Category: Bikes

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New brands and New Kit

Silpho Forest

Since Trail Explorers opened a lot has changed, we took on new brands and grew the range in store. Every time we did it on the advice of you our customers.

We started with Regatta and Jack Wolfskin for our outdoors range and with Orbea and SCOTT for our Bike range, we also had SCOTT and Aussie Grit for our active wear and Running range. After a few months we realised that our Running department was failing, the demand just was not there.

As with all Independent Businesses to survive you have to act fast and be savvy with your stock. So we shut down the Running department, we also decided to drop Aussie Grit from both our Running and Riding clothing. Why drop a supplier you might ask, its simple, support is a massive thing when starting a business. It doesn’t matter if its the best clothing in the world (And Aussie Grit is very good clothing) if it doesn’t sell and you don’t get support it has to go.

This was a good change for Trail Explorers though, It gave way to a more focused core in Hiking and Biking. With the removal of Running we could bring more high end products to Scarborough.

What Changed

For our outdoors range we added Montane for their fantastic and world renowned outdoors and sports clothing. We added LifeSystems for their safety and survival kit. Petzl for their lighting. Light My Fire for their quirky and ultra useful camping and survival kit. Trek’ N Eat for our food supplier as if it doesn’t taste good why waste the weight carrying it.

On the bike side of the business we brought in Yeti and Nukeproof. We added Race Face for our core after market parts brand. We then secured Alpine Stars as our MTB Clothing and protection supplier and EVOC for rider packs, and our workshop grew as well as our Cycle Servicing business. This allowed us to became an authorised Sturmey Archer repair centre. We became an official Orbea eBike service Centre for the eBike Motion drive systems.

The Feedback

Feedback has been great, our reviews really speak for the work we have put in. We have 100% positive reviews achieving 5 Star across TrustPilot, Google, Facebook, Yell, Yelp, and Cylex.

We couldn’t keep growing without you our customers and so we would like to say Thank You 🙂

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A New Era for Cycling

Road riders and their bikes are going farther and faster than ever before. And when there’s no more road, we still keep on going. But one thing hasn’t changed: we’re always looking to push the boundaries a little further.

In short, riders and bikes are both capable of doing more than ever before. To continue pushing the envelope and adapting to the needs of today’s cycling, SRAM has created a brand new groupset: the SRAM Red eTap AXS™. It’s a new era for cycling.

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The SRAM Red eTap AXS™ is a new groupset with a wider gearing range and a more gradual progression. What for? So you’re always using the right gear and getting the quietest, smoothest, safest riding possible. It all comes down to concentrating on what’s most important: riding.

The SRAM Red eTap AXS™ comes with new technology, a new look and new features. This high-performance groupset makes for faster changes than the previous generation of eTap. Because we ride at speeds that progress faster and faster, we need the quickest gear change possible, such as launching an attack on a climb with our Orca or moving down through the gears and launching a sprint in second gear on our Orca Aero.

The Orca is made for professional riders, designed with dynamic racing geometry (and Freeflow forks) to maximize pedaling efficiency and aerodynamics. It’s our best carbon construction with the best carbon fibers available.

orbea orca aero sram eta axs groupset orca m11iltd

ORCA M11ILTD

To cut through headwinds, try the Orca Aero. This bike includes small improvements to tube shape and various components to prioritize stiffness and increase aerodynamic performance. Whether your goal is to lead the pack or raise your arms in victory after hitting 1700 W on SRAM Red eTap AXS™’s new potentiometer, the Orca Aero will help you get there.

orbea orca aero sram eta axs groupset orca m11iltd

ORCA AERO M11ILTD

The two Orca models also come with Mavic Cosmic Pro Carbon wheels. In other words: both models have perfect versatility, with a blend of light weight, high stiffness and superb aerodynamics for maximum efficiency and the fastest speed possible.

orbea orca aero sram eta axs groupset orca m11iltd

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LOTS OF NEW FEATURES

SRAM offers a choice of three chainrings (50/37, 48/35, 46/33) and three cassettes (10-26, 10-28, 10-33); for disc or rim brakes; for 1x or 2x drivetrains; for classic or triathlon/time trial handlebars; and for lots of technological innovations. Because cycling today deserves it.

SRAM’s new technologies are loaded with features such as Orbit™, included in the rear derailleur to manage the chain; new-style rods and chainwheels, now with a built-in potentiometer, among other features; an attractive, straight profile Flattop™ chain for quieter, more precise running; and the XDR universal hub mounting system. 

The stiff, lightweight DUB bottom bracket unit is now available on road bikes after SRAM introduced it in the MTB line. A new electronic integration system, called AXS™, lets you change the performance of components, personalize controls and configure maintenance reminders.

It all comes with a new overall look that’s distinctive and high-class. (And wireless among the entire eTap line.) The new SRAM setup is an ideal combination with the internal cabling on the brakes of our Orca and Orca Aero models.

orbea orca aero sram eta axs groupset orca m11iltd

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WELCOME TO SRAM

The new SRAM Red eTap AXS™ is not the only novelty in this brand, founded in 1987. We are pleased to announce that SRAM is the latest partner with the Orbea Factory Team.

Recently signed athletes Sandra Jordà, Ibon Zugasti, Tomi Misser and Alberto Losada will ride with SRAM components in their road and mountain bikes.

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ORBEA ENDURO TEAM 2019

The Orbea Enduro Team project started out in January 2018.It was our return to the Enduro World Series following the Orbea Enduro Crew. It’s been almost a year since our return to top enduro competition and we’ve learned a lot.

This goes along with our nature that just won’t let us settle for second best, that makes us always strive for improvement and evolve in everything we do. It’s a part of our day to day and our philosophy at all levels.

As the result of all this, the team will debut a revamped structure in 2019, which will give us a more powerful Orbea Enduro Team, with more ambitious goals. The changes will be felt on an athletic level and in terms of communications and product development.

New Team Manager

On the one hand, we’ve added a trusted person to the management team who has already formed part of the Orbea family for a number of years. He’s an experienced and recognised competitor in different categories of MTB who also has a long history of leading rally, enduro and DH teams.

This person is none other than Primož Štrancar, from Slovenia, where enduro has a long tradition. He brings more than two decades of experience in many different facets of MTB. He arrives on the team to replace Julien Brugeas, whom we would like to thank for his hard work over the years. We wish him well in this new stage of his life.

Simply put, Primož believes in dedication, commitment and honesty. These are values that served well him during his cycling career to become national DH champion, national XCO champion on several occasions, and international and Olympic XCO rider and the first World Enduro Master’s Champion in the EWS.

As a coach, he has served as head coach for different countries with XCO and DH teams, also earning international accolades. As if this were not enough, he is a qualified physical education instructor specialised in the training of cyclists. He definitely brings to the table a great deal of added value to promote the qualities of our riders.

A diamond in the rough

Our riders will have a new teammate in 2019.He’s a young 22-year-old talent from Slovenia, and reigning enduro champ in this country for the past four years. As a matter of fact, he competed in the 2018 EWS and came away with a fifth place finish as the best result in one of the rounds. His name is Vid Peršak, and he’s a force to be reckoned with.

With this addition, we now have a number of riders who come from or live in different countries with a long enduro tradition. Thomas Lapeyrie represents the French side of the Alps, Gabriel Torralba hails from the peninsular side of the Pyrenees and Becky Cook comes from the small Island of Wight; near New Forest National Park.

Sports Marketing Manager

We’ve also added a new internal position, to take charge of the different management and communications tasks with the Orbea Enduro Team.

Among other things, he will facilitate contact between the team and Orbea. He will gather and attend to the needs of the Orbea Enduro Team and will also have the job of connecting the content developers with the team and our riders. Aitor Otxoa Fernández will take charge of this new role.

New contents

Finally, other news for 2019 is the incorporation of a new contents agency.

This doesn’t mean that we’re closing the door on our current content provider. Next year, this collaboration will be more closely focused on the product. The new content agency will work exclusively for the Orbea Enduro Team.

All of this will give us contents that are a step ahead of the competition. The focus will be more human, personal and documentary, providing added value for all enduro fans.

We have a very exciting year ahead of us. Care to join us?

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Littlebeck to Falling Foss – Circular

Route: Littlebeck to Falling Foss – Circular Route

Distance: 6km (3.7miles)

Minimum Hiking Time: 1hr 30min

Child Friendly Time: 2hrs

Elevation: 167m (548ft)

Date: 24.07.18

 

Littlebeck is a beautiful hamlet at the bottom of secluded valley with the stream running through it. It’s situated in the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, near Whitby. There is a very picturesque walking route through Little Beck Wood leading to Falling Foss Waterfall with a beautiful Tea Garden located nearby.

 

We have parked at the Village Hall and left a small voluntary donation in a deposit box on the wall. To get to the start of the route we had to walk down the hill below. The view was absolutely amazing.

The start of the walking route will appear to your left just next to the bench.

After starting on the path, within a short distance you come up to the river that cuts the Nature Reserve in half.

After having a paddle in the river we’ve gone back onto the path again. When walking with children you need to be extra cautious as the paths get really narrow in some of the spots with big vertical drops but spectacular views down to the river below. In some of the places you could see streams and little waterfalls merging together.

On our walk we have stumbled across a cave carved into the rock face then climbed up the stairs just to the side over the top of the cave.

While walking you can notice how North Yorkshire Moors National Park team is investing into improving the route by replacing worn out sections of the park. At this point of the route expect to walk up and down quite a lot of hills.

As the Little Beck Wood is a Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve you can spot a variety of insects and animals. We’ve been lucky enough to see this beautiful Peacock Butterfly.

The next section on the walk has been going through a lot of improvements as can be seen on the photo below.

After a short, sharp climb we could admire a beautiful view. It’s a perfect spot for a break if walking with children.

The Hermitage is thought to have been carved out of the single rock in 1790 as inscribed above the doorway reputedly by George Chubb whose initials are also engraved above the door.

Climb on top of the boulder to find two “wishing chairs” also carved out of the rock. It is said that if you make a wish while sitting in one of them you must then sit in the other one to make the wish come true.

From the Hermitage the trail looks to have a natural fork. At this point we have chosen to walk to the left of it as the route seemed wider and more accessible at the time. That route took us to the Falling Foss Waterfall where we’ve visited the Falling Foss Tea Garden just to the right hand side of the path.

If living the Tea Garden walk over the small wooden bridge to your right and then walk up through the car park to find a stone bridge. Depending on the time of the year you may be able to have a paddle in the river.

Climb up the hill just before the bridge to get onto the road below that leads up and through the farm.

Once walking through the metal gate through the farm walk along the track. Be aware this is an active farm with grazing cattle.

Once getting to the top of the track turn right and carry on walking through the field until you reach the river.

To the left of the river you’ll be walking up on the stony path. Watch out for baby frogs. There was lots of them around as we’ve walked by.

At the point below you’ll see that the route has been diverted away from the farm. Follow the steps into the field and join the road.

At the finger post take the right hand option and walk down the field to the gate.

The gate will lead you onto the next open field where you need to pass the big tree and hug the hedge to the left. If you have a picnic that would probably be your perfect spot for a break.

Once leaving the field you’ll be walking down a narrow un-maintained  path with wooden steps leading you into the forest.

The route ends with a quick stream crossing that you may want to check for accessibility at the start of the walk. We’ve been when the weather was very hot so the stream was easy to cross even for a 5 year old. After crossing you need to continue climbing up the hill to get to the car park.

Fancy walking or running the route, click the map bellow to go to our Strava route.

N.B. Moving time is based on running the trail.

Est. Moving Time Distance Elevation Gain
00:30:46 4.95 98.83
hours km meters

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MTB Jargon buster

The Jargon buster

Bail

v. Leaping off the bike to avoid a more serious crash. Best done into a soft pile of leaves at the side of a trail.

“Thank God I bailed before I hit that tree.”

Berm

“I went so fast around that berm.”n. A banked corner that can be ridden faster than a flat corner. A very common trail feature.

Booter

n. A large jump that requires a lot of commitment.

“Wow, he went so far off that booter.”

BSO

abbrev. Bike Shaped Object. A cheap bike designed to look like a mountain bike that would have no real off-road use. Often bought from a supermarket.

“I would never take that BSO off-road.”

Clean

v. To complete a section of trail without crashing, stopping or taking your feet off the pedals.

“I cleaned that rock garden so easily.”

Dab

v. Quickly taking a foot off your pedal to stop yourself from crashing.

“Lucky I dabbed over those roots otherwise I would have gone down.”

Dialled

adj. When your set up is perfect allowing you to ride to the top of your ability.

“My bike feels absolutely dialled on this trail.”

adj. Good.

“That trail was dope.”

Downside

n. A downwards-facing slope that allows you to gain extra speed, it will normally be after a jump.

“I went so much faster when I landed on that downside.”

Edit

n. A short film showcasing the talents of a rider or riders

“I love watching the latest edits from Remy Metailler.”

Flow

n. The trail nirvana. A feeling all mountain bikers seek where one obstacle melds into another just perfectly. You know it when you’ve found it.

“That trail had perfect flow.”

Gap

n. A jump with a hole in the middle, this increases the risk for the rider.

“I’m so glad he cleared that gap.”

Gnarly

adj. An especially difficult feature.

“The rock garden on the trail was so gnarly.”

Huck

v. Performing a large jump without any real thought for the consequences.

“I can’t believe she hucked that 20 foot drop.”

Kicker

n. A steep jump that gives you a lot of airtime.

“I just flew off that kicker.”

LBS

abbrev. Local Bike Shop. Your go-to place for any repairs, upgrades or just a nice chat about bikes.

“I love my LBS so much.”

Loam

“The loam here is amazing.”n. A specific type of loose, dry dirt. Desireable for it’s grippy characteristics and the ability to create roost.

Loose

adj. To ride on the edge of control.

“Did you see how loose they were riding?”

Northshore

The Dune’s Geometry perfectly suited the Alpine trail

n. Raised wooden board walks, named after the North Shore area of Vancouver that popularised this style of riding.

adj. Extremely nice bikes or components.

“Her anodised hubs looked pimp.”

Pinned

v. To ride fast

“I was so pinned on that trail”

Pump

1. v. A technique that allows you to gain speed without pedalling.

“You can get so fast by pumping on that track.”

2. n. A tool for inflating tyres

“Can I borrow your pump?”

Rad

adj. Good.

“That trail was rad.”

Rail

v. To ride a corner so well it is as if you are “on rails”.

“You totally railed that turn.”

Roost

n. Dirt that is kicked up behind a rider as they ride sideways into a corner.

“You kicked up so much roost on that turn.”

Scrub

v. A motocross technique used to keep low and fast over a jump.

“I scrubbed that jump so hard.”

Session

v. To repeatedly ride a section until you have perfected it.

“I need to session those turns to get quicker”

Shralp

v. To ride in an aggressive manner.

“Me and my friends are going to shralp the Surrey Hills this weekend.”

Shred

v. To ride in an aggressive manner.

“My friends and I are going to shred the Surrey Hills this weekend.”

Sick

adj. Good

“That trail was sick.”

Snake Bite

n. A puncture gained by hitting a square edge. It leaves two parallel holes similar to a snake’s fangs

“Oh no, another sanke bite!”

Step-down

n. A jump where the landing is lower than the take off.

“That step-down was really scary.”

Step-up

n. A jump where the landing is higher than the take off.

“That step-up was really scary.”

Stoked

adj. Excited.

“I’m so stoked to ride tomorrow.”

Stoppie

A nose wheelie.

“I can’t wait for the next stoppie Sunday.”

Tabletop

1. n. A jump with a flat layer of dirt across the top, this is thought to be more safe than a double or gap jump.

“I much prefer riding tabletops over doubles.”

2. n. A trick where the bike is laid flat underneath the rider in the air.

“Darren Berrecloth does the best tabletops.”

Taco

v. When a wheel has been bent by an impact to the extent that it looks like a taco.

“He just taco’d his wheel on that jump.”

Whip

v. When the bike is pushed sideways in the air. A whip is seen as a stylish manoeuvre.

“I wish I could whip like Danny Hart.”

Yew

spoken. A general expression of excitement.

“YYYEEEEWWWWWW!”

 

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MTB Bike Styles

Mountain biking is great fun because of the huge variety of riding and terrain most mountain bikes can tackle.

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That means there’s a whole range of exciting but potentially confusing types of MTB to choose between. Don’t worry though, this guide should help you through all the options to choose the perfect mountain bike for your riding.

Cross-country

Cross-country (XC) bikes make up the majority of the more affordable MTB’s, with prices up to £1,200 for a top

quality machine but also include specialist gold medal winners that are up to £5,600 for a fully carbon monster. They’re designed to be efficient and easy to pedal so expect fast rolling tyres and relatively lightweight frames and components. You’ll often find 29in wheels on more expensive XC bikes for a smoother, more speed sustaining ride too.

They’ll have around 80 to 120mm of front and/or rear suspension movement to absorb occasional rocks and roots on your local trails. It also increases grip and improves comfort so you can go faster, for longer with more control. That makes XC bikes great whether you want to get places fast, fancy doing a race or challenge event or if your fitness levels just need a boost from your bike.

Orbea ALMA M-PRO
Orbea ALMA M-PRO

 

Trail

Trail bikes blend the easy speed of ‘cross-country’ bikes with the tackle anything technology of ‘enduro’ machines. Up to £1,700, you’re generally best sticking with a front suspension only ‘hardtail’, but from £1,700 upwards it’s worth thinking about front and rear ‘full suspension’ for the extra control and comfort it adds. If we’re talking numbers, suspension travel ranges from 120 to 160mm, head angles should be 69 degrees or less, stems 90mm or shorter and bar widths 700mm or wider.

Look for 650b or 29er wheels, held in place with 15mm front and 12mm rear axles for extra security and stiffness. More aggressive trail bikes will have some features of enduro rigs but they should still be light and pedal well enough to make climbing comfortable and cross-country riding fun. This makes them the greatest ‘have a go hero’ mountain bike that’ll let you tackle any trail or challenge.

Orbea OCCAM TR M20-PLUS
Orbea OCCAM TR M20-PLUS

Enduro/all-mountain

Enduro bikes are full suspension trail bikes with extra aggro attitude. Suspension travel is typically longer at 140 to 170mm, bars wider (750mm) and stems can be as short as 30mm. Slack 67 degree or less head angles give power assisted style steering and frames are lowered for high-speed cornering stability. Telescopic ‘dropper’ seatposts let you throw your weight around when things get wild and chainguides keep your power hooked up on the roughest trails. The latest 650b wheel size works really well for enduro but there are really good 26 and 29in wheel bikes too.

These features let you ride and race the maddest courses from trail centre black runs to off piste Alpine terrain in total confidence.‘Trail’ style air suspension and other tough but light kit means they’re responsive enough to be a riot on normal trails. They can still be pedaled back uphill if you’re patient too. This level of technology doesn’t come cheap though, so expect to spend £1,700-plus for even a basic enduro machine and don’t be shocked to see bikes priced at well over £6,900. It’s a cost well worth paying if you want to pack the most gravity assisted, go-anywhere fun into any ride.

Orbea RALLON
Orbea RALLON

Downhill

Downhill (DH) bikes are the most specialised mountain bikes of all. Their super slack steering (65 degree head angle or less), long and low stance and massive sticky compound tyres can tame the steepest, fastest courses. Huge amounts of suspension (180 to 220mm) via motorbike style, extended leg ‘triple crown’ forks and metal coil spring rear shocks can swallow the biggest drops and rocks at insane speeds.

Their bomber-strong frames and components make them seriously heavy though, and there are no climbing gears. That means you’ll need to push back to the top if there’s no ski lift or uplift truck to help. Specialist high performance components essential to extreme trail survival also means prices start around £3,000. That’s why only true freefall freaks need a full-on DH rig… but the only limit to what they can do on a downhill is you.

Mondraker Summum Carbon Pro Team 27.5"
Mondraker Summum Carbon Pro Team 27.5″

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MTB Buying Guide

Orbea Rallon

Mountain Bikes are tough and versatile machines which are designed to take challenging terrain in their stride. There’s a vast array of Mountain Bikes available from beginner-friendly builds to more specialised models that are equipped with cutting edge technology.

The type of Mountain Bike you choose will depend on the type of riding you do, the terrain you ride and the budget you have. Full Suspension bikes feature a shock at the back and fork up front with various amounts of travel in order to tackle the toughest of trails. Hardtail bikes exchange the rear shock for a rigid frame. They typically use front suspension for some comfort while some race focused hardtails have rigid forks.

Both Hardtail and Full Suspension Mountain Bikes are available in women-specific variants to reflect the different ergonomic needs of female cyclists.

 

There are many different types of front suspension bikes, some designed as all-rounders and others to cater for specific disciplines. Geometry, strength, suspension travel and components will vary according to what type of riding the bike is intended for, while different frame materials suit rider preferences or the particular demands of a certain branch of the sport. Most budget and mid-range hardtail MTBs will feature a lightweight aluminium frame. Top-end bikes typically use lightweight carbon fibre, while many bike makers also offer steel or titanium frames that appeal to a wide range of riders.

From superlight short-travel cross-country (XC) race rigs to rough, tough dirt and street machines, from beginner-friendly budget bikes to the latest generation of long-travel trail machines: there’s a hardtail to suit every riding style and every budget.

 

The full-suspension bike has some obvious advantages over the hardtail, with the best of modern suspension designs also virtually eliminating any disadvantages with regard to weight or pedalling efficiency. Because the extra suspension absorbs more of trail obstacles encountered when riding over typical off-road terrain, the bike can typically go faster, with the back end smoothly sucking up the hits rather than being kicked around. The extra cushioning of rear suspension can also offer increased comfort on long-cross country rides, especially helping to minimize lower back and knee pain.

Full suspension bikes towards the budget end of the range can be heavier than similarly-equipped hardtails, due to the shock, pivots and linkages that the frame must carry. This may be detrimental if much of your riding is done on smooth trails or even on tarmac, where the advantages of having rear bounce are outweighed by the smooth and energy-efficient power delivery of the hardtail.

While hardtails may usually be the lighter option, the advantages of an active rear end make it sometimes worth a weight penalty on more challenging trails. Rear suspension can offer more speed through the rougher downhill sections and more confidence when tackling ‘bigger’ terrain including the drops, jumps and rock gardens found on most trail centre black runs, but will also work hard to provide extra traction on technical climbs where many a hardtail would ‘spin out’, losing essential rear-wheel grip.