Let's offroad / mountain bike / mtb / ride dirt

You'll find some of the trails but going with someone that knows them will be a lot more enjoyable.

you need to go with someone who knows the routes

Maybe - I just think of all the things that are different on my bike now, compared to 10 years ago, the 1x is the best bit. It's also the easiest / cheapest / most transferable part of upgrading any bike.

Yeah I am a big 1 x fan as well. Have it on 4 bikes. Although bike I am riding the most right now is XT 2 x 10. Works so well.

I'd just go and explore the trails. Finding stuff is fun

Wow! There's definitely more about now that things are quieter, we had some deer right behind the house the other day. Lovely. Yeah it's a fab area to live in. I have a pottery studio in Newton Stewart, if you're ever passing or fancy meeting up for a ride through Kirroughtree let me know

I could probably set up 1x with old stuff from the bike shop. Agree not like I can do much to improve it but always nice to have a project.

If I head to Leith hill tomorrow are there places to avoid parking/places that are better?

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Leith+Hill/@51.1844893,-0.3548403,338m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x4875c2ab47351497:0x1d0eae2ed0548150!8m2!3d51.1765!4d-0.3714722

Gives you the option to ride around Redlands too, which might be more interesting.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Leith+Hill/@51.1913045,-0.3397716,1352m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x4875c2ab47351497:0x1d0eae2ed0548150!8m2!3d51.1765!4d-0.3714722

Redlands Trailheads start here: https://www.google.com/maps/@51.1903893,-0.3468155,3a,75y,44.18h,70.23t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1syex0HyqiOckSqNI4tl5urQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Cheers.

Yes was a very lucky sighting and only because the forest was deserted in April. Have seen Golden Eagles once before in Galloway forest and quite a few times in highlands and Hebredes, but never this close. It was an adult male. Neck feathers were very golden and legs quite yellow. Massive wingspan when it unfolds.

Will PM you about a ride meet next time I am up!

Can vouch for Redlands, some of the more interesting trails in the area and quite a network, although I thought we weren't meant to talk about them on the internet

Just found out the government here is doing 50% rebates on bike purchases up to a max of 600 euros rebate. I don't NEED another MTB but if I did... any recommendations for something around 1200 euros/1000 pounds?

B rode a 24" around Bedgebury today and absolutely crushed it. He managed every single climb he could not ride on a 20" and he was much smoother. I'm a bit reluctant to drop ~£500 on a MTB for a 7 y.o. But at £23 a whack for each hire, I might need some man maths to work that one out.

Anyone have a Whyte 303 knocking around?

Will he fit a smallish 26er frame with 24" wheels and shorter cranks fitted. Few mates have done that (not for themselves as they are normal height but for their kids).

The saddle was at the lowest setting on the frame so I think it's a bit early for that option. It's not something I had considered but it will definitely go into the man maths spreadsheet.

Just sayin

https://www.mbr.co.uk/news/yt-jeffsy-primus-394821

Yeah. I know. Whyte also do a £2.5k full sus starting at riders from 4'7". Another year and it will fit him.

Tbh I think any kid should learn their ways on a hardtail.

These full sus 24” wheels are great for kids that have been riding/schooled since they could walk and live right next to trails.
For most though, they’ll learn the limits of what they have a gain skills while learning.

If you were seriously looking to get him a capable and proper 24” I’d take a look at these:

https://www.thelittlebikecompany.co.uk/product/woom-off-5/

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My eldest is on an Orbea 20 inch thing which I really rate. It's like a proper little mountain bike. Their kids range is great, including the 24in as they do a versions with different levels of bling - ours is rigid and v brakes, but with good tyres and lighter ally fork. It's been perfect.

They also do a rigid hydro disk version, and then a bouncy pimped one with an air fork.
All a bit cheaper than other options at same kinda spec I think.
https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Orbea-MX-24-Team-Disc-24w-2020-Junior-Bike_216278.htm?

https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Orbea-MX-24-Trail-24w-2020-Junior-Bike_216277.htm?

@Scrabble @furious_tiles

Thanks both! I completely agree on hard tails - It's all I've ever ridden and perfectly attuned to my minimal skill set. For now it's just a lovely day out for the two of us that we both really enjoy. If he starts to get really serious then we'll look at upgrades.

Let's see what he does when the weather takes a turn. "Just keep hiring bikes" man maths are currently winning.

Saying that - lots of those Orbeas on eBay. One not that far away.......

edit...make that 2.....

Is the sole on this Adidas Terrex:

Made from the same Stealth rubber as on this FiveTen:

?

Should be. Adidas bought FiveTen a few years ago...