Muddymoles mountain biking in the Surrey Hills and Mole Valley

Trigger’s broom

Posted by Matt | January 10, 2006 | 7 comments so far

Sunday saw me finally clock up 3000 miles on my Rift Zone which I bought in January 2003. Inevitably it’s a significantly different bike to the shiny beast I bought from Cycleworks in Leatherhead.

The only parts that are original are the frame and fork, brakes, stem, gear shifters and saddle. Everything else has either been replaced as it has worn out or been swapped for something better. Effectively it really is the bike equivalent of Trigger’s broom from Only Fools and Horses – the one that had ten new handles and fourteen new brushes.

Reaching the 3000 mile mark really has been a milestone (no pun intended). I’m pleased to be able to say I have averaged around 1000 miles a year on it and happy to report that Marin warranties are second to none when combined with the excellent service at Cycleworks. I would say I can cover around 80% of the maintenance required to keep the bike running on my own but when push has come to shove Marin have really delivered, including replacing the worn out bearings free of charge at 2200 miles.

What is interesting is the way bike design has moved on in three short years. At the time of purchase the Rift Zone was (and I guess still is) a cutting edge design. The difference is that now it seems short of suspension travel, having only 80mm at the front and 100mm at the back where modern cross country bikes are routinely available with 130mm plus. On the flip side, I rarely seem to run out of travel anyway!

Where to from here? Well, I reckon there’s plenty of life in the old beast yet and I fully intend to keep the bike for another three years by which time I hope to have racked up 6000 miles, which is quite a target. I have plans to replace the saddle soon and expect the shifters will be next after that. In the meantime, the brakes need a good strip down and service…

Matt

About the author

Matt is one of the founding Molefathers of the Muddymoles, and is the designer and main administrator of the website.

Having ridden a 2007 Orange Five for many years then a 2016 YT Industries Jeffsy 29er, he now rocks a Bird Aether 9 and a Pace RC-627.

An early On-One Inbred still lurks in the back of the stable as a reminder of how things have moved on. You can even find him on road bikes - currently a 2019 Cannondale Topstone 105 SE, a much-used 2011 Specialized Secteur and very niche belt drive Trek District 1.

If you've ever wondered how we got into mountain biking and how the MuddyMoles started, well wonder no more.

There are 7 comments on ‘Trigger’s broom’

We love to get comments from our readers - if you've spent a few moments to comment, thank-you.

If you haven't had a chance yet, jump to our comments form if you have something to say.

  1. Muddyblog says:

    Marin 2003 Rift Zone

    In January 2003 I decided it was time to find out what the fuss was all about with full suspension bikes and turned naturally enough to Marin….

  2. Muddymoles says:

    2008 Shimano Deore XT

    Since we’re only just starting to wake up to the fact that Summer 2007 is upon us, the Gods of manufacture have embarked on lifting the skirts on their 2008 kit so we can plan what we’re going to be…

  3. Muddymoles says:

    2007 Orange Five

    After what seems an eternity waiting, and with a few mishaps along the way, it’s time to announce that I have now taken delivery of my new 2007 Orange Five SE from Cycleworks in Leatherhead. Thank God for that I…

  4. Related: 2003 Marin Rift Zone | Bikes | Muddymoles: Mountain biking (MTB) in the Surrey Hills and Mole Valley

  5. Related: 2008 Shimano Deore XT | Mutterings, Trends | Muddymoles: Mountain biking (MTB) in the Surrey Hills and Mole Valley

  6. Related: Stop your bike being stolen | News, 2007 | Muddymoles: Mountain biking (MTB) in the Surrey Hills and Mole Valley

  7. Related: Orange Four 2016 (or Five) | 2016, News | Muddymoles: Mountain biking (MTB) in the Surrey Hills and Mole Valley

Leave a comment…

Have your say – we'd love to hear what you think.

If you have something to add, just complete this comment form (we will not publish your email address).

*Required information.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.