[PhilL]

Just waiting for my new bike to arrive; should be any day now

Black and stealthy and with a brain of it's own!

[JLR1969]

Originally Posted by jonsteele

Look like Rock Shox Recon to me, definitely Rock Shox.

If you take off the cover from the top of the left hand leg (as you look when seated) there is a valve under there, you'll need a shock pump to sort it. If you look at the back of the same leg, there is a table of pressures for various weights (visible in the pic). If you don't already have one, shock pumps are available from all decent bike shops, and Halfords!

Thanks for the tip. They are Rock Shox Recon SL. I will check out the pump but may just get it done when its serviced, unless it needs to be done regularly??

[Em135eye]

JLR - a shock pump is worth buying. A lot of forks come with them. Think I paid £20 for mine.

Just don't buy one if you have coil sprung forks - like someone I know did!!

Phil - splendid bike!

[jonsteele]

Originally Posted by JLR1969

Thanks for the tip. They are Rock Shox Recon SL. I will check out the pump but may just get it done when its serviced, unless it needs to be done regularly??

Mostly not, I've not touched mine for 12 months - some may leak slightly and require regular top ups. I had Recons on my Rockhopper and didn't touch them for 18 months, I don't think the person I sold them to has touched the in the 18 months they've had them either - rock solid fork.

Its worth carrying a shock pump when you're out on a ride, if you loose all the air in the middle of nowhere its a long way to push! At least with a pump you can keep topping it up and ride until it leaks again.

PhilL - that's a nice bike, Stumpjumper FSR?

[JLR1969]

Thanks for the advice chaps.

[Em135eye]

Essentials of an MTB ride longer than 15 miles and/or somewhere remote:

Tyre pump - if you have Presta valves do NOT get a push on pump - they snap the valve cores. Get a Lezyne - gert lush.
Shock pump
Spare chain link
Multi tool (with chain splitter)
A few zip ties
A length of gaffa tape
Tyre levers
Spare inner tube (or two)
Puncture repair patchesm (Park do self seal ones - genius)

Credit/debit card
Some coins for a phone (if no reception)
Mobile phone
Beanie
Waterproof coat

All fits nicely in a Camelbak!

[jonsteele]

Plus

Spare rear mech hanger
Spare gear cable (plus brake if you're still on v brakes)
Plastic cup (use to reinforce a split tyre)

I always carry spare brake pads - I went through 4 sets at Dalby in Jul 2008! Sandy tracks and heavy rain = bike killer!

A few small, light weight spares can mean the difference between a ride or a long walk home!

[Em135eye]

Ahh yes spare brake pads - essential!

Gear cable - if that broke, I'd rig up a singlespeed setup (done before), same with gear mech hanger.

I use gaffa tape on split tyres - well I have done once so far.

Anyone race/planning to race? Got a few lined up.

[dxb335d]

I always take a spare bike.

[JLR1969]

Originally Posted by dxb335d

I always take a spare bike.

[PhilL]

Originally Posted by jonsteele

PhilL - that's a nice bike, Stumpjumper FSR?

Thanks mate!

Yeah it's a 2010 Stumpy FSR Expert - waiting for it to arrive this week. They've finally got the Brain shock working how it should and Fox producing all their shocks.

Just waiting on a pair of MG1 Magnesium Flats with Ti Spindles to go on too. Went to the Cycle Show in London on Sat which has whet my appetite even more!

It's gonna be a slow week waiting

[NFS]

Originally Posted by dxb335d

I always take a spare bike.

You are on form today Carl.

It does sound a bit complicated spares wise. Not only do I not have any of that stuff, if I did have a rear mech hanger, I wouldn't have a scooby doo what to do with it.

[Em135eye]

Phil - fine pedals too (I have some as spares - I now use SPDs)!

NFS - don't worry. Just us MTB nerds getting overexcited!

Just get a pump and a spare tube.

[jonsteele]

Or do what my mate does with me - ride with someone who has all the spares and nick theirs when you bust your bike - tw@t!

[NFS]

Originally Posted by 335diesel

NFS - don't worry. Just us MTB nerds getting overexcited!

Just get a pump and a spare tube.

Ahhh .. sounds better. I know what to do with the pump, although a spare tube might defeat me.

I seem to remember that 2 spoons are necessary for the removal of a tyre, plus a large container of water to help identify the location of a puncture.

Originally Posted by jonsteele

Or do what my mate does with me - ride with someone who has all the spares and nick theirs when you bust your bike - tw@t!

Sounds like a plan.

[JLR1969]

I have always used the slime tubes that self seal if you ever get a puncture.

They are either very good or I am just lucky, never had a puncture since fitting them.

[ElegantSpoon]

335Diesel did you get yours from Certini in saltash?

[Em135eye]

ESpoon - Clive Mitchell in Truro - got the Stumpy, Rockhopper and Allez Elite from there plus tonnes of kit and upgrades. Luckily I get a decent discount!

Heard very good things about Certini but it's a bit far for general use.

[ElegantSpoon]

Good point! I forget your Cornwall not Devon

[jonsteele]

A couple of shots of my pride and joy! Took a long time to get to this, but its exactly as I want it!

[Em135eye]

Jon - very nice. Only upgrade needed is your camera...!

[jonsteele]

Yeah, didn't realise the first one was so blurred and I've no idea how to make them smaller!

One upgrade I do want is the new Hope Tech brake levers - they have easier reach adjustment and now have bite adjustment. I don't need to do it, just want to!