Advantage. Grippy enough for anything without too much drag penalty

I've done it on my Whyte (5" travel) – its all rideable but you get pretty shaken up – you'd be at quite a disavantage speed wise compared to those on DH bikes (rigs?) and I'm not sure I'd trust a featherwieght setup.
I certainly wouldn't want to do the Coffin jump or step down on anything other than a full DH bike

Getting there. Should be sorted by my half day Friday anyway 🙂

Not the best way to win a popularity contest Rich 😉

You still up for it this year then?

I use to have one (EC70) on my Whyte but replaced it with a thompson pretty quickly.
No problems with it but it did scratch sooo easily when adjusting height.

As posted elsewhere, I used to swear by them but, since changing to Elixirs, I've really noticed a drop in performance compared to the original pads.

Anyone used the organic or kevlar ones??

I used to be a fan of Superstar sintered – worked well on my old hopes and lasted for ages.

Since changing to Elixirs though, I've really noticed a drop in performance compared to the original Avid pads. Just a lack of initial "bite" and a need to 2 finger brake in places (haven't done that for years!).

Got a 16GB one and love it. I haven't got that much music (about 6GB) but the more you use it, the more you start sticking videos, apps, games, podcasts etc etc on.
I ran out of room a while ago (never came close with my old iPod classic).

We tried that one last year. Partner threatened to shove my bike up my bum if I ever tried to take her anywhere that tough again

🙂 I've had similar threats, although not on that route – I can kind of understand where she's coming from. Great track though 🙂

Bonkers! Fantastic spectator event but carnage for the competitors!

http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/pda-coed-y-brenin-this-weekend

🙂

Nant yr Arian's normally pretty much rideable all year except in really heavy snow – there's often a few patches of sheet ice along the top and on some of the fire roads at this time of year but if you take it steady it just keeps you on your toes !

See you tomorrow Rich 🙂

Those links have just confirmed my opinion – Very talented, Very bonkers!

Love the fact she was "born …in Yonkers, New York" – how appropriate.

oh, and no virus on either link!

“maintenance” consists of throwing your bike at the LBS spanner man and saying “Make it all worky again!”

God no – can't think of anything worse. I hate handing my bike over to someone else to try and fix. That does concern me a little with the ringdrive – specific tools etc etc.

hmmm

Is it just me being stupid, or do Pauls components only have front or SS rear hubs on their website?

I've always found amazon pretty good for that sort of thing (either direct or through their "marketplace").

Edit – sorry, that doesn't really help you now does it 😳

Blimey – just checked a vid of the Tune hubs – they sounds almost as loud as the Pro IIs!!

Maverickboy – I agree that the build quality of the old Bulb/XC hubs was significantly better than the current Pro IIs. And a more subtle freewheel noise

Scant – I've had problems with Pro IIs skipping in the snow. Not sure if the CK makes them any more prone to it??

Excellent – thanks for the suggestions. The Tune hubs sounds/looks promising but I still need some convincing not to buy CK (must check if the red tunes are the same shade as CKs!)

I met Chris King in Oregon last year, he's an all round good guy that keeps chickens. For that reason alone I'd say CK.

Fantastic quote 😆

nickc –

in reality this argument comes down to exclusivity and bragging rights in the car park

I think that's been the case for years really – I remember the old XC races and being soo jealous of guys riding past with that metallic Hope XC freewheel click 🙂

I do think the more expensive hubs tend to need less servicing/bearing changes though and take seroius abuse better (imho)

cookeaa – I entirely agree. That's why weight isn't really that much of a factor in my choice – it's longevity, reliability, sourcing of spares if necessary (and looks) that are the most important. Not sure Hope are top in that respect though – bearing replacement are an all too regular necessity with mine

Hmm ok – some fair comments. I know Hope are hard to beat in the value for money stakes – I've got 4 Pro II/bulb hubs on various bikes and they're great for the price.

The sealing isn't the best though and the free hub pick up is quite loose compaired to others (plus the noise does get a bit annoying sometimes 🙂 ). It does get a bit pricey replacing bearings, springs & pawls too.

I just fancy something a bit different and am looking for opinions on what's about. I also like my CK front hub – it's a bit more "well made" with better bearings (replaceable in both I know) and a proper through axle that just unscrews rather than halves bodged together.

dasnut – I thought Hadley hubs were dead easy to take apart?

Good luck if you order one. Ordered one beginning of January, dispatched on the 14th according to their website. Still no sign of it here and they've so far ignored all my enquiries 🙁

Not impressed and about to claim a refund on my credit card!

Not sure about the bearing number but I know a review of a ceramic bearing BB (can't remember which one) in either MBR or WhatMTB last year, stated that the manufacturer had recommeneded nothing more that blasting water through the bearings to wash them out a couple of times a year. The bearings obviously don't rust and are hard enough that they can cope with a bit of grit in. Apparently!!

I've done a few of the Welsh rounds in the past – always had a good ride, good atmosphere and entertaining whatever the weather 🙂

Shame they don't do Advantages 🙁

Yep here too. Also noticed they don't "bite" the same as the originals in my Elixirs (SSC tried)

Cool – glad to hear it z1ppy 🙂

Been a few posts on this recently Rich – you should search for them 😉

Personally, I don't like it – no chronological order any more 🙁

Ah, "the eternal reek of damp wool". A classic MS quote if ever there was one 😉

Blimey. Step away from the Credit Card! Must resist! 😯

neilnevill – yeah, you're probably right. I just gave up at the weekend after so much faffing!

I'll have a look later – good luck with yours 🙂

Just had some fun with my 8 year old one. No matter how much I twatted it with a hammer, the bearings wouldn't come out. 2 days soaking in GT85 did the trick though 🙂

Unfortunately I've now lost the 11mm spacer for the freehub so after all that it's still knackered 🙁

Was that the same news article that suggested that your average carnivorous pet had a "Carbon footprint" similar to a family car. FFS. who pays these people!!!

Hmm. I ordered a light from DealExtreme on the 3rd Jan. Dispatched on the 14th with Hongkong post. Still waiting…… 🙁

Mmmmmm Minion DHF 😉

I'm loving the new Mango flavour

mmmm – had one of those on the ride yesterday 🙂

And thanks for the thanks for thanking you! 😉

Yep – really impressed. The personal touch (email and hand written note in with the order) made a pleasant change for mail order too.

10m roll of SP41 outer here too (from Wiggle). Just cut what you want and no waste.

Lastminute.com are as good as most I find.

Some classic replies on the this post. Esp love the "dole-quaffing chav" 😉

FWIW, Mrs fbk loves her Dubarrys – she wears them in all sorts of weather and they alway stay dry inside and come up shiny new with a quick clean! Apparently.

Yup. Group of us going for the first time with a week in Les Deux Alpes afterward too.:)