Tremeer023 profile

Hmmm, good article although 10 years old now.  It will be interesting to see what the global population is in 2050 (the article predicts around 9bn), and whether we have the resources to feed everyone without resorting to GM. 

I would concede though it is probably consumption (the desire for a westernised lifestyle) that is actually the biggest problem.  I guess it is right that the solution has to start with us privilaged westerners.

This chart demonstrates that the real problem is the exponential growth in global population which has nearly doubled in the last 70 years or so (from less than 4bn to around 8bn today).  Either we find a way of humanely controlling the population or the planet will eventually do it for us inhumanely. 

Problem is that this point of view is hugely antisocial.  It's no vote winner either.  Imagine "oh, you're having a baby? Congratulations.  Well I say congratulations, what I really mean is ugh, another human on the planet..."  

It's going to be the biggest issue eventually.

Looking forward to that.  I've had the mt500 Spray II pants for a year now and well recommend them.  They seem similar to the NF's but have zippered cuffs, adjustable waist and good waterproofing in the seat/ass area.  The fit is also quite long.  The thing I like most about them is they are comfortable in a wide range of temperatures.  I wear them from anything around 15 degrees c down to freezing.

I had some original Brooklyn Machine Works Shinburger pedals in bling silver. They had little grip despite being dangerously spikey, and weighed as much as an off shore oil rig, but still wish I'd kept hold of them.

Had a Raleigh Grifter with the 3 speed Sturmey Archer when I was a kid.  That thing was HEAVY!

I've flicked between 9 / 10 speed and single speed over the past 20 years (on ht and sus), but enjoy ss more so have stuck with that mostly (currently 4 yrs on ss).  However, a modern version of a hub based 3 speed would be of great interest to me.

Hi Cr4w, I've got one of these: https://www.maxalami.de/MaXalami-Twister-20-Tubeless-Repair-Tool

Haven't needed to use it yet though so can't comment on its quality but it seems ok.  Based in Europe though.

Haven't ridden with any back or hip pack for years now and it's amazing.  Recently upgraded my frame bag to a 4L Ortleib frame bag (dry bag) and am impressed so far: https://www.ortlieb.com/uk/frame-pack

Room for a water bottle, essential tools and pump plus room for a lightweight jacket.

That's really helpful thanks.  I've got Huck Norris at the moment so glad to hear there is a big difference. 

Cheers

Glad to see the tyre is on the right way!

Am considering one of these for my spare rear wheel on my steel HT for bigger days out at the bike park and short course DH tracks.  Tyre rim combo is 35mm (id) with 2.6 tyre (currently EXO but could change it for a different 2.6). Two questions if I may:

1. Would this plus size be too wide - would I be better off with the regular version?

2. Would it still hold up railing fast bike park berms whilst providing extra damping and additional comfort over the rough stuff compared with regular tubeless set-up?  The main reason I'm considering this system is because it is supposed to reduce tyre roll in sharp corners.  

Any advice welcome.  Many thanks.

Hi AJ, nice review.  I'm also currently running Saints and was considering changing them for something lighter (like these).  However, being a dedicated hardtail rider i am interested in the difference in compliance and comfort between the two.  You said they felt stiffer - do you think this would equate to less comfort on the trail?  Never tried carbon cranks so maybe better off sticking with alu and accepting the extra weight or are some carbon cranks more forgiving than others?

New Pipedream Moxie built up last week:

Posted by: craw

Posted by: Tremeer023

I'm a fraction under 6ft and have tried a 29r hardtail but went back to 27.5 with 35mm rims and 2.6/2.4 tyres for more playfulness.  Still provides good rollover, but this is probably the exception to the rule as my trails are very tame (no rocks or proper hills even), plus a small bike park which is tight and twisty.  

Horses for courses. If you have 'proper' trails available to you then I would expect 29 is the way to go - buy a Rootdown.  However, if you are also the exception to the rule (or maybe have a sus rig for big hills and just want a HT for jumping and messing around on) then consider the Stylus.

Which is funny because for the longest time 29ers were only suitable for dirt roadies on lycra smooth trails. Look how far we've come.

Yeh. Shows just how much difference frame geometry and other minor tweaks can make.

I'm a fraction under 6ft and have tried a 29r hardtail but went back to 27.5 with 35mm rims and 2.6/2.4 tyres for more playfulness.  Still provides good rollover, but this is probably the exception to the rule as my trails are very tame (no rocks or proper hills even), plus a small bike park which is tight and twisty.  

Horses for courses. If you have 'proper' trails available to you then I would expect 29 is the way to go - buy a Rootdown.  However, if you are also the exception to the rule (or maybe have a sus rig for big hills and just want a HT for jumping and messing around on) then consider the Stylus.

Ha, cheers. We're pretty happy with the slide. Keeps the kids entertained whilst I mess around with the bike.

My fork is a 140mm 29r Yari with 51mm offset. Works pretty well even with a slack (64 -65 degree sagged position) head angle. Bit of flop at low speeds but better stability at higher speed. 

From what I've read, a 5mm difference in offset is so marginal in terms of feel on the trails.  As noticeable as running a bit more or less sag, or a slightly fatter rear tyre.

Last one, I'll stop now:

Drive side:

Red detailing:

New paint job. Supposed to be matte black but I was misled by the powder coaters:

Posted by: fartymarty

I don't notice the lack of travel as it is really progressive.  What I do miss is the slacker HA and longer WB.  It is a bit twitchier at high speed but not a deal breaker.

Another thing to consider would be an angle set.  I have a Works -2 and it drops the bars and steepens the STA.

Hmmm, thanks.  An angle set could be worth trying at some point.   Yeh, a longer wheelbase does provide a bit more safety I find.

Posted by: fartymarty

Plus my terrain (in Surrey UK) doesn't warrant much more than 120mm (I have just changed back to Pikes after 2 months rigid)

Hi Marty.  I live in Hampshire which is also very tame.  Been running a 140mm 29r fork on my Ragley but need to run about 35 - 40% sag for the perfect geometry.  I think reducing the travel and chucking in more tokens (+ bit more air) as you have done could be the way to go.  Quite like the over-forked ride for downs but definitely not on the climbs.

Have you noticed much less forgiveness over the rough stuff?