Mountain Biking

Oh my what have i done...

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Ben Reids old 40's


A little rough around the edges but mechanically sound and an absolute dream to ride, I was a little apprehensive going for a large, I've always ridden med/small bikes, especially with a bike well known for being long for its size, but thought i'd get with the times, long slack and low is the in thing at the moment i guess, but even though i feel comfortable on it.
I have plans for it, first up is new wheels, saddle and SlikGraphics Crank decals to cover up the rough as **** saints.
Long term will see some Hope V4s on there.

as for the paint, Not sure whether to go cheapass and do a quick rattle can job or send it off for powdercoat, either way the paint is only gonna get battered in the long run.
theres always the option of stripping it and going raw, it'd look awesome, but not sure if i can be ****** with the hassle, in fact i'm pretty sure i cant. which ever method i choose that will be done during my leave over easter

Any suggestions on colour? Was thinking satin black, but thats maybe a bit predictable? I could go flouro of some description but thats a bit over done these days maybe?
I dunno i need some inspiration.



WOOOO!!! Back in the game lads! Oh how i have missed owning a DH rig!
 
See that 'I need a do it all bike' lasted long :p

Did you sell it, or keeeping both?
Hahaha:D what can i say, I'm a sucker for a big rig, I'm a Downhiller at heart and as fun and capable as the norco was its just not a DH bike and i couldnt shake the desire. it was a trade with a lad on camp.

intend on getting an aggressive trail hardtail in the near future to suck up the long rides. Thinking Cotic BFE or Bird zero, but we'll see when the time comes.
 
That scotts hot! Always liked the crazy linkage on them, make you ride like fairclough apparently.

The only thing i'd change on it would be the mis match rims. Get a black rim on the back and jobs a good un. Have fun dawg.
 
That scotts hot! Always liked the crazy linkage on them, make you ride like fairclough apparently.

The only thing i'd change on it would be the mis match rims. Get a black rim on the back and jobs a good un. Have fun dawg.
Hahaha:p Rumor has it that gamblers add an extra 30 degrees to your whips!

wheels will be going at the end of the month.
But for the mean time, whilst drinking last night my mate thought it would be a good idea to colour the rear rim with a sharpie...:rolleyes: looked awesome last night but looking at it with sober eyes this morning:eek::D looks fine until you get within about 2 metres...
 
I'm only around the corner as well (Newbridge). The Mrs is adamant it's not being stowed in the house :(

I wouldnt entertain buying a bike without having somewhere really secure to keep it at the moment dude. Id copy some of the other members setups here with the sheds (ground anchor, alarms etc) then buy a bike
 
Had my first proper ride on the Gambler up Hamsterley descend today.
Nearly died on no less than 3 occassions on the first run, first instance was an eye opener, after almost a year on a light enduro bike, I was not prepared for the first airborne moment, and due to the weight did a massive nose dive, but just managed to hold it, next up was the road gap... clearly didnt learn my lesson from the first time... same situation, almost stacked it in front of a large crowd at half way hut, only just managed to hold it, 3rd time was a proper brown panter, still on the same first run, i hit the big rock garden at warp speed, with it being the first time in over a year since i've ridden there i got confused on line choice, only to find myself going at mach 2 towards a big tree at which point i duly applyed the anchors only to find that i forgot i had literally just installed some new pads... I managed to dodge the tree, some how navigate my way through the rocks, all whilst wildly out of control, when i eventually managed to bring it to a stop i had a little moment to myself at the side of the track, the rest of the day was less traumatic but no less fun!

So what have i learned about the bike? I think i now fully appreciate the term "plow bike", **** me! If you point it in a direction it will just mow through what ever is in the way, the bike just carries so much speed through rocks its unreal. its by no means a nimble bike, but it is responsive, if i want to change line it will change line, it will do just that without hesitation and regardless of whats in its path.

I can see me and this bike getting on very well!:D
 
Hahaha:p Rumor has it that gamblers add an extra 30 degrees to your whips!

wheels will be going at the end of the month.
But for the mean time, whilst drinking last night my mate thought it would be a good idea to colour the rear rim with a sharpie...:rolleyes: looked awesome last night but looking at it with sober eyes this morning:eek::D looks fine until you get within about 2 metres...

With a sharpie :/

This is the reason I hire out a garage. Far too many idiots about, and myself who'd probably encourage it.
 
Bridleways are still boggy as hell down this way too, got stuck in about 10" of mud last weekend. No armoured trails down here :(
 
Took my newly washed bike out for a spin in the sun

Trail #2 by Jon Parry, on Flickr

Trail #1 by Jon Parry, on Flickr

Weaver View With Bike by Jon Parry, on Flickr

Puncture to the rear wheel 4 miles in and chain snapped in two places around 12 miles in, about 10 miles from home

Luckily "saved" by two passing MTBers who managed to cobble a repair and get me home - so glad it wasn't raining :p
 
Took the Aeris out for another (longer) spin this weekend.. ooft :D Starting to get a feel for a difference between the Shan and this now.. takes a little getting used to but she feels oh so lovely.

Begbie, the 11-42 cassette is superb. Getting along with it just fine, even with a 42T up front. I'm not sure if it's the Aeris that helps the pedalling or the drivetrain or both, but it pedals fine and the gearing seems spot on. It's also completely silent and was a doddle to setup (I hate gearing).

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I hope you mean a 32 upfront! A 42 would be insane.

Looks awesome. I'm 100% getting an XT drivetrain, shall wait until Shimano release their new 45T cassette though. Then I can start rebuilding the zero too :)
 
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