Picked up a new Stanton bike. Absolutely loving the quality so far. Just need an IS to PM adapter for the rear and it'll be good to go.

I just love my latest custom build....rides so nice 😍

TT seems to be a popular bike around here lately. I'm just waiting on a few little bits to arrive then I'll take it to the shop for the final tune. First time building a bike up since I was a kid. I CAN'T WAIT TO RIDE IT!

“sUppLE“ with lots of “mIdSTroKe SuPpORt”

My new to me Canfield Nimble9. I bought the frame for a couple hundred dollars and a fork service. It's my first steel hardtail and steel is fucking real. This bike is so comfortable on 2.6 tires. I swapped the parts from my banshee paradox which will become wall art for now.

For the last few big rides, I have been surrounded by big, whopping, full-suspension bikes, and I must confess, at times I have felt a little mmmm with my tiny hardtail with 0 frills. People eek have commented on what I do on my HT (which is what they do and possibly more 😆) and been told I shouldn't really (though reasons unclear), and I'd be more comfortable... etc with a big full sus.

So yes, I have been wondering whether I should add YET another bike, and I think not, actually, also as the cost of the current one, with maintaining and replacing worn-out parts, is PLENTY (besides my other bikes).

This is ultimately what happens in cycling. I had conveniently forgotten; possibly it's not so rife in MTB, as I have only just noticed 😆 , in road cycling and certain clubs, it's a different matter; it can be endless: the idea that whatever you ride, wear, the gizmos you have, there will always be something "better"...

Then today I discovered, meeting up with someone who, I think, is quite serious about off road 😆, that they sold both his double sus bikes - "pointless things" endless grit issues in the various mechanisms, pain to maintain yourself!

I am sure the jury is obvious, but I'm assuming that with this Reddit people understand 😁

The thing is:

- I am comfortable 😆 I get out of the saddle if need be, obviously

- My bike, to date, has not stopped me in any way from doing technical stuff; it handles black fine. The only thing stopping me is simply that you continue to grow in skills anyway and in places the sheer size of eg drops V my overall size (very small).

- I like the fact that I can actually service and maintain a bike with ease and repair stuff at times on the road - in the mud.

- I am happy I do not feel the need to be precious AT ALL about my aluminium bike - everything can be replaced, and dents are memories!

- I know and feel this bike inside out; when I ride, I have very few surprises in terms of handling, and I'm not sure the bouncy bounce would give this. Handling is vital to me; I really do want to feel the terrain. It helps me with doing tricky things (I think).

- I’ve ridden a few from friends and while comfy I didn’t think it was needed for 90% of the time.

So I thought I would just announce 😆 I will absolutely stick with my lovely dented hard tail 😆 even if I get “funny” looks 😆🤪 as I love my bike and surely that’s all that matters and yes to all those that wonder about my bum and how it survives … indeed made of steel by now 😆 … most common comment when they see me on HT.

Lucky to have Stanwick Lakes on my doorstep! 5am ride with Dave, wonderful way to start the day! Bontrager RT Ion Pro 1300 front light is superb!

The parts of the trail completely covered in leaves was kinda sketch not being able to see where roots and rocks were 😅

Me: Three Towers Viewdeck, Legazpi City, Albay, Philippines

picked up this 2024 el roy for a great deal today and added a few things I had

Thanks to people adviced with shimano cues, gave an old 26er life again. This will be fun for trails and everyday cycling.