mark-p

@p1nkbike: I can bleed the later Magura Louise in about 10 minutes, the same for new Shimano. I have not experience of TRP so cannot comment. I simply do not believe the type of oil impacts whether you have to leave it overnight for bubbles to migrate. The volume of oil and internal diameter of the pipes is so small bubbles are unlike to migrate without use or vibration.

@ThatEbikeGuy: Only because people with lots of money who like the latest and greatest are buying an eMTB at £10k, instead of the newest plastic-fantastic "legacy" creation that has been pushed in the media. I also detest the fashion of calling anything that is not the latest model "legacy". A standard pedal cycle is not a legacy product. There are millions (billions) out there and similar numbers who are perfectly happy with them. In the commuter bike world there are some who are using them in place of a car, but they are MTBs.

@Mtbdialed: There are entire rigs available to test disk brakes that take all the subjective elements out. This is a very good example. MBUK did a similar thing a few years https://enduro-mtb.com/en/behind-the-scenes-disc-brake-group-test/ Real world testing has it's place as well however things also become subjective and it is impossible to do blind testing.

There is a huge amount of disinformation on "export costs". What used to happen is items could be purchased with VAT and then shipped all over Europe. You paid the VAT rate that applied in the country of purchase. Taking the UK and Germany that was 20% & 19%, to a 1% difference. Now for manufacturers there is more paperwork however I simply struggle to understand why this is so complicated for these organisations to complete. There will be some duty to pay but it is usually minimal. What people persistently refer to as "customs tariffs or duty" is simple the VAT that is now paid at the point of entry not the point of sale. Unfortunately it occurred at a time when prices increased for many other reasons so people just blame Brexit.

You mean just like every other brand. There is no difference. Much is down to marketing and what the big magazines etc have decided to push as their favourite.

@succulentsausage: The bikes may last 10 years but it appears from the numbers that are up for sale second hand there is a substantial market for those who have the money and want the latest "on-trend" machine. That they cost the price of a cheap car is beyond comprehension.

@nickfranko: This is the point that all those who blame those who voted leave conveniently ignore. There is also the assumption that anyone who did not vote would automatically have voted remain, The demographics are interesting, as age decreases so does turnout yet as age decreases support for the EU increases. Sadly ranting on social media does not count. The only vote that counts is the one in the ballot box. In 2016 28% could not be bothered to get off their backsides and vote. Equally the remain campaign arrogantly thought a win was assured. Then when it looked dicey instead of taking on the advantages of the EU they just attacked the leave campaign. That was mind-bogglingly stupid and probably cost them a narrow win.

@Compositepro: Brexit is a contributory factor but there have also been two other events that have arguably have had a far higher impact. Energy prices: this started when a sustained period of low wind output resulted in Germany using most of the gas reserves to generate electricity pushing prices up even further than the usual season change. This was followed by Putin invading Ukraine have a global impact. Covid: This caused a short term boom in sales at a time when supply chains were also messed up, this took stock out of the supply chain that was not replenished. The result was that everyone then struggled for anything to sell. The really big manufacturers got first choice to the detriment of everyone else.

@chriss78: That will be the politicians starting with Cameron. Then politician's on all sides of the EU/Politic argument that bickered for 3 years to ensure just about the worst possible outcome.