Re:
Right, a couple of changes and another try around the block.
The changes? I have now acquired and fitted a nice pair of Pace RC35MXCD's. I had to move the brake bosses, as a previous owner had erroneously fitted them with the bosses facing forward. I'm sure they worked fine, but that is not the way Mr Pace intended them to point.
I have also changed the Nobby Nics for Panaracer Fire XC Pro's.
The ride in brief was great. I didn't manage to clean either of the tough gravel climbs; my legs are a bit off their best at present, what with Scotland followed by Mayhem, plus it's hot, and I don't really do hot, anyway enough of the excuses, the switchbacks were great, as was the long rocky climb and although I could not really feel the MXCD's doing their thang, there is no doubt that they were doing it, as I found myself able to hold whatever line I chose, and was never knocked off track as can happen with rigid forks.
The short sharp climb was cleaned with ease and the rocky path around the back of the golf course was really easily ridden.
I went round the back of the golf course past the old farm and then on to tackle the sharp rocky roots climb, which, after a couple of nights of rain was wet; the Cats flew up, like it was being chased by a DOGS (eh, eh? geddit? oh never mind).
Overall, the 653 Cats with MXCD forks is a near perfect combination. Tracking is true, steering is rapid and pin point accurate and wherever the front wheel goes, the back one follows (if that s what you want). Grip from the Fire Pro's is, as always, excellent, and when they do break it's both progressive and predictable... Nice.
This is a great bike, and a perfect combination with my slightly more sensible DOGS BOLX and also a perfect replacement for the DeKerf Mountain which had to go to make room.
