Sometimes, on longer rides, the two smallest ties on my right foot start to experience sharp pains. I now try to have a sit down and take my shoes off, every few hours. Not sure if this is the same as 'hotfoot' or even related, but maybe somebody can explain it. Have a google at Morton’s neuroma. I...

I’m sorry but those forks are gopping, and they’re on backwards too.

All good advice above. I’ve built plenty of wheels just using the guide on Sheldon Brown’s website. I’ve never had an issue with my home built wheels.
I’m not a big fan of bike fettling generally but wheel building is satisfying and therapeutic. Just what we need in these times

Good work Shaf, donated.

Full on WFH here. Quite a strange experience as I'm used to working as part of design teams where everyone collaborates all the time.
Microsoft Teams has turned out to be really useful! Trying to stick to working a 'normal' 7-5 day and get out for a run/ride with my once a day Boris pass.

I use a Lezyne Mini pump. It has a flexible hose and mounts under the bottle cage. Works well, takes a while to inflate like any mini pump. This one: https://www.wiggle.co.uk/lezyne-hv-drive-abs-pump/?lang=en&curr=GBP&dest=1&sku=286161&kpid=286161&utm_source=bing&utm_term=&utm_campaign=Shopping+-+Al...

I’ve used most brands over the years including SS specific, half link chains, BMX and regular 8 and 9 speed. I haven’t noticed any real benefit with the fancy chains and just go with SRam 8 speed and let the sprocket, chainring and chain grow old together 🙂. Change all of them when they are worn (no...

I recently bought a 2019 Arkose X in a sale. It’s got 47mm Byways on 650B wheels with plenty of clearance. The rims are quite wide too so that bumps up the actual tyre width. I reckon you’d get 50mm tyres in no problem with good mud clearance, 2.1” (53mm) probably OK too.

Keep the valve at the top of the wheel, sealant will run to the bottom. Unscrew the core slowly, air should start to escape before it’s fully unscrewed. Once most of the pressure is gone you can remove the core.

Most of my bivvies have been fairly local to me and in areas that I already know very well. When you’ve ridden your local trails countless times you get to know twist and turn, every climb and descent, every view and how the place feels . But you get to know these places in a different way if you’ve...

Thanks for the advice. I’ve used bluemels before, I wasn’t sure if they were up to the job. It looks like they are worth a try. PDW ones are a bit too spendy.

atk wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 18, 2020 4:41 pm

Not really sure what counts as really rough riding,

Pretty much what’s on your picture, lots of loose rocky stuff (I live in the Peak).

I’ve recently leapt on the gravel bandwagon and got myself a Pinnacle Arkose X. I’m enjoying commuting on it (road) and extending my commutes to include some off-road in the evening. Also using it a lot at weekends for doing stuff I’d normally do on an MTB. It’s got 47mm tyres and no mudguards. Wet ...

A kerfuffle of bikepackers.
Based loosely on my slightly disorganised approach to the activity.

A new Arkose X from Evans on special offer.
Not sure I’ll get on with the (very) flared bars though.

New Mills, Peak District.

Thanks for the info. I’m thinking the Arkose X SRAM Rival at £945 is a good deal. I’ll speak with my ‘financial manager’ when I get home...

There’s a good offer on the Arkose X at Evans... am tempted. Looking for a bike to replace my Genesis Day one disc commuter and do combined off/on road bike packing.
Any thoughts or experience?

Thanks for the info. I think I’ll pass on this one, I’d like something that will run bigger tyres than the V1 frame can.
Cheers
Chris

Might be interested in this. I’m looking at a cheap way to try this gravel lark. I have a couple of questions.
How old is it?
What are the wheels and tyres?
Are the brakes Trp Spyres?
Is it a 50/34 and what is the cassette?
Where about in the NW are you?
Cheers.

...or might be soon.
It looks like the government are considering making wild camping and bivvying a criminal offence:

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfr ... ple-rights

Me too please Stu. PayPal done.
Thanks.

Haglofs Down pullover half price at £95 on Sportpursuit. Weighs 140g
https://www.sportpursuit.com/catalog/pr ... 9zIjozNH0=
Looks nice, I’d be tempted if I didn’t already have a PHD one.

I haven't posted on this thread before, but just wanted to add a little ride. I've had most of December laid low with 'flu (see my BaM post), but felt like I was recovered enough a ride on 23rd December. Just a 2 hour loop round local hills, but the light was nice and I just really enjoyed being out...

December bivvy done, that's 12 out of 12 this year :-bd My plans were to take a few days off mid-December to give myself a chance to do a decent ride and bivvy in contrast to the last minute box-ticking that I did in November. Plans were laid waste by me getting a bad dose of 'flu that put me out of...