{"id":16470,"date":"2022-09-29T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-09-28T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/mbuk\/?post_type=purple_issue&p=16470"},"modified":"2022-09-30T10:14:35","modified_gmt":"2022-09-30T08:14:35","slug":"longterm-rides-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/mbuk\/2022\/09\/29\/longterm-rides-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Longterm rides"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Team bikes ridden hard for a year <\/p>\n\n

JCW\u2019S<\/span> ORBEA RISE H10 <\/strong><\/strong>
\u00a36,623 (with point-of-sale upgrades) <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

Time for some more tenacious tyres and a bit more bar height <\/strong><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n
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\n

My Month<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
HIGHS <\/h5>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a relief finally knowing exactly how much juice I have left
I\u2019m looking forward to hitting some tech descents with my new bar and tyre set-up <\/p>\n\n\n\n

LOWS <\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Linking bike and Garmin isn\u2019t an intuitive process
It\u2019d be good to see an 800mm bar on an XL bike <\/p>\n\n\n\n

UPGRADES <\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Garmin Edge 530 GPS, \u00a3259.99 www.garmin.com<\/a> <\/em>
Nukeproof Horizon V2 Carbon bar, \u00a3109.99 <\/span>https:\/\/ nukeproof.com<\/a> <\/em>
Maxxis Assegai 3C MaxxGrip EXO+ 29×2.5in WT tyre, \u00a374.99 <\/span>www.extrauk.co.uk<\/a> <\/em>
Rockstop Rim Protector tyre insert, \u00a365 <\/span>www.extrauk.co.uk<\/a> <\/em>
Topeak Tubi Pod X tyre-plug kit, \u00a344.99 <\/span>www.extrauk.co.uk<\/a> <\/em>
Tubolito Tubo MTB inner tube, \u00a327.99 <\/span>www.extrauk.co.uk<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n

I mentioned last time that I wanted to link up a Garmin GPS unit to the Rise H so I could view more ride and battery data. Well, it took a while (top tip \u2013 make sure to follow Orbea\u2019s video guide rather than just attempting to download the Orbea RS toolbox in Garmin\u2019s Connect IQ app) but I\u2019ve now got it up and running. I feel much happier having more detailed battery info (also attainable by fiitting a Shimano E8000 head unit), and I\u2019ve been having fun playing with the Edge 530\u2019s other functions, too. <\/p>\n\n

Before fitting the Garmin, I swapped the stock Race Face Next R bar for a Nukeproof Horizon Carbon V2 with a higher rise (38mm vs 20mm). I\u2019d been meaning to do this for a while, as on descents I felt like my weight was too low over the front. The original bar was also narrower than I like, at 780mm, giving a slightly cramped feel on flatter sections. Hopefully this will fix that. <\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

On the subject of spec changes, with summer drawing to a close it\u2019s time to switch out the Orbea\u2019s low-profile tyres \u2013 which are more suited to the brand\u2019s sunny Basque homeland than the often dank UK \u2013 for something a bit toothier. Extra UK have sent me a Maxxis Assegai for the front \u2013 with tacky 3C MaxxGrip rubber, so it\u2019ll be interesting to see how that affects rolling resistance. That allows me to move the stock Maxxis Dissector to the back, where it should be more capable in damp conditions than the Rekon. <\/p>\n\n

I\u2019m worried its EXO Protection casing may not be man enough for the job, though, so I\u2019ll be fitting a Rockstop Rim Protector as a precaution (and because I\u2019m interested to try out this UK-made product). Just in case the insert still isn\u2019t enough to safeguard the thin sidewalls, I\u2019ve got a neat, frame-mounted Topeak Tubi Pod X tyre-plug kit and a tiny Tubolito inner tube as back-up. The chunkier-treaded tyre and Rockstop insert will add weight, but still leave the Rise H a lot lighter than any other e-MTB I\u2019ve tried. <\/p>\n\n

For now, though, I\u2019m putting off that workshop time and making the most of the still-dry trails, where the Rise H really excels. It\u2019s got plenty of pop, even with all the extra gubbins I\u2019ve fitted! www.orbea.com<\/a> <\/em><\/p>\n\n

\n\n

JULIA\u2019S<\/span> JULIANA JOPLIN CARBON C S<\/strong><\/strong>
\u00a35,599 <\/h4>\n\n

Our newly-promoted deputy art editor has been pushing her bike harder than ever \u2013 has she found its limits? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n
<\/div>
\n

My Month<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
HIGHS <\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Triscombe is up and running again!
I had an amazing day at BPW\u2019s women\u2019s social ride
The Juliana and I seem to have got our mojo back <\/p>\n\n\n\n

LOWS <\/h5>\n\n\n\n

A crash followed by a puncture
uplift days can be demanding on both bike and body
I had to wash the Joplin for the first time in a while\u2026 can\u2019t the trails stay dry forever? <\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n

Back in issue 406, I mentioned that the Juliana had had an easy life and it was time to step it up. Seven issues later, I feel like I\u2019ve been true to my word. I\u2019m committing to the bumpiest trails with complete trust in the Joplin. It\u2019s not always the smartest approach, but I\u2019m slowly rewiring my brain to see cheat lines as \u2018race lines\u2019 instead! <\/p>\n\n

This month, after hearing rumours that some of the trails at Triscombe, in the Quantock Hills, were back up and running, I headed over, eager to hammer my Juliana down some more tech. I began with sessioning the top section, where the bike felt totally at ease\u2026 until I dragged it to the infamous \u2018other side of the hill\u2019 (there\u2019s always one of those, isn\u2019t there?). <\/p>\n\n

That\u2019s when things got steeper and gnarlier, and the Joplin\u2019s 120mm rear end started to give harsh feedback and feel limiting. At the end of the last run, I noticed that my Maxxis Minion DHR II rear tyre was looking pretty worn. It\u2019s held together for over 18 months, but the coming winter demands more grip, so it needs replacing. <\/p>\n\n

My next adventure was the women\u2019s social ride at BikePark Wales. After the success of the Gowaan Festival, I\u2019ve been keeping my eyes peeled for more ladies\u2019 group rides. They usually have a friendly and encouraging atmosphere, and this one didn\u2019t disappoint! We started off in the uplift van at 9.30am and I didn\u2019t get back home until late in the evening. Completely worth it! I joined the event on my own, vaguely recognising a few faces, and it was amazing how quickly I connected with other riders, and how many of them had also come along solo. <\/p>\n\n

Starting off on a blue trail, the Juliana was flowing well. But as the obstacles got bigger, the feeling that I\u2019ve outgrown my bike became harder to ignore. Don\u2019t get me wrong, it\u2019ll pin it down everything I dare hit, but over techier trail features I\u2019m seeing the limits of its relatively short travel. The poor thing also got a bit of a beating that day when I hit the deck hard, snapping the bolt on my dropper lever. A ziptie came to the rescue, but then I got a puncture on, you guessed it, Rim Dinger. I should pay attention to the trails\u2019 names! Big thanks to the folks who helped get me running again, particularly BPW\u2019s mechanic. www.jungleproducts.co.uk<\/a> <\/em><\/p>\n\n

\n\n

TOM\u2019S<\/span> REVEL RANGER <\/strong><\/strong>
\u00a33,699 (frame only) <\/h4>\n\n

A bunch of workshop tinkering for senior tech editor Tom this month <\/strong><\/p>\n\n

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<\/div>
\n

My Month<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
HIGHS <\/h5>\n\n\n\n

The weather has remained pretty consistent, so I\u2019ve still not had to wash this, or any other bike, for months! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

LOWS <\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Forgetting to double check the shock-mounting bolts before ordering a pair of bushings was a bit silly! <\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n

After riding a Bird Aether 9 in the Alps, jumping back onto the steeper, shorter Ranger took a bit of getting used to. In its XC configuration the bike feels rapid, but I wanted to give it a more aggressive shape for some trail-riding exploits. <\/p>\n\n

The head tube holds a IS42\/IS52 integrated headset, so it\u2019s tricky to find a compatible angle-adjust headset. Instead, I got onto www.offsetbushings. <\/em>com <\/em>and asked them to send me a pair. Their hardware effectively shortens the eye-to-eye length of the shock (see p108). I calculated that running two offset bushings would slacken the Range\u2019s head angle by up to 1.5 degrees, while also dropping the BB by 15mm. At \u00a327.99, this is a pretty goodvalue way to adjust or modernise your bike\u2019s feel. However, I placed the order without looking too hard at my bike. It turns out that the Revel\u2019s rear shockmount bolt has an integrated sleeve, so I\u2019ll only be able to fit the front bushing and will get about half the hoped-for change. At the time of writing, I haven\u2019t managed to remove the old shock hardware; I\u2019ll report back next month. <\/p>\n\n

While I\u2019ve been playing about with bushings and things, I haven\u2019t had a ton of time to ride the bike. However, I\u2019ll soon be starting on our annual disc brakes test for MBUK <\/em>415. With this being split between enduro\/DH brakes and XC\/light-trail ones, the Ranger is going to carry the lighter cohort of stoppers, so there are plenty of miles on the way! https:\/\/cyclorise.com<\/a> <\/em><\/p>\n\n

\n\n

JIMMER\u2019S<\/span> SANTA CRUZ TALLBOY C S<\/strong><\/strong>
\u00a35,599 <\/h4>\n\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

I\u2019ve been really enjoying hitting jumps recently. In a bid to erase years of ingrained bad habits, I\u2019m trying to imbed Will S\u2019s sage-like advice of staying tall on the bike and relaxing my body. I\u2019ve got a bad habit of pulling the frame up towards me, leaving no room to move around it or correct my position. Luckily, the Tallboy\u2019s proven the perfect machine to progress on, because I feel so intune with it, and it\u2019s paying dividends. Hitting smaller jumps mid-trail has become second nature (almost) and is now a lot more fun. It does help that the suspension works so well, with the acceleration gained on landing after a jump giving me the confidence to keep up the momentum into tech sections rather than pull on the anchors. www.santacruzbicycles.com<\/a> <\/em><\/p>\n\n

\n\n

LUKE\u2019S<\/span> EVIL INSURGENT <\/strong><\/strong>
\u00a33,799 (frame only) <\/h4>\n\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

Unfortunately, I never got around to that big summer trip I\u2019d hoped for, and now that the rain has started to settle back in, it looks like I\u2019ve missed out this year. I also haven\u2019t managed to ride the Evil as much as I\u2019d have liked this month, because of the other bikes I\u2019ve been testing for this issue\u2019s 2023 All-Stars test. Still, that means the Insurgent will run brilliantly when I do get back on it! Now that there\u2019s a bit of mud around (at least when I write this). I\u2019m keen to see how the intricate linkage holds up through an autumn and winter of dirt, grime and bike-washing. I\u2019ll keep you posted as to whether or not those fine details become a cause for concern. www.evil-bikes.com<\/a> <\/em><\/p>\n\n

\n\n

ROB\u2019S<\/span> TREK SLASH<\/strong><\/strong>
\u00a34,500 (frame only) <\/h4>\n\n

This old dog is keen on learning some new tricks <\/strong><\/p>\n\n

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<\/div>
\n

My Month<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
HIGHS <\/h5>\n\n\n\n

The RockShox Flight Attendant system is working really well and helps make the Trek feel like an efficient trail bike when pointed uphill
I\u2019ve been loving spending some time working on my riding technique with Luke\u2019s help <\/p>\n\n\n\n

LOWS <\/h5>\n\n\n\n

My riding still has a long way to go so more time practising is certainly the order of the day\/month <\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n

I\u2019ve had a few great rides on the Slash recently and have been loving how efficient and sprightly the RockShox Flight Attendant system makes the bike feel. It\u2019s punchy and responsive on mellow singletrack or uphill, but point it down and it transforms back into a big-hitting beast. So, I\u2019ve been using it more like a trail bike rather than just reserving it for big days on really tough terrain. <\/p>\n\n

I know, I\u2019ve said this before, but I\u2019m always pleasantly surprised by how quick and familiar the Trek feels every time I jump on it. And that\u2019s been a real plus on my recent rides. <\/p>\n\n

Earlier this month, Luke and I took some time out from our regular test ride and he gave me some coaching advice, which I really appreciated. I\u2019m always keen to improve but haven\u2019t had any proper coaching before \u2013 something I\u2019m keen on changing when I get a chance. Luke may not be a professional mountain bike trainer, but he is a highly qualified ski instructor with nearly a decade of experience under his belt, along with being an accomplished former World Cup downhill racer, so it\u2019s fair to say the man knows his stuff. He filmed me running through a couple of turns and picked up on some bad habits that I needed to rectify. <\/p>\n\n

After a quick chat it was back up the hill to try the same corners again. Because I spend most of my ride time thinking about the bikes and products I\u2019m testing, I tend to neglect analysing my technique. Having the chance to spend some time learning on the bike and fix some quirks has left me buzzing with enthusiasm. <\/p>\n\n

I took the Slash with me to Innerleithen in Scotland for the first of our Ride Together ride-outs with Nukeproof and CALM, where I was able to put Luke\u2019s advice into practice as we made our way down some incredible trails. Not having to think about bike set-up or anything makes this sort of stuff a whole lot easier. I\u2019ve still got loads to learn, but I\u2019m excited to get out there on the Slash and keep improving my technique. www.trekbikes.com<\/a> <\/em><\/p>\n\n

\n\n

MAX\u2019S<\/span> WHYTE T-160 RS V2 <\/strong><\/strong>
\u00a34,199 <\/h4>\n\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

The T-160 really shines going downhill, but you do have to get it back to the top, which, on my recent Lake District trip, meant a bit of off-bike work. And I\u2019m talking about carrying, not just pushing the thing. A heavier bike can leave your arms very tired, which isn\u2019t ideal for the descent, so I packed my PeakRider gadget. This telescopic rod slips into your pack. When needed, it extends and hooks into a pocket strapped to your bike\u2019s frame. This enabled me to carry the Whyte hands-free and with its weight taken by my legs, making hike-a-bike easier and safer, and leaving my arms fresh for the ride back down. It\u2019s a game-changer and the perfect addition for mountainous regions. https:\/\/whytebikes.com<\/a> <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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