Recent content by Mike D.

Search me guv. Don't know if the naming is by English riders either. Why?

Out here in the southern Spanish mountains, there's Extreme, if you want it. I was in my local MTB hire shop this week and the amazing Brian (bike mechanic extraordinaire) was talking to a woman with teenage son in tow who wanted to try out local trails. When she was asked (she was doing all the...

Door-to-door salesman for Muc-Off.

Must I finally abandon my desire for one of those spiffy t-shirts? 😢

I thought you were referring to my bottle, which is an insulation type and keeps the water chilled, unlike plastic bottles. I'm quite happy with my hydration choice, thanks.

Well I'm sure you would. Why would I want to lose the guard? Personally, I think hanging a stainless steel insulated bottle directly in line of fire is a pretty dumb thing to do but hey. Whatever.

170 front 160 back. Get a lot of stone upchuck here, hence the "'cross" guard. Yeah a hangover is compromised. I just make sure the saddle is down for an easy dismount when I stop.

SKS/NymphFable

Yeah I know We're past that. 🙄

Yeah bladders are really good I've used them myself for years but now it needs a different approach. An 800ml bottle means water intake discipline but that's OK to just stay hydrated, rather than gulping loads of liquid most of which just gets passed through...

As I said: "This all to get some weight off my spine (deformed from a major riding accident back in 2013) as I carry a spare battery for long rides up and down actual mountains."

Ah ha. So you did. Missed that. I can see why you used zip ties. I had a rear-view mirror once on my trad road bike with that sort of strap which I think just wouldn't be strong enough for holding a bottle full of water whilst offroading, as no doubt you discovered. Handy though the Fidlock...

But without straps, just a screw-in base. No good to me.

Went for the SKS "Topcage Anywhere". Pics show the most ergonomic/efficient position on my 2019 Vitus e-sommet. Keeps away from the rear shock adjusters and valve, gives about two centimetres leg pedalling clearance. Angled rubber "feet" keeps the whole thing nice and tight against the...