#ridethepennines

[ridethepennines]

Ride the Pennines - February 2019

Things seemed to be calming down and more rides looked a viable option. And then it was almost March! This month I’ve decided to install a tyre/rim protector in my full suspension bike, having been running one in my hardtail for a few months and been seriously impressed. Initially, I wanted something to protect the rim as running tubeless but with low pressures (to aid grip in the wet) and I was aware that I’m fairly heavy, so my rear wheel was taking some big hits. It proved easy to install (despite some horror stories online) and I’ve been impressed with how it has enough volume to protect the rim and stoop the tyre squirming so much in corners whilst still running at lower pressures. I chose the Vittoria airliner after reading many reviews of quite a few systems and have been really pleased with. Only drawback is the price.

[ridethepennines]

Ride the Pennines - December 2018

Gear reviews. Can they be trusted? I’ve recently encountered some conflicting evidence. I’m not talking about differences of opinion between reviewers (which are interesting), as different people value different things in a product, but when the same reviewer in one edition rates something 9/1010 and then in a subsequent issue where the product is exactly the same (identical not even the colour has changed) it then scores 6/10. Then there are ‘group tests’ that miss out one of the big players. So, is this due to poor supply, poor relationship, or is there actually a payment to appear in the magazine? My LBS are more convinced of the latter.  Whilst a review can give you an idea of a products features, you have to make your own decision.

Or check out the Ride the Pennines YouTube channel for some impartial reviews as no one pays me anything to review gear!

[ridethepennines]

Ride the Pennines - August 2018

So, having been blogging as me for a couple of years now, I thought it time to actually launch a bog connected with the Ride the Pennines (RTP) project. So this is it. Just to mix things up I’m aiming at 150 words so nothing too long for you to stay up with, and more of a challenge than my usual 200-word limit. So, what else is happening? Well the project has a Facebook page, and as of today a YouTube channel, as well as a Vimeo account for the serious film edits. The YouTube channel is to allow me to post some more regular content, updating you with the project but also offering some gear reviews in the context of the project. Hopefully you’ll like my unique take on kit and taking on a project like RTP. Oh and the website is still being added too as well.