craigjames

My Rock blue pads needed a few rides to bed in properly, still dont give bite/noise in both directions but still hold fine.

That was absolutely bloody awesome! Really enjoyed that, serious skills.

I think you may be asking for something that doesn't exist?! The new Meta VTT2 is the closest I can think of at 1095, +55 with a disc mount; but I assume that's too long, although you could run it with a fork with less rake. I imagine the TMS Evo is too low and too expensive and you've already said the GU is no good as it has vertical drop outs.

Awwwwwwwwwww, bless.

That looks bloody lovely!

Didn't Rowan manage to snap his forks in a few days, both legs clean off at the weld to the steerer tube.

Wooooooah there! But surely because he throws in the odd 360 or tail whip it's BMX?!

I can't imagine it being any better than the older frames. It's ridiculously light and says it's designed only for people with a smooth style not good signs for the whole strength credentials. Plus the geo is a little odd. Cheap though.

Back off the tension on all the spokes and start retensioning it again, don't rush it, it's an easy process to get wrong.

Jardo that Lapierre looks proper fit! I have a serious soft spot for them, want a Zesty! Jealous! The Orange DH bikes have changed a fair bit Geo wise over the models, but then there's only so much you can do to refine a lightweight single pivot DH frame. On other news I now have CK hubs front and rear, only a few other bits (Ti spring, KS 950i seatpost) and she'll be done!

Pretty beasty stuff, massive and streety. Edit was raw, but nothing worse than a lot of the videos put up and probably better than I could do.

That was awesome, that techy root section was insane! Do love watching the top comp guys.

That was awesome, really enjoyed it. Awesome control and style on varied stuff

I've got to be honest i'm the same. I understand you're paying a premium for the fact it's a British designed and made bike, but there's nothing that for me makes them stand out. They're very simple, fairly light and designed with the UK weather in mind, but i'd want a little more for the money i'd have to pay to own one. Saying that my last two bikes have been Intense frames..... so i'm a sucker for buying over priced frames.

I would say Reading as i've never ridden there, general opinion (of what i've heard is good) and i've never been impressed with Oxford when I've ridden it before.

Looks good, still undecided on the the frames though. Is that your original frame?

Bike is currently being painted

I've had a bit of an issue with them for the last year or two on my hands and feet. Horrible really and kinda painful too. I've had the same ones frozen off with liquid nitrogen, creams, acid applications etc but nothing works. Recently got an appointment with a dermatologist and the bastards have decided to start disappearing! The docs should try and freeze them off or give you some acid prep to apply to them.

I don't think anyone was too quick to judge, they formed an opinion based on the photos given. I can't see how you could judge any differently. Personally it's not my favourite mod bike, but with some decent bits it could look a whole lot better, as has been said. I love the fact he sent a letter with the bike bullshitting about it though, that's awesome!

Feel free to send me a PM mate, was on various forms of manic depressants for about 5 years for mild bi polar. Rich Pearson is also a good lad to talk to.

I don't think he was reffering to yourself, but to the topic starter who was dropping subtle hints on the subject. Why should how competent a rider you are have any sort of weighting on whether you're validated or not, surely it should be based upon your input to the forum, how you put yourself across/behave and having a basic grasp of the language we (on a whole) speak. As for what bike you should get, personally i would get a 24" TGS style bike, as this would involve the lowest expenditure if you're buying new. If not a 26" bike would probably be your next best bet as it will not require you to buy new hubs, like a mod will. But the best way to tell is to get out and try a few of your friends bikes and see who they feel. What bike you ride and the set up of it is a very personal thing, I don't see how people make a final decision on this based on what people on a forum say; use it only as a guide, but try out and see what you like.

Strange idea, if it rides nice then awesome, but it's going to make some noticeable changes in the intended geometry.

Just search for Wellgo MG-1 in ebay or plump for the Onza Hognesium pedals on Tarty Hognesiums, same pedal 10 pounds cheaper

How did I miss this thread Alex?! Looks awesome mate, some very tidy bits there. Be nice to ride it when its heat treated etc. Hopefully it will stand up to some abuse.