Hello there,

I am not new to the area or mountain biking but I am new to mountain biking in the area. I am currently looking for a bike to ride in Thetford and locally.

I used to ride a lot of trials and had a bike that love that is long sold. I was wondering if anybody could give me pointers on the trials around Cambridge, I live in Willingham, to help me make a slightly more informed decision on travel. I am looking for something full-suspension with 120 to 140mm of travel but I am worried this could be too much.

Any advice would be amazing.

Thanks,

Mike

Hi Mike with regards to finding routes in the area the best thing to do is come out for a ride with the group on a Tuesday or Thursday. Generally routes go out from Central Cambridge West towards Coton and then onwards, or down the roman road beyond the hospital and round. If you look at bing maps and select ordnance survey the bridalway stand out. For routes round here and Thetford forest full suspension is more than you need a lot of the time,but if you are heading out to other parts of the country then what you suggest sounds reasonable.

Hi Mike,

A lot of us ride 29'er hardtails in this area, but summer can be more punishing on the wrists and back with the trail mud hardening-up. I've switched over to a Whyte E-120 which has 120 mm front and rear to soak up the bumps - no need for any greater travel.

You're welcome to join us - we occasionally do a Thetford night ride, but most of time we explore around Cambridge. The riding here is less technical but distances are longer.

We're currently riding as a group on Thursday nights only and rebuilding our runs list following the easing of lockdown.

I currently drive down from Over to Cambridge or ride in on occasion if the pub stop is in the north.

All the best

TOM

Thanks guys. @Tom, I’ll keep you posted. I’m having trouble finding a bike that is within my budget.

Hi Tom,

I have managed to track down and buy a bike. It needed work and think 3 days to remove a stuck seat post. I’ve got it all built but on the test ride, the rear hub was loose so that is tightened which had revealed the need for new pivot bearing.

I honestly had expected this and they ordered weeks ago. However, I do not have a bearing press. I was planning to go to Richardson Cycles in St Ives as they are a dealer for the bike brand so should have access to the technical guides. I was wondering if you have an opinion of the store as they seem to have good reviews? Just that feeling of entrusting someone to doing work on a carbon frame worries me.

Thanks,

Mike

Hi Mike,

Yes Richardsons are a good bike shop. I realise that I'm replying to this after some delay - did you get the service/bearing press that you were looking for?

Tom

Hi Tom, I ended up doing it myself and then the forks needed a rebuild :(

One test ride down! Second this weekend.