Depends on the type of riding you do and the terrain?

bandit 26er

I run rubber queen bc front and a mk2 bc rear, grip is awesome and predictable. Wear appears very good so far, would definately recommend them.

+1 @ matther01

My wife has run a dog sanctuary and rehoming center for the last 20yrs and in my experience the best mix for health and endurance without the breed specific health problems is a lab/springer mix, they are very social, easily trained for obedience and extremely loyal and being soft mouthed have excellent temperaments, but try to rescue if you can.

Waiting on my new 2013 Bandit (warranty replacement) so that will be built up with all new goodies, but also looking at tipping my toe in the 29er market just to see what all the fuss is about! Merry xmas to you all!

Had a stumjumper good bike but just bought a bandit, totally a better bike, imo!

Mountain king 2 black chilli?

Had or not the point is in the last sentence!

I live near their store in Belfast and have always found the guys helpful and knowledgeable but just to get a reality check saw a guy outside the store homeless in the pissing rain, took him to have a cup of tea and a hot meal to find he owned his own business, he was an engineer and a very nice guy, three months ago a customer went belly up and as a concsequence so did he. so i think if we all stopped to think out of date protein bars should be the least of your (op) worries be thankful you have what you have!!

Dream: SB66c (perhaps in the summer)I know its 6″ but hey its gorgeous!

Reality: Transition Bandit which is superb by the way :D

IA yes mate good thread some good info and choices had not even considered German Sites, cheers

Just checked out the Intense Spider absolutley lovely and with easton tubeset, seems just as you say ron burgandy the good choice for uk

+1 for stealth black with white decals!!

Very tasty Stu, but I think a bit too expensive as a 1st 29er

nicolai helius AC 29er – NICE!!

From a purely marketing point of view and that it might detract potential buyers from what is a good bike, according to the reviewers.

Trance x. I think they missed the boat not running a 142×12 rear end.

This is where you want to go I go here every weekend its awesome
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kUKdSsfp_c
or
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsAH47A2Jzc
or

Been out riding in mine with shimano gortex boots and toes all toasty and warm after 3hrs
Can’t fault them.

re Bigwood there is no more shooting in there, the gun club have vacated it so it is for mtb and walkers only now.

The only sock for this winter is the ulvang merino wool, £6.50 for 4 pairs they are awesome!

Bigwood is superb and recently held an Enduro event it is just outside Newry you can make a full day of it and have a break for some lunch plenty of locals will show you round.

Try this
http://www.tamedearth.com/product/transition-covert-ex-demo-sale/

how far do you want to travel?

Cheers slowrider these will go great on my planned hardtail in the new year

Run mk2 black chilli on rear but on the advice of the Stw massive put a rubber queen black chilli on the front. Find that combo great rear is very predictable in all weathers and the rubber queen is awesome for me, going to run a rubber queen on the rear to get a comparison.

+1 for Haven carbons great shape and super for taking the buzz out of the trails would definately buy another pair for the no2 bike i’m considering

these are back in stock size 9-11 hurry while stocks last they are awesonme for the money

linky

have 12 pairs of these and now my wife and doaughter have ordered them they are great, my wife swears by them as she suffers from very cold feet

I find the endura d30 stay put a fit and forget.

wors same height as you mate go for a large, perfect!!

Cheers guys might just stick to 2.2’s.

@jedi presently running 2.2rq on the front was thinking of taking off the MK2 on the rear and running rq 2.4 fr and rq 2.2 rear, have you run thin combo and what do you think?

Cheers chakaping how did you find the front end grip?

try the green insurance company got the usual contents buildings etc and 2 bikes Stumpy at £2000 and a bandit at £2500 all for £418

cheers theflatboy for all your help much appreciated
Fudge

I would like to thank all the contributors to this thread and inform you all that Surf Sales have agreed to replace my frame. A massive thank-you to Jake Thomas from The Bikechase for his diligence in this matter and a massive thank-you to Graeme from Surf Sales for providing me with a new frame at their expense and yes I love the Transition brand but have little or no regard for how “a rider focused company” treats a warranty issue, I think there is lesson there for us all!!!

The bike frame was bought in August, built up in September and October and then has had 2 rides out when paint flakes off on the end of my finger.