Thank you for considering my opinion. I genuinely appreciate it.
I would suggest at the absolute discretion of the MODs rule 13), I think if it’s a material change to the bike then it should be allowed.
Naturally changing tyres or cables isn’t really material nor materially impacts the bike.
Trying to have a definitive rule, I.e number of parts or quantity of parts or value is perhaps a little over pedantic, but having some leeway at the Mods discretion is a fair model. I implore the application of a bit of common sense and pragmatism.
At the end of the day, if people feel strongly enough about the MOD’s decision then they can either not vote or vote for an alternative. At the end of the day, its votes that count.
In my particular case I’ve spent hundreds of pounds upgrading my parts and I feel that should be welcome in the BOTM. This bike is a long way different to my previous entry.
In a competition where sometimes it’s very close, having the opportunity to significantly improve your bike and have a go gives the community an incentive to improve.
I recognise rules are rules; there is also a rule of not taking it too seriously too.