 Nice to see a bike that every tom, dick & harry can own completing such a ride  Would the guy have been happier on some exotic cabon hardtail?
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 Would the guy have been happier on some exotic cabon hardtail?
I know I would, that is one ugly bike.
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 I reckon that Scapin fybra would've done the miles just as nicely.
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Not to mention completely shallow.
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 you're a homo DK
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Better stop now before we ruin another thread. I for one am impressed that someone put the effort in on such a bike. Reminds me of how shit i am on similar specced hardtail.
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I've seen pictures of you Billy, LOL!
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*Agrees to stop*
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 Would I have been happier on some exotic carbon hardtail? Dunno...I did try and get a test ride on a Gary Fisher Superfly but unfortunately someone had stacked the demo bike at the G2 Revolver before I got a chance to ride it. About the same weight, but with gears and front suspension - and only 5 times the price.... As for ugly; never even thought about appearances, sorry! Next time I'll spray it pink or something 
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There is nothing better looking on a bike than a white frame and a little bit of gaffer tape, DK is just jealous because he's not at the forefront of mountain bike fashion like Me and Neil here. There is moderate temptation for me to ride a 29" rigid up front see how it rides, suspension forks are doing my nut.
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 did you find much advantage with the bigger wheels on the South Downs Neil?
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I'd say yes, there's quite an advantage for the South Downs Way itself. It comes down to comfort - bigger wheels are definitely that bit smoother, and coupled with carbon forks I think it's enough to make it a close call whether front suspension is worth it. The heavier wheels help too - being slower to spin up/down may well be a disadvantage on nadgery singletrack but that's not a factor on the SDW (maybe even a plus). It's a tough call, but personally I think 29"wheel and rigid carbon forks are a fair bit more efficient for the particular challenge than 26" wheels and suspension forks, albeit at the expense of some comfort. One not-so-obvious disadvantage is when dealing with gates - 29ers front wheels do flop about from side to side when stationary and holding the bike by the saddle, and that's a noticeable aggravation when dealing with around 200 gates...be interested to hear the 69er/96er takes on this. Also with rigid forks it's important to watch the trail ahead, and steer around stuff that could damage the tyres. the wheels, or the rider! I find the extra concentration needed helps with staying awake and alert, against that there's a smaller margin for error with rigid forks so in the end it probably comes down to personal preference.
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 Well said Neil. Curious but whats next on the agenda for you and whats a recovery like for you after a ride like that?Are you up and on the bike the next day or so?
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Quinny: nothing specific on the agenda at present, but I'm sure something suitably stupid will be along soon . Recovery after the ride was a few Zzzz's in the car while being driven home, hot bath, a large pizza and wine at the pub for lunch followed by an afternoon nap on the sofa! (if only all rides could end that way!). Since on this ride I didn't push it - the aim was just to make it around on the singlespeed - the legs were fine (unlike last time I rode the double, where they took more than 3 months to recover). Went out the next day (only to get some shopping) to check and just had a few minor aches. A welcome surprise, and shows how much easier it is on the body riding a slower than normal pace.
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Pizza and wine,you really are a champion  .Keep us posted on the next adventure of insane proportions you get up to.Thanks for the reply.
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 Yeah great effort, talk about earning your rewardThat wine must have gone down an absolute treat How did you find the point when you turned round and went back?? I can imagine doing A-B, but not A-B-A 
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How did you find the point when you turned round and went back?? I can imagine doing A-B, but not A-B-A
Not too bad this time - I think it depends how it's going at the turn point. If it's going well, it's "goodie, I'm halfway and feeling fine, I know I can make it back!" If it's not going well, "I feel awful and I'm only halfway through, I'm not sure I can make it...." Luckily it was going well for me! Knowing I'd done it in 11 hours and had 13 hours to play with (to get in under 24 hours total) helped a lot too.
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