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alxwtn

Member since Dec 2017 • Last active Dec 2020
  • 10 conversations
  • 129 comments

Most recent activity

    • 22 comments
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  • in Bikes & Bits
    Avatar for alxwtn

    So I've been riding this over the last few months and although it's more comfortable than before it still doesn't feel quite right.

    The main issue seems to be that the saddle is set as far back as possible but my knee is still a bit too far forward when the crank is at 3 o'clock and I don't feel like I'm pedalling very efficiently. To have my saddle as high as I'd like it, and for me to stretch my leg properly when pedalling, it has to be so high that I can barely touch the ground when stopped and have to hop off. I've made sure the shock pressure is correct but I just feel I'm losing a lot of power. Is that just how as fs mtb should be? Am I just trying to get my bike to fit like a road bike?

    It's still fun, but there is part of me wanting to try a hardtail to see if that's more what I'm after.

  • in Bikes & Bits
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    Well, I went ahead and got the XL Mythique VRX and it arrived on Monday.
    The size feels fine but holy crap does riding a fs mtb feel weird after 10 years on a road bike! I'm going to give the 800mm bars a chance but I think I'd like to cut a few cm off eventually. I need to figure out my position a bit too, for some reason I keep ending up with my foot too far up the pedal when climbing. Also, the dropper fits right down into the frame on the XL but it isn't high enough when fully extended, I can pull some of the seatpost out but then when it's dropped it isn't as low as it could be. I'm wondering if one with more drop might be useful in the future...

    That aside, it's great fun! I almost feel like I'm learning to ride all over again.

  • in Bikes & Bits
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    To be honest it'd mainly be around Richmond park, Surrey hills and the odd trip to Swinley Forest...went for a walk there for the first time at the weekend and now I'm even more desperate for a mtb!

    Looking at the geometry of the vitus again, it seems the 27 version has a longer reach (492 v 484) than the 29 version and a lower BB drop (18.78cm v 28.74cm) so maybe the geometry of that would be better and slightly less flexible as mentioned in the MBR review...I'd just planned to go for the 29 as from what I've read those wheels would be more suitable but now I'm having second thoughts.

  • in Bikes & Bits
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    Value for money mostly plus I like the colour scheme more than other bikes in the range.
    Initially I was going to go for a better spec hardtail but I already have a gravel bike so want to have something the other end of the scale to play with. Also, kids are on the horizon in the next year or so and I figure now is my chance to try a full suspension bike before I'm skint for a while....or the rest of my life.

  • in Bikes & Bits
    Avatar for alxwtn

    Cheers guys, really appreciate all the info. I'm gonna have to do some maths because one minute I think the XL will be fine and the other I'm not so sure...

    The mbr review is an interesting one. Seems to be mixed overall. I appreciate the negative points but presumably, at this price range there are always going to be a few issues here and there. The general consensus of other reviews I've read or watched on youtube seem to be pretty promising overall.

    Ideally, I'd go and try a few out because I have zero experience with mtb's but unfortunately my gf's dad is in the high-risk category so were trying to avoid any unnecessary trips out to shops at the moment.

  • in Bikes & Bits
    Avatar for alxwtn

    So the XL vitus does look like it could be a little small if anything... would a longer stem work as a solution or would getting one long enough change the handling too much? Looks like a good beginner bike for the price so it'd be a shame if it wasn't suitable as I don't want to spend more.

  • in Bikes & Bits
    Avatar for alxwtn

    My trunk is about 64cm/25inches...not sure if that is long or not tbh. What sort of reach should I be looking for in a mtb?
    The XL Virus has a reach of 484, MBR.co.uk size guide recommends if you're 6′ 2″ to 6′ 6″ then you should aim for a reach of 470mm to 510mm. Does that seem about right?

  • in Bikes & Bits
    Avatar for alxwtn

    Ah cheers, will check the thread out now.

  • in Bikes & Bits
    Avatar for alxwtn

    Hi,

    I'm a long time road cyclist looking to buy my first mountain bike. I'm stuck on sizing and looking for a bit of advice. I'm 6'3" or 191cm with a 35" inseam and ride a size L Cannondale (58cm top tube) which is suited to people 180-193cm . I'm looking at the Vitus Mithique 29 VRX and I'm right on the edge of an L (180-190cm) and an (XL 190 - 201cm).

    I know with a road bike it'd be quite easy to say get an L and buy a longer stem if needed but I'm not sure what the deal is with mtb's so any advice is appreciated!

    Cheers

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