Out on the Hardtail

I’m waiting to hear from Commencal and Madison about the warranty claim on my cracked Commencal Meta 5.5. Madison have said they will raise a warranty claim with Commencal but that was 10 days ago and I’ve yet to hear back. It doesn’t look as though I’m going to get it sorted in time for the Isle of Man End 2 End in a couple of weeks, so my lack of preparation continues.

I haven’t been out on the bike for a few weeks because of the cracks, but with the End 2 End looming I thought I’d better get my old Specialized Rockhopper hardtail up and running and at least make sure it works. I did manage to get out on it last night for a nice easy ride around Nant yr Arian.

I started in Penrhyncoch and rode up the Bont Goch climb at a nice easy pace despite the head winds. I met John at the Pendam Car Park at the base of the Hippity Hops and we set off for a fairly slow ride around the Summit Trail. John wasn’t feeling too good after one too many the night before so we took it easy most of the way.

I then had a nice ride down the hill back to Penrhyncoch afterwards. The hardtail felt OK, although it did take a bit of getting used to. I don’t think it necessarily climbs any easier and definitely doesn’t descend as well but I prefer cornering on it.

All in all it was almost 22 miles and I felt OK – The End 2 End is more than twice that distance though with more climbing!

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Alan Cole

Alan is a Freelance Website Designer, Sports & Exercise Science Lab Technician and full time Dad & husband with far too many hobbies: Triathlete, Swimming, Cycling, Running, MTBing, Surfing, Windsurfing, SUPing, Gardening, Photography.... The list goes on.

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