I found that the GA2 fat were much more comfortable than then Half Nelsons I have (blue in mint condition if anyone is interested!).

I need to do a run with the standard GA2 ones to judge properly which I will do over the weekend.

Just noticed that Ergon have a max weight limit of 200lb (14.2st) which I am over as I’m a chunky bastard lol.

My WTB pure was comfortable but just chaffed a bit as the nose stays quite fat as it gets to the seated part. The rocket is meant to be thinner at that point but everywhere I check both the Pure and Rocket Pro are out of stock.

Are V12 Mags worth the extra £13 over the alloy ones?

I have been using Nukeproof Electrons – no idea how the V12 Mags differ in size!

Edit – found it.

Nukeproof are 98 x 95

DMR V12 are 115 x 95

Superstar are 101 x 110

I only have 50 notes so the Vaults are a no go!

So would people choose the Nano X Evo (£39.99) over DMR V12 Mags (£47.99)?

I’ve been searching for a new saddle for a while now. Had an sdg bell air on all my bikes, but as above, comfy but not after 5 days.

I’ve currently got a collection of 6 saddles that have failed the test.

I’ve just put on a charge spoon from merlin, £16. Will be testing it shortly.

Charge Spoon killed my bottom!! Think the Bel Air is same sort of fit but could be wrong.

Feeling no ill effects of the SMC4 today. The SMA3 was another better option but I think the SMC4 is designed for sitting a lot more. I do a mixture of single track and long climbs and smooth seated flats so maybe it is more suited – need to ride some more!

Although I do tend to judge things way too quickly! I don’t think 1 ride is enough so will try it again during the week and see how my bottom adjusts!

I might try the SMA3. Maybe the Gel pads in the SMC4 are a little too much!

So got an SMC4 and took it for a 12 mile blast. Mixed feelings so not 100% sold yet.

The nose longer and a bit thinner than the Pure. I was feeling a bit of numb bum at times, but when I got home I am not feeling any bad effects or sores.

I think the the numbness may have been a lot to do with not having ridden a lot through the winter.

So did 12 miles on the FAT grips today. I did think they were too fat to start with but after I stopped thinking about them they just felt nice.

You can definitely feel the difference between the normal and the fat ones.

oikeith – I am back on my Renthal Carbon Lites (35) and I do refer them over my alloy bars.

Are you running 31.8 or 35?

Not tried them on the bike, they just felt quite fat in the hands! I might try them for a ride but think they might be too big.

Im usually in M/L gloves (8.5) so don’t think that’s classed as large hands?

How far should gingers wrap round anyway? Mine does reach all the way round on the standard ones.

Will run run both over the weekend and see what happens!

Also just to add both versions on the GA2 now have replaceable end caps. The older GA2 were fixed. The inner core is now black (was white before)

They still do add 5mm each end to your bar length.

Think I prefer the normal ones. The fat ones are quite fat!

7 Maltesers… that’s weight saving lol

Good feedback of both! At the price I might just order a pair of both and see what fits best.

I have GA2 standard but trying the fat grips this weekend so can give feedback. Bonus (or not depending on needs) is they add 10mm width to the bars!

I don’t have big hands (9) but quite like bigger grips. My Half Nelsons were so uncomfortable.

Will grab some cheap risers and adjust saddle as a starting point. If I go 30mm rise I can easily drop a spacer if it’s too much!

Yeah MTB lol. I’m not that relaxed as I do feel I have to lean on the bars to support my weight. So thinking something is just not quite set up for me.

I need to also start stretching before rides as no spring chicken!

Changed my mind about my wider bars and now back to the original ones!

EX8 it is! you looking at the 29er or the 27.5+?

All I have done is change to a shorter stem and slightly wider bars and grips just because I found 750mm just a bit too narrow.

I am enjoying the eagle on the EX9 – much more than I did on my 1×11.

I have the 2018 EX8 29er with the Fox rhythm and finding it to be a really good fork (and great bike overall).

Again another recommending what you have – Trek Fuel EX8 29.

I couldnt get on with the T130, although most people love them!

Think I might try one of the Ergons SMC4 or SMA3 – thanks all

Bell Air 2.0 looks decent enough too.

SMC4 looks good – just seeing how it differs from the SMA3!

Cant get on with the Scoop, but will have a look at the others!

Just a quick update – the helmet has been through a number of long and very warm rides and the padding is still holding strong!

I use Decathlon ones – been going for 2 years now but need replacing!!

Not too bad for 29.99 and come in XL and 2 x XL:

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/st-900-mtb-cycling-shorts-black-id_8381758.html

Or you can go for the evwn cheaper ones if looking to lose weight:

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/st-500-mtb-cycling-shorts-black-id_8354176.html

Edit – the more expensive ones are what I have and the adjustable sides makes them a much better fit as I am inbetween sizes!

I have Friston Forest on my door step – so some nice single track there.

I usually do not wear them, buy yesterday i went on a pub ride and crabbed a pair of these from work:

http://betafit.com/shop/betafit-x2-eyewear/x2-xtreme-smoke-tinted-safety-eyewear/

That price is for 10, not each!

So damn comfortable! Didn’t fog up, didn’t sweat up. Kind of forgot I was wearing them most of the time! Would happily buy them bulk and split if anyone wants some!

They come in clear/yellow/blue etc etc

I need some large ones!

Actually think 780mm is my perfect width but finding 780mm bars with 35mm clamp seems to be rare. Apart from some of the really heavy race face bars!

Damn, must pay more attention as missed these!

Latest ones from Bonty are either 820mm or 750mm!!

My Trek is 130mm front and rear which seems to work pretty well!

I am enjoying my Trek Fuel 2018 29er immensely! It’s only the EX8 so you could go up models.

Trek will probably not be a popular choice but I tested a whole bunch of bikes and this one was my favourite!

Couldnt get on with the Whytes.