Clandestine Carrier

First impressions are pretty good in that they mounted without levers and seated evenly. I’m planning to use them with tubes initially. The bead was tough to unseat after deflating but nothing major. The carcass is “supple” in that they collapse under their own weight and probably provide a less dead ride than the heavy-duty touring focussed ETs. Total cost including shipping from Strids was about £110, they arrived in 48 hours with no customs fees.

Dropped off the rims this afternoon, and discovered these sweet Bridge Club photos deep in the 26+ rabbit hole ;)

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One of the best looking surlys I’ve seen

Any idea what those mudguards are?

Honjo, I think.

It really is lush. They're Honjo Flat 80s.

A brief update:

1. I spoke with Pi yesterday; the frameset is expected back from the powdercoater in a fortnight...
   
2. Bags from Wizwo have landed and everything is otherwise good to go.
   
3. On reflection, the 26+ wheelset will be put to use on the Big Dummy, as:
   
   

(a) I reckon some SKS Bluemels Style 75 (c.£40) should play nicely with the WTB Rangers.
(b) Rabbit Hole rims aren't tubeless compatible and I don't want the faff in trying to change that via split tube methods, gorilla tape etc. - life is too short.
(c) The 650b VO Voyager rims + 2.4" Schwalbe Wicked Will combo specced on the Carrier is tried and tested; I used both on the Riv and loved them. Tubeless at 16psi was like riding on a cloud.
(d) Being honest with myself, the main draw of 26+ is the novelty factor -- perfect for the Big Dummy -- but for predominantly off road riding over "long" distances (i.e. plans next year for the West Kernow Way, KAW etc.), being able to run low pressures/tubeless makes more sense in my view than a tubed setup that is only 6mm wider.

Tubeless at 16psi was like riding on a cloud.

How on earth do you go round corners?

Gleefully. For context I am ~68kgs.

Seems in bad taste to continue posting about my current projects in light of Hayley’s passing but I reckon she’d have been supportive of the Big Dummy’s current 26+ getup. One thing I know for sure is that I already miss her presence on this forum so much. I might conclude this thread with a photo of the Carrier once it’s done — who knows when that’ll be — and leave it there, let’s see.

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I know it's fucked without her right now, but it really feels the reason we all know hayley is that she was so dedicated to pals hanging out and chatting shit, whether online, in forums, irl, the groupchat, whatever.

I understand feeling low about everywhere you used to see her, but I would miss your posts if you didn't upload as much.

Bike looks sick. Hope you've been getting the wattage up because I reckon it'll take some grunt to get it up to speed.

7 km/h, tops. A homage I guess. Thank you Riaz, sending you a huge hug.

I know what you mean.
Don't think it's in bad taste though, obviously you knew her better than me, as my only interactions with her were on here, I'll miss being told that one of my bikes slaps by Hayley.
But, to my mind, the best way to honour her is to keep building and posting updates of our silly little machines.
Be well. Peace n love.
J

I too only knew Hayley in this space, but I’m sure she’d be bummed if we let her flame die.

It seems trite and insensitive to think of what she would have wanted, but I agree, from what I knew of Hayley she would have been joyous about your bike nerdery and nothing but enthusiastic to see us talking bikes on here. It seems normal and human to not want to talk bikes anymore out of grief, but talking bikes seems like the most human thing we can do too.

Joyous for you to have known her in person, and you Riaz, she must have been an incredible human.

Update:

I’m collecting your bike from powdercoating today, assembling tomorrow and then it’ll be ready to collect at the weekend or next week, or I can post it of course too.
I’m sorry it’s taken a while, but we’re there now!

looking forward to seeing pics!

Exciting!

L'excitation!

Fun