This Mountain Bike Lark Takes Over.........

[996 sps]

Well I brought my Stumpjumper second hand 3 or 4 weeks ago.

I've managed to get to Cannock Chase 3 times:



And then followed the link off of here to enter the SPAM 50k race which I completed in 2hours 38mins, not sure of overall result yet or if thats any good:



I've changed the tyres and handlebars and a few more mods to do yet, also need to get the right shoes as still in trainers

Edited by 996 sps on Monday 19th December 20:33

[Minnsy]

Slippery slope!

Then you start looking at carbon for post, stem and bars, lighter wheels... then maybe a new frame... then... then ...

Shoes - suggest FIVE TENS.. super grippy..

[timbo48]

996, how did the Salisbury Plain thing go, I never made it in the end, what with lack of prep time and shopping.......must get priorities right.

[996 sps]

I really enjoyed it, well organised and good fun some people mentioned that quite a bit of the route was on road, for me it was only my 5th time out properly on a mountain bike so thought it was great.

Results out tomorrow and pictures.

[P-Jay]

More addictive than Crack, thankfully not as harmful.

I'd also recommend 5Tens, that is until after Xmas - Santa's bringing me some Teva Links, they're lighter, less bulky and better looking than 5Ten's I just hope they're as grippy.

[matt-ITR]

Nice one!

I usually enter the SPAM, but it just didn't seem quite right being before Christmas this year.
2hrs 38min is good going I'd say. Depending on conditions the winning time is usually about 1hr 45min with anything under 3hrs being good going.

[Digga]

P-Jay said:

I'd also recommend 5Tens, that is until after Xmas - Santa's bringing me some Teva Links, they're lighter, less bulky and better looking than 5Ten's I just hope they're as grippy.

FWIW Just changed from Shinamo clipless/SPD's to trying to ride 5-10's and flats.

Even though I've ridden all sorts on SPDs I just think flats are little (if at all) less efficient, but much handier for technical stuff and, crucially, no matter how good you get at unclipping, a big accident will see you hit the ground connected to the bike. I am pretty convinced my shoulder-mashing incident in the Alps this year was marginally worse because of SPDs...

I;ve yet to 'asmter' jumping on flats though!

[996 sps]

Digga said:

P-Jay said:

I'd also recommend 5Tens, that is until after Xmas - Santa's bringing me some Teva Links, they're lighter, less bulky and better looking than 5Ten's I just hope they're as grippy.

FWIW Just changed from Shinamo clipless/SPD's to trying to ride 5-10's and flats.

Even though I've ridden all sorts on SPDs I just think flats are little (if at all) less efficient, but much handier for technical stuff and, crucially, no matter how good you get at unclipping, a big accident will see you hit the ground connected to the bike. I am pretty convinced my shoulder-mashing incident in the Alps this year was marginally worse because of SPDs...

I;ve yet to 'asmter' jumping on flats though!

I was going to buy clip on's which I presume are SPD's everyone had them on Sunday I was in trainers, will have to hold out though ordered these this morning:

http://www.nextdaytyres.com/Tyres/Schwalbe/Ice-Spi...

[P-Jay]

UPDATE.

Santa did indeed whip a pair of Teva Links out of his sack for me.

They're fapping great!!

Ultimately they haven't got all the grip of 5Tens, but they've got more than enough, plus theyre warmer and totally water proof (only tested by puddles so far) plus less heavy and clumpy.

Plus it's a proper rubber sole, rather than a thin sheet of soft rubber glued over a foam base so should last longer than my old 5tens.

[caiss4]

996 sps said:

I really enjoyed it, well organised and good fun some people mentioned that quite a bit of the route was on road, for me it was only my 5th time out properly on a mountain bike so thought it was great.

Results out tomorrow and pictures.

First time I've seen this post. 2hrs 38mins...very respectable. I was around 3hrs but at least that was 40mins quicker than last time. The headwind from Gore X to Warminster was the killer this year.

Even though a fair part is on road they are roads on the ranges which are closed to the public for at least 50 weeks a year so as a local you really enjoy tabbing across parts of the Plain that are normally closed. Even so still plenty of mud, wet grass and climbs - 900m in all.

[Vladikar]

Nice bike. One thing that bugs me about going to different places is transporting the bike + all other bits of kit you need. Not ideal in a Lexus!

[Sam the Mut]

Vladikar said:

Nice bike. One thing that bugs me about going to different places is transporting the bike + all other bits of kit you need. Not ideal in a Lexus!

Know what you mean. Off I go to look for a van.

[996 sps]

Vladikar said:

Nice bike. One thing that bugs me about going to different places is transporting the bike + all other bits of kit you need. Not ideal in a Lexus!

Tell me about it, have sold my M5 and E30 and currently transporting my bike and bits in a 1.5 diesel Micra!!