Pikey

For the last 3 years i used to think the same,until very recently.So much so that I got 2 mates on an evil bikes. As someone else said on this thread,no brand is perfect!

Steel Gravelling with NSBB... very little wind,perfect day ????

Best I pay more attention. Although,riding alone my pea does wonder a lot about nothing .

The wind has been consistently cr@p for the last month plus. I can only recall one ride in the last while with virtually no wind. And it’s always in your face on the way home,always. The mx track is still there . Well at least I think so ????it is on my blindside going out though ????

Always seem to have a Cannondale of sorts ????

100% if you love the bike then all is well with the world ????????

So wish I had bought a super six instead of the Merida ????

Gawd damn that super six is hot....just drooled on myself ????

Was told by a mechanic from a reputable bike shop that the 12 spd xt Shimano cassette is well made and pretty damn tough . It’s at least on a par with XO and better than GX. Not talking weight but longevity. This is obviously subjective and he wasn’t selling me anything . Was actually removing xt cassette for my preferred set up.

I can’t speak from personal experience with sunrace but I believe it offers value . Not sure about longevity and shift quality compared to Shimano & Sram.

Have ridden 12 speed xt and xo...personally I prefer the sram,always have but that’s just imo. The micro spline is quite a piece of work .

Nx doesn’t use xd driver but the old Shimano hub .

He wants 12 speed. Shimano & Sram both have 10 as there smallest cog now. Edit: 10/51 Shimano as you said .

Don’t you have to use bottles first ????

A mate of mine has a set of sram roam 60’s with sram roam hubs ( not sure what internals) holy sh,te is it loud....it’s louder than my i9. Sounds like a massive deep sea fishing reel,love it .

Cracking idea winter commuter????????Those ass-savers are a great idea for self preservation. Must say riding in the rain and cold was grit your teeth stuff...oh and the wind blowing of the Pennines ????

Bruno deserves better than a full metal jacket..... buy a set of waterproofs .

The amount of top end road bikes I saw with full mudguards blew my mind. Was thinking if you ride for a club is it mandatory to have guards for the spray ? Damn and they are uuuggglllyyy!

Have a read of this .. https://blog.3t.bike/2020/02/14148/cassette-options-with-sram-force1-medium-cage-rear-derailleur/

Your dream bike threw you a Curve ball... I so get this sentiment of building and then loving the gravel . Same page mate .

Trekkie

Blues supporter & mate in same sentence.....tut tut . Vetties you have 1st dibs on the rlt ????

In fairness I did upgrade ????

what a view mate...green with envy ????

I have had one of each whilst always owning a steel frame . It’s the one bike that has been consistent and always turn to. As for the extra weight , doesn’t bother me . There is just something special about steel and the ride quality,be it on or off road. Edit : oops bit late to the party . Enjoy the new bike .