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Uplift - The up`s and downs
Uplift events and the transport provided at races are become more and more interesting wherever you go. For example you may have sat on Dave Pearce`s Tractor trailer with bikes on top racked and the riders stowed away underneath or maybe you have been rattled to death on Farmer Jacks rollercoaster uplift at Moelfre or have you sampled Martins superb uplift at Llangollen where your bike gets a seperate journey to the top on the tractor while the rider gets a mini bus to the top.
But how many broken mech hangers and scars on your frame should a rider endure? And what should we expect from an uplift you pay for?![photo]()
After a recent race event I was sick and tired of hearing the moaning from all the lads about the state of the uplift and the fact we had paid to use it and them taking our money knowing we were putting bikes on it worth up to £3,000. However I didnt really care until my 3rd uplift when my mate pulled his bike off to discover his Hope lever had been torn out of the brake lever socket leaving it useless to ride until we partially zip tied it to his handlebar. Then when I get home and wash my bike I discover the scars in the pictures shown on my Haro X7 - I wouldnt mine but I didnt even crash and course these marks - gutting!
![photo]()
As we travelled the uplift for the rest of the day we began questioning riders about their thoughts on this terrible system of leaning our bikes on each other and asked what uplifts they were used to. Many of the riders shared about the racking system at Cwm Carn and how impresssive and simple it is. Then I shared about my encounter with Martins scratch free uplift at Llangollen which he explained was designed to keep riders happy and their machines in mint condition.
How much abuse should we expect our bikes to take from an uplift? What should be the minimal expectation when we turn up to an event to protect our bikes and riders?
I will leave the ball in the pinkbike readers court and let you decide with your comments what is sufficent to protect our bike and keep it in good condition when using these money making uplifts!
![photo]()
But how many broken mech hangers and scars on your frame should a rider endure? And what should we expect from an uplift you pay for?
Scars from a recent uplift on the top tube
After a recent race event I was sick and tired of hearing the moaning from all the lads about the state of the uplift and the fact we had paid to use it and them taking our money knowing we were putting bikes on it worth up to £3,000. However I didnt really care until my 3rd uplift when my mate pulled his bike off to discover his Hope lever had been torn out of the brake lever socket leaving it useless to ride until we partially zip tied it to his handlebar. Then when I get home and wash my bike I discover the scars in the pictures shown on my Haro X7 - I wouldnt mine but I didnt even crash and course these marks - gutting!
Scars from a recent uplift on the head tube
As we travelled the uplift for the rest of the day we began questioning riders about their thoughts on this terrible system of leaning our bikes on each other and asked what uplifts they were used to. Many of the riders shared about the racking system at Cwm Carn and how impresssive and simple it is. Then I shared about my encounter with Martins scratch free uplift at Llangollen which he explained was designed to keep riders happy and their machines in mint condition.
<Deleted photo>
How much abuse should we expect our bikes to take from an uplift? What should be the minimal expectation when we turn up to an event to protect our bikes and riders?
I will leave the ball in the pinkbike readers court and let you decide with your comments what is sufficent to protect our bike and keep it in good condition when using these money making uplifts!
The Moelfre stacking system means you better be using helitape and not mind scratches on your bike
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Member since Aug 4, 2008
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With the spiralling cost of uplifts and races, where is the investment in transport for both bike and rider?
Previous to Moelfre we did go on an uplift at Bringewood with Pearce Cycles. I think that system of bike racking above and riders below is significantly better than the 'chuck everything/everyone on a sheep trailer' approach.
UK Bike Park have an impressive system using several ex-military vehicles with multiple custom-made bike supports on each bike truck (like rollercoaster harnessing but for bikes) and the other trucks carry the happy riders...much can be learned from those guys!
Probably the main reason Cwmcarn is one of the busiest uplift services? I admit I love the courses at Caersws and Moelfre but the uplift puts me off and we tend to use Cwmcarn most.
1, push up so i at least get a ride
2, never go there again until sorted out
Cannot be that hard to sort out, as i am sure they are making money.
Cwm Carn is the best on i have been to so far.
BTW i am doing the Mega as well, whats the gondolas like out there?