Don't really think it's fair to compare the 2800 to the 7000 – totally different hardware, different size, shape etc. I had a Road Angel (7000) – it was crap!

I had a play with the 2800 at the Cycleshow and it does look much better – v fast scrolling, nice screen & quite intuitive if you're used to the memorymap way of doing things. It's supposed to be weatherproof, although not nec completely waterproof (as in dropping it in a river). I'd be a little worried about the touch screen getting hammered with use out in the mud but only time will tell.

My Bro's just received his in the post (having ordered it at the Cycleshow!!) – I'll let you know how he get's on.

I've started using "Squirt" (I was sent a free sample 🙂 ) and I've been really impressed. It's more of a chain "wax" than oil so you need to apply it to a clean chain the night before and allow it to soak in & dry. It does seem to do the job though – even in the Sh1t we're riding in at the moment. No mud/grease build up either 🙂

Swedish Chef – DT Swiss bought out the suspension arm of Pace 2 or 3 years ago and moved production over there. The prices shot up but word isa the quality control issues that plagued the Pace versions (RC40/41) have been ironed out….hopefully!! Pace are still involved as UK distributer for the forks.

I've had carbon cranks for a while now – FSA again. I too had the dodgy pedal thread insert problem with them coming loose. All replaced under warranty without a problem and the new ones are fine.

They do start looking a bit battered after some ground contact but no worse than alloy ones.

Oh, and I'm around 14 stone and don't hold back on DHs 🙂

That's great. Thanks Kamina – really interesting comparisons. Especially the one with the Pikes (My Rev's are '09 so basically air sprung Pikes). I guess the Floats will improve though with use?

rbmccunn – the CRC offer is the reason for this thread, bloomin' bargains!

Eastridge is good fun. It's only quite short but hard work – plenty of climbing but some great descents.
There's a lot of work going on there at the moment (trail building) and plenty of DH runs if you go with someone who knows the area. A couple of sections will probably be a mud fest but it drains surprisingly well.

I don't need to add to what's been said about Llandegla recently – good fast fun but nothing technical (might be spot on for your mate though?)

Long Mynd/Stipertones is a great area and can be accessed from a start at Eastridge for more of an epic ride 🙂

MrM – I thought the RC40/DTswiss forks were renowned for being stiff? I know Pace had their problems though – that's the main reason I haven't bought anything from them in the last 12 years!! I believe DT Swiss have brought a bit more quality control into the system?

Thanks for the comments guys. You still haven't persuaded me not to get one 😉

Fergus – fine review, I wish I had the will power to only replace things when absolutely necessary 🙂 .

Having said that, I have just sold some old '97 RC36 pro class forks on Retrobike and I agree – cracking forks that lasted ages.

I was kind of hoping people would post on here saying what rubbish the XMCs were though to remove temptation. Damn these pre-Christmas Bargains!!!

kamina – can I ask why you preferred them? How did they compare with regards to torsional stiffness?

James_D – Cheers for that. The price has always been a sticking point but they're £400 on CRC at the mo 🙂

Blimey – has no-one used these?

I know they're expensive but I thought someone on here would have something to say about them 😯

I think you do get the occasional dodgy batch.

I had some EBC ones a couple of years ago – I could feel them wearing away as I braked on a road descent in the alps just after replacing them (short descent down to the chair lift and I could feel the lever coming closer to the bars all the way down). One side had disintegrated by the time I reached the bottom. Maybe it was a "bedding in" problem but I doubt it.

Wiggle replaced them though and fortunately I had some old ones to pop in for the rest of the ride.

Yep. You just need to be in wifi range for any that need the Internet

Well I've got to say, my elixir pads are only just looking like they need changing and that's after just over 8 months of 7 stanes, welsh trail centres, more "natural" riding, the avalanche trophy (keilder) and various other fairly full on rides 🙂

I've been really impressed with the wear-much better than the formula oros on my HT.

Just my two penneth 🙂

RRP Neoguard is what you're looking for

Hmm, my current plan is 223 for qualifying; slightly beefed up E-120 for the main event. "Cheating" maybe but I'm just there to have fun 🙂

Although if what Flamejob is saying is right and they're removing some of the uphill slogs, maybe a re-think is in order!!

Can people please stop talking about the Avalanche series!

I'm already looking forward to more Avalanche Enduro's and a group of us are "definitely" doing the Mega next year!

I hate wishing my life away but Bring On Next Season! 😈

36, Vetnry

One thing I certainly wouldn't do is give E&L £400 of my money!!!

Cheers Drac – I feel loved again 😀

Ok, 1 last try for an invite. If everyone ignores me this time I'm going to go ride my bike instead.

Or maybe I'll just go to work 🙁

FFS – why bother making a decision when you can opt "to set up an inquiry into the benefits of video technology and extra officials".

"can everybody please just play fair until we make a decision"

They may make some changes by 2020!

I don't understand the foot dragging regarding video evidence.

Is it 100% definitely happening next year – the Kielder round has been taken off the provisional diary for next year on the Avalanche website.

If it is, do it – it's great 🙂

Climbs are mainly fire road cruises with plenty of time to get up (just don't get caught out at the food stop too long as many people did last year!). Stick some reasonbly chunky fast rolling tyres(Minions/HRs for me) and you'll be fine.

I'm feeling left out now 🙁

nwATvet98.freeserve.co.uk

anyone?

Hmm. This sounds fun

Email in profile if some kind sole wants to invite me.

Icy mud is almost as good as bone dry for riding on – had some fantastic rides in the peaks early this year riding over what are normally peat bogs with ease. I love the crisp cool air too – no over heating 🙂

You're right though – is certainly hurts when you do come off – solid, spiky and freezing cold. Plus you tend not to get any warning or chance to save it either 😕

I'm pretty certain the row you start in for the qualifying run is purely down to chance anyway rather than any previous results/skill level (done via a "lottery" draw) so I don't see the problem.

As other suggest, if you're not good enough to be there you'll soon realise 😉

surfer – I disagree. My eVent jacket is ok for showers etc but, during heavy rain, it just soaks through. Everyone always blames sweat but there's no beading on the jacket, the worst wetness is down the arms and it can happen if I'm stood still

Unfortunately I've become very cynical about the existance of properly waterproof sports wear because of this 🙁

edit: I do still like my Sealskinz though for the reasons mentioned above 🙂

I like sealskinz but yes, you have to allow for the limitations of your foot having to go in them – either tape up the top or wear with longs/waterproof trousers and they'll keep you nice an dry.

ime, even when they do let water in they act like a wet suit, allowing the water to warm a little and keep your feet warm at least. This won't work if your shoes aren't big enough though as the restriction to blood flow will freeze your feet worse than wearing nothing at all!

Neogaurd/inner tube in your forks, assuming you've got "normal" forks with a brake arch.

You'll be amazed how much of a difference it makes if you've never used one. I don't bother with crud catchers anymore as it's only really the stuff that hits your face that's the problem.

imho 🙂

Hmm. Not really worried as it's nothing I'm desperate for and I went for the free delivery option which probably puts it to the back of the queue.

Just so long as they don't turn round and say there's none left now…

You're / your right / write there / their / they're.

🙂

Yep – that's why I did 2 orders – the first lot came to £50.50 so it seemed silly not to just submit that one. Did a second for just over £100 today. It is a strange way to do it – no incentive to order any more when it's a flat amount off.

Still bargaintastic though 🙂

Drive side last time but it was an FSA BB so probably never had any grease in anyway 😉

Glad I opened this – well worth the read.

Must tell my Friend,s about it 😈

Ok, following on from this thread. Does anyone know why no-one sells these Shimano MT90s any more. They look ideal but the only ones I can find are in silly small sizes…

2nd Parking at the Horns Inn – 100yd ride into the chase (about 1km from FtD) and the landlord is very helpful.

Does mean you feel obliged to pop in for a pint afterwards though 😉

Not a fan of pedigrees really and the comment re rescue homes is Definitely valid.
If forced though, Bengals or Ragdols look great and certainly have personality 🙂

Note the air of professionalism retained through avoiding the obvious innuendo 😉

Another vote for Pink Floyd – Comfortably Numb but has to be the live version on "Pulse" – turn the volume to 11 and just sit back 🙂

I'll ride in any weather – just plan the ride to suit.

"There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad preparation" 😉

Park PCS-10. Bit more compact and an easy to use QR clamp. Wouldn't be without mine now

edit – and it all folds away nicely too 🙂

I don't think I've ever felt so old 😯