Gravel / Gravé / Gnarmac / Groad / ATB

Probably should've just got a grey CUBE from Wiggle.

Psyche!

I meant an Arknose obvs. (sniff sniff)

Just had my first longer ride on the Kinesis. Definitely over-geared and probably under-braked. Loads of fun though.

2 Attachments

Frame pump is 👌🏻

It's been about 4 bikes since that pump vaguely matched or complemented the paint.

There was a sprinkling of gravel today.

2 Attachments

that kinesis looks like it would be really fun to ride.

maybe one day I’ll listen to user Amey and stop fooling myself into think that I’m actually having fun riding slow and heavy steel bikes

no gravel and no fun northwards on the downslink yesterday.

1 Attachment

downslink

Is it nice and dry?

we actually didn’t get as far north to the usually muddy bits

We rode down to Brighton on a leisurely one via a different route and thought we’d just play it by ear to see how far northwards we felt like riding. So with no lights or layers packed we bailed at Horsham and got the train back to London

But up until then was dusty for sure

It's the first non steel bike I've ridden in quite a while (other than cargo bikes) and I'm really enjoying it. I definitely notice the reduced weight and it doesn't feel harsh at all because of the chunky, low pressure tyres. I do love steel though and have no intention of trading my nice smooth commuter for an aluminium frame.

Any recommendations for quick, after work type rides south east of London? I generally prefer to go out of town through West Wickham but open to other stuff in that general area. Had a great time blasting along some bridleways in the golden sunlight this evening!

East of Croydon there's a fair bit, I work in Croydon so know it well!

Start by going through South Norwood Country Park, across Ashburton playing fields, Through Lloyd Park then enjoy the view at Addington Hills and take a photo of the sunset for Insta.

Then Conduit Lane, down the steep descent and up the climb to then go through Croham Hurst Woods.

At that point carry on to Kings Wood/Selsdon Wood if you want a longer ride or loop it back through Shirley using Pinewoods and Highbroom Wood then Harvington Park and Kelsey Lane gets you back into the centre of Beckenham.

Thanks! I've been out to most of those places I think, usually on my way to or from a longer ride. It's just that the ride out of town that way isn't quiet as nice and on a shorter ride it's nice to be in the lanes a bit quicker.

Have you fitted these yet? Asking for a friend.

Mine arrived. Once I've fixed the bike I actually ride a lot, they're going on. Probably over the next 2-3 days. Photos of a stupid almost-MTB to follow...

#win

Here you are...

Just needs a chop off the steerer now.

1 Attachment

They look like they're on backwards. Maybe the frame shape exacermasturbates the effect of the trailing crown.

looks cool

They do. It'll take a little getting used to, that's for sure.
Either way, glad I've got a massive frame. These would look very odd on the smaller frames.

You will hate the look if it for a week or two. Until your brain gets used to it

What I do hate: it's a few cm longer now and won't fit in my shed. Damn.

Is it a shed for ants?!

4 bikes in a 7x3.. my new pad has a garage. Exciting, but will have to hold breath upon entry owing to asbestos.

I think we maxed out around 7 or 8 in our bedroom. n+1... N+1!!!!!!!