That’s the last time we’ll see my Azonic Saber in that particular build.

It’s been well loved over the past few years. It’s been almost the ultimate all-rounder. I’ve ragged it down world-cup level downhill and four-cross courses at one extreme, and done a 24 hour cross-country race on it at the other, not to mention the time I took the gears off and did the european singlespeed champs on it. It’s been ridden up and down hills and mountains in England, Wales, Scotland, France and Switzerland.

I’ve got some fantastic memories too. The trips to Glentress, Innerleithen and Fort William were fantastic. Those three weeks pinning it down the trails around Morzine, Les Gets and Chatel in the French Alps were awesome. Caersws at the end of last summer was amazing. That descent of Afan’s The Wall trail has to rate as one of my best-ever biking moments. Times like those, when it all comes together remind you exactly why you play this game.

Now it’s been stripped down to a frameset and a few associated bits hanging up in the garage. It’s served me well, this beastie, but it’s time to move on. Something bigger, badder (and with any luck, better) is taking shape…