sorry wrote me second comment when there were only a few comments, but appeared after there had been 19! cheers for all the reply so far!

Thank you for the input so far.

As predicted lots of comments about fitness and asphetics! the triple doesn't really look any different, unless you're a road bike snob!

I'm reasonably fit, but hate grinding gears on hills and prefer to have a higher cadence.

I take the point about shifting, although lots of stuff on the web about the bigger jump on the front of compact.

Anyone else, still undecided!

I’ve just moved to Swindon and am similary looking for people to ride with.

Apparently there is a ride that goes from red planet bikes one evening, but dont know anymore than that. Anyone??

Also anyone know of any swindon DH riders? (i’m also partial to XC as well)

Van waffle grip used to be the best, but 5 10s are something else. Ask climbers!!

The 661 dont get good reviews and as some else pointed out they are around the same price.

As for the fashion angle, they’ve become ‘fashionable’ but mainly because they work. If they were cr** then I’m sure they would be in bargain bins everywhere as no one would have brought them for thier looks!