With three rides on the Spider now complete I thought I add a few more reflections on this frame.

Starting where I left off I’ve managed to tie the rear brake pipe to the shock mount to stop it hitting my leg when the rear compresses. A bit of adjustment to handlebars (no… they are still Marys) and saddle position is all that I’ve done.

I noticed a few things. The bike is fast and nimble enough. Probably not as nimble as the Five but not far off it. It certainly climbs well and there seems less need to have to lock the rear out for me on climbs like McPhersons which I climbed with just the Rebas locked out. It’s also a much taughter ride which could be because the VPP works in a way to make the whole thing wallow less compared to my experience with the Five. I think my weight is a factor with the Five as I noticed over at Swinley that the rear shock blow through varies depending on whether I am seated or not. Obviously after three rides this isn’t proven, just an initial comparison.

Big wheels do help over roots and rough terrain. Possibly they help uphill but this is offset but the effective higher gearing that they cause. Currently I’m still on the Nevegal tyres but some Conti Vapors are waiting to go on and improve the mud clearance.

Component wise I’m really impress with the brakes consisting of 2 LX calipers, one Deore lever, one LX lever and a couple of Hope hose kits. One One wheels do their job and everything else is working fine.

Well pleased!!

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About the author

Dave's been riding seriously since about 1997 and is one of the founding Molefathers — along with Matt and Mark — that came up with the idea of a MTB website for Mole Valley riders.

He's had several different bikes but it's now mainly 29ers in Dave's stable, apart from an Orange 5.

Current Bikes: Orange 5, Salsa Spearfish and Kona Big Unit