hello again. As you may know,I promised to let you know how my upgraded 04 bike compared to a somewhat downgraded 05 model.Well,the 05 frame with the FULL 04 runnnig gear actually rides very similar to the original bike-I thought it would have been very nervous steering but it still rips up techy single track like a demon.However,the 04 frame with the fox vanilla and the BIG hayes brakes really open up the ride and let you know why Marin tagged this as an aggressive hardcore hardtail.It will pop the front easier,blast along the twisty stuff and stop on its nose with its one fingered braking power.To say Im absolutely delighted with it would be a major understatement.This is NOW the bike it should have been and I would recommend to anyone thinking like I did of selling it to upgrade it instead-you will not regret it.

I've just picked up a brand spanking 05 Rocky Ridge yesterday. Not ridden it properly yet, just got to set the fork and the spd pedals...

However, since the cables are routed under the bottom tube, can you fit a crud catcher?

Cheers!

Hi Bart. Yes you can fit a crud catcher no probs.Its a wee bit better if you secure it with zip ties as they will slear the cables better.hope you enjoy a great bike you made a good choice mate. cheers

Thanks for that, I'll fit the crud catcher after dinner, and if it's not pissing it down, maybe try it out in the local woods. The bike looks the biz!!

Thanks again.

A couple of other tweaks you might like to try-fit a cane creek thudbuster05 model this complements the large volume wtb tyre on the back-ok it doesnt magically give you full suss comfort but it DOES help on those little ruts.Thepostis a tad longer which helps if you are looking for a bit of leg stretch.And take care with that 8 inch front rotor-once bedded in it will really haul your speed down. cheers.

Nice idea. I tried to fit the crud catcher, but quite unsuccessfully, as every way I tried the cables seemed stretched or compressed. I tried with the straps under the cables and over the cables, but I haven't tried the zip ties yet. I'll go and get some tomorrow. Pain in the arse, because it is nasty and wet out there and I want to have a go. By the way, do you run platforms or spds?

sorry for the delay in replying to your question re spds.As yet I am still an spd virgin although I intend to fit them to my other bike- a Giant vt2.There is the obvious benefits of being clipped in ie improved pedalling power and being able to flick the bike up at the back etc,but I really dont relish the idea of crashing with the bike locked to my feet especially if im in the city centre!Bye the way,as its now saturday.did you get out last nite and how was it

ps forgot to say-Mmy lbs supplied me with a pair of dmr v8s which are great for the money and just need the occ tlc with some grease.another plus is you dont need expensive spd shoes to ride your bike so you can still walk home in comfort even if you wreck the bike.

Dude! Just been out in the woods for two hours, roots, rocks, mud and all singletrack, and I have to say, the bike absolutely rocks! It handles like a Caterham, and is ultra chuckable. The fork, once I set it up is awesome, and I had an absolute hoot. My other bike is an Orange 5 pro which is also the dogs bollox, but completely different to ride, and I generally prefer platform pedals, but use spds as well with sometimes ungraceful results. I think the spds are great unless the track is downright awful, in which case they suck( and I make close encounters with the scenery ). My preferred trails tend to be a bit on the rough side...

Great bike and every bit as good as the reviews seem to indicate!

Cheers for the advice!