Spin down to Durham / Maiden Castle n back with Jane

It was a lovely sunny day at work but mid afternoon it clouded over and the wind picked up but Jane wanted to have a spin out on the bikes. Its been a while since Jane has slung a leg over the saddle so offered her the E bike but she said she wanted to take her own mtb so I took the E bike. Durham was nice and quiet and not many people out and about. The trails are still lovely and dry considering the heavy rain yesterday pm / night. Below are a few cloudy and cold looking pics, hopefully more soon, enjoy -

Fresh Goods Sunday - System-EX Allen Key Seatpost Collar

For some reason when I always come to sell a bike or frame I struggle to find the original seat collar. I don't like to leave a Hope or Thomson etc on as they are just too good and like to keep them for another bike / build. I was on the look out for some cheap ones to keep in stock just for reason and come across these on special from Merlin Cycles. I ordered a few and was not expecting much but when they landed the quality and design is excellent and worthy of putting on any bike really. You cannot fault them for the money and not had a slipped post yet with one. They only come in black but two different diameters. I have used all my stock up again so will be ordering more again soon from Merlin. Below is a link to the collars. I did not weigh them but don't feel heavy in the hand. The bolt is good quality and sizing is spot on, you don't have to stretch them open to ease onto the seat tubes.

RRP £7.00 and I paid £2.92 from MERLIN CYCLES

Good value and quality bolted seatpost collar.

• Lightweight MTB seatpost clamp with A/K fixing.
• Extruded alloy
• Matt Black
• Height: 15mm
• 31.8mm & 34.9mm

Weekly Catch Up and Local Sunday Morning ride with Angus on the Electric Bikes

First week back to  works after being off for a month. It was catch up time so head down. The weather had picked up and we have had our summer now in County Durham. Thursday nearly hit 30 degrees and Friday was a lovely day. Don't worry its back to normal today with a strong wind, 10 degrees and rain. I have been working 2-3 hours everyday when getting back in from work on the house etc. Thursday I managed a good hot hike for over two hours. Friday me and Angus went back to Pulman Skoda to pick up his car after being in for a month to carryout warranty work, yes you read that right a month! Totally hopeless just does even describe the after sales up there.
Yesterday me, Jane & Arran had a look through to Bishop in the van to get a food shop in at Morrison's, fill up with derv, look around the Food Festival and get some shopping in from the high street. It was a lovely morning and had our normal breakfast special from Fithties tea room. We also had a look up to House of Smudge a local artist called John from Spenny. We have two of his prints now, the greetings cards are excellent value for money and Jane also bought a mug. We have also ordered a rather special ltd edt canvas as well, more on that in hopefully about a months time.
As for today well the forecast was sunny for a couple of hours and then cloud until 1pm with rain. Angus joined in on the Cube E Bike and I was on the Mason which is also electric, Di2 lol. Its been the first time in nearly a month since I have ridden a normal bike and god my legs felt it riding into a strong headwind for 15 miles up to Consett. It started off at 16 degrees and by the time we got back it was just over 10 degrees and lashing rain. We did an out and back loop to Hownsgill viaduct mainly along the old railway lines. The trails have dried up lovely or should I say they were lovey and dry. First ride in many months without ankle deep mud and massive puddles. It was hard work keeping up with Angus in places on the way up but he could not keep up with me on the way back down as we had a massive tailwind and I was free wheeling. The E bike cuts out around 15.5mph so you just have to nurse it along. The lines were busy with horse riders, loads of other cyclists, dog walkers and runners. Below are a few pics from the ride and hopefully more soon -

Still managed to find mud but no winter boots today

Yes that's the sun

No café stop at Hownsgill, Angus wanted to plod on

Lanchester and I was cold coming back down, time for the arm warmers and I had three layers on the top half.

My head down feeling the burn on a click

Rain drops on the bike

Dashing for home and it was horizontal rain

Fresh Goods Sunday - B'Twin Flash MTB Rear Mudguard

We went through to Team Valley shops a good few months ago for some ski clothing for Arran so we called into Decathlon. I have only been in a couple of times before and its a big shop stacked floor to ceiling on two levels on all types of sports stuff. I had a look at the cycling section upstairs and come across this "ass type saver" and looked to be good value for money. It is a very similar fit to the Ass Saver but also has a reusable zip tie to keep it in place. Fitting was relatively quick but refitting the seat pack straps back through the saddle rails with the mudguard in place was fiddly but got there in the end. It did offer some protection but not much on a 29 x 2.6 tyre size. Probably work better on a 26" or even 27.2" narrower tyre. After a couple of rides it has kept in place better than all my other ass savers I have used in the past but it has now split! Yes the plastic is too brittle compared to the ass saver and has only lasted 2-3 short rides. Its a real shame as it is a better shape than the bigger ass saver I have. I am going to keep it for the time being until it splits more then I will bin it. The product does come with a 2 year guarantee but for what it cost its not worth taking back.

RRP £2.99 and here is a LINK

Non-messy Protects buttocks and lower back from tyre spray.

Easy assembly / dismantling Fitted and removed under the saddle in one step.

Compatibility Fits practically all MTB saddles.

Compact design Can be carried anywhere, either in a bag or in a pocket.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Protection

These new, ultra-compact and ultralight mudguards can be taken anywhere.
Warning: Not designed to protect mountain bikers from getting dirty, but protects buttocks and lower back from water and large pieces of mud kicked up by rear wheel, providing greater comfort.

COMPOSITION / ADVICE

Composition

Main fabric

100.00% Polypropylene (PP)

Care instructions: Can be washed with water.

Stock advice Store flat.

OUR COMMITMENTS

Guarantee : 2 Years