I think the Hope X2 is good – used for 12 months – pads very easy to change

http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/maps/

This site is great – 1:50 and 1:25K OS maps of GB

does Jedi cater for the “lesser-skilled” rider

You’d be fine at any level.

http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/maps/

For 1:25K of UK

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=44333

Apologies for not commenting on the brands you mentioned. The Cube’s at Chain Reaction appear to be good value. Never ridden one but you see a few about and they seem to look nice/ go well.

+1 Kurt Kinetic and Sufferfest.
I think turbos can really improve your riding – especially if you have limited time.

[Don’t understand the whole ‘5s are overrated’ thing that a lot of people have. Certainly one of the best bikes I’ve ever ridden…]

I had a Five and sold it on. You might say that it was overrated but in all probability I was never in a position to get the most out of it. I think that many UK riders on UK trails do not need this type of bike. Those that do will enjoy it.

Flows and 355 – both faultless. Both tubeless running Maxxis and Conti.

Conti RQ 2.4 UST – black chilli? Have run one up front through the summer with 2.2 rear. Its been so dry I would be hard pushed to recommend in wet. Time will tell. No complaints so far. Quite a large volume tyre – good on rocks.

http://www.seamonscc.co.uk/

Rode with this club 10 years ago and enjoyed it. They are in Altrincham so should be perfect for you.

[so is sea salt the answer?]

Doesn’t that just induce vomiting?

Believe me I’ve read it.

You say – [It suggests that sports drinks and especially those purporting to replace lost electrolytes are based on poor science.]

I say – TRUE.

I also say – The science they use to refute the guff is also guff.

Brings me back to my original point – its ALL guff.

So if you loose a shed load of salt on a ride and replacing it makes you feel much better what are you going to do? Wait till somebody produces unequivocal evidence in favour of salt supplements?

Are you doing it?

[As someone far more familiar than you with electrolytes, both in terms of measurement and replacement, I’m happy to stick with the idea that cramp is related to fatigue and its effect on nerve firing rather than a lack of bananas… ]

Bit confident fella – PhD in piss poor hypotheses? The science toted around these parts in relation to hydration (I’m specifically thinking of the Gatorade study) is pure guff. In fact the term ‘sports science’ is anachronistic. Sweating does lead to appreciable salt loss – so on a long ride, replacing H2O alone makes little or no sense. Whether there is a direct relationship between salt loss and cramp is open to conjecture but electrolyte replacement does seem to work for some singletrack folk including myself. Perhaps we are the sweaty minority?

Suns come out at last in Brum – but I’ve just had a shandy so no training tonight. Any footie on?

Mine were largely sorted using the Nuun tablets

Had a Zion and Epic as well but found that I preferred the Zion in almost every way. I almost forget about the bike – fits well and does everything I need. Cost seems to be the major issue. Mine was good value second hand. Not really sure they are worth double or triple and equivalent steel frame.

OK thanks for the replies – think that I’m persuaded to go with the Sov. I sought of knew it would be the more versatile bike – just wondered about the hills as its quite heavy.

Use POC and they work well.

Scott's cycles Stratford Road – brilliant bike shop

Just got Sufferfest angels. Quite enjoyed it.

I think that the original had a steeper head angle than the present model.
Mine (new model) is quite slack and fine down steep stuff.

Should have said ride it with float 140s; no adjust and just fine.

Had mine for several months now. Its really heavy – so I do like riding a light bike once in a while esp at events. That said it has been the bike that I've chosen to ride all summer. Very dependable for epic days out or trail riding. Geometry feels spot on for me. Climbs well. It replaced an Orange Five – never missed the Orange for a second.

Got cut at 80 miles. Felt OK, could have finished. Did not get up the hills quick enough, and there were a lot of hills.
Felt very happy with the ride. As many have said the event was very well organised and I would definitely go back.

My folks have traveled to all the places you mention. Seem to recall that they thought Vietnam was incredible.

Me (and my bike). Staying at YHA. Found near back of the pack at all other times. BW Simon

A nervous excitement has set in. Can work from home today. Kids back at school so house will be quiet. Probably go out for a short ride with my wife who is going to do the Great North Swim on Sun. To dos: (1) pork pies – the small ones – for drop bag. Thats it? Also have a selection of Mulebars and Torq gels. Will drive up from Brum tomorrow, stopping at my folks place in Durham before hitting Kielder. Staying at the YHA. Will get out on the bike once I arrive. Probably 15 years since I rode there.

Bugger

Works very well for OS navigation

You just described my Evil Sov

Normally ride evil sov – heavy. But nice.

Pluck out Ti hardtail for races/ events – much lighter, much much faster.

Two toffee crisps – you'll weigh as much as me come raceday.

Empathising with Andrew and Mike. Andrew – brave route the week before. I think that you can only write it off – bad day, steep hills, wind etc. Might be easier on he day you never know? Mike – D&V is never good but should lighten the load. New bike excitement should get you round.
Any ideas on where my dad could set up to get pics still gratefully appreciated.

Oh, my dad wants to come up and take pictures. Anybody know where he might find a good spot, relatively easy to access?

Did 25mile yesterday, broke rear derailleur. Thanks to Scott's cycles in Brum for replacing it instantly; they also got rid of my squeaking cranks so I won't have to ride on my own any more.
Just done 90m today on road – ate a bit more than I usually do and finished in good shape. Bring it on.

Night training – vsop cognac – 2 reps

Might trial the mudguard tomorrow – going down to the Cotswolds to find some hills. Alternative is Gortex pants – although I think the arse has worn through which kind of defeats the purpose.

Looks like just the ticket. No mudguards then.

Thanks for the bracelet Mike. I'm using Co2. Made a big effort to get weight down plus get some of it onto the bike. Got a saddle bag and going with a bottle cage rather than backpack.

Would anybody who rode last year bother with a mudguard on the back? Stupid question I know but takes my mind off things.

I'd go for vouchers too. She should get a reading list – would not buy everything at once but there will be a few core texts. Luckily many are now mass produced so the prices are reasonable.