Adventure pushies [Archive] - Page 2

nzspokes

8th December 2013, 20:03

NordieBoy

8th December 2013, 20:24

Post a pic of it. Bet it can be got going again.

If not, then we can all point and laugh :nya:

Phreaky Phil

8th December 2013, 20:30

:laugh:I wonder if it's older than my GS ?
If not, then we can all point and laugh :nya:

Box'a'bits

8th December 2013, 21:05

:laugh:I wonder if it's older than my GS ?
The bikes on my garage wall are definitely older than Gus...:facepalm: And I'm happy for them to stay there...

clint640

9th December 2013, 07:40

Ive been getting a bit keen to do a bit of mountain biking again after seeing all the tracks poping up around the country. I dug my old heap of **** Scott that I used to crash around on thats been under the house unridin for about 6 years but I think it may be waaaaaay past its use by date. May have to wait till next year and buy something else.

If was an ok bike in it's day & it's not too worn out you might be surprised what a bit of a service & tuneup will do. Basic hardtail MTB technology hasn't advanced that much in the last 20 years. The biggest advance is probably that disc brakes are affordable enough to be on most bikes now, but a properly adjusted set of v-brakes will still stop you pretty good. The main big new thing at the mo is bigger 27.5" or 29" wheels like on the machine I just got.

There's probably some good online maintenance guides around, I have Leonard Zinn's guide to MTB maintenance which has been quite useful on the finer points of stuff like derailleur tuning & wheel building.

Cheers
Clint

NordieBoy

9th December 2013, 18:43

Giant Contact dropper post.

$175 buy now.
100mm total drop, 400mm long...

http://www.trademe.co.nz/sports/cycling/parts-components/seats-seat-posts/auction-670171713.htm

Padmei

9th December 2013, 18:56

I had one of those things years ago. Was good but now I just slide my arse off & hope the nads don't get a hammering:crazy:
Dodzy designed the one I had & got it built in a factory in China that make office chair droppers. I had the Gen1 version that kept going down when you didn't want it too.
I took it back & I asked the local dealer when the GenII version came out. He opened a mag & showed me one - except it was made by the Chinese company who used Dodzy's design & marketed it themselves-leaving him out of the equation- cheeky buggers.

If I was you Phil I would borrow a fully sus & ride on that. the difference is well worth the money spent. You will enjoy it more & want to ride more. Hardtails are old technology whilst still have their place don't offer as much niceness as a fully.
There are some good bargains to be had on Tme but your better bet is asking around your workmates if someone has one they they are selling cos the majority of MTBers are upgraders by nature:yes:
As far as the 29/27/26 wheel size once again I'd try a few & determine what kind of riding you'd do.

Phreaky Phil

9th December 2013, 20:23

My old next door neighbor just swang by. He was into Biathlons but has a dodgey knee which he's had fixed and has decided to try mountain biking. He got a Marin 29 inch wheel jobby, hard tail on BikeBarn half price sale for $1000. Looks OK. Finding off roads a whole different ball game.
Just like road bikes and dirt bikes !

Gremlin

9th December 2013, 22:00

Finding off roads a whole different ball game.
Just like road bikes and dirt bikes !
To be fair though, I've been really impressed by all the hard work others have put in, getting space for cycling, sorting out single track or gravel paths, businesses and councils alike have all seen it's a healthy option to get people out there etc.

I've done the road thing back in school, and not interested in risking my neck any more, so mountain biking is the route for me, for some fitness. Plus, then it means road trips to do all the fantastic riding elsewhere in the country (plus more motivation to get the fitness)!

On the humorous side, motorbikers are considered evil. Mtb bikers are considered evil by walkers... so you're always evil ;)

NordieBoy

12th December 2013, 07:06

Road Bike Party 2...
<object width="853" height="480"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/HhabgvIIXik?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/HhabgvIIXik?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="853" height="480" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>

Martyn broke his back on September 1st 2013 during a demo at Moto GP. A 3 meter fall from a high bar left him in a wheelchair with severe damage to his spinal cord and dislocated T9 and T10 vertabrae.

Phreaky Phil

14th December 2013, 15:28

Road Bike Party 2...

Martyn broke his back on September 1st 2013 during a demo at Moto GP. A 3 meter fall from a high bar left him in a wheelchair with severe damage to his spinal cord and dislocated T9 and T10 vertabrae.

What an awesome video. man those guys do some crazy shit on bikes.
It must be incredibly hard when they have have an accident like that to end up paralysed and not be able to do those things anymore.
But thems the breaks eh. Everything has risks and consequences

Padmei

14th December 2013, 15:51

Thought I'd sen it all before & about to turn itoff then he rode downhill on the front wheel backwards...............
:gob:
:not:

NordieBoy

14th December 2013, 16:47

Danny Mac doing the reverse stoppie :headbang:

Project Stumpy is coming along nicely...

291000

290999

10.4kg of nicely...

NordieBoy

14th December 2013, 21:03

I must say, 10.4kg does climb well...

Phreaky Phil

15th December 2013, 15:31

After recieving a citation for replying to a quote that had video in it, (which IMO if they dont want you to do it then they should have there system setup to stop it), I think I will head back over to ADVRider where it aint a problem.

Kickaha

15th December 2013, 16:04

I must say, 10.4kg does climb well...

Well talking about climbing, how do you get faster/betterer at uphill, do you just try harder each time you go up, any technique?

Do a 3.5-4km hill climb every Sunday and getting tired of Grannies going past me with their walking frames

R650R

15th December 2013, 17:06

Well talking about climbing, how do you get faster/betterer at uphill, do you just try harder each time you go up, any technique?

Do a 3.5-4km hill climb every Sunday and getting tired of Grannies going past me with their walking frames The only technique is to get fit, and get your legs used to spinning. When I first started really getting into mtb I just couldn't use granny ring and it felt like a waste of time, but its still faster than walking uphill. Had a mate who'd done serious road riding and mtb stuff, proper coach and all. He recommended doing long rides on the flat and get your legs used to spinning the crank at the magic number of 80rpm continuously mile after mile. Try it, its damn hard but it works. BTW 80 rpm is the optimum for your leg muscles in terms of circulation and being able to get rid of lactic acid build up etc. MTB itself is only 25% efficient at getting fitter/stronger as opposed to spending the same amount of time at gym. The top guys put in road rides of about 600km a week as training but that and the gym doesn't turn me on at all.
I sometimes do a 32km loop on the flat from home out to Puketapu and back on the river trail, you'd think it does nothing to help next time your in the bike park but you notice a difference giving the legs a good spin.

NordieBoy

15th December 2013, 18:29

My most efficient cadence is 90-95rpm on the tri-bike (years of riding with a HRM) and full suspension mtb.
At those rpm's on the hardtail mtb, I get a lot of bounce in the back end.
I find I'm using 1-2 gears higher on the HT vs the FS (same 32/11-34 gearing on both). Probably around 80-85rpm.
Once I get my form sorted, I'll be back up to 90-95...

I normally find my heart rate up in the 160's up hills when out on rides, but today I rode the SuperD track to get photos and on the climb to the start was in the high 170's all the way, riding and then walking and I didn't feel like I was pushing it to the limit...

In the last week, I've found I'm able to hammer small climbs and keep a higher pace up longer ones than normal. I think I'm getting less un-fit!

In t'old days, I could time trial with anyone. BUT, if there was ANY sort of hill or even slight rise, I was fcuked...

Also, I must say, I really like this Fizik Aliante seat...

Padmei

15th December 2013, 19:51

Well talking about climbing, how do you get faster/betterer at uphill, do you just try harder each time you go up, any technique?

Do a 3.5-4km hill climb every Sunday and getting tired of Grannies going past me with their walking frames

Welcome to my world bro! i don't worry anymore & ride lone wolf style.
I did notice a particular weight weenie on this thread today looking pretty fit & slim having to walk his superliteweight rigid up a hill that my fat puku can ride up:bleh:

Kickaha

15th December 2013, 20:08

The only technique is to get fit, and get your legs used to spinning. When I first started really getting into mtb I just couldn't use granny ring and it felt like a waste of time, but its still faster than walking uphill. Had a mate who'd done serious road riding and mtb stuff, proper coach and all. He recommended doing long rides on the flat and get your legs used to spinning the crank at the magic number of 80rpm continuously mile after mile. Try it, its damn hard but it works. BTW 80 rpm is the optimum for your leg muscles in terms of circulation and being able to get rid of lactic acid build up etc.

My most efficient cadence is 90-95rpm on the tri-bike (years of riding with a HRM) and full suspension mtb.

On flat ground 17km loop when I first got a speedo which had cadence I was aiming for 70rpm which was a guess and took an easy 5 minutes off

Up the hill I'm only doing 45-50 rpm in a higher gear that what I used to use because it feels a bit better, so maybe I'll try a lower gear and higher rpm and do a bit more flat ground work as well

Wouldn't mind using a heart rate monitor but I can only seem to make them work 1 time in 5

NordieBoy

16th December 2013, 06:27

I did notice a particular weight weenie on this thread today looking pretty fit & slim having to walk his superliteweight rigid up a hill that my fat puku can ride up:bleh:

I had the camera in the backpack and it weighs, ohh, at least heaps...

Once I can ride up the Grampians to the TV tower without stopping (or dying) I'll consider myself fit enough to ride in your (considerable) shadow...

NordieBoy

16th December 2013, 06:30

Welcome to my world bro! i don't worry anymore & ride lone wolf style.

I thought you rode alone because members of your wolf pack keep falling off and breaking body parts?

young1

16th December 2013, 06:58

I was taught that the perfect cadence was 90rpm, took some getting used to but it seems to work.

NordieBoy

16th December 2013, 09:25

I was taught that the perfect cadence was 90rpm, took some getting used to but it seems to work.

Depends on your physiology and fitness levels.

Like tyre pressures, it's just a baseline to start from.

Once you get used to a cadence that works for you, you'll find yourself naturally getting back to your "proper" RPM's quite quickly after lower/higher cadence sections.

R650R

16th December 2013, 20:23

Yep that's about right, different strokes for different folks. No heart rate monitor here, just ride till I sense the early symptoms of coronary distress or crash lol
These random storms have made some of the good sections a bit dicey and with my average speed back up have thrown some fat rubber back on the front for extra fitness and fun!

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2876/11398936124_5f3fb523e2.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77819625@N08/11398936124/)
20131216_3711fl (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77819625@N08/11398936124/) by DR650NZ (http://www.flickr.com/people/77819625@N08/), on Flickr

NordieBoy

17th December 2013, 05:59

It's weird looking down at the front of the fully and seeing all the cables!

6 of the buggers!

Only 3 on the HT.

R650R

17th December 2013, 07:09

It's weird looking down at the front of the fully and seeing all the cables!

6 of the buggers!

Only 3 on the HT.

Wont be long before the manufacturers make it all wireless except hopefully for the front brake! See there's a wireless seatpost out and seen some crowd in Europe done a G sensitive auto electronic fork lockout tool...

NordieBoy

21st December 2013, 09:51

Just swapped the internals (compression and rebound) from the Team forks on the Blur to the cheaper Race forks on the Stumpy.
I want the better internals on the lighter, faster bike.

It makes a difference all right.
Like going from a DR port orifice fork to a DRZ one with proper shims...

Which coincidentally, is exactly what the difference actually is :D

The Stumpy rides like the CycloCross bike but with fat tyres and it weighs a Kg less :wacko:

I can see that the full suspension bike will only be ridden on more "epic" longer, rougher rides. It's a Cadillac in comparison...

CrazyFrog

22nd December 2013, 06:07

I'd ride this MTB/moped. Looks like fun and a super lightweight trail bike with the 150cc kit fitted.
Gotta love the concept, coolest moped I've seen. Watch the video

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2097071998/motopeds

Kickaha

22nd December 2013, 06:38

NordieBoy

22nd December 2013, 18:53

The sign to the Maitai Caves says it's good for push bikes...

Mostly it's fine...
<img width=640 src=http://sports.nelson.geek.nz/motorsport/mybikes/Trips/20131222%20Maitai%20Caves/slides/20131222-104730-010.jpg>

Then it started getting gnarly...
<img width=480 src=http://sports.nelson.geek.nz/motorsport/mybikes/Trips/20131222%20Maitai%20Caves/slides/20131222-105355-016.jpg>

And gnarlier...
<img width=640 src=http://sports.nelson.geek.nz/motorsport/mybikes/Trips/20131222%20Maitai%20Caves/slides/20131222-111144-017.jpg>

Lots of pushing of the bike later...
<img width=640 src=http://sports.nelson.geek.nz/motorsport/mybikes/Trips/20131222%20Maitai%20Caves/slides/20131222-112744-021.jpg>

Flash view from inside...
<img width=640 src=http://sports.nelson.geek.nz/motorsport/mybikes/Trips/20131222%20Maitai%20Caves/slides/20131222-113047-026.jpg>

And back out again...
<img width=640 src=http://sports.nelson.geek.nz/motorsport/mybikes/Trips/20131222%20Maitai%20Caves/slides/20131222-120213-044.jpg>

<img width=640 src=http://sports.nelson.geek.nz/motorsport/mybikes/Trips/20131222%20Maitai%20Caves/slides/20131222-120957-052.jpg>

R650R

24th December 2013, 12:12

Looks light enough to carry it when you need to anyway :)

These look damn nice but $USD 2K!!! http://enduro-mtb.com/en/video-x-fusion-shox-revel-hlr-usd/

The end of stretched cables and constantly adjusting them, hydraulic shifters NICE but $EURO 1800!!! http://www.acros.de/PRODUCTS/SHIFTING-SYSTEM:::3_236.html

NordieBoy

24th December 2013, 14:12

Looks light enough to carry it when you need to anyway :)
Over half an hour of carrying it up to the cave to get a photo of it there and half an hour back to where I could ride again...

These look damn nice but $USD 2K!!! http://enduro-mtb.com/en/video-x-fusion-shox-revel-hlr-usd/

Most dirt mx'ers would love a modern set of "normal" forks. USD's have too much stiction early in the stroke and aren't as plus as the last of say, the Marzocchi's..

R650R

3rd January 2014, 17:49

Interesting, I suppose they would spend more time with suspension extended and wheel skimming mud/dirt...

Pretty happy with knocking out a 25km ride in the 29 deg heat today at Eskdale. Click link to GPS track sat view of ride.

https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=212480241008025042920.0004ef09d9ee2d886046 1&msa=0

NordieBoy

3rd January 2014, 20:14

R650R

4th January 2014, 17:46

That does look like a decent ride...

Yep, my legs still feeling it today, didn't swim too far off the beach today just in case lol...

Altitude profile from mytracks app, not 100% accurate but good indication.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7410/11745529565_f72931547d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77819625@N08/11745529565/)
chart (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77819625@N08/11745529565/) by DR650NZ (http://www.flickr.com/people/77819625@N08/), on Flickr

Gremlin

5th January 2014, 11:22

Does anyone know of a decent cheap wheel truing stand? I know I know, decent and cheap, but it's purely for straightening my own and mates wheels. Don't want to spend a huge amount, but the little adapter I have works great on the rear frame on a hardtail, but then there is nowhere to mount it for front suspension. Figure a stand would be a better bet, for 26-29...

On that note, does anyone know how many nipple sizes there are? Fortunately the one I had in a multi-tool worked for the one job I needed...

NordieBoy

5th January 2014, 15:48

Got my truing stand from Cash Converters for about $30...

clint640

5th January 2014, 16:19

Does anyone know of a decent cheap wheel truing stand? ...

Old roadbike forks upside down in the vice?

Clint

Gremlin

5th January 2014, 17:49

Old roadbike forks upside down in the vice?
Don't have either ;) Also thinking mobile as such, so when we go on trips, we can take a small workshop. The $80 stand I got from T7 was very handy over Christmas / New Year.

Seems I need a steal like Nordie then... Even the likes of T7 doesn't seem to offer one.

nzspokes

5th January 2014, 17:59

Don't have either ;) Also thinking mobile as such, so when we go on trips, we can take a small workshop. The $80 stand I got from T7 was very handy over Christmas / New Year.

Seems I need a steal like Nordie then... Even the likes of T7 doesn't seem to offer one.

Two cable ties cut down to meet the rim. Done on bike. Easy.

Go to your LBS and buy a multi size spoke tool.

Gremlin

6th January 2014, 13:23

Two cable ties cut down to meet the rim. Done on bike. Easy.

Go to your LBS and buy a multi size spoke tool.
I'd like something a bit better than zip ties ;)

Woo, Bike Barn showed a spoke wrench on special for $9.99 when I had a look last night (cheers for the tip, that's exactly what I remember). Went in today... special over, $20. Bah, I'll wait for the next special then... :pinch:

R650R

6th January 2014, 20:17

Why on earth do you want straight wheels for, their not pointed straight ahead very often when mtb... The Bentrager Dusters on Trek are like butter and its a lost cause straightening them, probably -+ 5mm both sides all the time, don't seem to matter lol... When they get bad I just use the Zen method and bang sidewall on ground with high tyre pressure to get em back in ballpark settings :)

nzspokes

6th January 2014, 20:25

I'd like something a bit better than zip ties ;)

Why? Ive used that system a lot and works fine. Trail side its great.

marks

7th January 2014, 07:07

Happy Birthday to me ....

http://twentynineinches.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/krampus-500x373.jpg

clint640

7th January 2014, 07:15

Happy Birthday to me ....

:eek5: Dude... step away from the air compressor! I think you've overinflated those tyres a bit :eek::bleh:

Clint

NordieBoy

7th January 2014, 11:17

Toooo much birthday cake for those tyres...

Padmei

7th January 2014, 11:45

The perfect accompaniment for the discerning KLR rider- if you did really buy it well done they are awesome - I had a quick spin on one in hanmer

marks

7th January 2014, 18:44

:eek5: Dude... step away from the air compressor! I think you've overinflated those tyres a bit :eek::bleh:

Clint
15psi is the magic number for those 3x29 hoops of goodness

Toooo much birthday cake for those tyres...

they're cuddly not fat

The perfect accompaniment for the discerning KLR rider- if you did really buy it well done they are awesome - I had a quick spin on one in hanmer

certainley is the klr of pushies - a bit heavy and a bit slow but very planted and stable
I've been riding one over the last week and had a blast so I've ordered one.

Padmei

7th January 2014, 18:50

I love the frame design - Surly don't Frick around with flash looking bits.

R650R

7th January 2014, 20:21

Be ok if you live in a swamp I guess. Love fat tyres myself but I love suspension even more :)

Kickaha

7th January 2014, 20:28

Be ok if you live in a swamp I guess. Love fat tyres myself but I love suspension even more :)

http://www.hardtailnation.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/004_2.jpg

marks

8th January 2014, 13:41

Love fat tyres myself but I love suspension even more :)

I would have thought the same except whenever I rode my previous full suspenion bike (a giant trance) or my more recent cheapy giant hardtail I'd end up with a sore back for a couple of days. I rode the Surly expecting the same but apart from the normal sore muscles had no problems. I don't know what it is about the bike as it has a reasonably aggresive riding position which would normally make things worse. Maybe its the very wide flat bars or the quite good small bump compliance that the 3" tyres provide - who knows - it works for me...

Most of my riding is pretty tame/smooth tracks and ts fine on those. I certainly wouldnt want to tackle anything too bumpy with it but then thats what my trail bike is for....

R650R

8th January 2014, 20:45

I would have thought the same except whenever I rode my previous full suspenion bike (a giant trance) or my more recent cheapy giant hardtail I'd end up with a sore back for a couple of days. I rode the Surly expecting the same but apart from the normal sore muscles had no problems. I don't know what it is about the bike as it has a reasonably aggresive riding position which would normally make things worse. Maybe its the very wide flat bars or the quite good small bump compliance that the 3" tyres provide - who knows - it works for me...

Most of my riding is pretty tame/smooth tracks and ts fine on those. I certainly wouldnt want to tackle anything too bumpy with it but then thats what my trail bike is for....

Sometimes things like that are just a muscle group getting used to a different activity but I hear you. Started out with a cheapy hard tail myself but suspension is where its at for me.
BTW found this, 4" wide tyres! http://www.nzmtbr.co.nz/news.php?id=249 Trek Farley!

NordieBoy

10th January 2014, 07:02

I prefer riding my hard tail at the moment. I think it's because it's lighter and instead of having to actually pedal, it accelerates out of the corners by thought compared to the 2kg heavier full suspension which is no slouch in the efficiency stakes itself.

There's no way I'd take the hard tail down the front steps of Nelson Boys though...

blackdog

14th January 2014, 12:58

Hey guys. A latecomer to the thread, and novice mountain biker here.

Have recently procured an Iron Horse Adirondak.

I'm interested in getting some front suspension for it, but will be second hand for sure due to what little discretionary I have being absorbed by the MTB's powered brethren.

So, any tips or tricks gurus? Things to look for, things to avoid or a point in the right direction of a good deal.

Cheers lads.

clint640

14th January 2014, 13:51

Have recently procured an Iron Horse Adirondak.

I'm interested in getting some front suspension for it, but will be second hand for sure due .

Check the steerer tube is 1 1/8", should be. Measure about how long it is. Go ask at a few local bike shops if they have some 2nd hand suspension forks to suit with v-brake mounts. You might get lucky, often they'll have a few wrecks out the back. Otherwise trademe. Keep in mind that for well under $500 you could probably get a decent 2nd hand bike in nice condition with a good pair of forks...

Cheers
Clint

blackdog

14th January 2014, 14:20

Check the steerer tube is 1 1/8", should be. Measure about how long it is. Go ask at a few local bike shops if they have some 2nd hand suspension forks to suit with v-brake mounts. You might get lucky, often they'll have a few wrecks out the back. Otherwise trademe. Keep in mind that for well under $500 you could probably get a decent 2nd hand bike in nice condition with a good pair of forks...

Cheers
Clint

1 1/8th Roger. Might ring round the local shops and see if they have any 2nd hand stuff, although would've thought the shocks would be the first part destroyed in any wreck.

Just got this one, why the hell would I wanna spend five hunnit on another one?

Padmei

14th January 2014, 18:03

jeez blackdog I think you may be doing it the hard way. Check the local tip /recycling place for an old bike but i'm thinking if your bike is that old/cheap you will be paying for stuffed parts as soon as you start riding.
Bike shops will want as much money as they can get for 2nd hand parts - and they will prob scoff at ya & want to sell you next years model.
I know where you're coming from as I'm tight as too but mtbing is hard on gear.
If I was you I'd stay true to Jah & ride rigid man:yes:

Gremlin

14th January 2014, 18:09

I know where you're coming from as I'm tight as too but mtbing is hard on gear.
Just thought I'd quote that for effect. Certainly found that to be the case. Mates and I clean up the chain and sprockets after every day pretty much, clean, lube etc. Still doesn't stop the front wheel quick release loosening itself, spokes loosening off, all sorts of things that you'd find rather important when you're bouncing over some jump :eek:

The checks have found lots of those little things... prefer to find them that way too...

NordieBoy

14th January 2014, 18:22

Jump? What's that?

blackdog

14th January 2014, 18:25

It's not that old, ok maybe but it's in remarkably good nick. All the componentry seems pretty high quality gear.

Needs some decent pedals though, I like the look of some of the Rock Bros stuff.

Padmei

14th January 2014, 19:23

What are you looking at flats or clips? What kind of riding you going to do? what are the tracks like round where you are? Do you leave the turkish delights & cherry ripes at the bottom of the box or throw the whole thing away when the rest are finished?

Padmei

14th January 2014, 19:25

Nordie have you taken that wedgie on wheels of yours down Supplejacks? i'll give you a choccy fish if you can get all the corners - make that a choccy fish & a toastie.

blackdog

14th January 2014, 19:31

Flats. About 50/50 road and tracks.

NordieBoy

15th January 2014, 07:01

Needs some decent pedals though, I like the look of some of the Rock Bros stuff.

Rock Bros? Sound like a company that makes amps.

I like Crank Bros stuff...

NordieBoy

15th January 2014, 07:09

Nordie have you taken that wedgie on wheels of yours down Supplejacks? i'll give you a choccy fish if you can get all the corners - make that a choccy fish & a toastie.

I'll have to find out where Supplejacks is...

OK, found it...
"The Supplejack track is one of four tracks in the DOC Conservation Area of the Hira MTB Park. A favorite amongst the more skilled riders of the area. Known for its tight switchbacks, and rocky riverbed section, it is a true test of skills and confidence."

What does "Double black diamond" mean?

R650R

15th January 2014, 07:15

I just bought another pair of shimano spd 540 on the t7 sale. The old 520s were getting on bit and I've been impressed with the way they've handled various rock/tree stump moments.
That eye-candy brand stuff looks good but read some interesting stuff about use of rough/dirty trails that steered me away.

clint640

15th January 2014, 07:43

It's not that old, ok maybe but it's in remarkably good nick. All the componentry seems pretty high quality gear.

Needs some decent pedals though, I like the look of some of the Rock Bros stuff.

Check out Time Atacs also. I bought a set for both my MTB's 7 years ago, they work very nicely & they are still going strong. Crank Bros stuff works ok too but friends with the Crank Bros ones seem to wear them out a bit - they are easy to rebuild but when the bearings fail the end falls off the pedal leaving a sharpish skewer ready to tear a strip out of your calf so check for play every now & then.

Don't be tempted to use someones hand-me-down clapped out old SPD's like I did for the 1st few years of my mtb career cos I was too tight to buy something decent. :facepalm:

...& it's Whaka Wednesday :woohoo: The singlespeed is in the entropy lab undergoing R&D on a new chain tensioner so the 29er will be getting a run this afternoon.

Cheers
Clint

Gremlin

15th January 2014, 10:31

What does "Double black diamond" mean?
Death awaits

Well, that's what it means to me anyway

Padmei

15th January 2014, 11:20

...& it's Whaka Wednesday :woohoo:

man i'm definitely gonna have to sort out the bike rack on Schmiddty & head back up there to that cool piece of forest

Rosie

15th January 2014, 11:47

...& it's Whaka Wednesday :woohoo: The singlespeed is in the entropy lab undergoing R&D on a new chain tensioner so the 29er will be getting a run this afternoon.

29er again? We're going to stop inviting you if you keep turning up with gears :oi-grr:

clint640

15th January 2014, 12:07

Would I get slapped for mentioning that I feel like a decent ride tonight, Hill Rd - Tuhotu-Ariki - Split Enz maybe? :devil2:

man i'm definitely gonna have to sort out the bike rack on Schmiddty & head back up there to that cool piece of forest

Get in touch & turn up with yer helmet, I usually ride the SS in the redwoods so visiting adv'ers in town that would like to be shown around the forest are welcome to borrow the Giant 29er for the ride.

Cheers
Clint

NordieBoy

16th January 2014, 06:33

That is fast...
<iframe src="//player.vimeo.com/video/83947019" width="500" height="234" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>

Padmei

16th January 2014, 07:32

Nice. Our pup would have stopped in the middle of the track i front of the bike & said "wait- have i been fed in the last 5 mins?"

The filming is bloody amazing nowadays.

NordieBoy

16th January 2014, 09:20

That dog is scraping it's bottom bracket on some of those obstacles...

marks

17th January 2014, 07:00

so a bike being "a bit of a dog" is not neccesarily a bad thing in the mtb world?

NordieBoy

17th January 2014, 08:56

so a bike being "a bit of a dog" is not neccesarily a bad thing in the mtb world?

There was a bike in the vid?

blackdog

20th January 2014, 07:09

On closer inspection some of that 'rock bros' stuff looked great in the pics, but i wasn't convinced of the quality.

So not opting for top of the range (shit the price of some of it!), I've just ordered some Wellgo M195s.

Seemed to be about the best bang for buck I could find.

http://velodom.com.ua/userimages/im_img.php?size=500&img=velo_1366754544.jpg

NordieBoy

20th January 2014, 20:54

I got some $40 BBB flats for the boys bike.

Kickaha

20th January 2014, 21:19

Knocked up 23km mostly flattish stuff on Friday and another 17 km Saturday, trying to get out a bit more, back into some hill work next week

I've been trying the cadence thing again and it seems to be helping, I'll find out next time I point it up a hill

NordieBoy

21st January 2014, 06:55

I found with the higher cadence it was easier to get over the tops of the rises/hills...

nzspokes

21st January 2014, 07:17

I like Crank Bros stuff...

So you like rebuilding your pedals after each ride?

Time or Shitmano FTW.

NordieBoy

21st January 2014, 11:01

So you like rebuilding your pedals after each ride?

Time or Shitmano FTW.

Haven't had to do any rebuilding yet.

On the CX bike, I could unclip for a step-up with my full weight on the pedal. I like that.

I buy 2nd hand pairs on TM for cheap parts but have only had to replace one end cap.
Got a mint set of Mallet's on the Blur and a mint set of original Egg Beaters on the Stumpy. No slop in the bearings yet...

nzspokes

21st January 2014, 11:19

Haven't had to do any rebuilding yet.

On the CX bike, I could unclip for a step-up with my full weight on the pedal. I like that.

I buy 2nd hand pairs on TM for cheap parts but have only had to replace one end cap.
Got a mint set of Mallet's on the Blur and a mint set of original Egg Beaters on the Stumpy. No slop in the bearings yet...

My first pair of mallets didnt make it out of the carpark, replacment set completed 2 rides and the next replacment set went on trade me.

NordieBoy

21st January 2014, 14:45

My Candy 2's have done 2 play and 2 race seasons and the inside bushes are just starting to get sloppy.

I had a set of Look branded Egg Beaters on the CX bike when it was nicked. Beefier axle than normal.

I'll keep using them until I run out of spares.

Padmei

21st January 2014, 18:57

i've been using some T7 cheap mallets for years - noisy but haven't stopped spinning yet.
Had a ride on an old carbon hardtail the other day. We went down R&R- I'm still trying to get it unwedged out of my butt.
Interesting as it had long cranks on. When you started pedalling there was instant grunt - my stumpy seemed to be riding in granny gear after riding that.
Since I often bottom out the mallets on the stumpy I take it that longer cranks are old technology for hardtails?

Broke a chain too - 1st time in about 5 years. How do you know if your chain is rooted? Can you measure the distance between pins or something?

You realise this is prob the busiest MTBing forum in NZ - sad aye

nzspokes

21st January 2014, 19:16

Kickaha

21st January 2014, 20:08

Broke a chain too - 1st time in about 5 years.
Just did the same tonight,first in about 13 years though, lucky I had the chainbreaker and sram link with me

Totally fucked up putting it back together and didn't thread it through the front derailleur:laugh: which meant I ended up with only had my low gears, still good enough for over 20kmh on the latter bits which was way faster than the guy I was riding with

I knew it was pretty rooted but have been holding out until closer to Motatapu before putting all the new bits on

NordieBoy

22nd January 2014, 07:07

Got a chain checker in the Emporium...

NordieBoy

22nd January 2014, 07:14

Some of the newer bikes have lower bottom brackets for stability, but crank length hasn't really changed.

clint640

22nd January 2014, 07:45

i've been using some T7 cheap mallets for years - noisy but haven't stopped spinning yet.

They won't stop spinning but when the bearing collapses the pedal will fly off the end of the spindle leaving a a sharpish spike that will tear a huge gash in your calf leaving you with the tricky decision of either trying to stem the bleeding & crying for mummy or chasing your pedal down the ravine that it may be tumbling into. :eek: I'd get a rebuild kit. :yes:

Cheers
Clint

blackdog

23rd January 2014, 19:11

Fully engorged chub right here.

http://www.boydmotorcycles.co.nz/store/ProductDetails.aspx?n=Bike-KTM-2014-Myroon-27-Elite-Black-Red-Grey&p=109867&t=1&c=71018

NordieBoy

24th January 2014, 06:30

Fully engorged chub right here.

http://www.boydmotorcycles.co.nz/store/ProductDetails.aspx?n=Bike-KTM-2014-Myroon-27-Elite-Black-Red-Grey&p=109867&t=1&c=71018

I do like flowing lines on a frame.

R650R

24th January 2014, 14:52

Well two rides chalked up on 650B setup now. The performance matches the marketing hype, its a rocket on any sniff of a downhill.
Only initial takeoff is perhaps a little slower but everything else is FASTER and a lot faster.
On tight stuff feels just as good as 26.
Sorry no pics, too busy riding! :)

NordieBoy

24th January 2014, 20:30

I don't want to try 650b. It'll be like when I tried a pumper carbed DR650 :drool:

As my race wheels were losing 10-15psi in a 45min ride, I put tubes in today and pumped them to the same pressures I normally run (25f/29r).
Went for a ride after dinner (pork chops & spuds).

The bike felt dead.
No liveliness at all.

The times however were well within the "going for a ride an hour and a half after a pork chop & spud dinner" range...

Only about 20s slower on a 37min section than yesterday.

The main thing is, they're still at the same pressure I started with...

Kickaha

24th January 2014, 20:32

and pumped them to the same pressures I normally run (25f/29r).
What type of terrain? I run 35F/45R but most of my riding is pretty hard packed

NordieBoy

24th January 2014, 21:40

What type of terrain? I run 35F/45R but most of my riding is pretty hard packed

Walking trail type hard pack up Nile St and the Maitai, short rockier sections by the golf course, gravel up the Tantragee, hard pack with pine needles and occasional roots down Codgers to Brook St.

I've never clunked a rim at 25f/29r. I'd like to go lower but I think 23 may be as low as I could safely go in the front and the rear gets a bit squishy and bouncy feeling closer to 25.

Although with the leaking, I was finishing off the rides with 18-20 in the front and rear without problems as long as I picked my lines to avoid the roots. Just as fast, but less fun.

Try letting some air out every few minutes on a ride. At some point, it will reach the magic pressure for the conditions/tyre/weight/speed and then measure the how much is in there.

SMOKEU

24th January 2014, 22:28

Kickaha

25th January 2014, 05:03

Anyone here keen to have a sesh, mish up Bowenvale, and then go downhill mountainbiking? I have a very crappy MTB that goes down that hill mean (I'm a roadie, I just ride mountain bikes rarely for lulz). I ride/push it up the hill until I get to Victoria Park.

We're riding up Rapaki track this morning,over Mt Vernon around the traverse and down Vic park, we'll be doing it most weekends

NordieBoy

25th January 2014, 21:01

These tyres with tubes seem to like 21psi front and 26psi rear.

They roll well but the rear is not flash downhill under brakes...

Kickaha

25th January 2014, 21:44

They roll well but the rear is not flash downhill under brakes...
I'm not flash downhill under brakes regardless of what tyre pressure I'm running

NordieBoy

28th January 2014, 20:36

Took Vic out for a peadventure.
I rode the Stumpy and he rode the Blur.

Left at 8pm got back at 9:30...
Without lights <_<

Up Codgers, up the new track that links to Jacks, up to the Firball skid, around the back and up to the trig from there...
OK. Won't do that again...

Gorse, steep, loose and a long way from the trig...
A lot of bike carrying and feet slipping later...

Sounds familiar doesn't it :weird::devil2:

Went down Firball to the road, then back up to the skid and down IV Line (nicely cleaned up, but I'd want more light and a lower seatpost next time).

Then took him down Gully...
In the dark...

:devil2::devil2::devil2::devil2:

What you can't see can't hurt you. Well it can, really, but not tonight :shifty:

That was fun :headbang:

Kickaha

29th January 2014, 05:52

In the last week I've done Bottle lake twice (17km laps) and Rapaki loop once (16km) getting some new bits for the bike this week as it's getting a bit worn out and rooted mainly due to my somewhat casual maintainence schedule, then I'll start doubling up on some of those laps

Problem at the moment is slow as I am the guys I've been riding with are even slower so it's a bit easy going, might have to do a few solo laps

NordieBoy

29th January 2014, 18:25

My problem is I only ride solo and all the people I ride with are as slow as me...

Sunday's race is the second round of the national series.

I'm feeling hopeful :nya:

Kickaha

29th January 2014, 18:37

Picked up the new 203mm front disc today, just need the adapter now
293099

Padmei

29th January 2014, 18:50

My problem is I only ride solo and all the people I ride with are as slow as me...

Sunday's race is the second round of the national series.

I'm feeling hopeful :nya:

I'm sure you'll be the best dressed.

pete-blen

29th January 2014, 20:29

For all you dam pedal pushing weirdos.... pedals & a MOTOR..
Now this bloody thread almost fits in a motorcycle forum...

https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/p480x480/1471271_250889735067881_1962674660_n.jpg

NordieBoy

29th January 2014, 20:59

I'm sure you'll be the best dressed.

Indubitably :sherlock:

NordieBoy

31st January 2014, 17:30

Kickaha

31st January 2014, 18:51

A carbon fibre Niner RDO seatpost arrived today :drool:

Will flex 8mm with 50kg of force. Good to reduce that tradition feeling of hardtailedness you get on a hardtail.

I want one, where'd you get it?

R650R

31st January 2014, 18:57

A carbon fibre Niner RDO seatpost arrived today :drool:

Will flex 8mm with 50kg of force. Good to reduce that tradition feeling of hardtailedness you get on a hardtail.

Weighed the bike on the local bike shop scales.
With the bike mech shaking slightly as he held the scales and bike up, it was bouncing between 10.05 and 10.1kg :eek5:

If I remove the tubes...

:2thumbsup

Bring on the racing!

Make sure you inspect it regularly, mate had his snap on stump jumper hard tail. Apparently it sounded very similar to a shotgun going off! Put me off getting the fuel some carbon bars...
Where you racing???

blackdog

31st January 2014, 19:20

Thoughts please experts? I think I will purchase providing I get the pushie division seal of approval.

http://www.1-day.co.nz/products/AA7BVN2BE

nzspokes

31st January 2014, 19:23

Thoughts please experts? I think I will purchase providing I get the pushie division seal of approval.

http://www.1-day.co.nz/products/AA7BVN2BE

Thats a ok starting point for bike tools. Fine for home jobs. They have been around for years under different names.

R650R

31st January 2014, 19:25

Thoughts please experts? I think I will purchase providing I get the pushie division seal of approval.

http://www.1-day.co.nz/products/AA7BVN2BE

Bought one cheaper from T7 ages ago, have only ever used the cassette tool and one of flat spanners...

blackdog

31st January 2014, 19:29

True. Thanks for the advise. I'll wait and purchase specialist tools as I need them then.

NordieBoy

1st February 2014, 07:33

I want one, where'd you get it?

TradeMe, his new bike needed a fatter post.

NordieBoy

1st February 2014, 07:37

Make sure you inspect it regularly, mate had his snap on stump jumper hard tail. Apparently it sounded very similar to a shotgun going off! Put me off getting the fuel some carbon bars...
Where you racing???

Racing at Codgers Sun (cross-country) and Mon (SuperD).
Today's DH is up Kaka hill.

R650R

1st February 2014, 09:44

Racing at Codgers Sun (cross-country) and Mon (SuperD).
Today's DH is up Kaka hill.

Cool. starting to look more at these Enduro events now we have 160mm travel :) Most of the cross country stuff never seems technical enough, all about fitness.
Doing Karapoti 50km and Cateye 12 hr in March :)

Padmei

1st February 2014, 20:07

Went up & did Rameka today top of takaka hill. Bloody rooty/rocky start then a great long long downhill. They've really been working hard in there for a while.

bugger I missed the DH today.

NordieBoy

2nd February 2014, 17:13

Cool. starting to look more at these Enduro events now we have 160mm travel :) Most of the cross country stuff never seems technical enough, all about fitness.
Doing Karapoti 50km and Cateye 12 hr in March :)

We had 4 bits on the XC today I walked rather than risk injury. They don't have those bits in the SuperD's.

On that note, I may not do the SuperD tomorrow. I expended a bit more energy than expected...
My climbing is awesome, my descending is, well, :facepalm:

Not many locals racing, a lot of imports though.

I battled the whole race with a guy from Wellytown. I'd gap him on the climbs and he'd gap me on the descents. I finally put everything into the climbs on the last lap and got the bugger :D

The course was sweet (except for the 4-5 techy downhill rough bits before/on corners), the climbs didn't go on forever like the last race.

The majority were riding full suspension and quite a few of them had dropper posts.

I only clipped one tree, which tidily removed my left bar end plug.

At several spectator points, the words"Go, The Shirt!" were shouted every lap :D

Going up Reload, there was even a cyclocrosser on the side of the track doing cider handups. If it was ginger beer, I would have been tempted by the 4th lap...

NordieBoy

2nd February 2014, 17:15

bugger I missed the DH today.

A broken arm for one person and some spinal injuries (serious) for another :shit:

JATZ

2nd February 2014, 18:49

Went up & did Rameka today top of takaka hill. Bloody rooty/rocky start then a great long long downhill. They've really been working hard in there for a while.

bugger I missed the DH today.

I rode that Rameka track once.... I was young :D
Got dropped off at the saddle on the way in, rode the track, it was rocky and rooty back then too, then rode home to Riwaka, damn near killed me :facepalm:

Padmei

2nd February 2014, 20:12

I rode that Rameka track once.... I was young :D
Got dropped off at the saddle on the way in, rode the track, it was rocky and rooty back then too, then rode home to Riwaka, damn near killed me :facepalm:

You're a legend. I drove to Hippy town hitched a lift up the hill & rode in.

You know how I dropped Schmidtty down that bank onver the pelorus?- I had the exact same experience on the rameka track. I Got the front wheel jammed on a rock & had to stop on a small steep uphill. Put my foot down on the edge of a 1M drop down into a rock creek, looked down at my foot slipping off the ledge & all the scenarios of what I could have done better flashed before my eyes as I freefell sideways onto the rocks.

Truthfully I don't know how I escaped without a broken arm - very lucky.
tomm will be more sedate - codgers & maitai with the girls.

Padmei

2nd February 2014, 20:12

A broken arm for one person and some spinal injuries (serious) for another :shit:

How did you get on? Good ride?

NordieBoy

3rd February 2014, 07:09

How did you get on? Good ride?

2nd.

To last :D

I've got to get some more skills on the techy downhill bits. Also some more trust in the front wouldn't go amiss.
I also need to be able to get off the back of the seat, although a dropper post would help there...

I'd usually start off and drift backward, with people lapping me soon after.
This time there was a battle with the guy in my age group and an under 17 (who started a min before us). The youngster was crap on the uphill but quite quick down.

Not a lot of locals. Out of 16 under 17's, 3 were from Nelson.
Hell, the elite had 4 from Germany.

Usually there'd be at least 15-20 odd in Masters 2, this time there were 8 including 3 Nelsonians.
None of the usual suspects so I can't compare my time against anyone I know.

Anton Cooper (2012 world junior champ) won from Dirk Peters in the elite XC.
Kieren Bennett won the DH from Sam Blenkinsop.

R650R

3rd February 2014, 20:14

A finish is always good, amazing what can break during an event.
GET a dropper post. I consider it the best mod you can do. One of things you don't realise how usefull it I till you have one.
Most of the front half of any field are usually fitness freaks and do lot of road cycling.
Young Anton won the Karapoti 50km in 2hr26min, took me 5hr35min including front brake pad change lol, was muddiest year on record back then.

NordieBoy

3rd February 2014, 21:05

Got a Command Post Blacklight on the Blur and I wouldn't mind training with one on the Stumpy and then racing with the carbon post.
Once I've done the drops/corners a few times with the seat dropped, I can do them at full extension.

I just don't have confidence to get behind the seat and trust the front.

I've seen the pics from the race and they're all from the same drop/corner and everyone is off and behind the seat...

Bastards :oi-grr:

R650R

4th February 2014, 19:06

I just think of getting low, where your butt ends up is just a coincidence. Never really used to get behind the seat but am now to my surprise due to the new bike having quite a sharply raked back seatpost mount.
I've found a mtb front end will take way more mid corner abuse than motorbike, more likely to go over the bars than lose it.

Think this guy would be right at home experimenting in your shed...

http://forums.mtbr.com/santa-cruz/heckler-26-now-29er-894136.html

Haven't had time to look at the rest of these ZX10 pics!!! http://blog.motorcycle.com/2010/05/27/motorcycle-news/zx-10r-owner-modifies-his-bike-making-his-own-exhaust-and-cutting-holes-in-the-frame/

Kickaha

4th February 2014, 19:16

more likely to go over the bars than lose it.
Yeah I found that too, the x ray and ultrasound tomorrow will tell me what damage I did

Haven't had time to look at the rest of these ZX10 pics!!! http://blog.motorcycle.com/2010/05/27/motorcycle-news/zx-10r-owner-modifies-his-bike-making-his-own-exhaust-and-cutting-holes-in-the-frame/
:lol: Shervin, I was trying to think of his name last week when I was telling someone about him

clint640

12th February 2014, 10:50

Been giving the new Giant a good few runs this summer. Checked out the sweet new Waihaha-Lake section of the Taupo trails a few weeks back, the Waipapa-Maraetai bit of the Waikato river trails ANZAC day, this weekend we're heading deep into the central Nth Is boonies to do the Kaiwhakauka-Mangapurua tracks to the bridge to nowhere. Plus the usual dicking around Whaka. Waiting on bits from Chain reaction to rebuild the singlespeed forks, need to get it back on the track before the geared 29er makes me too soft.

Cheers
Clint

R650R

12th February 2014, 22:35

Sounds like an adventure. Found this guy when searching some mtb stuff other day, epic trip by one of your locals???

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=1&page_id=357089&v=1G

blackdog

12th February 2014, 23:34

That's a masochist right there.

clint640

13th February 2014, 14:38

Sounds like an adventure. Found this guy when searching some mtb stuff other day, epic trip by one of your locals???

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=1&page_id=357089&v=1G

Keen alright. Moerangi & Pakihi are indeed fully awesome!

Cheers
Clint

NordieBoy

19th February 2014, 20:34

Wow egg beaters are easy to strip, clean, re-grease and re-assemble :2thumbsup

NordieBoy

20th February 2014, 10:44

Oops :facepalm:

I think I may have damaged a rib...

Distracted whilst crossing out of a rut...

<_<

Gremlin

20th February 2014, 11:47

Oops :facepalm:

I think I may have damaged a rib...

Distracted whilst crossing out of a rut...

<_<
I feel your pain... well, as of beginning of Feb I was just finishing 5 weeks of pain.

Sucks... ribs are so essential :(

Kickaha

20th February 2014, 19:10

Oops :facepalm:

I think I may have damaged a rib...

Distracted whilst crossing out of a rut...

<_<

I've just been to the Doc after the xray and ultrasound, torn tendon in the left shoulder form going over the front, still works, it'll be fine

NordieBoy

20th February 2014, 19:49

I've just been to the Doc after the xray and ultrasound, torn tendon in the left shoulder form going over the front, still works, it'll be fine
Ouch! :no:

It's been probably 10 years since I've been to a doctor...

It's a good thing I belly breathe. The rib is starting to annoy me now.

My right tricep looks like it's been done over by a cheese grater though. Not sure how scraping across the ground did that one...

swarfie

20th February 2014, 20:07

I've just been to the Doc after the xray and ultrasound, torn tendon in the left shoulder form going over the front, still works, it'll be fine

Them pushies will do that...stick to something with a throttle mate, they're far safer...ask me, I've done more damage on them peddly things than anything with a motor....or maybe not :wings:

Gunna get back into the pushies tho, just bought a Merida one-twenty XT to replace my ageing worn out Diamondback which has done over 40k. Need some better fitness for the sidecars (-:

Padmei

21st February 2014, 06:15

yeah it's funny how many people regard motos as dangerous - mtbs cause just as many injuries.

NordieBoy

21st February 2014, 07:55

Most people never leave good sealed road conditions on a moto.

blackdog

21st February 2014, 19:44

I face planted outside Countdown pulling a mad stoppie. Never did that on a moto.

Kickaha

21st February 2014, 22:01

Gunna get back into the pushies tho, just bought a Merida one-twenty XT to replace my ageing worn out Diamondback which has done over 40k. Need some better fitness for the sidecars (-:

I'm hoping mine will fit in the van when we do Taupo so I can do a few rides during the week before Manfield

NordieBoy

22nd February 2014, 10:30

Cyclo-curling anyone?
<object width="853" height="480"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/GXk8x_mtDHY?hl=en_US&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/GXk8x_mtDHY?hl=en_US&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="853" height="480" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>

R650R

4th March 2014, 16:11

Survived Karapoti 50km on Saturday with a time of 4hr 23min in weekend warrior class.
After fitting a set of sintered front pads on Friday I'm never going back to organics, nearly out myself in hospital testing them in motel carpark!
Image from start of mens Pro Elite race, 30mins before mine. Anton Cooper smoked around the course in a ripping 2hr 07min!!!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7311/12919971473_e43a19115c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77819625@N08/12919971473/)
20140301_6801F (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77819625@N08/12919971473/) by DR650NZ (http://www.flickr.com/people/77819625@N08/), on Flickr

R650R

4th March 2014, 17:15

My new baby is well and truly run in now! Trying to look dignified for the camera up the aptly named devils staircase.
Takes about 30mins of bike carrying/pushing to get up here, steeper than photo shows to.
Image courtesy of marathon photos

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3806/12920776145_290dcf2e97.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77819625@N08/12920776145/)
rt20x30-KRPA0707f (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77819625@N08/12920776145/) by DR650NZ (http://www.flickr.com/people/77819625@N08/), on Flickr

NordieBoy

4th March 2014, 18:37

Good on ya :D

The Karapoti is on my must-do list sometime after getting the TT over there and riding the Maungatooks with Marks.

Padmei

4th March 2014, 19:41

well done to all participants.
I did it one year & hated it - well not all of it - I loved the devils staircase & rockgarden but the rest was dull (& hard & tiring). Even gave my commemorative mug away as I didn't want to be reminded of the trudge up those last hills:crybaby:

You should come down & do the Coppermine - it's a bloody good track/ event.

That looks like fun

5th March 2014, 09:36

NordieBoy

5th March 2014, 12:20

Distance between coffees excesive? :lol:

Cup holder on the bars can only hold a small cup...

NordieBoy

5th March 2014, 15:10

Just put a set of cheap wire bead Continental X-King 2.4" tyres on the hard tail.
They seem like a nice rubbery compound after the plasticyness of the Hutchy Bulldog and Toro.
The Hutchy's never gave me confidence, even though they look the business, I think they're more suited to loamy/damp terrain where the knobs can sink in. On the hardpack they just scrabble for grip and bruise ribs <_<

They're quite large volume tyres...
I don't think the 2.4" would fit on the back of the Blur, the seat stay cross bar would have about 3mm of clearance...

You can definitely feel and see the difference the larger volume makes, the rear with 25psi deforms a lot less when just sitting on the bike.

Keeping my eye out for a dropper post for the hard tail now...

Padmei

5th March 2014, 19:07

Distance between coffees excesive? :lol:

well that & the 3 pies I ate at the 2nd drinks stop :)

My rear tyre is looking really rooted - lots of skidding tonite round every corner. The tracks are still pretty talcumy.

I love mtbing:love:

Crim

5th March 2014, 19:15

NordieBoy

5th March 2014, 20:19

on this years dusty - passed about 15 oldies MTBing through Black Forest - reckon 65 - 85 years old (there was one old fella about 10ks ahead - fire in his eyes, and he opened a gate for us - I want to be him!)

Dad's 67 or so and biked the Queen Charlotte on the weekend.
Rides a Giant Trance.
Did the Rainbow Rage a few years ago too.

NordieBoy

6th March 2014, 17:44

Been playing with bars and grips...

I've been riding the Stumpy hard tail with 750mm low rise bars and ESI foam grips.
Decided to try narrower bars again.
With narrower bars I have to use ergo grips or my hands play up so I got a pair of Specialized Contour grips, small diameter but still ergo.

1. 680mm flat bars - too much weight on my wrists.
2. 680mm risers - didn't really like the grips.
3. 750mm low rise with foam grips - see what old faithful goes like tomorrow...

It's good to be back out on the bike again, relatively pain free :niceone:

R650R

6th March 2014, 19:53

NordieBoy

6th March 2014, 20:22

Totally unscientific but weighed both bikes today standing on bathroom scales and deducting body weight.
Fuel EX7 and the Slash both came in at 14.9kg, both bikes have dropper posts and standard setup.
Might sound heavy to some but still climbs sweet :)

How much travel have they got?

My 12.5kg Blur XC is only 100mm and climbs really well.
Until I ride it after the Stumpy HT.

The Stumpy descends really well too.
Until I ride it after the Blur.

Gremlin

6th March 2014, 20:53

NordieBoy

6th March 2014, 21:24

Looks quite Trance'ish.

I want an Avanti Circa :Punk:

Padmei

7th March 2014, 06:41

Torpedo7 has a special on Avanti. I'm tempted by a Coppermine 29.2... I know I really shouldn't be tempted, but anyone got any opinions on whether it's a good buy vs competitors?

Avanti Special: http://www.torpedo7.co.nz/division/bike/picklist/5137

loooks like a lot of bike for the money.
It does open up the 29er debate tho. You've done a bit of riding before?

Ahhh as per most deals there is a catch - have you seen what sizes are available?

nzspokes

7th March 2014, 07:31

Torpedo7 has a special on Avanti. I'm tempted by a Coppermine 29.2... I know I really shouldn't be tempted, but anyone got any opinions on whether it's a good buy vs competitors?

Avanti Special: http://www.torpedo7.co.nz/division/bike/picklist/5137

Or you could I could have a look about to see what we have.......

If your looking.

Gremlin

7th March 2014, 08:01

loooks like a lot of bike for the money.
It does open up the 29er debate tho. You've done a bit of riding before?

Ahhh as per most deals there is a catch - have you seen what sizes are available?
Currently got a Kona Cinder Cone (HT), 26er courtesy of mr spokes. Getting back into it, started again last year. Will eventually have a full suspension as my riding gets better, but at these prices, it's tempting to capitalise... then gotta flick off the HT, as I don't want to be one of those guys :laugh: Size not a problem (which is why it's tempting). Kona is a 22", so XL in Coppermine it is... Purchasing 2nd hand is an option, but you never know what you're buying into, buying someone elses problems, and not often XL bikes come up. 26 vs 29... I don't care who runs what, and bikes would be too different to try and compare. That said, long as 29er parts are available long term <_<

Or you could I could have a look about to see what we have.......
If there is something going, let me know, no rush or urgency. Only got my ear to the ground to spot bargains... typical kiwi thing :sunny: Or an opinion on the Avanti would be choice.

MisterD

7th March 2014, 09:41

I've had an Avanti Agressor 29 for a couple of years now, takes a bit of effort to get it up and going but it just flys once you've got a bit of momentum on.

It's a heavy bike (well compared with my old Tange Prestige-frame single-speed) and I reckon adding full suspension would be extra weight for not much benefit - it soakes up trail buzz nicely anyway, and I'd be worried about the strength of the wheels on bigger hits. For me 26 and full, or 29 and HT, YMMV etc.

While I'm on the subject, if anyone has any short-travel (60-75mm) forks, I'd really like to get that SS on the trail again and I've given up trying to find a way to re-pressure its Magura Quakes :weep:

R650R

7th March 2014, 15:52

How much travel have they got?

120 on fuel and 160 on Slash. And I'd say the Slash prob climbs better overall but due to the 2x10 setup you get to the right gear faster.
The Fuel is great bike but bottoming out on the faster trails I like in places where there's still more big hits lined up and rough stuff.

NordieBoy

7th March 2014, 19:36

While I'm on the subject, if anyone has any short-travel (60-75mm) forks, I'd really like to get that SS on the trail again and I've given up trying to find a way to re-pressure its Magura Quakes :weep:

A set of black RST Aerosa's do the job?

MisterD

7th March 2014, 20:26

A set of black RST Aerosa's do the job?

I guess they'd be better than nothing, but only just...

NordieBoy

7th March 2014, 23:03

Only just, would be Manitou Magnum's with sloppy bushes or worn Mag 21's.

NordieBoy

9th March 2014, 22:26

90min to get 2:30 of Gulley...
The vid makes it look relatively smooth and flowing.
It isn't...
<iframe width="853" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/5m4IsV7859w" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Padmei

10th March 2014, 06:46

Nice. I haven't heard of Walnut- where is it?

NordieBoy

10th March 2014, 07:46

It's the one from opp the treatment plant, down beside the road. You can also drop down to it a few metres after the pipeline hairpin.

NordieBoy

10th March 2014, 07:49

Oh bugger! It's actually "Gully", Walnut goes from the end of Gully beside the road to Andrews Field (O.K Corral).
Damn! I'll have to re-edit the vid...

Padmei

10th March 2014, 15:31

Ahhhh I thought it looked like Gully. Yes not smooth & flowing at all but a bloody good lil track. We should really hook up & do a vid of Furball.

NordieBoy

10th March 2014, 20:46

Ahhhh I thought it looked like Gully. Yes not smooth & flowing at all but a bloody good lil track. We should really hook up & do a vid of Furball.

Tween a Rock and a Hard Place is sketchy at 9pm with no lights...

Firball does need filming :Punk:

NordieBoy

16th March 2014, 10:43

Rode to the dam yesterday on the Stumpy to do some tyre pressure testing.
It's wearing tubed, wire bead, 2.4" Continental X-King's (actual 55mm-2.2" width).
On previous rides I found 20f/24r is a bit hard, not shock absorbing at all.

16psi front and 18psi rear on the way out.
Front felt fine for cruising, rear not bad either.
Pumped the rear to 20psi for the trip back and noticed a couple of possible rim strikes over rocks/roots, but only when seated.
21psi in the rear and wouldn't have noticed anything.

Next ride will be 17f/21r...

Gremlin

16th March 2014, 14:22

NordieBoy

16th March 2014, 20:27

The Kona is a 100mm travel XC race bike, the Avanti is a longer travel trail bike.
The warranty on the Avanti is through T7 and NOT Avanti NZ.

I like the Kona myself.

R650R

16th March 2014, 21:17

Decisions decisions... can anyone offer advice?

2014 Kona Hei Hei Hei: http://www.konaworld.com/hei_hei_hei.cfm
or
2013 Avanti Coppermine 29.2: http://www.torpedo7.co.nz/products/7YBMAN3C2/title/avanti-coppermine-29-2

Avanti has Fox 34 front, Kona has internal routing for cables, slight differences in gearing (probably negligible). Avanti has SRAM comparable to Shimano on Kona. Brakes are Shimano on the Kona, which I like the idea of, after some issues with Elixir 1 on my current HT. That said, the Elixir 3 has the same pads as 1, so I have spares already...

Anyone see anything I can't? Kona is $200 cheaper.

T7 do some great deals on parts but I'd rather buy a bike from real shop. There can be lots of fine tuning needed sometimes and a good shop will do it for free on new bike plus the first service.
The Avanti would be better durability wise than the Kona, look how small the bearings are in suspension pivots...

This is not a bad deal if you really want 29r and 120 ish travel http://www.evolutioncycles.co.nz/2014-trek-fuel-ex-7-29er.html but is a grand more at moment...
Some shops will still have last years fuels at prices in your current range, ask about...

R650R

16th March 2014, 21:19

Gremlin

16th March 2014, 21:24

The Kona is a 100mm travel XC race bike, the Avanti is a longer travel trail bike.
The warranty on the Avanti is through T7 and NOT Avanti NZ.

I like the Kona myself.
True, should have mentioned. Kona is all standard NZ (lifetime frame, 1 year rest, to original purchaser), warranty on Avanti is 5 years to T7 and original purchaser (as opposed to usual Avanti lifetime warranty to original purchaser). 5 Years seems reasonable me thinks.

Any harm having more travel? My use would probably help, no competition, just parks like Woodhill, Redwoods etc.

nzspokes

16th March 2014, 21:43

True, should have mentioned. Kona is all standard NZ (lifetime frame, 1 year rest, to original purchaser), warranty on Avanti is 5 years to T7 and original purchaser (as opposed to usual Avanti lifetime warranty to original purchaser). 5 Years seems reasonable me thinks.

Any harm having more travel? My use would probably help, no competition, just parks like Woodhill, Redwoods etc.

With a 29er you need less travel as the wagon wheels smothern the ride. Take a look at a Process 111. Or a Lapierre Zesty. But if you want travel a Merida One Forty.

marks

17th March 2014, 07:01

90min to get 2:30 of Gulley...
The vid makes it look relatively smooth and flowing.
It isn't...

great vid Fran

it does look like a stunning trail - I think I'm going to have to get some front forks so I can ride some more of that sort of stuff

NordieBoy

20th March 2014, 08:56

Forks are good.

Made some new rim tape yesterday. Used duct tape cut to the outside width of the rim. Worked perfectly.
Put the Hutchy Python 2" tyres on with some soapy water and they aired up with the floor pump. Rode them up town to get some sealant and the rear lost half its air, but they're only tubeless READY tyres and rims.
Bunged some Caffelatex in them as it was half price. Used Joe's sealant last time and couldn't get the Wild Race'R's to seal.
Did my normal 16km loop and I remember what I liked about tubeless.
Lighter, more alive feel, especially from the front. Powering over crests, out of corners, after bumpy rocks/roots is much easier.
21f/24r felt similar to 17f/21r with the 2.3" X-Kings.

Padmei

20th March 2014, 19:09

NordieBoy

20th March 2014, 20:44

Did the gully track last nite- a few blackberry branches hanging low - ouch. Why don't plantlife just leave the mtb tracks & grow somewhere else.
Got a flatty halfway along the boulder bank this week- of course I didn't have my pack with me so walked it back - gotta get some stans in - I say that everytime I get one then forget.

I'm looking at getting an 18v Firestorm hedge trimmer and shortening the blades for MTB track trimming...
My front was flat this evening. No Cafelatex oozing out anywhere though. Pumped it up to 40psi, spun the wheel and going to leave it overnight.

Bike Barn has 50% off MTB parts/stuff at the moment. That's why I got a big bottle of sealant :whistle:

Gremlin

20th March 2014, 21:04

Bike Barn has 50% off MTB parts/stuff at the moment. That's why I got a big bottle of sealant :whistle:
Bike Barn even had 62+% off a mountain bike... I bought one :facepalm:

Then of course I added some more stuff... coz it was on special :D

NordieBoy

21st March 2014, 06:36

Bike Barn has a lot to answer for. I've seen hobo's and tramp's riding around on 120mm travel all mountain bikes.

Actually, although they were selling Merida bikes hand over fist, I don't think I've seen any out on the trails.
Wouldn't mind a Merida 29er hard tail race bike at all.

Measuring up the Blur and Stumpy, and the Stumpy has a 2cm shorter wheelbase, slightly longer reach, and half a degree steeper seat post and steering. Not much difference between them now I've got the bars at the same height.

NordieBoy

21st March 2014, 10:07

NordieBoy

22nd March 2014, 13:55

Extreme Cyclocross with Chris Akrigg...
<iframe src="//player.vimeo.com/video/89689947" width="800" height="450" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>

NordieBoy

22nd March 2014, 14:07

Have to post Five again...
<iframe src="//player.vimeo.com/video/65855392" width="800" height="450" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>

NordieBoy

23rd March 2014, 20:05

Just went up Sharlands and came down Waterloo, What the DOCtor Ordered and Willow Lane.
That's quite fun. Apart from getting up to the start...

Put the Hutchy Python's on with tubes and they were quite compliant even at 24f/28r.
Other tyres I've been running would have needed 20f/24r to feel anything close.

R650R

25th March 2014, 06:11

Pulled the front tyre off and it looks like the rim tape has moved :(
Pulled the tape off and it's left shitloads of residue all over the rim :no:

I think I'll just put my heavy spare wheels on the Blur, the Blur wheels on the Stumpy and put the Roval's up for sale.
I'm never going to do justice to a 1,350g wheel set and the terrain I ride isn't really suited to a lightweight XC race wheelset.

I'd like to be able to take the hard tail around Coppermine, but even the fully with the Rovals, tubes and good tyres gave me the shits thinking about the damage I could be doing to the wheels all the time :baby:

Had that the other day too, twice actually. Replaced the original tape in new bikes front wheel that had been crimped from start and pulled sideways.
Used the cloth tape from bike shop, failed two rides later, found out from mate same tape did it on his bike too so trying his method now of several wraps of electrical tape...
Not impressed repairing four punctures on one tube!
This is on in HB soon, hope people get to bottom safely, we went there on HB adventure ride recently and it will be pretty fast on MTB!

http://www.sportsground.co.nz/hnjrc/108435/1 Bike n Hike Kahuranaki

BMWST?

25th March 2014, 17:25

Ah rim tape,i had 7 front whhel puncture once on a rainbow rage,all between the start and idland saddle,till we borrowed some electrical tape and rewrapped the front wheel with it.i got one fhurther rear wheel puncture and me mate ripped the stem out of the front tube braking hard for the last corner before the finish
Line after we started racing hard for the finish

NordieBoy

29th March 2014, 18:10

Was headed around the Coppermine loop on the Stumpy hard tail this afternoon, but just before Cummins Spur, I realised the noises I assumed were my chain (0.75% stretched so I replaced it this morning), were the freehub pawls disintegrating...
Useless A2Z rear hubs...

Nice freewheel back though :laugh:

NordieBoy

29th March 2014, 18:57

A nice clean look there...
<object width="853" height="480"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/AsbjxE_YUZE?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/AsbjxE_YUZE?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="853" height="480" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>

R650R

31st March 2014, 16:08

Well the electrical tape experiment failed also in one ride. After getting home checked front and it was about to fail there also.
Think the problem is the centre channel is so deep its hard to get the tape down evenly so there's no air bubbles in the corners that the tube will push about on.
Took some sand paper to the rather sharp spoke hole edges then used some cloth duct tape cut to 24mm and left it to sit and set over night then put a wrap of insulation round the centre of that.
Seems to have survived four fairly hard laps and three crashes at NZO Moonride in 12hr section. Our team of five "Dirt Darts" finished 8 out of 18 so that was alright.
Sitting in the cold then doing a 30min blast was a recipe for leg cramp and an undignified dismount on the night section when I came back into pits to swap LOL
image of random competitor in between my rides.

<iframe src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/77819625@N08/13528833513/player/" width="640" height="427" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe>

NordieBoy

31st March 2014, 21:00

Ben Bostrom and his mate got 21st at the Cape Epic.
8 days, 718km and 14,850m of climbing...

:Punk:

Kickaha

1st April 2014, 11:48

Some new bits for me bike
295527
I ended up with a set of Shimano G01A resin disc brake pads Y8J79803A as well, if anyone wants them let me know

NordieBoy

1st April 2014, 18:32

Well the electrical tape experiment failed also in one ride. After getting home checked front and it was about to fail there also.
Think the problem is the centre channel is so deep its hard to get the tape down evenly so there's no air bubbles in the corners that the tube will push about on.
Took some sand paper to the rather sharp spoke hole edges then used some cloth duct tape cut to 24mm and left it to sit and set over night then put a wrap of insulation round the centre of that.
Seems to have survived four fairly hard laps and three crashes at NZO Moonride in 12hr section. Our team of five "Dirt Darts" finished 8 out of 18 so that was alright.
Sitting in the cold then doing a 30min blast was a recipe for leg cramp and an undignified dismount on the night section when I came back into pits to swap LOL
image of random competitor in between my rides.

Don't diss the electrical tape!
Must have been user error.

How can a member of the "Dirt Darts" have an undignified dismount?
Stopped and then hopped off the bike?

NordieBoy

1st April 2014, 18:39

Just browsing the interwebs...
<iframe width="853" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/K9XCKP9KN7A" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="853" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/AKinsOnuR6Y" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Padmei

2nd April 2014, 06:35

That second one was a blast. Those guys must live & breathe bikes.

Kickaha

13th April 2014, 20:32

Just fitted my new crankset, cassette, brakes, chain, jockey wheels and other little bits, just need to work out where I stashed my lights from last year and I'm back into it

Dave h

16th April 2014, 16:14

I'm as fast as this guy :rolleyes:

http://www.mtb-downhill.net/gopro-loic-bruni-final-run-pietermaritzburg/

Loic Bruni's 4th place race run at last weekends UCI Downhill World Cup in South Africa.

He rides for the same team as kiwi Sam Blenkinsop who got 6th.

Pretty cool vid I thought the speed these elite riders go is just mind bending :eek:

Kickaha

16th April 2014, 19:05

I'm as fast as this guy :rolleyes:
I could manage that with my brakes full on and dragging both feet

Padmei

16th April 2014, 19:59

Pah he didn't even hit any trees:oi-grr:

The name of the game is to hit as many trees as you can & still get across the finish line - they even padded a few for him.

Pussy

R650R

19th April 2014, 07:24

NordieBoy

20th April 2014, 21:15

Christened the new shed by building a bike from bits...

Avanti frame, Shimano 105 cranks, SRAM X0 9 speed shifter, Funn brake levers, cyclocross wheels, Fizik seat, Mallet pedals...

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/20/6u9ega9y.jpg

The weight bias is a little too much to the rear. A little wheelie off a speed bump/pedestrian crossing nearly had me finding the balance point. Good thing my pants are dark...

NordieBoy

16th May 2014, 09:05

Finally got around to replacing the knackered rear A2Z hub last night.

Dead one is an XC one, the new one should be a little more robust as it's a DH hub.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/16/yqe6y9u7.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/16/dusy7yda.jpg

A bit beefier than the old one.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/16/e6u8u3uz.jpg

A new XT hub weighs 450g, the a2z DH is 500g, the a2z XC hub is 200g.

15 poe on the XC hub, 16 on the XT, 32 on the DH.

Should be total overkill...

NordieBoy

16th May 2014, 19:40

Done!

Only a mill or so of vertical runout. I can live with that...

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/16/ha9era7u.jpg

Kickaha

18th May 2014, 17:51

Did 19km out at McLeans island today, part way through the first loop a guy on a road bike with skinny little road tyres comes blasting past us doing a good 5-8 kmh faster than we were
:crazy:

NordieBoy

18th May 2014, 20:32

Did 19km out at McLeans island today, part way through the first loop a guy on a road bike with skinny little road tyres comes blasting past us doing a good 5-8 kmh faster than we were
:crazy:

:D Cyclocross season is almost upon us!

Logmaker

20th May 2014, 14:38

:D Cyclocross season is almost upon us!

Hi Nordie ,Woodman , Padmei , Crazyfrog , & anybody else that would like to have a constructive input : Legs are buggered so am thinking of getting a scooter such as a Sym CityCom 300i , MP3 , Sym Voyager , Kawasaki J300 , these all have diffirent size wheels , CityCom having the largest @ 16inch . I still wish to be able to ride gravel back roads etc . Any experiences , advice , thoughts welcome . Thanks.

NordieBoy

20th May 2014, 15:59

Not sure, one of my clients built an electric full suspension bike.
Doesn't slow down going up Princes Drive. Will clock over 60kph on the flat.

He's now got a slightly more mild one that's actually legal :shifty:

Dave h

20th May 2014, 17:13

http://www.pinkbike.com/news/video-whistler-bike-park-2014-opening-weekend-2014.html

Opening weekend at Whistler bike park..

Check out the wee grom at 4.15 pinning it down a-line very cool !

CrazyFrog

20th May 2014, 17:51

Hi Nordie ,Woodman , Padmei , Crazyfrog , & anybody else that would like to have a constructive input : Legs are buggered so am thinking of getting a scooter such as a Sym CityCom 300i , MP3 , Sym Voyager , Kawasaki J300 , these all have diffirent size wheels , CityCom having the largest @ 16inch . I still wish to be able to ride gravel back roads etc . Any experiences , advice , thoughts welcome . Thanks.

Not really the right thread for scooter advice (unless you want to push it) .... Adventure pushies? But anyway, here's my 10cents worth.

If you are really serious about considering changing to a scoot rather than sticking with your TTR, then you need to ride a couple and understand their limitations.
Yes, they can be ridden on gravel, and yes, larger wheels do help, but either way, you'll still need to adjust your riding style or it'll (ie. YOU) will end in a ditch. Adjust yer speed to the conditions really.
More CC is always good because the 125's etc are a bit gutless, but most will still do the speed limit on the highway. Lets face it, scooters are designed for the road, not gravel or adv trails.
I've taken my Gilera Runner 180 all sorts of places, including the Rainbow to Hanmer road, but those sorts of rides are a bit hard on a sport scooter. Things rattle themselves to bits, the flash plastics will shatter if you drop it and the suspension is just not up to all the bumps. And your back will take a hammering because of the riding position.

Some of those scoots you mentioned are getting up in the price range a bit, are you sure you want to drop that sort of coin on a scooter and not spend the same amount on a comfy ol' BMW F650 or sommat? They'll eat up the miles in relative comfort, but it'll most likely bore you senseless. In which case, what the hell, get the scooter, at least it'll entertain others you ride with.

If it were me, I'd get this http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/scooters/auction-730898637.htm They go like the clappers :eek:

Padmei

20th May 2014, 20:12

i'm pretty anti scooters as I think they are too dangerous with the small wheels tho they seem pretty popular around town. I actually would recommend an electric bike over one. I had a ride on one the other day - like having a magical pushing hand behind you as you ride.

In what way are your legs buggered? Can you not raise them above the seat height of a normal bike so need the lower scooter gap?

There is a character over in the Aussie forum on Adv rider that takes his Burgman scooter up to Cape York & of course the Paris Dakar vespa team so i guess they'll go anywhere.

Woodman

20th May 2014, 20:23

No experience with scooters at all Murray.

Try it, what could possibly go wrong?

CrazyFrog

20th May 2014, 21:03

I'm pretty anti scooters as I think they are too dangerous with the small wheels.............blah blah.

Did your mum tell you they were dangerous? Me thinks we need to have a scooter vs rat bike race up the Whangamoas :msn-wink: I'll give you a 800cc advantage.

Padmei

20th May 2014, 21:29

Did your mum tell you they were dangerous? Me thinks we need to have a scooter vs rat bike race up the Whangamoas :msn-wink: I'll give a 800cc advantage.

Actually it was my dad. When it came to bikes I shut up & listened. Don't get me wrong I rode on Pierres lil scooter & felt the speed but I think big people & small wheels are dangerous.

CrazyFrog

20th May 2014, 21:42

Yeah, I think adults on skateboards is just wrong. Except for Tony Hawk. Oh yeah, and those kids Razor scooters are bad news, they've got small wheels too. Ban 'em all.

Anyways, we should keep this pushie thread on track, enough scooter trash talk.

Kickaha

20th May 2014, 21:57

First night ride of the season tonight, 18km down the river tracks near here,9km in and my light was getting a bit dim so I turned back, swapped the batteries for the spare set and the light was fading fast by the time I made it back to the car, lucky Goober was following me with good light

It did motivate me to actually search out the charger for them though

Box'a'bits

21st May 2014, 17:54

i'm pretty anti scooters as I think they are too dangerous with the small wheels tho they seem pretty popular around town.
Just putting my 2 cents worth in defence of the not so humble scooter, & some unreasonable / unsupported prejudice.

I / Mandy also had / have a Gilera 180 Runner, & now a Gilera ST200 Runner.

The 180 went to the Cold Kiwi a few times, & was as stable as going up the rough gravel track leading into the site. It also went to manfield a couple of times, & whilst it didn't have the speed on the straights (145kms I recall), it embarrased a few riders round the corners. They are lightweight & easy to flick around, and huge fun in the right environment. Those bike are both twin disced, liquid cooled etc. The st200 gets phenominal mpg. They carry an amazing amount. Mandy can just about stash a fortnights worth of groceries in and around the ST200.

I originally got Mandy on a (Yamaha Passola) 50cc scooter because I considered these safer than a pushbike. At least they have better brakes, indicators, brake lights, headlight etc. And more particularly car drivers see & respect them (well as much as any motorcycle) which cannot always be said for cyclists.

Bigger wheels are more prevalent now. Vespa however is stuck a little in its own design box with 10" wheels

They are also one way of getting in future riders

Try one. They might surprise you. Just don't get a Honda Nifty 50 from the 80's

Rant over :eek:

Woodman

21st May 2014, 20:34

Murray says thanks for the replys guys:niceone::niceone::niceone: Food for thought.

Something went pearshaped with his computer/KB/technical stuff/ we dunno.

NordieBoy

22nd May 2014, 08:35

Just don't get a Honda Nifty 50 from the 80's

Capable little beasts though...
<IMG height=640 SRC=http://sports.nelson.geek.nz/motorsport/dirt/2004-10-10-NorthVSouthClassicMX/slides/20041010-114751.jpg>

Box'a'bits

22nd May 2014, 21:08

Capable little beasts though...

Nah the Suzuki FA50s (https://www.google.co.nz/search?q=suzuki+FA50+image&client=firefox-a&hs=yNl&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&channel=fflb&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=mr59U9COEILc8AW1qoD4BQ&ved=0CD4Q7Ak&biw=1280&bih=871#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=IB2fsIVvqYWSRM%3A%3BNvXG64PAcgMA3M%3Bhttps%3 A%2F%2Fwww.tradebit.com%2Fusr%2Fcathy19890614%2Fpu b%2F9002%2F175834802_q2.jpg%3Bhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.tra debit.com%2Ffiledetail.php%2F175834802-suzuki-fa50-workshop-repair-manual-download%3B500%3B375) & their clones were king of the heap for grasstracking. Cheap, relatively easy to get more power, bigger spoked wheels, good handling (in a relative kinda way) & much more roomy once the leg sheilds were ditched etc. Cool factor was enhanced if you left the front basket in place

NordieBoy

23rd May 2014, 07:24

Yammy QT50 was the biz. Proper seat and footpegs helped at the bmx track...

CrazyFrog

23rd May 2014, 11:59

Vespa all the way fellas. Y'know, horses for courses 'n all that.

http://www.pharaonsrally.com/media/galleries/2011/10/48f3d41d0e5a674a6a3f6632a0b9fda2156c9a95.jpg

CrazyFrog

23rd May 2014, 12:01

And another :laugh:

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AX34onobA6Y/T7FikhEp4KI/AAAAAAAACe0/Dep7n4olYUQ/s1600/2012-05-13+quads+Vilafant+313.JPG

R650R

23rd May 2014, 21:00

Those are all just shopping trolleys, here's a real scooter. Been restoring 1957 Puch MS50L. And it has pedals too ;p Have sourced and fitted some second had shrouds so head has fan cooling now.

http://www.mopedarmy.com/forums/file.php/6/117232/20140407_7190F.jpg

NordieBoy

25th May 2014, 17:56

Those are all just shopping trolleys, here's a real scooter. Been restoring since 1957 a Puch MS50L. And it has pedals too ;p Have sourced and fitted some second had shrouds so head has fan cooling now.

Not bad.

Woodman

25th May 2014, 18:12

R650R

25th May 2014, 19:01

where?..................

The shrouds or the pic...damn finicky mods whats the max image size again???

google the model name you will see. Shrouds deflect air off crude fan on generator through a cover that goes over head, seems surprisingly effective.

NordieBoy

25th May 2014, 20:01

640x480......

NordieBoy

2nd June 2014, 20:15

Rode to the Appleby Bridge and back this evening.
7 river crossings, from 20cm to 1m deep. After getting home and having a shower, my toes were still sore from the cold...

Riding riverbeds would be more fun on a fully though...

Padmei

3rd June 2014, 07:27

Went for a couple of rides this weekend. Mmmmmmm frozen puddles & slippery roots.
Took the girls up to the maitai caves. I googled it before hand & funnily enough one of the images was a brightly looking hardtail sitting in the river.

Kickaha

3rd June 2014, 17:42

Just dragged out the thermals, off for a night ride at 7pm and it's looking rather cold :eek5:

NordieBoy

3rd June 2014, 19:31

I got back at 6pm last night from my ride. I have got to remember to take lights :doh:

Dave h

18th June 2014, 16:52

http://www.pinkbike.com/news/wont-back-down-steve-peat-story-online-premiere-2014.html

A doco on Steve Peat, free untill maybe this evening nz time.

Worth watching if you get the chance, he's just turned 40 and is still racing at the sharp end of the UCI Downhill World Cup.

NordieBoy

18th June 2014, 18:03

Downloading the 2gb version for later perusing...

NordieBoy

18th June 2014, 21:14

Has been perused.

Good stuff, except the zooming in and out in the b/w talking heads bits.

NordieBoy

20th June 2014, 22:06

Just stick a dial gauge on the truing stand and had a play.
2min to get the wheel I built the other week to within .15mm lateral runout.
Cool.
I prefer it to using the crappy indicators on the stand.
Now to find a roller tip for it.

NordieBoy

21st June 2014, 20:00

Theoretically, if one were to consider converting a hard tail MTB to single speed, would a fixed or sprung tensioner be moar betterer?

Padmei

22nd June 2014, 08:36

I would suggest that other factors may be more important such as; the terrain one was to be riding, the age of ones knees & the continuing usage one expects to get out of ones knees:D

Saw a mate yesterday who had changed to a 1x10 setup. He used a extra wide chain, 30 front & had a bloody big rear cog. Interestingly he had a clutch type arrangement on the rear deralleiar that tensioned it. I think it was to stop the chain slap & dropping off.