I’d do the North if I had to one of the two. Little bit longer but has a bit of everything. Saying that, even the Blue route won’t dissappoint and you could so that in 30 mins.

I’ve always enjoyed building a bike up from a frame. It at least means you can spec it exactly how you want it. However, it usually works out more expensive thank buying something ‘off the shelf’. If you’ve got the tools and space to build up a Yeti, then go for it 🙂

In the past I couldn’t notice much difference between Deore and SLX. But, the jump from SLX to XT is a fair bit. XT are a lot lighter in action and smoother. Worth the cash if you cam afford it, otherwise I’d get some Deore.

They’re cracking frames. I had one for around six months, before going back to a hardtail.

One word, ‘retainer’!

Forgot to say, I’ll be on a Giant XTC XC bike (blue/white/silver) with white Fox forks. Wearing a Bike Bank bright Orange jersey.

I’ll be there, although I wimped out and will just be doing the 15 miles. Fairly sure there were 500 entries last year, so expect it to be busy. I’ve put in a fair bit of training, so would like to put in a good run. Agree with the weather comments, although I’ve rode Whinlatter in all seasons and it’s never too bad.

I’ve found EveryTrail quite good. Another free app that works for many different sports.

Has anyone used one of the apps with a HR monitor? Endomondo seems to be able to do it. I’d quite like something compatible with my exisiting Polar setup.

I had a rear shock serviced by TFT around six months ago. The shock hadn’t been serviced in a long time (at the hands of the previous owner) and was suffering. Got some great advice from TFT as to what best to do and they sourced the parts and had the shock back to me really quickly. I’d definitely recommend them.

Nice that. Certainly better than it coming back caked in mud with buckled wheels etc.

Should have a bought a few more minutes though. Haha.

Both look excellent 🙂

Carbon seatposts worry me more. I had one on a Stumpy a few years ago and was always concerned when it flexed. Still, never had any problems with it after a few years of using it.

Whinlatter this morning:

Had a brilliant ride out, had to be one of the best of the year. Absolutely no-one else around either.

I usually go out on Boxing Day. Too many people to see on Christmas day with the family. Boxing Day is usually quiet, so a perfect time to slip out on the bike.

Not got mine yet either. Free gloves with the new issue too.

About sheep keyrings apparently.

I’m on the west coast of the lake district and it’s been snowing again, and has been a mix of rain and snow all day.

Whinlatter in August…

Happy days 🙂

I’ve got a set of XC/AM Superlite wheels and have been running them for around six months. They’ve been spot on. Nice and light and haven’t had any problems.

Creatine will mean your muscles are holding more water, which will increase your weight.

Decide what you want to do and then head down that route. If you’re wanting to put on some size, then bulk up over winter and then cut in spring and get rid the fat for summer.

Cutting and trying to put on size at the same time is a bit counter productive.

Cheaper alternative to the MRP device: http://superstar.tibolts.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=362

It’s my local and great to have so close by. Definitely go for all three loops if you can, they all have their own goods bits. I usually start on the Blue, then do the South loop and finish on the North loop.

There’s not really any Black sections or any walk board sections though. Couple of bits at the very start of the North loop and that’s about it.

Have a good one 🙂

I’ve had a Bel Air (non-Ti) on my bike for the 18 months. It’s got a bigger profile than more racey style saddles, but its definitely comfy.

I’ve not pre-ordered it, but might pop in to Morrisons on the morning of the release to see if they sell it for £25 like they did with the last one.

I like it. Nice bike too.

I had a shim on a stumpjumper using a USE Alien carbon. Never moved the post up/down and was fine with it. Think the shim would have been from 27.2 to 30.9 (but could be wrong, was a few years ago).

I got Peppa Pig on the Wii for my 4yr olds. It’s a complete nightmare to control. However, they picked up Little Big Planet on the PS3 quickly. The Wii is more family orientated, but Sony are bringing out more family games now with the introduction of Move. I’d get a PS3 and I’m sure your little one will enjoy it for a good few years.

I rode an Enduro Pro on a test ride evening by a local bike shop. It was a superb bike, the best I have tried. Comfortable riding up hills, and a blast on the way down. Excellent bike.

Might seem a silly question, but have you got the suspension set-up correctly on the Dawg? Might be worth tinkering with the settings to see if that helps.

From memory, the Marz site says that the axle-to-crown measurement on the XC600’s is 507mm’s. The SC site states geometry for the Heckler using 515mm a a-t-c fork. So there’s not much in it. I can’t seem to find a measurement for the Pike, but guess it’ll be around the 515mm mark (or slightly above)? Hopefully the height variance shouldn’t make much difference in the short term, at least until I can upgrade the forks.

Krag – I’ll be using mine for XC/AM riding, but if the opportunity for doing a bit of DH came up it’s good to know it’ll do the job. Two weeks in Morzine is a fair test!

Does anyone care to post a few pics for inspiration? 🙂

That’s good to hear, thanks for that Chris. I’ll probably go to some 150-160mm forks in the future, in something a bit more heavy duty like Pike’s.

I bought some of the XC/AM wheels a couple of months ago. For the money, you can’t go wrong. Cartridge bearings, light weight and well made. Definitely some of the best money I’ve spent on my bike.

Camping at Santa Pod in a muddy field full of chav's wasn't the greatest. Listening to Scooter once was bad enough, never mind for a full night.

Those pictures are amazing. Very well done to her.

I'd be careful with it. I ignored the drum on my old machine rumbling. It led to a burning smell and leaking before there was enough play in the bearings that the belt kept on being thrown off. The machine's themselves aren't too bad to strip and repair, there isn't much too them. Some good guides on YouTube to repairing them too. Maybe see if you can get a replacement drum off eBay and have a go yourself? If you decide to go down this route order the drum now, as the bearings being on their way out could lead to wear on the spider, which would be another part to replace.

Nasty. I can imagine A&E would be a nightmare on a Fri/Sat night. Got to feel for the staff that deal with them.

For £20 delivered, I've ordered a set of Time MXS carbon shoes. Got to be a bargain.

I'm on the coast of Cumbria. Whinlatter on Sunday sound a plan? Earlyish?

Looks ok to me, good improvement.