Tremeer023 profile

I used to ride medium sized frames as seat tubes were historically too long.  The reach was scarily short on some older bikes with short stems.  I'm 5,11 and ride large size now so in many ways the jump to modern geometry and fit has been compounded.  

I remember buying a custom built ht frame (Curtis SX) in about 2006 and requested the longest top tube (22.75 inch). The builder quizzed me at the time suggesting it may be too long but it felt great at the time having a short seat tube and longer reach.

Still remember how shocked I was when changing the pivot bearings on my old 2008 Intense Uzzi years ago.  Never though an expensive hand built USA made frame would be misaligned.  Didn't really notice it on the trails though.

No worries on the tyre, not the first time and won't be the last. 

Rim is WTB Asym 35mm internal diameter.  Tyre Minion DHR 2.4 EXO Maxx Grip.  27.5 wheels. 

Narrow roll tape.

I understand that Gorilla tape usually makes a mess of your rim if stuck properly and mine didn't so maybe I just didn't stick it down enough.  It was fitted in coldish temperature.

About as easy coming off as putting it on for me.

Haven't got a plus size version but did recently install a regular one in the rear of my spare wheel set.  About 20 mins of swearing and sore fingers later and yes, the bl**dy tyre was on backwards (facepalm). 

Anyway, re-did it but tyre wouldn't inflate.   I used Gorilla tape but due to the tightness and having to tuck the bead under the already tight fitting insert, the tape kept peeling back exposing the spoke holes.  Got fed up in the end so took it to LBS with a sorry look on my face ha-ha.  I will be using regular rim tape next time.

Haven't been able to test it properly yet, maybe in 2021.

I went from 800mm to 780mm and it feels much better (I'm 182cm tall). Used to run 760 on my DJ bike and may well try that for a while as most of my riding is relatively lower speed.  

My current carbon bar has a few scratches and I'm interested in trying a 12 degree back sweep bar instead so good time for an experiment as you say.

I no longer carry a tube either, just a plug and mini pump.  Been running a frame bag only for every ride for about 4 years now with no issues.  Water, snacks, tissues, multi tool (with small chain tool), spare link, zip tie and Gorilla tape wrapped around the pump all in the bag.  It's a minimalist set up but no problems so far on rides up to 3 hrs.  If you keep your general bike maintenance up together it really helps I find.

Me too.  If I ever go back to gears I would prefer them to be in the rear hub.  I looked into a Rohloff set up but >£1k just for the hub is a costly experiment.

Are you thinking of the 'Fork Cork' ?  I have one and yes, perfect for stashing all of the above (I assume they are euphemisms for varieties of weed) :-) 

I'm also a frame bag convert.  Have had a small Alpkit bag for about 4 years now which holds everything for my 2hr rides.  Would never go back to a backpack, or even hip pack.

Interesting article, and I have also witnessed this sort of thing over the years.  At the risk of starting some sort of generational war, I find that younger mtb'ers are often the worst offenders (and I include myself from when I was a teenager and in my early 20's).  This could be more of an adolescence thing combined with an adrenaline sport.  I've become much more considerate now in my 40's.  

Another for the list could be, if you ride on the road to your trails, obey the road laws - don't jump red lights or cut cars up etc.  Everyone is watching you.

Don't know if the obvious has been mentioned but, if there is one close to you, regular pump track or bmx track practice will really help. It won't be much fun at first but stick with it and your pump/manual/jump skills should improve. You don't really need a specific bike either (although a proper DH bike won't be much use) - just run your summer tyres with 40psi +.

I grew up riding bmx before switching to mtb in my 20's. However I found that after having kids, and reaching about 40 (I'm 43 now), I shy away from bigger jumps, particularly doubles.

Posted by: michel77

Posted by: Tremeer023

My old Ragley:

Lot of cool stuff happening on that bike! Singlespeed? And digging that underseat dropper lever!

Thanks, this is my one bike for all so parts swapped over, always evolving and upgrading. The latest is a set of Raceface Turbine wheels on the Moxie.

Been single speed for 4 years straight now (well, on and off for the last 30 yrs). The lever dropper post is because I have a tag-along for my son so need to swap it out sometimes.

The bikes are quite similar but just went to a slightly longer frame and steel frame for change.

My new Pipedream Moxie:

My old Ragley:

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: