See what you mean. You get the idea though. Good bikes.

Not sure if you'd be willing to buy 2nd hand, but I reckon one of these might fit the bill.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SPECIALIZED-SX-TRAIL-ONE-2008-/220639014202?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item335f1c2d3a#ht_500wt_1154

I didn't read the description on it tho so it might not be a good one.

With regards to the Giant. They look a lot better in the flesh than in a picture.

I was under the impression they were cheaper because they used big brands old frames, therefore spending nothing on development, which is where the saving is made – not by skimping on quality?

Wasn't it the carrera dh team that used a rebranded intense a few years ago?

Did someone mention out of date suspension systems? Should I ditch my Orange?

purchased a (few?) weeks ago, but want a different colour

?

Surfin USM just popped into my head.

Just kidding. Nice one.

No wonder you want that extra security. Nice bike.

Also have you got sounders in your garage? If you've got something like a master blaster a thief would need ear defenders to stay in there even a short time. Would certainly get peoples attention too.

http://www.torc-anchors.com/

I use a 19mm and 13mm pragmasis chain. Almax chains are supposed to be as good, if not better.

Ditto what mamadirt below says. He's a great guy to deal with.

What bike's it on? Someone suggested it had been custom tuned for mine and the pro pedal gets disabled.

I couldn't figure it out on mine either. Trouble is, it seems to be exactly the same whichever way it's set.

Don't think that would work fine. That won't push the cups in square with those square washers flapping about.

Yours make me feel dizzy. Here's about the best I can manage:

A mate:

Hang on.

Do you mean on rear shock? Think it is one tool does it all. Don't take my word for it though. Edit: Take theirs ^^^^

I don't need cheap Russian brides thanks

Surely you mean gold digging, bloody expensive Russian brides.

Electric rebar cutter?

Nano's here too.

A friend who's a mechanic lent me his once. He told me to slacken it off once I've used it as it stops it losing its accuracy as badly as if it's left wound on. Just a bit of advice, which I keep forgetting now I've got my own.

Is my understanding of a fire road wrong then? In all those pictures only one looks like it's got what I think of as anything like a road in it.

I think the yank part was the problem. Would end in misery.

Mine are 2010's btw, if that makes any odds.

This was from mrmo a while ago:

http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/psa-lecky-riders

I've got the R's so not a direct comparison, but they're fine after 8 months of use. They were a bit sticky at first, but I was told to use ptfe spray on the stanchions, put on with a rag, and now I've got them set up right (or seemingly anyway) they're fine. Done a couple of services too, and all's ok. The only problem I've had is sometimes the valve seems to leak if I reduce the pressure in them, but a couple of pumps back up seems to sort it, and they're not amazing on buzzy stuff, like tractor tyre prints. I'm not heavy, but they've had quite a lot of use.

I think there was a Bikeradar review which suggested the RC's weren't worth the extra money over the R's though.

I can't see the pictures Dancake. I'm fairly local to Cheltenham.

Was that a Freudian slip, or intentional?

Garden centre.

I used to use the freeride ones (cheapest ones I think). They were great for my old Stumpy, and my brothers hardtail, but wouldn't take my Patriot as the forks were too long. Haven't tried them with my new bike as they aren't long enough to go on my astravans roof bars (got a rhinotube so can't put them closer together). Just make sure your bike will fit. I preferred them to a boot mount as they seemed more secure, and you can get in the boot easier.

Do we need to be friends to see it?

Looks mint. Were there any issues raised re the warranty by speccing 180mm travel forks?

Probably worth a shot. Mine's about 8 months old so will probably just come under wear and tear, but a couple of months seems a bit soon.

Away from the bars. Definitely doesn't need bleeding. It works fine, as you say it's just a pain.

Probably didn't explain it very well. When you push Avid levers forward they 'snap' out. I think it's a ball ended plunger that pushes against the piston. I didn't know whether the ball may have worn out and needs replacing, and if the service kit contains the parts?

I don't find my Alpine heavy either.

Harsh.

Jedi's right. I changed back to flats about 6 months ago, after a couple of hairy moments on some jumps. Took a few days to get used to it, and a bit longer to get technique right. I use the same set up as you – 5.10's and Nano flats. Getting over jumps was a bit sketchy at first and I kinda had to make a conscious effort to think of my feet, but it's been well worth it. Don't really miss spd's on xc rides either. Shouldn't be too long and you'll feel alright on them. Sorry if that doesn't help much.

Lost me. What's BBB? I've been away.

I thought I'd overbiked myself with an Alpine 160, but it was what I really wanted above anything else, even if it wasn't the best bike, and since buying it I haven't doubted it once. Give it a ride, if you still like it, buy it! You'll more likely regret it if you buy something else just because it's slightly better matched with you're riding style. They look pretty sweet too.

He didn't pay much attention to the well known ban on nicking other peoples stuff. Makes you wonder what good this will do doesn't it.

I had this problem too once, after about a year. I opened mine up and found a little bit had snapped off the lever bit you push and was rattling around inside. Had to buy a new one. Then the rhs one went too. May be the same thing.