Stans Arch Mk3 suffer from cracking at the spoke holes. I've had one changed under warranty. I'm not tough on my wheels and they were built to exacting standards (by me :wink: ) so I'd say it's an issue with the rim rather than wheel build/usage. If I didn't have them on 2 bikes with interchangeabl...

I've the Mk1 Solaris, possibly my favourite bike. With a modern suspension fork it's an absolute hoot. For the last few years it's had a rigid carbon fork fitted meaning that unladen it comes out at around 11kg even without going down the weight-weenie rabbit hole. That’s actually not that far off ...

I thought I heard a strange bird noises in Fisherfield. Was genuinely puzzled all the way up the HaB, but it turned out to be Nick B’s Wahoo bleeping to say he was moving too slowly

I think the Cotic Solaris would be my choice had I not disappeared down the Jones rabbit hole. I nearly bought a first gen one but was put off by the lack of tyre clearance. The latest one addresses that as well as having more fun geo. Its probably too long for me but I suspect would be a hoot on a...

I have the pipedream sirius and have to say it's lovely. I got it with their rigid fork as it is massively capable round a trail centre and I would assume for bikepacking aswell (I haven't used it in this role). For 2k I'd get the frame and their rigid fork then a suspension fork as well (something...

Bearbonesnorm wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 6:35 pm

Aren't they designed to be used with a rigid fork rather than suspension?

They are built round a rigid fork but many people do fir sus' forks to them.

Didn’t realise that thanks

ssnowman wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 4:43 pm A few that piqued my interest when I was looking:

Esker Hayduke
Nordest Sardinha
Veloheld Iron

All new names to me, thanks!

I think getting something in stock will be the main problem! I enquired about a chameleon AL frame a month ago and the 2022 model isn't expected until September at least (and will probably sell-out on pre-order). Other options: On-one big dog or Scandal (not at current prices!) Sonder signal (Ti or...

[Engages "recommend what you already have" mode] Cotic Solaris? I've found mine very good for bikepacking duties, and Trep is similarly enamoured with hers. The longshot geo is very stable when chucking it down the local steeps. It seems pretty keen to stay planted on the trail, not a bik...

Bearbonesnorm wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 4:12 pm New Stooge when they're available?

Aren't they designed to be used with a rigid fork rather than suspension?

I currently own a XC hardtail (Merida Big Nine in carbon) but I'd like to change it for something a bit more trail friendly that's just going to be more fun to ride on steeper, technical trails. I don't own a full sus and unlikely to get one, so something slacker and rowdier but that will also do fo...

Stans Arch Mk3 suffer from cracking at the spoke holes. I've had one changed under warranty. I'm not tough on my wheels and they were built to exacting standards (by me :wink: ) so I'd say it's an issue with the rim rather than wheel build/usage. If I didn't have them on 2 bikes with interchangeabl...

Just to add to this, I've been thinking about why I (and a few others) blew up on day one. I had an interesting chat with Huw Oliver regarding this at the finish and he came up with some good advice. I definitely went off a bit too quick but not obviously so - single speed tends to dictate your pac...

Forgot to add… Didn’t work OS maps app, not once. Despite supposedly ‘downloading’ all the maps I needed for use offline. What a pile of crap that app is. Luckily I had ViewRanger as backup. I used OS maps all the way round on my phone, with no problems, but i suppose it depends on what you were ex...

Across the line yesterday, very happy to have finally finished this journey to get round the Highland Trail My main goal was to finish and never clock watched at all round the course. Very surprised at 9d2h (ish) It’s taken 3 attempts, thwarted my weather, bike and body issues but this time was dif...

Forgot to add… Didn’t work OS maps app, not once. Despite supposedly ‘downloading’ all the maps I needed for use offline. What a pile of crap that app is. Luckily I had ViewRanger as backup. Well done for completing it! The OS maps app has a fatal flaw - check whether you’re storing on iCloud or on...

Forgot to add…

Didn’t work
OS maps app, not once. Despite supposedly ‘downloading’ all the maps I needed for use offline. What a pile of crap that app is. Luckily I had ViewRanger as backup.

I remember one of these threads from a few years ago and I found it really helpful, so here's my contribution from this year's event. What worked Dropper post - So glad I had this. It helped turn my XC hardtail geometry into something a bit more confidence-inspiring on steep ground. I also used it l...

OBH wasn't open to non residents last year. Can't see any change to that on their website. No, they wouldn't serve us, even outside last year, but a friend has just come back from there and they said they got served outside, so it seems that is an option this year. This is what OBH said, Hi yes we ...

Not sure, but the merging with Outdoor Active filled me with dread... I’m still hanging onto the 2018 legacy app with bought maps that actually exist as a file on my phone. Sorry, that’s not much help!

Apologies if this has been done to death elsewhere ... I usually load my planned routes to the OS Maps app on my phone and download the maps before I go and use this as a navigational backup on the ride. However, for the Highland Trail 550, the GPX (separate out and back) routes cover so much land ...

My plan was 100% Brisker gloves with Buffallo Mitts if necessary. I tried various neoprene gloves after Nick Bubb raved about them after HT550 2019 but he is a tough yaughtsman and I didn't get on that well with them. I've ordered a pair of the work gloves Phil has because they were a fiver and wil...

This is what I'm going with https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/303844649498?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=603043098805&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2648 Hopefully they will go straight on over my normal riding gloves. Fed up of sealskins and dexshell gloves that seem to remain waterproof for a few r...

Mariner wrote: ↑Mon May 17, 2021 9:12 am What ever you choose have a back up.
I lost my new Sealskinz gloves going up the Corrieyairack Pass and that is a long descent with fingerless mitts for a SSJ like me.

Ouch, I think I would have dug out some spare socks to use as mitts

Bearbonesnorm wrote: ↑Mon May 17, 2021 8:57 am One word and it's pogies but if you don't want to go down that route, try Marigolds. Surprisingly hard wearing, easy to get and 100% waterproof ... they also come in a nice Hi-viz yellow

Pogies feel like overkill for a spring ride, but Marigolds sound like they'd do the trick.