Thanks for the feedback. I’m looking at one of these rather than an X10 actually so interesting comparison…

Got them on several bikes (XC & DH). Yes they can be a little temperamental and a there’s a knack to bleeding them but, once done properly, they’re spot on.

Worth looking at a Larsen – I’ve been running one on the back for ages. It’s amazing what grip it’ll give you in all but deep mud & very low rolling resistance. Braking can be interesting sometimes though

Another vote for the Campingaz classic one. Just taken it round Scotland and it worked well. There were a few places doing a deal with a free 240V adapter too last month.

Just got back from a week away following this race so forgive the late arrival!

Great race & fantastic stages – lots of climbing, connecting intervals about right and some seriously technical downhilling – a proper “Gravity Enduro” course IMHO. My race was a bit cocked up by a puncture in qualifying but it was still a great weekend.

Am I the only one though that thought the complete lack of “Official Media Sponsor” presence at the event was a bit rubbish. Singletrack haven’t really had much of a presence at the first two but seem to have given up completely now!

Hey Mr Plow – just seen this. Yep, we’re on our way tomorrow.
Should be a good one this. Especially as I’ve finally got my bike sorted….

I’ll no doubt bump into you again I’m sure 🙂

Thanks for that – signed up and awaiting results 🙂 .

Tiz a great place to ride and very under-rated…..long may it stay that way 🙂

jhw – yes it does. Plus DH skiing tends be down a nice wide open channel of snow/ice, not over huge sharp rocks & between trees etc.

As for the discussion level, this isn’t really a DH forum either is it? And the coverage of the world cup really isn’t the best, especially when compared to regular prime time TV programmes.

I love the world cup and love watching it, especially on Freecaster. Unfortunately I tend to catch up a day or two later as the ‘live stream’ is the most frustrating thing in the world!!

And as for all this “we shouldn’t discuss road riding coz we’re not roadies”…… 🙄

Edit for the OP – Peaty is indeed a god amongst men 🙂

I’ve got some Float 140s (15QR) on my Zesty and wouldn’t say I’ve noticed any excessive flex. Certainly no more than the DTSwiss/Revelations I’ve had on other bikes.

I’m around 14stone kitted up and not particularly smooth 🙂

Looks pretty good. And now’s probably the time to order one if you want it for the winter 🙂

the point I was making is that tyre choice is not really a great concern there. Asking the question was the new low

Ah, the welcoming atmosphere of STW strikes again. I always find it funny that some one who comes onto a MTB forum and asks a MTB related question can get such abuse!

You didn’t expect serious answers on here did you? 🙄

The £5 off trick hasn’t worked for me (on my usual account!) for ages. I guess it’s something they only allow relatively new/infrequent user to use? Fair enough really 🙂

What a great thread – classic STW in soo many ways 🙂

Hmm, I think somebody’s going to find it hard to get a straight answer for a while here!

Yep, another TCB fan here.

I tend to decide what I’m going to buy then check TCB to see if I can a bit more off, so don’t rely on the cash back. I’ve only been let down a couple of times though and have had well over £100 back.

What are “online team specialists” – how many online teams do we have here and why do they need a specialist??? Blimey 😯

I’ve slept in my old ’03 Honda Civic. With the back seat flat & the front side tilted as far forward as it’ll go, it’s just about right for a thermorest & sleeping bag with the bike/kit in the other half (I’m 6ft)

I know I shouldn’t but the one Chomp’s posted makes me laugh

Yup, me too 🙂

Nope should be fine – as you say, it’s just the ground clearance that would change but it’ll still work with a smaller ring

Simple solution – I left them soon after the initial campaign, once they started spouting similar “sensationalist” views on other topics

I’ve just received some “Excel” grips from Superstar and they’re huge! Pretty big diameter and about 30% wider than all the others I’ve tried. Only put them on last week but so far they seem pretty comfy.

Padded gloves make a bike difference too – I struggle to ride all day without them.

Try giving Thule a call

Hmm – I tried that once. I got a very terse response that they don’t sell spares so go to Halfords!

Definitely agree with what Mark says.

It’s very easy to hide behind a keyboard and just assume everyone has the same “sense of humour”, or just create arguments for something to do, ignoring the effect it may have on others (especially those new to the forum thing).

Quick bump on this – is the bit about 9 & 10 speed chainrings true? Just looking to get a 10 speed 36tooth ring

Nice thread revival! Spam anyone?

Blimey – yeah, TCB/Quidco cashback too. How have these not sold already!! 😯

I’m so proud of myself resisting……… so far 😯

Have to agree – any bike can fail. It took me 3 cracked frames before I lost confidence in my last bike 🙂

Just bought a Gamut p30 as they come recommended by a few guys I ride with. Used to run an E-13 DRS but wasn’t impressed – it kept the chain on but the rollers don’t last long at all & spares seem hard to come by. The stingers get some quite good reviews but I’ve heard mixed reports.

Molgrips – I’m guessing that, from your comments, you’ll never be in that situation and will never understand the mentality of those who go there.

I’m not saying that I do but I don’t think it’s fair to judge people in such extreme circumstances from the comfort of your desktop. As said above, no one climbs Everest without an understanding of the associated risks. I don’t think “comfort” is a word used much there.

Yep – most of the coated forks I’ve seen haven’t looked much different to the normal stanchions.

As an aside, I’ve just been looking at the service guidelines for the 2011 & 2012 forks – I see Fox are now only recommending a service/inspection of seals etc every 100hours, with advice to wipe/clean the external surface after every ride. Is that right?

Just to add balance to this, I’ve had cause to test the warranty on a Whyte frame several times in the last 4 years. Every time, I can’t fault them – a replacement frame +/- shock with any necessary hardware has been sent to my lbs within the week, no questions asked. I do agree that some of the faults suffered by the op are unacceptable and quality control Is perhaps an issue but chain drop on rough trails is surely a hazard on any bike, especially a FS, easily rectified with a chain device?

Edit – just read the post re trying to rectify the problem with a stinger. I’m not going to try and fix a problem on a bike I haven’t seen so I won’t comment further. I still stand by my comments re Whyte though.

In a quest for the “do-it-all” bike, there’s always going to be a compromise. Bigger forks will put a significant bit of weight on the bike and raise the headtube up a bit – consequence is probably a bit more stable on the downs but not so nice on the ups. Depends where you want the most “help” really I guess.

I’ve just bought a Zesty and was thinking of spec’ing it with a bigger fork. I decided I needed more help on the climbs so stuck with the 140 Floats and haven’t regretted it so far. As others have said, I’d be tempted to ride it and find where the limits are. If you feel the need for more up front, or are starting to feel a bit of flex then bigger forks are the way forward. I would do it “just because” though.

Have to say I’ve always been happy with my Alien 2 – all the tools you need in a design that gives you a reasonable amount of torque when needed.

Sorry – doesn’t help much in your case though!

Trekster – that’s great. Thanks very much for the info.

I’m still undecided whether to risk the Highlands or stay down South – I’ve been round Mabie/Dalbeatie a fair bit and, as we’ve got to get up to Fort Bill anyway, it would be nice to spend a bit of time up there. I think we’ll probably spend a couple of nights at one of the sites you’ve listed though – cheers.

meribelmtb – sounds interesting too. Hmm 🙂

Hmm, I guess you just need to be “lucky” with the weather etc more than actual position. Maybe I’ll stay South a bit..

Thanks for the info guys.

Geoffj – Rothiemurchus was in the original plan but surely the midges will be as bad as anywhere there?

Thanks Trekster – some good links there. Have you stayed at any of the sites?

Maybe a trip to Drumlanrig would be in order – I love it there 🙂