Hi all, noob here.
 

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[Closed] Hi all, noob here.

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I have a couple of noob questions.

Thought I would introduce myself and say Hi first.

I am in my (very) late forties.

Did a fair amount of off road in the past then life got in the way (grrrrrrrr).

Anyway, new (to me) bike put together a few years ago, then life again (grrrrr).

But am now back to playing again (Hurrraaaaaaahhhh)

There will be a number of noob questions as I go while I work out the terminology.

Bike is based around a Ragley Marley hardtail (26"). I mostly mess about on single track stuff, rough bridleways and quite like the technical type stuff.

Anyway, questions:

1) How do I search just the forum?

I can only find two places to search, one seems to be for the whole site, the other the whole internet?

Am I being thick?

2) The other question is about my brake pads.

I have Elixir 7 which is fine, but I wondered if there was a way of knowing what my last pads were?

eg sintered organic etc? They have been pretty good and would just swap like for like.

cheers.


 
Posted : 17/11/2018 11:11 am
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Hi

1) How do I search just the forum?

seriously, forget it.  Go to google and type in "site:singletrackworld.com keyword" where keyword is your chosen subject

2) The other question is about my brake pads.

metallic-looking or flecked pads are likely sintered (unless they're very badly glazed).  I guess they may have markings that you can google or sometimes avid or other mfrs use different coloured backing plates to differentiate


 
Posted : 17/11/2018 11:22 am
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Hello and welcome.

One thing first - don't worry when everybody piles in and tells you it's impossible to have fun on a 26" wheel bike with a 9 speed cassette and an unfashionably steep head angle.  That's my only mountain bike and I ride it everywhere. (Mk1 Soul) I love it.

The search function on the forum is widely criticised.  I wouldn't know, I don't use it.  If I want to find out what discussions there have been on Peak District routes I google "singletrack forum peak district" and get lots of links.

Dunno about the brakes.


 
Posted : 17/11/2018 11:23 am
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Hi mate, there is a search function but it's probably bollox, best just use Google with singletrack world in the query, that works well.

The forums turn over topics quite fast (as theres just two of them) so don't worry about just asking stuff - even if it's been asked plenty of times before, no one minds.


 
Posted : 17/11/2018 11:24 am
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Hello and welcome. Don't worry about the others, we're your friends. Lots of people still ride a 26" including myself. Anyone who turns their nose up at it is an idiot 😁 it's all riding bikes and that's what's important. Where do you live?


 
Posted : 17/11/2018 11:30 am
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Right, nice one.

I shall ask away then, cheers for that.

I live in Cornwall just outside Truro.

Used to live Heathrow way. Well, also Plymouth and Weymouth.

So did a bit of biking on Dartmoor and around Dorset (although not so much) then also what we used to call Bagshot common years ago, but is now a bit 'traily' and called something else (I forget what. Begins with an S.)

For fear of starting a 'wheel war' (of which I am sure there have been many skirmishes) I am on the side of 26".

(Having never ridden 29" (well, apart from basically on a road bike 🙂  )

I do like tricky stuff and seems like 29 would be somewhat unwieldy.

Also, they are all about smoothing out the bumps, right? Well, that is great when racing but I go off road because I like the bumps. Bit like all those Berms everywhere, might as well be on the road.  😀

I am looking forward to asking a bunch of questions, I never really thought about stuff before, I just rode.

If you are out and see an old fella puffing and panting trying to keep up with an even older fella, that is me.

(But I will still be grinning)

Edit: seems like you can't put in a colon bracket smiley either? Just shows a box to me.


 
Posted : 17/11/2018 11:58 am
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Hello and welcome.


 
Posted : 17/11/2018 12:16 pm
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Oh, yes, brake pads.......

"2) The other question is about my brake pads.

metallic-looking or flecked pads are likely sintered (unless they’re very badly glazed).  I guess they may have markings that you can google or sometimes avid or other mfrs use different coloured backing plates to differentiate"

Thanks for that.

It has 2D084 stamped on the back, I googled it, but can't find anything.

This looks shiney, right?

[url= https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4838/45197068094_6c3c54331c_n.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4838/45197068094_6c3c54331c_n.jp g"/> [/img][/url]

I guess sintered is what is generally best off road anyway.

Is that right? Given the wonderful grinding paste we generally go through.

Sitered lasts longer than organic doesn't it?

By the way, the 'reply' button doesn't seem to work. Is that me?


 
Posted : 17/11/2018 12:31 pm
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Hi, Pads get these. (4 pairs = much cheapness)

https://www.uberbikecomponents.com/view-product/Uberbike-Avid-Elixir-1-3-5-7-R-CR-SRAM-XX-X0-Race-Matrix-Disc-Brake-Pads

I ride around your area on holiday and it's all hard granite sand, so you do want a bit of wear resistance.

Ponsanooth is where family live. Looking forward to popping in Truro Goldsmiths next year and looking at his excellent vintage watch selection.


 
Posted : 17/11/2018 12:46 pm
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Ha, yes, that window has my nose print on it as well.

Cheers for that.


 
Posted : 17/11/2018 3:32 pm
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As a noob you need to start an argument with TJ about helmets before you're accepted.

As boring as it is we've all had to go through it.

It's kind of an initiation thing.


 
Posted : 17/11/2018 5:44 pm
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Gotcha,

do I need to start a new thread for that or will he find me?


 
Posted : 17/11/2018 5:58 pm
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I recon he'll find you as soon as you say how a helmet has saved a head injury.😀


 
Posted : 17/11/2018 6:02 pm
 Drac
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Just post, a helmet saved my life. The TJ beacon will be lit.

Welcome to the forum. It’s 1/3 by the way.


 
Posted : 17/11/2018 6:02 pm
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Sorry, what is 1/3 ?

And, well, funny you should say that, it has definitely saved me a couple of times.

Although mainly I wear one because I think they look cool.

It is a pink unicorn one.

Or is it mainly peer pressure that drives me to wear it the most.....
I am undecided which is THE most important factor.


 
Posted : 17/11/2018 6:11 pm
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Welcome, fellow Truro resident here.  If you're just getting back into it then you may not know your way around Idless woods, which would be a shame as it's so local.  Feel free to give me a shout (you can send private messages via the forum) if you want a tour, an excuse for a ride is always welcome.


 
Posted : 17/11/2018 7:18 pm
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That sounds good.

Although I am concerned you might find it a bit like taking a seven year old out with you.

I am at Threemilestone, so we are just piecing together some routes south of me taking in Bissoe/Unity woods/chacewater type thing. Pretty good fun.

Not been to Idless.


 
Posted : 17/11/2018 7:39 pm
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Ah, just remembered, it is called Swinley forest.

(The place near Bagshot)


 
Posted : 17/11/2018 7:41 pm
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My best Holiday was when I could step out the door and be on the flat lode, Portreath to Devron, pub at either end and you can nip around Carn Marth for an extra bit. I once get down the scree slope just beyond Bisoe bike cafe. Hairy stuff.


 
Posted : 17/11/2018 7:47 pm
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Grab an OS map, there's definitely good riding around that way, especially if you include Goon Gumpas etc.  I've been trying to populate openstreetmap with *all* the bridleways in that area but there's quite a lot.  Actually, Strava's heat map will be a good hint.

I'm no fast shredder so don't worry about being slow!  If you've not been to Idless then you should, it's a hoot.

Wally: literally did that ride this morning with my kids, well Devoran to Bissoe for sausage/egg bap then on to Scorrier (the high point) for a lift back as I'm working them up to the entire thing (to be fair they're 8 and 10 😉  That scree slope is mental 🙂


 
Posted : 17/11/2018 8:42 pm
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we just got a couple of os maps.

(Turns out they can be downloaded these days.)

I started to highlight a map (paper one printed out) of the bridleways myself.

The plan is to see where you can get off road.

So, where is this scree slope?

Behind the cafe you say? I shall probably be that way tuesday. I shall have a peep.


 
Posted : 17/11/2018 9:33 pm
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slope is heading north from “Richie” cafe Bissoe, end of car park staro right up a little gravel climb, left at top ( 100 yards)) Head now north for Portrea and the quarry lakes, about 5 mins on right after the 100 yard climb is a very barren scree slope to right, the very left of this facing it has a run down. But I will not do it again, ever, I was goaded.


 
Posted : 17/11/2018 9:43 pm
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It's mental, stick to the lovely trails in poldice!

From memory, it's here  https://osm.org/go/erU3g025A-?layers=N&m=


 
Posted : 17/11/2018 10:43 pm
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grarea: I'm curious if the bridleways from the end of the road Unit Cycles is on are ridable. You should explore there and report back. 🙂


 
Posted : 17/11/2018 10:49 pm
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Hello and welcome to the lunacy .

Now, cephalopods?


 
Posted : 17/11/2018 10:52 pm
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Now, cephalopods?

Collect enough & we'll be squids in!

B o o m

T i s h....


 
Posted : 17/11/2018 11:03 pm
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HIya *waves*

I am not supposed to argue with folk anymore on here but sometimes I forget 🙂


 
Posted : 18/11/2018 7:30 am
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Welcome to the hotel California!

Clever bugger aren't ya? Working out how to post pictures and do quotes and all that stuff on yer first day 😱

Young as well 😄

Mid Wales mincer here 😎


 
Posted : 18/11/2018 9:07 am
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OK, so, look at the scree slope, check out the paths behind the bike shop that I only realised recently was there, plan a trip to Idless.

*looks up cephalapods*

*waves at TJ in as least confrontational way as possible*

Clever bugger aren’t ya? Working out how to post pictures and do quotes and all that stuff on yer first day 😱

*shows off and feels a bit proud of himself* (I am dead easily pleased)

*wanders off to fix leaks in inner tubes before tuesday*


 
Posted : 18/11/2018 7:33 pm
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Should intro you to my MTB chum:

[url= https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4914/45218889584_4c6bbe3bf5_n.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4914/45218889584_4c6bbe3bf5_n.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2bTQCtj ]Cycles 003[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/46850214@N08/ ]chuffedas[/url], on Flickr

The saddle is generally more comfortable than that.


 
Posted : 18/11/2018 7:52 pm
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Posted : 18/11/2018 8:03 pm
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*wanders off to fix leaks in inner tubes before tuesday*

That sort of talk gets you shunned around here. ⚠


 
Posted : 18/11/2018 8:20 pm
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Huh?


 
Posted : 18/11/2018 8:54 pm
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Inner tubes? Inner tubes?

you are dead to me 😜


 
Posted : 18/11/2018 9:06 pm
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So we are saying you have those new fandangled tubeless set ups that involves yucky glue and yucky sealant that leaves you walking home if it doesn't work?

Unless of course you carry a spare tube.....

(Zero experience of tubeless btw)


 
Posted : 18/11/2018 9:54 pm
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So we are saying you have those new fandangled tubeless set ups that involves yucky glue and yucky sealant that leaves you walking home if it doesn’t work?

Ah, but you know it's worked before you leave home, and it'll carry on working, unlike your inner tubes by the sounds of it. 😁

Only joking pal, we all managed fine with tubes for years.


 
Posted : 18/11/2018 10:31 pm
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Welcome!

Happy 26"/tubed rider (both bikes) here - i prefer to spend my biking cash on actually going to riding places (i like the sort of trails that you prefer too), rather than keeping up with the latest fads (shock, horror...etc! ;0) )


 
Posted : 18/11/2018 10:55 pm
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Hi and welcome to the forum youngster.  If you want to practice searching the site may I recommend some of the classics for your education.  I should start with searches for: sudocrem cat, agent picolax and Louise.


 
Posted : 18/11/2018 10:55 pm
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Welcome.

As well as a good old helmet argument, be prepared to present a rant on your chosen subject (e.g. ebikes/brexit/netflix/neighbourlydispute/rubbish driving) after 6 months of subscription. Expectations will be high.

p.s. I also have tubes and 26". Still fun,anyway I hear tubeless isn't tubeless any more - not unless you have a £50 TUBE of pipe lagging in the tyre. Hahaha.


 
Posted : 19/11/2018 7:58 am
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I will say tubeless is a glory, especially if you live anywhere with sharp rocks or thorns.  Where I used to live the local 30 minute lunch ride normally involved a slow puncture until I went tubeless and changed the routine from 'repair tube' to 'remove six thorns from tyre'.  All this tube-inside-tubeless stuff seems like its more useful for racers than normals.

Also I've had three slices to the tyre at Idless so be warned. 🙂

Re the paths behind the bike shop: https://osm.org/go/erU3hyROV-?layers=N&m= from the road (north east) down to the coast to coast is fun.  If you're feeling brave peel off to the right after the crossing and there's some steep trails straight down the hill.


 
Posted : 19/11/2018 8:48 am
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Listen young man, don't come on here with loads of enthusiasm talking about actually riding bicycles it's not the done thing.

You need to answer a couple of questions.

1) have you got a shad and did you build it yourself?

2)do you like craft beers

The answers you provide will be put to the big hitters comitee to see if you can continue on the forum

Ps welcome to the madness


 
Posted : 19/11/2018 10:18 am
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Ah, yes, rossburton, that is where we go.

Sort of all round there.

Sorting out some routes and having fun doing it.

Also, apologies for my enthusiasm, I shall attempt to curb it.

See, somewhere along the line here, someone will have to tell me all about this tubeless malarky.

Thorns have definitely madea showing in my tyres that's for sure.

Just hold your horses for a bit, I need to think about keeping a bit drier next.

OK, well, now we are abit closer to my comfort zone.

I will assume that was a typo and you aren't testing me on my fish knowledge?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alosinae

1) The shed. I have a small tool shed which, incidentally I put together out of off cuts. Plus a sort of lean to for the mower which I also did the same.

2) My craft beer knowledge is limited. (I assume you are talking about the stuff that you can chew? (Those I like)) My parents lived in Belgium for a while. Unfortunately I am off the alcohol for a bit (I would insert a sad face here if it didn't just show a box) but shall aim for a well deserved wee dram at Xmas.

3) Extra info for my application. I have a telescope and a camera. I have a motorbike. I would prefer to spend time in the garage rather than in front of the tv. I like food. My tool of choice is a club hammer. I am excited about getting a bimble bike. I was amazed to discover that Eastenders is still on the TV a few months ago.

I shall keep clear of the biggies (politics, religion, non indicating car drivers etc etc)until I am more accepted for fear of walking off and smashing up said shad.


 
Posted : 19/11/2018 6:21 pm
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OK, I nipped out this moring for a ride.

What a beautiful morning.

Anyway, I think I saw the scree slope you mean.

Is it a bit like a wall? Not sort of scree slope, more firm than actual scree?

Has signs of motocross bikes using it? Digging out channels?

Disused building on the top?

Yeah, won't be going down that for a while.

Way to go to plant a challenge in my head though, you buggers.


 
Posted : 20/11/2018 12:59 pm
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That's the one.  Lovely view from the top!


 
Posted : 20/11/2018 2:41 pm
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 My tool of choice is a club hammer.

Metric or imperial?. 🧐


 
Posted : 20/11/2018 4:23 pm
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Metric or imperial?. 🧐

🙂

Ah, a connoisseur I see.

I have a small range of tap-ometers as it happens.

(Which disappointingly got reduced in size in my last move)


 
Posted : 20/11/2018 4:27 pm

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