And so it begins...

Welcome to 2012... well kind of, it always feels like the start of the year when the clocks change and the bikes are refurbed and everyone joins in for the regular weeknight rides!

So in the last few months has anything changed?



Well I've a new bike (the Five - more on that later), Jon's a new bike and rebuilt and old one - plus he's got a van, and Kev, well Kev is crazy, about to spend mega-dollar on a carbon Specialized S-works Enduro! Very fly!

How about the trails? Well not really! But hey, it felt good to be out, doing some exercise, getting some chat and enjoying the bikes. Charity Lane was dry and loose, lots of marbly rocks. Bottom of the Oven was faster today, the singletrack was like lightning...



And how about the Orange? Well, it climbed well, comfortable and felt stable on the descent, quick, but the suspension needs tuning in, it all felt a little chattery today - but as the forks bed back in after a winter of no use and the new RP23 finds it feet, and I work out my settings, it's going to be a mega quick bike. Definitely going to get a lot of use this summer!

29/3/12 - Weeknight Ride 1

Five finished at last...

Brakes bled, gear cables fitted and tweaked, test ride successful! I can't wait to try her out in anger!

Only thing missing is the Fearingout stickers!

Springing and sprucing...

I'm slowly getting the bikes ready for 2012. I've finally fitted the rear brake to the Orange, but it needs bleeding. Just a gear cable and a new seat and it's ready!

Also fresh in are a pair of Maxxis Ardent tyres, which I've fitted to the Cotic... Less aggressive than the old Minions, a more rounded profile, apparently they are fast rolling but with the grip in the corners, so I look forward to trying them out soon!