Big Bike Thread

LordSplodge · 8 Mar 2010 at 22:15

SDK^ said:
The Cannock DH runs are short but fun. There are several different tracks ranging from a simple red with small drops offs to full on blacks with big gap jumps and hand dug out sections

I was there yesterday and it was mostly dry - have fun

Trail map here : http://www.racersguild.co.uk/Cannock/Maps/Stile Cop Trail Map.html

I was planning on giving the Red Run a blast before heading off to Follow the Dog.

SDK^ · 8 Mar 2010 at 22:48

LordSplodge said:
I was planning on giving the Red Run a blast before heading off to Follow the Dog.

Red run YouTube video
The Red Route continues on the left track where they take the boardwalk drop off near the end (right)

This one shows the drop offs from better angles.

Microwave · 8 Mar 2010 at 23:01

I'm about to make a bulk (as in about 10!) buy of inner tubes.

Looking at getting some of these cheap 'Airwave' ones from CRC. http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=41990

Anyone had any experience of these or can recommend any cheap alternatives?

I don't believe in spending a lot of money on bits of rubber that are all pretty similar!

touch · 8 Mar 2010 at 23:16

Never used airwave tubes (or even heard of them).
The Michelin ones are the same price tho. As are the nutrak ones.
I have michelin ones on my road bikes and nutrak ones on my mtbs (for no particular reason - just what was available when i was bulk buying the tubes) and have had no problems with either manufacturer.

Torch [P4] · 8 Mar 2010 at 23:23

using some airwaves at the moment and they seem to be taking quite a bit of punishment so far without resorting to punctures

usually run them @ 40psi (1.9 tyre front 2.3 rear) using the 1.7 - 2.1 tubes

Microwave · 8 Mar 2010 at 23:52

Awesome, thanks guys

I'll be ordering a set of 10x the 2.1-2.6!

LordSplodge · 9 Mar 2010 at 10:35

SDK^ said:
Red run YouTube video
The Red Route continues on the left track where they take the boardwalk drop off near the end (right)

This one shows the drop offs from better angles.

I've watched all the Red Run YouTube Videos. I've looked at the map. In a few hours I'll be doing it and I think nothing will have prepared me for it in the flesh (yes I know it's not a massive downhill run but it is my first!)

SDK^ · 9 Mar 2010 at 17:37

LordSplodge said:
I've watched all the Red Run YouTube Videos. I've looked at the map. In a few hours I'll be doing it and I think nothing will have prepared me for it in the flesh (yes I know it's not a massive downhill run but it is my first!)

So, how did you get on?

LordSplodge · 9 Mar 2010 at 18:11

SDK^ said:
So, how did you get on?

I fell off.

I found the jumps a little too much for a beginner. Need to practice and I need a more stable platform than the crappy Shimano pedals that came with the KHS.

I then went to do Follow the Dog and fell off there as well. Both times I fell off at easy bits...

Mostly I need practice and although I was terrified it was fun! Especially Wonderland.

Here's some pics (not of the downhill bit as I was to busy scaring myself)

Torch [P4] · 9 Mar 2010 at 18:46

i had another playtime today at sanquar (forres) but one of the things i found myself constantly doing was using the rear brake on the berms, almost like i wasnt confident that the front would hook up

this of course lost me speed and also took me off my line almost causing me to slide off the trail, any tips on how to improve?
ill be trying out a minion tyre for my next run and also have a set of swampy's to play with

btw "LordSplodge" superstar are doing some nano tech flat pedals for a good price http://superstar.tibolts.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=42&products_id=127
would look good on your fine machine

ichabod crane · 9 Mar 2010 at 18:52

Torch [P4];16122821 said:
btw "LordSplodge" superstar are doing some nano tech flat pedals for a good price http://superstar.tibolts.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=42&products_id=127
would look good on your fine machine

Received some of these today and they are super!

SDK^ · 9 Mar 2010 at 19:12

LordSplodge said:
I fell off.
I found the jumps a little too much for a beginner. Need to practice and I need a more stable platform than the crappy Shimano pedals that came with the KHS.

I then went to do Follow the Dog and fell off there as well. Both times I fell off at easy bits...

Mostly I need practice and although I was terrified it was fun! Especially Wonderland.

Here's some pics (not of the downhill bit as I was to busy scaring myself)

You soon get into the flow - small jumps in photos/video suddenly appear huge when you're approaching them at speed.

Are you using SPD shoes with those pedals? If so then remove the flat platform, if not then get some flat pedals

Burned_Alive · 9 Mar 2010 at 19:13

Still cant see past Wellgo MG-1s at that price point, obviously are a bit more plain looking, but are 65g lighter than those superstar pedals.

daven1986 · 9 Mar 2010 at 21:03

R.e the inner tubes I got some continental ones for £2.99 each and they are pretty good. From sjs cycles.

Supercow · 9 Mar 2010 at 21:22

Microwave said:
I'm about to make a bulk (as in about 10!) buy of inner tubes.

Looking at getting some of these cheap 'Airwave' ones from CRC. http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=41990

Anyone had any experience of these or can recommend any cheap alternatives?

I don't believe in spending a lot of money on bits of rubber that are all pretty similar!

Go to the biggest local Tesco store and pick up 10 packs of innertubes. From memory they were £1.50 each. Why pay more?

Supercow · 9 Mar 2010 at 21:29

Burned_Alive said:
Still cant see past Wellgo MG-1s at that price point, obviously are a bit more plain looking, but are 65g lighter than those superstar pedals.

Had Wellgos (still do actually on the Mbuzi.... but Ive just been too skint to change them)and they are poo, pure and utter poo.

http://www.readytoridecycles.co.uk/

They do the same pedals as superstar, just completely unbranded

These are just as nice and a wee bit lighter
http://www.readytoridecycles.co.uk/ht-components-magnesium-mn06ss-nano-flat-pedal-277-p.asp

weescott · 9 Mar 2010 at 22:41

I have Wellgo MG-1 copies and like them. Not massively grippy but good enough for my diminutive feet.

Burned_Alive · 9 Mar 2010 at 22:57

Supercow said:
Had Wellgos (still do actually on the Mbuzi.... but Ive just been too skint to change them)and they are poo, pure and utter poo.

http://www.readytoridecycles.co.uk/

They do the same pedals as superstar, just completely unbranded

These are just as nice and a wee bit lighter
http://www.readytoridecycles.co.uk/ht-components-magnesium-mn06ss-nano-flat-pedal-277-p.asp

What makes you say that? I have MG-1s and think they're brilliant!

Cant say I'm not tempted by some superstars though, purely because they're red!

Which reminds me.... must fit my kcnc jockey wheels!

LordSplodge · 9 Mar 2010 at 23:52

SDK^ said:
You soon get into the flow - small jumps in photos/video suddenly appear huge when you're approaching them at speed.

Are you using SPD shoes with those pedals? If so then remove the flat platform, if not then get some flat pedals

I don't like to be clipped in on a mountain bike. Clipped in is fine for the road (I have a set of shoes and pedals for the roadie).

I also have a set of Jim Cielincki Odyssey Pedals on my GT so I may swap them over or buy some new ones...

Where can I buy a bigger set of balls?

LordSplodge · 9 Mar 2010 at 23:54

Torch [P4];16122821 said:
btw "LordSplodge" superstar are doing some nano tech flat pedals for a good price http://superstar.tibolts.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=42&products_id=127
would look good on your fine machine

Hmmm I could get another pair of the Odyssey pedals for around £30 from my LBS. I do need a proper set of flats though. Landings on those silly half-and-half pedals are just wrong...