For some reason I didn't think about my own bike! – Nicolai Helius AC.

Adjustable 120-150mm on back, not too heavy, 140-150mm fork up front.

I run the 120mm at the back and Pikes. Slack at the front, low BB. Great fun. Not cheap though!

How about an Orange ST4?

http://dirt.mpora.com/news/sam-hill-fort-william-smash.html

Yeah, leave me alone you bunch of bullies! ;o)

I take your point about it looking small. I always have problems finding frames to fit – I have long legs and a short torso so XL frames always feel way too long reach-wise. The seat is actually a bit too high for me in that pic there too.

On the difference things, I didn't mean as in a crazy different idea, just a brand that you don't usually hear much about!

Different? Well, I haven't seen any other Helius ACs on here…

And yes, old saddles rule!

Alright Ash, Rob!

I'm dismayed by the lack of wifebeaters in your pics….

Looks awesome! Well jealous!

Chris

http://dirt.mpora.com/news/how-to-maintain-your-boxxer-forks.html

Video is for boxxers but if they're coil pikes, the procedure is identical.

I have these forks and they are VERY long for a 170mm fork.

The year after they reduced the A2C height by 40mm, IIRC…

I tried mine on a mate's Chromag hardtail and it was just ridiculous.

Think they were just 130mm max an no bolt-through.

Likewise, I'm after a 140mm coil fork and I like the look of the 44 RC3.

I can't be arsed with fettling and the 2010 ones have a 3 year warranty with no service stipulations. Winner.

Yeah he sounds like a right stroker. Epic customer service fail.

The car in front is a Toyota. Thank goodness it's not behind you!

Had one of these for a hire car.

Big, sort of spacious, heavy, but not 4WD. Meaning it was absolutely useless in the snow. I was getting shown up by dudes in Minis and Corsas as this off-road disaster slid about like bambi on ice.

Fail.

Dammit! I was hoping for a shocking review so I wouldn't spend any more cash! Fail!

I love bombers too but have been scared off in recent years by the issues.

I might have to return to these. Expensive though…

Has anyone get the 44 RC3s? Thoughts?

Yeah, currently running Pikes, which I love, but a bit heavy.

Tempted by the 44 RC3 but they're fixed at 140mm…

I didn't think you can get 140mm Revelations in coil any more, can you?

If so, where!!

This is a proper fail!

Come on lads, sort it out!

Still ****. Rubbish.

Old-skool downhiller legend Crawford Carrick-Anderson now runs a sign business. Keep in with the bike brigade karma and give him a call:

Welcome to cca-signs

Duncan – cheers for that. Also liking the nice custom options. Awesome.

I like the "Suspension leads towards traction instead of pedalling efficiency". Schweet.

Lecht – I had similar thoughts – AM is overkill for what I need. What size is that frame? Anyone happen to have a large frame pic?

I basically want the moon on a stick…

Did it last year and it was incredible, but yeah, can't afford it.

Great shame, trails and banter were awesome!

http://www.trans-provence.com/

http://www.orangebikes.co.uk/support/warranty.php

Oh yeah! How odd…..

Give it a go I suppose!

If Foxs are in good nick, you could probably sell 'em for a good price and get some Pikes/Revelations/TALAS?

http://www.orangebikes.co.uk/bikes/2010/st4_frame/

130mm Max in the geometry tab.

140mm with 100mm rear would feel a bit odd, no?

Oh my goodness. Yeah, you'll snap your bike in half, fudge your duds and all your mates will laugh at you…

As all trail centres, there's optional mentalness but nothing that will cause you to be 'riding the bum clutch' on a hardtail.

Go enjoy!

Ae forest:

I'm sure Poison by Alice Cooper was played at some point too.

Brilliant.

Haha! Forgot about them!

Think your 'solution' to getting lost wins the T-P improvisation award though mate!

Can I join the 'I got lost on the TransProvence' club?

Day 2 for me. Epic fail. Too busy trying to shield my eyes from naked sunbathers and tanned past a sign pointing down to the left.

01:34:38 for what should have been about 50 mins that day!

D'oh!

I did do it this year Dougal!! And it was awesome.

And there was plenty of climbing. Oh yes.

Again, fantastic week. Hats off to Ash and Melissa!

Ferrit (aka Chris, Team Wife-Beater)

It was an awesome week. I'll be there next year for sure!

Propedal setting is irrelevant when setting sag, it will sit into it's travel the same.

PUSH action affects the shock on all settings, but what propedal tune you asked for will determine the propedal level.

The PUSH is an overall improvement in damping characteristics. The Propedal is still how you select the level of damping.

I'm going to try and get into a casino in a sweaty wife-beater and muddy riding sorts that make it look like I've papped myself. Helmet optional.

uplink – I'll get your coat.

Been wondering this myself. Dead as of yesterday for me. Boo.

Hipflask will most likely contain some Islay goodness. Ardbeg/Lagavulin most likely.

Ideally I'd have 3 hipflasks though:

1. Malt as mentioned above for sampling at the summits and general sharing good times.

2. Absinthe if things get really bad. To trigger hallucinations that hills aren't as steep/legs aren't as tired/bike isn't as broken as I thought.

3. Rohypnol solution to induce collapse/illness and hopefully a heli-lift off the hill. Recovery from a revitalising hospital drip then get to the nearest bar ASAP.

downhill(ish)

Point taken, but still worth the slight weight penalty methinks.

Also, hip flask in the pack is also worth the weight sacrifice…