I used to have the XT wheels which were great apart from the bearing seals which let in all kinds of crud and ruined the hub. I’ve now got the American Classics which I love.

Got a pair a couple of weeks ago and they’re awesome. Fantastic modulation and lots of power. WMB magazine has just rated them four and a half out of five stars so they seem to agree.

I’ve got an 09 575 with carbon rear end and I can’t say I’ve noticed any flexing with it at all, and this includes a day at Cwmcarn on the downhill run. It feels just right to me, and I still think it looks the nuts too. On top of that, it’s an anodised frame and the paintwork is as hard as nails. Still looks pretty new after a couple of years or mis-treating it. Mind you, what suits one person won’t suit another so maybe you’ll only decide after riding both. As for the rear end snapping I’m sure I remember a similar thread on Yetifan where it was revealed that they’d had more failed alloy rears than carbon ones. I think everyone worries that carbon’s too fragile but it seems to be the way all the high end bikes are going these days so it seems unlikely.

Definitely M666. Just read the model on the calliper. The price of £144 was the VIP price which gave 10 percent off the £160 RRP. Had them on for a couple of weeks now and I’m seriously impressed with them for the money. Proper one finger braking for the first time.

What have they changed on the red downhill run? Going back there in a few weeks and was looking forward to revisiting it.

Just bought the SLX brakes including hoses, rotors etc from Merlin for £144. Really happy with them.

Thanks for the early replies guys. Nice to hear you rate the brakes too as I’ve just ordered them from Merlin. £144 for the pair including hoses and rotors which I think is a bit of a bargain. Not had too good a time with Superstar pads in the past but I may just give them another go.

This months What Mountainbike Mag has a one page review. They reckon the frame weighs 4.4lbs. They also give it a four and a half out of five star rating and make it sound like the best thing since sliced bread. Gotta say, for a 29er they do look quite cool.

I’d definitely book an uplift day at Cwmcarn. Masses of fun but take elbow and knee pads and a full face helmet. You’ll have a blast for the day. I’ve never ridden Brechfa but I’d recommend Afan the next day and do W2. If you’ve never been to Wales you’ll enjoy it. Even the climbs are enjoyable and you’ll love the Energy Section.

I had a problem with movement on my Trance and thought it was the shock eyelet bushes. Turned out to be that the bushes had worn the actual eye of the shock out. Maybe check that out?

American Classic Tubeless. Bloody great wheels.I think this years wheels are a bit less lairy than mine from last year.

I tried a Hope 2 on my head but sold it after two weeks as I found the weight with the battery too off-putting. I then bought a Diablo and this is an amazing head light. I still run something with a wider spread on the bars though.

Cheers for that. Have stuck it in my favourites just in case I get a pass for a long weekend away next summer.

Don’t tell me….It was that slutty singlespeed from next door wasn’t it ?

Also think they’re spot on for sizing. Another vote for Wellgo MG1’s. They’re pretty light for flats, and stick to five tens like glue.

WTF!! Makes my eyes hurt just looking at him.

I love it. I get a big grin on my face when I see some approaching. Maybe it’s because I haven’t stacked it on some yet though. Can see why riders get a bit jittery if it’s slippy.

Thank god for that. I was about to launch our laptop out the window because I thought it was the culprit. Half an hour trying to make an order and got nowhere.

Just seen it on Yetifan. Should have looked first. Sorry.

Not sure if you already have, but post it on the Yetifan site. Sure people will keep an eye out for you. Hope you get some good news.

Hi Caroallen. Sounds like a rather good trip then? Did you drive or fly, and did you use your own bikes (if so, what are they) or hire some? Also how long did it take to travel there?

American Classic +2

That Intense looks amazing. Shame I’ll never be able to afford one. If anyone is ever out on one, I’ll be the bloke riding into a tree with his tongue hanging out.

Genesis Core 40 just got rave reviews in Mountain Biking UK magazine. They reckon it’s pretty near perfect

Exposure Diablo. Bit over budget but a great light.

Rode up Leith Hill and Holmbury. Drinking a luurvley ice cold Becks. Listening to Doves (the band not feathered variety).

There are lots of good deals around on 661 helmets but most of them seem to be only available in S or XL. I got the 661 Comp 2 for about £45 from Merlin and it’s my first full face, so I had no idea how restricting it would feel wearing it. Needn’t have worried as it’s so comfortable you forget you’re wearing it. Probably something to do with the fact that all your concentration is focussed into not killing yourself on the way down. Highly recommend it.

I get awfull pain behind both of my knee caps which has forced me to swap from clip ins to flats so I can move my feet around during riding. I went to see a “specialist” and his advice was to give up biking and to never kneel down. Very helpful.

Nice vid. Top tune too. Always need a bit of Prodigy to wake you up first thing in the morning.

I did it on my 575 and had the time of my life. I went months ago and I’m still banging on about it. Top guys driving you up on the uplift too. Agree with scruff-stick the biggest tyres you can fit on. I only had 2.1’s and they took the piss that they were a bit skinny for DH. I think they may have had a point.

I used to buy Superstar brake pads, but must have had at least four pairs where the pad has separated from the backing metal. It wasn’t just me either. Two other guys in the group had the same problem. I now use Disco pads and have had no trouble whatsoever.

Definitely try to get him to do both trails. The Monkey trail is a real step up in the fun rating from Follow The Dog, and if he’s fit he’ll enjoy the zig-zagging (is that a word?)climbs too.

I never really “got” downhilling. I couldn’t really see how you could enjoy going down a hill that you hadn’t worked hard to get up first. Then I thought I’d give Cwmcarn a go. MY GOD do I get it now!! What a crack. Can’t really afford it but I’d love to build up a DH bike on the cheap. Would be so nice to not have to count the grams of everything I put on it.

Long live the 575. Don’t really like the look of the SB66.

Credit where it’s due. Good work fella.

You’ll have a blast, but the road drop is a lot steeper than it looks on You Tube vids. Make sure you stop and check it out before you launch yourself off it. As others have said, ride it within your limit and you’ll pick up more and more confidence as the day goes on. Great day out.

I’ve got a 575 but have to agree that the anniversary edition looks like it’s been coloured in by a five year old.

American Classic Tubeless are fantastic wheels. Light, no weight limit and I’ve even taken mine downhilling without any problems at all. Top wheelset.

They’re especially good for inflating tubeless tyres which can be a bugger to re-inflate if you lose the seal with the rim.

Good Omens is probably my favourite book of all time. Mort is my favourite Pratchett book followed by any with DEATH in them.