Author Archive for Guy

New bike shop in town: Torico Morzine

Published by Guy on March 13, 2010 in General. 0 Comments

We’re opening up our very own bikes shop this summer - in partnership with our friend Ben from Torico in Dorset, we’re opening “Torico Morzine“.

What does this mean:

  • Our morzine hire bikes will be located out of the shop.
  • We’ll have DOUBLE the number of bikes - 12!
  • We’ll have a top mechanic on hand to keep them all running as well as other people’s.
  • We’ll be able to keep stock of more things for our flowmtb guests - tyres, brakepads, bags, tops, helmets, etc etc
  • We’ll be organising ’shop rides’ - in the same vein as regular bike shop rides - i.e. meet a the shop, go for a ride, free.

Take a look at the shop website here: http://www.toricomorzine.com

How to pack your bike!

Published by Guy on October 19, 2009 in General. 0 Comments

We get a few emails from guests wondering how to pack their bikes ready to pay us a visit, so we vowed that next time we went away on a plane with our bikes, we’d make a little how-to guide… So here it is! (We’re off to Morocco by the way, you should really come along!)

1: Take one clean(ish) bike.

Take one clean(ish) bike. Put it on a workstand if you've got one, makes life a lot easier!

2: One bike bag (this one is from "on-one" and came with two wheel bags)

And a bike bag (this one is from "on-one" and came with two wheel bags). You can do this with a bike box from your local bike shop (just ask and they should give you one for free. Or what some people do is double up and put a bike box INSIDE a bike bag. But don't forget about the weight - you're usually only allowed about 20kgs be bag.

Remove the wheels!

Remove the wheels!

Remove your rotors. You don't want them bending...

Remove your rotors. You don't want them bending…

Put your rotor bolts back in to the hub, that way you won't lose them.

Put your rotor bolts back in to the hub, that way you won't lose them.

Take off any quick release skewers as well - put them in the bike bag before you forget them!

Take off any quick release skewers as well - put them in the bike bag before you forget them!

Then you can place your wheels into the wheel bags.

Then you can place your wheels into the wheel bags.

Place something in between your disc pads to stop them closing accidentaly. Cardboard will do

Place something in between your disc pads to stop them closing accidentaly. Cardboard will do

Then, if you don't have a replaceable rear mech hanger, remove your rear mech.

Then, if you don't have a replaceable rear mech hanger, remove your rear mech.

Or, if you do have a replaceable hanger, remove that. On Sara's heckler, we can remove it without removing the rear mech, your bike might be different!

Or, if you do have a replaceable hanger, remove that. On Sara's heckler, we can remove it without removing the rear mech, your bike might be different!

Wrap your mech in bubble wrap and tape it into the gap in the rear end of the bike. This will protect the mech, and stop the frame getting scratched.

Wrap your mech in bubble wrap and tape it into the gap in the rear end of the bike. This will protect the mech, and stop the frame getting scratched. If you have time, it might be worth getting a piece of plastic pipe, cutting it to size (135mm) and inserting it in place of the rear hub. You can secure it with your rear QR. This will stop the rear end getting squashed if something is placed on top of the bike and it's lying down. We haven't got any pipe lying about, but haven't had any trouble in the past!

Take your pedals off with either a 15mm pedal spanner, or a 6/8mm hex key. Pedal threads unwind backwards to the bike - so anti-clockwise on the driveside (like a normal bolt) and clockwise on the non-driveside.

Take your pedals off with either a 15mm pedal spanner, or a 6/8mm hex key. Pedal threads unwind backwards to the bike - so anti-clockwise on the driveside (like a normal bolt) and clockwise on the non-driveside.

Wrap your pedals in bubble wrap - those pins are sharp! Then put them in the bag before you forget!

Wrap your pedals in bubble wrap - those pins are sharp! Then put them in the bag before you forget!

Remove your handlebars. Undo your stem cap bolts, let the handlebars free and then put the stem cap back on so you don't lose it.

Remove your handlebars. Undo your stem cap bolts, let the handlebars free and then put the stem cap back on so you don't lose it.

Optional: I remove my front disc caliper for extra safety - it sticks out from the fork, so could be liable to snagging and banging.

Optional: I remove my front disc caliper for extra safety - it sticks out from the fork, so could be liable to snagging and banging.

Wrap up the bars and caliper in bubble wrap and the bike is good to go into the bag.

Wrap up the bars and caliper in bubble wrap and the bike is good to go into the bag.

Place your bike in the bag.

Place your bike in the bag. You may need to turn the forks around to shorten the bike so it fits.

Put your wheels in either side at either end.

Put your wheels in either side at either end.

Zip it up! Now you can go riding somewhere nice, hopefully with flowmtb! Have fun wherever you're going!

Zip it up! Now you can go riding somewhere nice, hopefully with flowmtb! Have fun wherever you're going!

For Sale: 2 Medium Hecklers: €1700 euros each

Published by Guy on August 24, 2009 in General. 0 Comments
Here’s some photos and specs for the final two bikes we have for sale. They’re pretty much identical so both are going for €1,700 euros each.

They have been part of our hire bike fleet this summer, and have been out for about 20 days each. They have been coated in frame tape and inner tubes all summer long, so have barely a scratch. There’s certainly no damage of note on either bikes. We serviced the forks this weekend and found nothing but clean fork oil in there.

Specs as follows:

Medium Heckler Frames - Black Anodised - a very tough finish - these bikes will look like new apart from the odd bit of cable rub.
150mm travel supplied by a 2009 Fox Float RP23 shock.
RockShox Pike 454 Dual Air U-Turn (110-140mm travel)
One has a Syncross post, the other has a WTB post.
Truvativ Hussefelt stem
Funn Fatboy 710mm bars
SRAM X7 shifters
SRAM X9 rear mech
Shimano SLX front mech
Truvativ BB + Chainset (2 rings plus bashguard)
Avid Juicy 5 brakes
WTB 20mm bolt through front hub / Shimano XT rear hub - Mavic 321 Rims
Syncross Headset
SRAM Cassette
They will have new Maxxis tyres put on before sale. 

Pedals not included.

If you’re interested, please get in touch: email me - guy@flowmtb.com or give us a call +44(0)20 8123 5654

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Guy Bowden
flowmtb.com
+44(0)20 8123 5654
+33(0)6848 75681
—————————————————————-

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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Ragley Blue Pig update

Published by Guy on August 24, 2009 in General. 0 Comments
Now I've had the Blue Pig for a month now, I though it would be a good time to post an update..

Impressions are very good to say the least. The bike has been able to handle most things I can throw at it. It's been on epic two day rides in to the back of beyond. It's been on quick blasts around here (Morzine) when I've not had the time to ride all day. It's most at home on the Techy stuff - switchbacks are a personal favourite.

It has the ability to inspire confidence and know that the front will roll over stuff if you let it - not get stuck behind an obstacle and throw you off - that'd be the slack head angle then..

Climbing wise - I've not had to do too much of that yet - what with uplifts all around - but the climbs that I have done it's been me rather than the bike that's faltered. It goes up a lot more confidently than most hard tails I've ridden. The front end does wander a bit on the real steep stuff - But then I do have some 160mm forks on there - right on the limit for this frame.

And most importantly - it's never felt out of it's depth around here.

Current spec in order of importance is:
Fox 36 Van R
Dual Ply Minions
Short stem
Big wide bar
Some round(ish) wheels
Some brakes that stop
Some gears that go

I'd like to get a hammershmidttdddddttt on there - but it needs some ISCG mounts and some more money in my bank account before that happens! Failing that a blackspire stinger to keep the chain in check.

Last ride was very local - you can see the photos here: http://www.ridemorzine.org/2009/08/the-best-trails-in-the-valley/

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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Nomad frame for sale - 1600 euros.

Published by Guy on August 21, 2009 in General. 0 Comments
Just testing the water… I’m thinking of selling the Nomad frame… 
Anyone want one? 1600 euros for a 3 month old frame worth nearly 2,000 GBP…

It’s a size Medium.

Shock is currently being serviced as well (DHX 5.0 Coil)

All the other bits in the photo are NOT for sale.. just the frame and shock. Stickers are there to protect the frame rather than hide anything!

Anyone interested? Please email or call me - guy@flowmtb.com +33(0)684875681

—————————————————————
Guy Bowden
flowmtb.com
+44(0)20 8123 5654
+33(0)6848 75681
—————————————————————-

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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For Sale: another Med Santa Cruz Bullit. €1825

Published by Guy on August 21, 2009 in General. 0 Comments
This is the second of our lovely 2009 - only 12 weeks old - Santa Cruz Bullits

Full Specs:

Frame: Medium White Santa Cruz Bullit - 180mm rear travel
Fork: RockShox Domain 318 180mm Coil with Motion Control damping (external Compression and Rebound adjusters)
Shock: Fox DHX 3.0 Coil (450lbs spring) - rebound, preload and boost valve.
Wheels: Hope Pro2 Hubs with Syncross FR 32 rims
Tyres: New Maxxis Minions will be added
Brakes: Avid Juicy 5
Shifters: SRAM X7 (right), X5 (left)
Front Mech: Shimano XT
Rear Mech SRAM X9
Chainset: Truvativ 2×9 + Bash Guard plus Blackspire Stinger Chain device
Syncross Seatpost
Truvativ Stem (1.5)
Syncross Bulk 710mm bars (white)
Pedals NOT INCLUDED!

Bike has been used as a hire bike for us and has been out for approximately 25 days.

It has been looked after by our mechanic and encased in protective tape and inner tubes since it was bought in June.

It comes complete with a shock pump and a 1 year frame defect warrantee from Jungle (UK Santa Cruz Importers)

Postage to the UK will be around 90 euros more.

The bike will be available from September 1st.

Price €1825 euros (approx £1580) - as new this bike would cost just under £2,600

If you are interested, please mail me - guy@flowmtb.com or give me a call: +33(0)684875681

—————————————————————
Guy Bowden
flowmtb.com
+44(0)20 8123 5654
+33(0)6848 75681
—————————————————————-

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from flowmtb’s posterous

For Sale: Medium Santa Cruz Bullit. €1850 euros

Published by Guy on August 21, 2009 in General. 0 Comments
This lovely 2009 - only 12 weeks old - Santa Cruz Bullit is for sale.

Full Specs:

Frame: Medium White Santa Cruz Bullit - 180mm rear travel
Fork: RockShox Domain 318 180mm Coil with Motion Control damping (external Compression and Rebound adjusters)
Shock: Fox DHX 3.0 Coil (450lbs spring) - rebound, preload and boost valve.
Wheels: Hope Pro2 Hubs with Syncross FR 32 rims
Tyres: New Maxxis Minions will be added
Brakes: Avid Juicy 5
Shifters: SRAM X9
Front Mech: Shimano XT
Rear Mech SRAM X9
Chainset: Truvativ 2×9 + Bash Guard plus Blackspire Stinger Chain device
WTB Seatpost
Truvativ Stem (1.5)
Syncross Bulk 710mm bars
Pedals NOT INCLUDED!

Bike has been used as a hire bike for us and has been out for approximately 25 days.

It has been looked after by our mechanic and encased in protective tape and inner tubes since it was bought in June.

It comes complete with a shock pump and a 1 year frame defect warrantee from Jungle (UK Santa Cruz Importers)

Postage to the UK will be around 90 euros more.

The bike will be available from September 1st.

Price €1850 euros (approx £1600) - as new this bike would cost £2,600

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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For Sale: Large Anodised Santa Cruz Bullit €1950

Published by Guy on August 21, 2009 in General. 0 Comments
This 2009 - only 12 weeks old - Santa Cruz Bullit is for sale.

Full Specs:

Frame: Large Anodised Black Santa Cruz Bullit - 180mm rear travel
Fork: RockShox Domain 318 180mm Coil with Motion Control damping (external Compression and Rebound adjusters)
Shock: Fox DHX 3.0 Coil (450lbs spring) - rebound, preload and boost valve.
Wheels: Hope Pro2 Hubs with Syncross FR 32 rims
Tyres: New Maxxis Minions will be added
Brakes: Avid Juicy 5
Shifters: SRAM X9
Front Mech: Shimano XT
Rear Mech SRAM X9
Chainset: Truvativ 2×9 + Bash Guard plus Blackspire Stinger Chain device
WTB Seatpost
Truvativ Stem (1.5)
Syncross Bulk 710mm bars
Pedals NOT INCLUDED!

Bike has been used as a hire bike for us and has been out for approximately 25 days.

It has been looked after by our mechanic and encased in protective tape and inner tubes since it was bought in June.

It comes complete with a shock pump and a 1 year frame defect warrantee from Jungle (UK Santa Cruz Importers)

Postage to the UK will be around 90 euros more.

The bike will be available from September 1st.

Price €1950 euros (approx £1675) - as new this bike would cost £2,700

If you’d like to find out more or buy the bike, email me on guy@flowmtb.com or call +33(0)684875681

—————————————————————
Guy Bowden
flowmtb.com
+44(0)20 8123 5654
+33(0)6848 75681
—————————————————————-

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from flowmtb’s posterous

For Sale: Large Santa Cruz Heckler. €1500

Published by Guy on August 21, 2009 in General. 2 Comments
Here’s a Large Santa Cruz Heckler for sale.

Full Specs:

Frame: 2008 Large Black Anodised Heckler Frame (150mm travel)
Fork: 2009 RockShox Pike 454 Dual Air U-Turn (140mm)
Shock: 2008 Fox RP23
Wheels: Hope Pro2 Hubs with Mavic 321 Rims
Tyres: New Maxxis Minions will be added
Brakes: Avid Juicy 5
Shifters: SRAM X7
Front Mech: Shimano XT
Rear Mech SRAM X9
Chainset: Truvativ 2×9 + Bash Guard
Truvativ Seatpost
Thompson Stem (70mm)
Syncross Bulk 710mm bars (White)
Pedals NOT INCLUDED!

The Frame was my own bike last summer, but this summer has been used as a hire bike. The Frame and shock were both Purchased in June 2008. The rest of the kit (everything else!) is all new stuff put on the bike this June (2009). The frame pivot bearings have been replaced along with the shock bushings. It has been out on hire for just 15 days this summer.

The frame is in excellent condition - no dents or scrapes - the Anodised finish really lasts well.

It has been looked after by our mechanic and encased in protective tape and inner tubes since it was re-built in June.

It comes complete with a shock pump and a 1 year frame defect warrantee from Jungle (UK Santa Cruz Importers)

Postage to the UK will be around 90 euros more.

The bike will be available from September 1st.

Price €1500 euros (approx £1350) - as new this bike would cost around £2,700

If you’d like to buy this bike, please email me at guy@flowmtb.com or call +33(0)684875681

—————————————————————
Guy Bowden
flowmtb.com
+44(0)20 8123 5654
+33(0)6848 75681
—————————————————————-

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from flowmtb’s posterous

My Blue Pig

Published by Guy on August 7, 2009 in General. 0 Comments
So I’ve had the Ragley Blue Pig for a couple of weeks now. Time to show you a pic and what spec I’ve got running!

Sram X9 gear bits

Juicy 7 Rear brake (185mm)

Formula ‘The One’ front brake (200mm)

Fox 36VanR 160mm forks

Truvativ BB and Crankset

WTB post and saddle

Pro2 Hubs - with a 321 Rim on the rear (built by yours truly on Monday - two days of hard riding and it’s still true!) and a DT5.1 on the front (stolen, along with the front brake and forks, from my Nomad)

And the most important bits (if you get this wrong, Brant will come and hit you with sticks, apparently)

50mm Raceface stem

745mm Sunline V1 Bars

I’ve had the bike for a few weeks - firstly with Rockshox pikes on there but swapped them out for the 36’s to see how it handles a bigger fork. The verdict? very well indeed. No where near as divey as they were on my Prince Albert - but they do raise the BB just a smidgen…

I took it on our 2 day refuge trip this week, with some properly slow technical riding and it excelled itself. I was also suprised at how not beaten up I was - must be those twangy seat stays!

Refuge ride report coming soon. It was a belter!

 

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