Always had good experiences with the Specialized mtb range, you can probably pick up some previous years models at bargain prices.

I just got the front adapters for 15 & 20mm through Specialized, easy swap over. Contact your local dealer.

Thanks for the transglobal link, will check that out as I’m doing the op’s journey in reverse in a few weeks.

Thanks George. Andy: I can do you a print out for your fridge? 🙂

I have an SB-66, but come from more of a DH background. I ride road and cross as well though so I’m not adverse to a good pedal. I ride clips for anything other than DH days. Rides very well for an all rounder, but won’t be a patch on your hardtail 29er as the trails flattens out. As long as you don’t plan to do any XC speed epics you’ll love it.

You might want to try a few bikes before purchase. Maybe a Santa Cruz solo 650b could be the bike for you? http://www.pinkbike.com/news/First-Look-Santa-Cruz-Solo-and-Tallboy-2.html

[/url]
Yeti SB-66[/url] by Dan.Sharpe[/url], on Flickr

It’s a few pounds heavier than the carbon sb-66 models posted earlier in this thread, but I’ve gone for a burly build as i’m traveling NZ with bike for the next coupla years.

Weight: 31 lb
Frame: Medium
Shock: Cane Creek Double Barrel Air
Headset: Chris King
Fork: 2013 Fox 34 Float CTD 160mm
Stem: Easton Havoc 35 (50mm)
Bar: Easton Havoc 35 Carbon
Shifter: Shimano Saint I-spec
Brakes: Shimano Saint & XT Ice-tech Rotors
Crankset: Shimano XTR, w/ 34t Gamut Race Ring
Chain Guide: MRP G2 SL
Rear Der: Shimano Saint w/ Clutch
Cassette: Shimano XT 11/34 10SPD
Wheelset: Mavic Crossmax ST
Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF 2.3 (Front), Maxxis Ardent 2.3 Lust (Rear) – Both Tubeless
Seatpost: RockShox Reverb
Saddle: Specialized Phenom Expert

Spot on, thanks.

Hi sandal, is your wheelset a 2011 or 2012? Cheers

Re: Addison Lee – So true, haha

Finally.. all dispatch e-mails are in.

3 orders, 2 of which were items that were already reduced, which supposedly were not included in the offer.

Leku: I grabbed an XT cassette as well, worked out way less than trade, bargains!

Still nothing my end! 🙁

The past few times I’ve been, we turned up without a booking and found room no problem, half the apartments were empty!

Always take a sleeping bag or bed sheets though as these are often considered ‘extras’

ST’s would be more than enough for what you need then!

Thanks guys,

I’m traveling out on a 23mth working holiday visa with a view to apply to stay with a skilled migrant visa, that’s if I like the place and can find a job e.t.c.

The quote I have had is for backpackers cover as I don’t want to be limited by single trip cover. The prices are between £1100-£1400 with £1k-£2k belongings and accident cover for DH MTB for up to 18 months.

I won’t have a permanent address for the first month or so as I plan to travel around the north island. During that time my bike and a fair bit of kit will be stored with a family friend in a secure garage. I do plan to find a place ready for summer though and would likely stay there for at least a year, probably more.

I like the idea of getting contents and then private medical insurance when I have a place to rent. In which case, I would only need a month or two travel insurance and wouldn’t need it to cover MTB.

Indecision!

Payment taken and approved on 3 separate orders here, but no dispatch e-mails yet. I reckon they’re wading through the orders trying to get out of as many as possible!

I have just replaced my ST’s with some SX’s. If you are more of a descender I would definitely advise the SX route.

Saying that, the ST’s have ran faultlessly for well over a year with minimal maintenance. They are still running well on my second bike having seen numerous gravity enduro’s and mini DH races.

Thank you drlex!

Teva links shoes work out to £56 posted with that code. 8)

The guy behind it is one of the main Cytech (Industry mechanics qualification) instructors, you will be in safe hands!

Just some quick tips..

1/250 shutter speed is a good start. Adjust your ISO to allow more light in if need be.

Generally your lenses are sharpest in the middle of their range, in the same way that a fork can bottom or top out.

Consider your composition.. http://digital-photography-school.com/rule-of-thirds

Another Cotic!

[/url]
Cotic BFE[/url] by Dan.Sharpe[/url], on Flickr

Looks dry for Saturday, worth a look I reckon!

I’ve been using a pair of jawbones for a few years now.. Road, XC, Commute, gravity enduro, DH. Can’t fault them.

I would definitely go down the vented route.

The CRC bulk boxes are a bargain imo.. http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=106300

ccdbair? I swapped my RP23 out for one and have been using it for both DH and trail duties.

Based on the above, I would recommend that anyone splashing out on a Mavic wheelset should look into the MP3 program.. http://www.mavic-mp3.com

Edit: Previous poster beat me to it!

^ Seems to be a trend by a few brands to save cost and in Tunes case, weight by supplying without grease!

As previously mentioned, one of these combines with a cut down bike box as a liner is an efficient, cheap combo

Ran an Rp23 on mine for over a year before I sold the bike. Recommended upgrade!

Thinking of heading down myself.

Apparently they’ve got some 650b Cube Stereo’s in the demo fleet.

Looks like there’s a good selection either way.. http://www.qecyclefest.co.uk/mtb-demo-day/

Thanks!

I won a pair of Rapha bib shorts a couple of years ago, they’re still going strong, I use them weekly for road, cross, MTB, even on the odd DH day. Hands down more comfortable than any of the other bibs I own, but at a price, especially with the whole WIGGO SKY thing going on!

I also use a set of Giordana bibs for commuting and the odd road ride, worth a look!

No, we’re talking full on oblivious cyclist here, his bike was on its side around a blind corner – there’s always a way to lift your bike off the trail or at least walk until there is.

The first section is an excellent test, if you can’t ride that confidently you should re consider continuing unless you’re with an experienced rider imo.

Loads of nutters standing and even changing tubes in the middle of the trail on descents last time I was over there. 😯

This is it honourablegeorge. You can’t mix and match tyre brands 🙂

Ideally I’d run a single ply 60A minion tubeless upfront.
I love the ardent tyre for the rear, but I’ve ripped through the LUST and EXO versions and don’t want to run anything other than 60A.

Happy to try the Butcher, I was looking into the 1.5 ply Clutch SX for the rear, but it isn’t renowned for being a fast rolling tyre. The purgatory control has mincey sidewalls IMO 🙁

Then again these are being used on a 160mm Yeti SB-66 that gets taken on the odd DH day.

Try MBR first, if you get on well with that, try the beast 🙂

Both excellent tyres! I tend to use the Ardent as a rear and purgatory on the front.

I was at the Afan round in the mud this year and at Eastridge & Dyfi in the sun last year. There were similar complaints about stages at Afan as the weather was grim.
I had great fun at Afan, my fitness wasn’t a patch on last year and I’m useless in muddy conditions, but enduro is supposed to be a combination of MTB skill sets 🙂

If you look at other European enduro’s they will pull you out of the race if you’re off pace.

I bought the Hope headset and reducer plate with the frame from Cotic. I did scan around before hand, but couldn’t find anything suitable and figured it easier to go for the Hope option.

Shimano brakes are very easy to maintain, if you take some top up fluid and brake pads you should have no issues.

I’m relying on a Saint setup for my summer in the mountains this year.

Thank you sir!