I’ve had lots of Novatech hubs (either branded as such or as part of Superstar wheels, and I’ve been very impressed. I’ve had two bikes with Novatec hubs and found them both high maintenance. I think I am a bit hard on bike parts, I don’t know why, some people find some components fine that fall ap...

I’ve given up nursing my Novatech rear hub on my Arkose X. Over the last 18 months I’ve replaced pawls, then freehub, bearings, and now the axle has snapped at the join between the free hub and body. It has a fairly hard life and I’ve got the message! The rim’s good, so I’ll just rebuild the wheel w...

Thanks all. Have ordered a Deore c/set.
Middleburn - not really a fan of this brand or of square taper BB.
Zee, XT, SLX all a bit above my budget.

Thanks for the info. I think I’ll go for a Deore c/set and deal with getting an aftermarket spider when the chainring wears out.

Can I ask why you want to run a 1/8" chain? I’ve got a Halo Fatfoot cog on the back that’s 1/8”. The problem seems to be that all the Shimsno single or double c/sets I see for sale have an offset spider, ie bolt holes not at 90deg intervals. When did that change? That means I’m stuck with usin...

A bit of help needed! I have to replace the crank set on my El Mariachi SS. It’s got a very old Truvativ GPX on it. I’d like to replace it with something that I can run a wide 1/8” chain on and would take my newish 32t 104 BCD Surly chainring when the supplied one wears out. Also - cheapish if poss,...

Not a high summit but a beautiful spot - what about Haystacks? There are various tarns near the top and the undulating ground means you should be able to get a sheltered spot. Easy route is along lakeside and up Scarth Gap and onto Haystacks. A more challenging route would be the Red Pike/High Crag ...

Personally, if they are panaracer gravel king tyres, i would start with throwing them in the bin. To counter that, I haven’t had any trouble setting up Gravel King SK tyres. Using WTB i25 rims and Gorilla tape. They went up fine and I only have to top them up every 2 weeks or so. For the OP - I’d t...

I’ve used the aluminium one from ULOG which was a bit too flexible for comfort when windy (any engineers on here - looked like a good example of Euler buckling about to happen...). Bought a carbon one off Stuart and it’s absolutely solid. (I did snap it by clumsily leaning on it, but Stuart sorted a...

First 3 (or 4) bikes and some info on em

https://www.bikeradar.com/features/pro- ... 550-bikes/

It looks like Liam has stretched his chain a bit (not surprising really...)

Nice to see how many like an El Mar on here. Mine’s about 10 years old and only ever been singlespeed. I’ve had a handful of steel singlespeeds over the years and the El Mar is by far the best. I like a bike that does it’s job without drama and lets me get on with the ride without having to engage m...

Another happy Lunar Solo user here. Simple, sturdy and roomy enough for me at 6’. Also Stuart’s carbon poles work a treat and are super light.

One of his friends on the radio yesterday - “even in his quieter moments he sounded like his trousers were on fire”
I was never a big F1 fan but he made a dull sport interesting. RIP

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.