Go and see a proper osteopath and get them to check you over. Then ask them for advice on exercises to improve core strength.
The other obvious one is bike position. I suffered a lot from back pain when riding for over an hour, improving core strength and bringing my saddle forward cured it.

Remove wheel & push pistons back into the calipers a bit?

Been running a NN/RR combo for a while now. Just switched to a HD/NN pairing now to see if I get more grip for not too much more drag.

Planning to try a 2.4 ardent front and 2.25 ardent rear too.

Will have to call crc and see if theirs come with the upgrade.

How do people find the haven hubs? Are they as bad as rumour suggests?

Pro2 40T/Arch hoops are the other option as I don’t want to go to the £500 for some lb carbon wheels.

Crc don’t have any hope hoop stock at all at the moment and I’ve got vouchers to use!

For the uneducated, what does the hookless rim offer?

I think I’ll order up a selection and have a little experiment.

Sorry to hear this.

How did they break the lock on the Thule? I’ve got 591 racks and tbh, don’t use a separate lock (well, I didn’t until now.)

Mixed experience then?

TBH, I’m not that fussed if I get through pads quite quickly. I’d rather have lots of power and put a set of pads in once a month than have iffy brakes. On that basis, what would people suggest?

nealy, thanks for the tip. These ones? http://www.uberbikecomponents.com/view-product/Uberbike-Shimano-New-XTR-M985-M785-M666-Kevlar-Disc-Brake-Pads

My m785 XTs have just started doing this on the OE pads. Fitted them and bedded them in and they were fine. Not used the bike for a few weeks and yesterday the front brake was useless, just no friction there at all. Lever was firm, but just squeal and little stopping force.

Cleaned everything with alcohol last night but will take some wetdry paper to the pads and disc to try that too.

Who’s best for some organic pads though?

See, I’m the other way, I think 3k looks like it’s a cheap 3m style wrap!

Good to hear.

Still can’t decide on 12k or UD for my new rims!

Lol @ Northwind, that’s pretty much how it is at the moment!

Thanks for this. I ordered a solar storm after seeing another of your posts yesterday. Think I definitely need one to helmet mount too.

Cruzcampo, got a link?

So, it seems that this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BLACK-5000Lm-2x-CREE-XM-L-U2-LED-Bicycle-bike-Light-HeadLight-Lamp-Flashlight-UK-/261275037793?pt=UK_SportGoods_CyclAcces_RL&hash=item3cd534b061 mounted on the bars

and this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CREE-XM-L-XML-T6-LED-1800-Lm-Bicycle-bike-Head-Light-Headlamp-Rechargeable-Head-/251288567677?pt=UK_SportGoods_CyclAcces_RL&hash=item3a81f73f7d mounted on a helmet are a decent setup?

Is the free rear light up to much cop?

Thanks all. Topeak Drybag ordered for £18!

Thanks Keavo. I’m on the large side so will stick with 32h and some sapim cx-rays.

What’s the thought on hole count too? Planning on 32h laced to some Pro2s.

That’s the sort of review I want to hear!

What finishes have you got? Can’t decide between 12k matte or 3k matte.

As the last two people have said. You need to do this. I bled mine several times but were useless until I did that.

Use the instructions that Rob has linked to there and you won’t go wrong.

One thing I’d add is to pump the lever a few times without the wheel in to being the pads closer to the disc once it’s fitted. Makes for a much nicer lever feel.

I’m going to be building up some Pro2/Light-Bicycle Wide Carbons for my 29er.

A grey Orange to go for the full filing cabinet look. (Said as an Orange owner ;))

I bought a black one as it was a second hand bargain. Once it comes round for a refurb it will go in something significantly brighter.

+1 for DHBs from wiggle. Had mine a while and keep my plums nice and happy.

I think these look great! Never tried one so curious to what they are like though?

How would you describe the ride characteristics of a fatty?

The ones that protrude past! I reckon if you put the 591s on in alternate directions you’d be fine.

Mail me if you want. I can get the tape measure out if you’d like?

I only have two 591s but there is easily enough room to get 4 on the wing bars I have on my 2012 Avant.

What’s the thoughts on sizing with these?

My current HT is a medium Soda and I find it a bit small. I’m 6′ with 33″ inside leg. Should I be looking at an 18″ or a 20″?

Esi look worth a try for the peanuts they cost.

Tempted to just give up on the colour and get some odi rogues.

Almost… Forgot to add the lock on requirement!

If anyone here want’s to move their large Soul frames on then give me a shout ;)

I went to my LBS recently to get some XT brakes and have them fitted.

Asked the price £110 per end. I then asked if they would price match online to which they said they couldn’t. Fair enough, so asked if they would fit them for free if I bought them there and then. No, fitting was going to cost £20 per end.
I then asked what they would charge to fit brakes I supplied… £20 per end. So I bought them online and saved myself £60!

Seems a bit backwards really?

I’ve literally just been and bought one of the £30 bike stands they have. It’s a bit flimsy, but will do the job that I need it to.

I’m just about to try and fit some jagwire hoses to my m785s… hopefully I won’t hit these problems!

Albino, no worries then. I’ve got a medium Soda mk1 (without cracks!) that is just a bit small for me. Want to swap to a large soul instead.

Is it a large frame? If so, I may have that off you.

IMO, you should try to be self sufficient. Even on a short visit to a trail centre etc.

I always take my camelback and it always has a tube, pump, multitool, money, food/water, basic first aid. Don’t see the point in not taking it really. Sod’s law says that if I left it at home then I’d need it anyway!

I was tempted by the cheap havens, colour put me off too.

I’m going to be building either a set of new pro2 or used 240s (if I can find some!) with some light bicycle carbon rims. Should weigh in under 1600g and cost around 450-500.