Saturday, May 26, 2012

Marin 5.9 First Ride

At last - everything is assembled and the bike ready for its first run. J and I took a 16 mile route through the woods and fields of Hertfordshire. First impressions: phenomenal! The DT Swiss forks are amazing - soaking up all the harsh vibration that the Fox F120s let through. The Launch Control (drops the nose 35mm when climbing) works brilliantly and really helps make climbing more comfortable. The rest of the bike feels super tight and sharp with very little mechanical drag. I'm absolutely chuffed with the final results...

Marin 5.9 Carbon frame with Fox RP23.
DT Swiss EXC 130 with Launch control, ABS and 15mm thru-axle.
Marin Maxel 12mm rear axle conversion using Quake dropouts.
Hope ceramic BB, headset, seatpost.
Crank Brothers Eggbeaters 3 red/silver.
Avid Juicy Carbon brakes.
Shimano XT gearset.
Mavic XM-317 rims on Hope Pro2 hubs and Panaracer Trailraker PR tyres.
FSA seat-post and stem with Eastern EA70 Monkeybars and WTB saddle.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

DT SWISS EXC 130 15mm

At last - my new forks have made it from Germany. These are astonishing - carbon legs, hollow rear-arch, launch control, and light as a feather. The Launch Control means I can drop the nose by 30mm by simply hitting a big red button. Once at the top of a climb I just bounce the forks and they 'blow off' coming back to a full 130mm. More pics here...

Thomsons Benefit Games

I never miss a chance to create a new mini-me. This time it comes directly from work. Thomsons Online Benefits has launched its 'Benefit Games' site - and with a few clicks I created this :)

I now get to return each day (with my mascot) to participate in the games. It's open to all - give it a go!

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Marin Transplant

The build is complete (for now). Took it for its first test ride last night and all went well. The rear feels stiffer and the bike as a whole a bit more 'chuckable'. Now the wait starts for the new forks. More pics here...

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Marin Frame Arrives

My Marin 5.9 2009 frame arrived this morning. The anodised aluminium is almost matt black, and the carbon rear arm is amazing. I took my current Marin for one last ride before surgery starts later today!

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Room Swap

We've undergone a room swap. My study is now the spare bedroom, and the old spare bedroom is now a large double study for K and I. We now have computers facing back to back, a large bookcase and - best of all - all my guitars along one wall :)

Saturday, May 12, 2012

DT Swiss EXC 130 15mm

I found what must be the last set of EXC 130 15mm in Europe! A German store had one set left - and at discount price too! They are now also en-route. The Launch Control will make climbing easier - and the carbon fibre build will match the rear arm :) The big bike build-off event should start next weekend (customs allowing).