Yesterday morning. Ocado van heading up a track it would never get through, ice covered puddle gave way. Driver looking slightly embarrassed... https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50943296083_d500b87de8_z.jpg Untitled by Chris Farley , on Flickr I'm guessing someone was missing their artisan sourdou...

I like my Altra Lone Peaks. They have a very wide toe box that lets your foot spread out. Also zero drop so encourage a more ‘natural’ running style.

Have had a look in it a few times but decided against it. It is near the Parsley Hay car park and right on the trail so you might get someone passing/disturbance potentially. Both times I have just popped into a nearby field and camped/bivvied out of sight. I can’t relax in those situations so prefe...

I have dropped a message to Moguy but nothing back yet.
ChrisF

That looks great. Ordered.

...am I too late? If not put me down for it please.
ChrisF, New Mills, Peak District.
It’ll get my lazy arse back out in the hills.

No why? Beyond knob waving I really can’t see why you’d want to put yourself at that disadvantage The why is always a tricky one. Simplicity is a plus point. Lack of maintenance, I’m a lazy bike cleaner so yep to that. I think advantage/disadvantage misses the point a bit, it isn’t all about effici...

Will SSing make them hurt more?

No.
I’ve had bad knee problems in the past including 3 cartilage ops. I reckon hilly SS riding has made my knees stronger. Occasionally get knee pain now but only after riding a geared bike.

because i wish i bloody was. ... you are. It’s just a bike with one gear. (Well 3, going by the old adage - sit down, stand up, walk). After 20 odd years of single speeding, some of it fit-ish, some of it fat-ish, I reckon it’s mostly about having the right attitude. Definitely not a bike for flatl...

Pace 3x3 Event jacket? I had one for a few years, basic design with just a back pocket but really good fabric and tough and they retail at about £100. I’m not sure what it weighs but would fit in a back pocket, maybe 300gms. I use an Alpkit Gravitas now, it is really light and works well, but the re...

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.