Current Projects chat and miscellany

yup ^ actually recommended by 3t as way to insert bars into their quill stems

Damn bike is finished. Saddle and front wheel are temporary

Too big for you?

Hello dear fellow forumongers. It's been a while since my last build and in fact I've never built a mtb. I think the time has come, but I could surly use some advice. I think I have a slight idea of what I want, but very little knowledge of mtb parts on the market and compatibility etc.
Eventually I will be riding the bike mostly in the Netherlands on single-track trails varying in technicality, but nothing extreme and no serious elevation.

I very much like the idea of a 29er, so that's what I'll be building around. Hardtail it is, but I dont know if I want a suspension fork nor why I should or shouldn't go for one. The frame material is debatable, but I have much loved carbon in the past and I've always wanted a titanium build, so it will probably be one of either. However, if there are great steel options available I'm open to suggestions.
The country where I live being relatively flat (read flatter than the Nevada salt flats) I will be opting for a single chainring upfront, but as the trails can actually get bouncy down here I will want some gears in the back. I have absolutely no idea what my options are regarding such a drivetrain and hope to get some advice there. Then there are the brakes. There are so many options. All I know is that I want hydraulic disc brakes, but what type, size or brand I don't know. And wheels... I haven't the slightest clue. Something not too heavy. As for my budget, well, that is debatable. As cheap as possible is always nice, but if it turns out to become the bike of my dreams I wont mind saving up some cash money to realise that dream.

Any help and advice is very much appreciated. Thank you!

We have general MTB and 29er threads, I'm sure the folk over there will have some ideas

Thanks. My enthusiasm got the better of me and led me straight here without even considering the obvious possibility of dedicated threads.

@TM not really. why you asking? I took this right after building it up so the saddle high isn't adjusted yet

A fistfull of seatpost showing, looks like a good fit.

Not sure if sarcasm

not at all, it's an old measure.

Haha ok

One sturdy beast, however the rack is attached to the forks and not the frame so it isn't good enough for Champagne deliveries.

It can be, the best solution is to fit the biggest tyres you can possibly go and lower the pressure.

If it's an unusual wheel sizes, stick 26" with 50, maybe 60mm rubber (Schwalbe make great one).

Leave the sprocket alone, you may find it useful once you're fully laden.

Thanks for the tip - I will probably upgrade the tyres on my (current) delivery whip (Pashley Pronto).

As for the "La Poste" bike, a friend said he will be taking it in London so I will bring it back and pass it on.

Pronto are horrible bike, you have my condolence.

Ed in big tyre low volume solution to problem shocker.

Best way to deflate an issue.

Ed in big tyre low volume solution to problem shocker.

You're blowing this up out of all proportion

I'm so tyred of this chat.

A slick solution, but in a situation like this caution is often the clincher: tread carefully!

anybody on here any experience with the ritchey neo classic handlebars? if yes, you hate them and they're 40cm c-c, can I haz? xxx

Stop this nonsense. You don't ride bikes.

In the midst of last nights storm, this arrived at Jangle Towers:

It's a Roberts Roughstuff in very good nick. As all of my other bikes are road bikes, I fancied something a bit different for when I feel like riding on.... well, some rough stuff.

I am well out of my comfort zone with this, so may well be looking for advice on the build once things get back to normal.

these look great fun.
make a thread, would love to keep track

May well make a thread at some point in the year, but I have a couple of more pressing projects I am about to get started on.

Almost finished, minus a proper wheelset and finishing touches. Hoping this will be rideable by midnight for a sober new years night ride.