Well Done Steve Peat

I know this isn't totally OT but I don't think it's worth a new thread.

At the moment my knowledge of bikes which get muddy is 0 but by the start of summer next year I would like to know enough to build a mtb (5 or 7 speed maybe rigid maybe hardtail). Could anyone recommend any good websites/forums to learn about off road cycling/mtb's as I have no idea where to start. What are the mtb equivalents of Sheldon and LFGSS?

Any links or pointers would be ace

singletrack + mtbr
Try and work out what you want to do and what you're likely to do and what your skill level is e.t.c.
Be aware though that just like any equipment based sport some people will insist you need xyz and need to spend 1500 minimum e.t.c. You should see the pile of shit I ride.

Cheers Tommy, I've got a pretty long time to work out what I want/need so lots of reading for me.

Also just borrow any bike and come out for a ride, that will give you an idea about things. It really is a peace of piss msot of the time.

Best thing is to ride a few bikes and work out which ones work for you, then get a second hand one. MTB is pretty equipment driven, so you should be able to find something unfashionable (i.e. 5 years old) that works great on Ebay for £cheap.

Unless you are going to be doing anything hardcore a rigid classic Kona (cindercone or lavadome) will set you up well. I covet and love these bikes, Choose a good steel bike and you are unlikely to get let down. yeah you can buy a 5k full suss but until you get dem muddy skillz a rigid steel.. is for real!

Now back on topic.. nothing more to see here

If i still had a vhs playa id be digging my copy of Dirt our right now!

Well done Peaty

you got 'getta grip' too? :)

If you ignore the JMC factor, the third one was probably the best though wasn't it? Chain-something.

Chainspotting? Chainspotting was awesome. That came out when I was getting properly into downhill and it changed everything for me...

I know this isn't totally OT but I don't think it's worth a new thread.

At the moment my knowledge of bikes which get muddy is 0 but by the start of summer next year I would like to know enough to build a mtb (5 or 7 speed maybe rigid maybe hardtail). Could anyone recommend any good websites/forums to learn about off road cycling/mtb's as I have no idea where to start. What are the mtb equivalents of Sheldon and LFGSS?

Any links or pointers would be ace

NSMB.com

it's the LFGSS of the north shore mtb scene.

That said, don't build your own MTB at first. There are a lot of parts and variables and frankly the OTP bikes are pretty dialed. With only a few minor tweaks (such as cutting down the bars and adding your pedals) almost any price bracket will become the bike you are looking for. People that build their own MTBs aren't trying to save money, they are trying to get th exact bike they want because they know which brakes they like, what chainguide, which fork they want, etc... If you don't have an opinion on this stuff (which you obviously don't yet) then it's basically a pointless endeavor to spend more money on piecing your own bike up.

Also the Gear section on that site can be full of adolescent twats that have been riding MTBs for 10 years, so take it with a grain of salt. The XC section is more helpful.

Thanks for all the pointers, I totally agree with you on the otp point too. After reading for a few hours today I soon realised that my budget would get eaten up pretty quickly by building it from scratch.

Value for money try here.
http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=category&categoryId=39

Dirt, Getta Grip and Chainspotting. Brilliant memories.

I forgot chainspotting, I think that may have been the first with a listenable soundtrack...

then mud cows...

http://video.mpora.com/watch/XcJYTlr0f/

This is a pretty cool video...sitting at the bottom in the No.1 spot watching the world's top riders come down and try to beat your time must be nerve racking enough...to have got so close 4 times before too.."shitting bricks" i believe his comment is.

Then that beautiful moment when he realises that Gee isn't going to beat his time.

Like the true champ he is, someone hands him a bottle of rum and he takes a good old swig

ONYA PEATY

brill, thanks!