Maybe it’s a habit thing. Mouth dry – drink probably too many gulps!

Mild uk weather – mainly 90mins and of that 60-70% hill work.

But also most long rides are early morning and my fluid intake hasn’t really been high by the time I ride.

Zee it is then! Doesn’t have to be a podium, but these seem like a decent bottle (with the dirt cap!).

Or maybe that new elite fly mtb bottle as it has a cap too!

I started MTB again a year or so again and the ripe old age of 40 and 102 KG.

I ride around the South Downs and when I forst started I was walking up most hills, but now after just doing it over and over im at 92kg (target is 85kg) I can get up most hills on my FS Trek – which is not the lightest bike out there.

It just takes time and effort, but well worth the rewards.

Trek Fuel 29 ex8 here. Use it for all my riding as it’s my only bike. Love it!

I use Decathlon ST900’s. My last 2 pairs lasted 2 years and just picked up another couple of new pairs. The stretchy material is super comfy and the pockets are just the right size and position.

They describe them as snag-resistant, and I have never torn or ripped them on various degrees of vegetation!

I tend not to drink much on the move – usually when taking a breather between the twisty stuff or a climb!

Think I will try the Podium Dirt (non chilled) and an Elite Cage – should be good enough for short rides!

Podium Dirt looks decent – is there much differce in length between the normal and the Chill 620? Camelbak website has the chilled one as shorter but think that might be a print error as the normal one looks quite a bit shorter!

Apart from needed air twice mine has been faultless in past 14 months. Been through all sorts of weather conditions and washed many times.

Hard to fault. I find it super smooth and has the least amount of play of any dropper I have tried. It’s also the only 150 dropper I could fit in my frame.

New one is out in June, but until mine proper breaks I feel no need to change it!

What is classed as slack these days? I tried am S120 but couldn’t get on with it, but my mate loves it.

I went for a Trek Fuel instead which is 67.7 so probably not classed as slack I guess. You can change the mino link to the low position which makes it more slack but not by much I don’t think.

So Guide RS and bigger rotor fitted. What a difference it’s made, really like the set up, thanks for all the advice!

Feel quite lucky to have this on my doorstep.

So is there such a thing as a good or bad water bottle? Brand to brand so elite bottle in an elite cage?

Then again this pic looks like the frame takes a massive bottle…

https://images.app.goo.gl/LWDsmiGAMaCxgP8w6

Not after one that big lol

Need to get one also. Think I might need a side one as space on the Trek is limited due to the shock. Not that I have tried any yet.

Then need a decent bottle that also fits in the frame!

I think it is all shape dependent! Mine fits in the small of my back quite nicely but it’s quite high up but I guess as long as it’s comfortable!

Trying the Dakine 5L which is surprisingly compact. Where does everyone have theirs sit? I tried it quite low almost with it as a belt and not sure it sits very nicely.

A bit higher up with the strap almost round my belly button seemed more comfortable on my slightly big belly!

Is that the new pack with wider hose? My hydrapak one fits old Camelbak but not new one!

I tried Joystick & Raceface and couldnt get on with them. For past year I have been using 35mm Renthal Carbon Lites (760mm) and no complaints at all.

Distance
Route
Elevation
Speed

Probably in that order!

Another vote for Erghon GA2 fat grips – they are not that fat – been my favourite grip out of a lot I tried and tested!

Haha thats a lot you crammed in! The loop at the top is a strange one, but works I guess but agree a bit of a fiddle.

I’m a medium to larger gent, but the more I lose weight the better I think it will fit.

Couple of times I went to take a slurp and the bite valve was in wrong place – just to to dial it in next ride.

So used the chase vest this weekend and bit of feedback.

Only carried water, phone, mini tool and energy bar.

First impressions were that it was more comfortable than other packs – expecially under the arms. It feels strange at first as the bladder sit near enough direct on your back so you can feel a bit more movement of the water.

But you soon forget about it as you ride.

Was great to have the essentials in the pockets at the front – easy to access phone for a photo/call and no need to take pack off for a quick snack.

Not sold on the mouthpeice – much prefer hydrapak one as its round and you dont have to have it a specific way for the bite to work. I tried to attach my hydrapak one but the hose on the new camelpaks is now bigger and it will not fit. You can attach the entire hose from a hydrapak on there, but then it is a bit too slim to sit flish in the clips at the front of the pack. Will just have to get used to it.

The hose is quite long too – on the slow hills it kept tapping on my knee but no bother as easy just to trim as desired.

Also – water got warm far quicker than other packs – due to how close it sits on the back. My EVOC pack moves the bladder away from you but at the expense of a more ridged feel so cant have it all. Freezing or part freezing the liquid might be a good idea for the hotter days.

Overall though, its a nice and minimul pack. Light, well built and does what it needs to do.

Not perfect – but will do for now!

Just checked the above and it says on FOX website:

Maximum brake rotor diameter for all FOX forks except Step Cast 27.5in is 203mm. Step Cast 27.5in forks have a maximum rotor diameter of 180mm.

I guess they are all sort of a generic fit so I Hope it fits!

Just checking that the hope ones will work with SRAM?

What an idiot. Just checked my bike and already has a post adaptor. Presume 160-180. So I need a 43mm one which is type C. Lucky not ordered yet!!

They are pretty cheap.

I was going to go for a 203 up front but think Im all ok with 180’s all round – means I can just use the existing rotors and not have to pay out for a 203 and an adaptor, but then the added 203 might be an added benefit.

Any such thing as over braking?!

Thank you – I have newer forks so Newer Forks (180) to 203mm Rotor H looks like there is no stock on the 203 one.

Will this work from Uber?

https://www.uberbikecomponents.com/view-product/Uberbike-Front-Post-to-Post-203mm-Disc-Brake-Mount-adapter-Colour-Options

It doesnt really make it clear if this is to mount a 203 on a 180 mount?

Just looking at the hope ones on CRC but a bit lost at which one I would need – doesnt really give that much info!!!

Just washers on the top side – so non CPS

https://trek.scene7.com/is/image/TrekBicycleProducts/FuelEx829EAG_21543_A_Alt1?$responsive-pjpg$&wid=1920&hei=1440

Haha – SRAM used to be 200 but now the rotors are 203’s!

So are the RS an noticeable upgrade from the R or am I better of just sticking with the R?

Turns out mine are already 180 rotors. And yeah I do a lot of steep stuff. There are super cheap so I might as well stick them on.

So might go for a 200 up front.

Must get round to trying these after another sweaty backpack day. So all 3 I suggested are recommended on here. Choices! I don’t want to carry much. Water and tools and phone.

Will look at the smallest first lol

Do miss the old Hardtail sometimes!

Yeah maybe its just fitness thing. 20 miles is good for me as only been doing 6-8 miles whilst gaining fitness and losing weight since coming back from a lung illness that kept me off a bike for 9 months.

Lost 22 pounds now so will just keep extending the miles!

Lots of feedback and suggestions thank you. Lots to consider!

Bum Bags, Fanny pack, whatever you like to call em lol

I do like Evoc stuff. My stage packpack has the same ventilation system and it really does work.