to remember the mileage to calculate how many I did. Apart from that though, it was great. Water didn't harm it in anyway.

#Chri5# · 4 Jul 2009 at 09:46

Draeger said:
Anyone used SRAM chains in a Shimano groupset?.

My OEM Shimano chain on my Pinarello FP1 snapped last week ( and yes, I was on a climb up out of the saddle and it did indeed hurt ) and after reading about a lot of folk saying that SRAM chains were better than Shimano replacements, I bought an SRAM 951 chain yesterday to try. It would appear the Powerlinks will afford a lot more flexibility over the Shimano pinned one when it comes to cleaning the chain, being able to split the Powerlink and completely remove the chain from the bike to get it really clean.

Anyway, I'm going to fit it today but I've read mixed reviews on using SRAM chains in Shimano equipped bikes. Some are very happy with them but a few folk have said that the shifting quality deteriorated, some to such an extent that they decided to change back to a Shimano chain.

Anyone got any experience of the SRAM/Shimano mix?.

Ta.

I've got SRAM chains on my MTBs. My HT has a Shimano LX drivetrain and my full susser is Shimano / Raceface and all is fine. I've also stuck PowerLinks into a Shimano chain and that has worked fine too.

nicholas_yiu · 4 Jul 2009 at 10:25

Burned_Alive said:
Yeah it is, it's the thudbuster ST. It's an awesome little thing, sure it looks a little odd and take away the clean line of exposed seat post, but its a joy to ride on. Where I ride the trails and bridlepaths are more or less just large gravel/rocks compacted down, which just batter you even when just riding on the flat. This thing just takes out all the buzz, pretty much the comfort of a full susser, with the performance of a hardtail. Obviously you ride as you would normally, it's not designed to be sat on whilst taking huge knocks. I would like to try a carbon seatpost to see how it compares, but cant really be bothered with the extra expenditure just to test. Just make sure you have enough space to fit one, baring in mind if you ever drop your seatpost for descents.

Go to on-one, they are currently doing a FSA clearance and it's £20 for a FSA carbon seatpost.

I bought a structual carbon wrap bar and a carbon seatpost for £50 + delivery which I don't think anywhere can beat at the moment.

Cuchulain · 4 Jul 2009 at 11:19

Bennah said:
Cracking bike for the money. Did you buy it new?

I guess they arn't the original tyre's from 2 years ago?

What pedals are those?

I bought it new yeah, it was originally 900 and something quid but was the year befores model and had a better spec than the current years model when I bought it, just a shame about the anodizing colour but I'm planning (one day) to replace the frame anyway.

I'm ashamed to say they are the original tyres from 2 years ago, finding it difficult to get anywhere to ride off road nearby but we're moving soon so it'll get a lot more use.

I think the pedals are M520's, I know they were the cheapest Shimano clipless at the time, I can't seem to get on with them though, no matter how I adjust the tension/seat post height I get very sore knees so I've ordered a nasty pair of these:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=23214

in matching puke green colour!

shadowcreaper · 4 Jul 2009 at 13:48

^^ why dont you get some MG1s they the best flat pedals around for budget pedals and cost only 30ish quid from merlin cycles.

Also have sealed bearings and pretty much got best reviews around

Burned_Alive · 4 Jul 2009 at 15:25

nicholas_yiu said:
Go to on-one, they are currently doing a FSA clearance and it's £20 for a FSA carbon seatpost.

I bought a structual carbon wrap bar and a carbon seatpost for £50 + delivery which I don't think anywhere can beat at the moment.

Very tempting! Which ones did you go for?

Also does anyone know if it's ok to use a shim with a carbon seatpost?

Stiffee requires a 30.0mm seatpost, which is quite rare.

Cuchulain · 4 Jul 2009 at 18:02

shadowcreaper said:
^^ why dont you get some MG1s they the best flat pedals around for budget pedals and cost only 30ish quid from merlin cycles.

Also have sealed bearings and pretty much got best reviews around

They don't do them in puke green though

Cuchulain · 4 Jul 2009 at 18:05

Burned_Alive said:
Very tempting! Which ones did you go for?

Also does anyone know if it's ok to use a shim with a carbon seatpost?

Stiffee requires a 30.0mm seatpost, which is quite rare.

You can get glass filled nylon shims to use with Carbon posts but I suspect any shim would do, it's still alloy <> carbon.

nicholas_yiu · 4 Jul 2009 at 20:26

Burned_Alive said:
Very tempting! Which ones did you go for?

Also does anyone know if it's ok to use a shim with a carbon seatpost?

Stiffee requires a 30.0mm seatpost, which is quite rare.

I went for the zero set-back one as it has the DATA system which is a bit easier to adjust than the ones with set-back. My bike also suits me best with zero set-back.

I'm sure shimming is ok as well, mine also came with a pack of carbon grease which is very handy.

MrKnifey · 5 Jul 2009 at 09:30

Draeger said:
Anyone used SRAM chains in a Shimano groupset?.

My OEM Shimano chain on my Pinarello FP1 snapped last week ( and yes, I was on a climb up out of the saddle and it did indeed hurt ) and after reading about a lot of folk saying that SRAM chains were better than Shimano replacements, I bought an SRAM 951 chain yesterday to try. It would appear the Powerlinks will afford a lot more flexibility over the Shimano pinned one when it comes to cleaning the chain, being able to split the Powerlink and completely remove the chain from the bike to get it really clean.

Anyway, I'm going to fit it today but I've read mixed reviews on using SRAM chains in Shimano equipped bikes. Some are very happy with them but a few folk have said that the shifting quality deteriorated, some to such an extent that they decided to change back to a Shimano chain.

Anyone got any experience of the SRAM/Shimano mix?.

Ta.

I have always used SRAM chains on SRAM cassettes then with Shimano Deraliurs etc. Hate shimano chains with a passion. Dont think ive ever snapped a SRAM chain either. Had mine on my downhill bike for going on 9 months now! Love the power links on them too! Definately worth thinking about

MrKnifey · 5 Jul 2009 at 09:33

Also, just bought a set of Sunline Flat bars which are 762mm wide and Sunline V1 pedals for the DH bike

Cant wait to try them today then Caersws RD 3 next weekend!

Ill grab some pics soon as i find my Camera, also a pic of my new Dirt Jump bike

Draeger · 5 Jul 2009 at 09:33

Excellent, cheers guys. I'm going to fit the SRAM chain today and try it out.

Although what with all this sport on TV today ( Mens tennis final, British Superbikes live from my local circuit Knockhill and last but not least the start of the Tour in Monaco ) I don't know when I'm going to fit in time to go for a ride!!.