This is why I'm asking because I'm still reluctant to drop the dollar on something I reckon you're still paying a lot for the branding.

However their rucksack fits my criteria exactly and I've still not seen one that I like the look of as much. (Hence why it's more than a year I've been looking!)

The Timbuk2 ones looks niiice, but still made from nylon?

All good suggestions. I have no doubt that there's other stuff out there that'll last the lifetime, it's not neccessarily that I'm after.

Just a nice rucksack made from canvas and leather so I can get rid of my nylon trendy ones.

Cool, it's an awful lot of money but I'd be waiting for the next 20% sale. Still $156 is a lot. I'm in the market for a nice looking canvas bag and am selling my current collection of plastic bags.

Is there anything else people can suggest?

I like the 20p tip Nick.

First undo the 5mm bolts on the non- drive side arm. Then remove the bearing preload platic thingy at the end, using the tool or if you're lucky fingers or a set of pliers.

Then the driveside should just slide out, or with a bit of careful rubber mallet work on the axle. Very very simple.

Genesis Day One Cross.

camelbak octane 8+

Personally I don't like TJ's ratio, I find there's a gap. Would rather have a 24 granny I reckon.

I'd have said the 48 too big.

I tried to climb up the new really steep slab "to rival the one at Gisburn" thinking that was the new climb. I promply slid back down it and realised it was meant to be ridden the other way!

Fail.

druidh, this is what I was trying to do! But it seems I've left it too long. All this could be solved if I had a chain wear checker tool thingy. I replaced the whooole drive chain (dérailleur and all). Next time I'll get it right!

The old chain was working perfectly until I bent it. (Put a kink in it). It shouldn't have been knackered as I hadn't had it on for that long and so I wanted to change it before it got to this stage in order to maximise the life of my chainset.

Time to buy a chain checker.

nooooooo, I didn't see this today!! Where is it?? And what's this new climb? I'm sure I missed this too :o(

Golspie Dawn Raid on my final lap to win mens pairs. Couldn't resist.

Did someone answer naokfreek's question on Page one?

"What's a crown race?"

This is what I believe it is: Part of a headset.

I spray my bikes all over with it after washing. Cleaning after a muddy ride becomes a case of rinsing with a hosepipe.

This makes it a bit more appealing. Got a bit upset with the amount of road and fireroad in it last year. Didn't bother me the year before quite as much as it was all a new adventure to me.

Good day on the saddle still. Hopefully they'll have some good new sections.

I think it's a bike.

Bite point closer to bar and, sounds stupid, but breathe and make a conscious effort to do so.

Cool, think I'll just stick with zumodrive.

Thank you very much for all your help.

Dropbox = zumodrive?

This zumo stuff looks great.

Quick question though: do I need to open my files from it, or can I still open from then and save in my usual location and they'll automatically be updated in the z drive?

I do use a pen drive. Just I'm sometimes prone to losing/forgetting it.

Cheers, this looks like a winner. It's just for my dissertation .tex file so 2GB is more than enough.

Was that the Contin one Terry?

This is so tempting. Need to get to Ae and scope it out.

That's inspirational!

Is everyone dropping chainrings this year?

You doing BUCS?

He must have had to pedal hard. Nice shot. Could possibly replace Champagny-en-Haut as background.

gotta be worth a punt.

Panaracer fire XC pros. My choice for years.

Yes, if it's the rack I'm thinking of, I love mine. Takes approximately 10seconds to put the bike on. Keeps your bike away from road spray and while it does use a bit more fuel, just drive slower on motorways and it evens it out…

I operate 520s with no hastles. I got mine for free from a shop because the left one clicks. Sure, it clicks, but still after a summer of guiding does the job just fine. I was under the impression all the pedals were the same, just lighter with XTR. If they are smoother and teflon coated etc. I'd say go for them if you have the coin.

p.s. my Picasso drives a dream.

Noone know what a Norwegian flick is? I'd like to know

Hmmmm, could be a goer. It's a 5* hotel in Geneva for 120 dollars or something.

Cheers

enlighten me on the Finnish Flick please.

You should get a NS bikes surge.

The most important thing for me is that the inner liner doesn't come unattached. Had a few pairs that have done this, really put me off buying another pair. Which don't? Tempted by the Gore ones…

Currently I just use a cheap liner glove with Altura night vision windproof. Works OK, but would enjoy more warmth.

pikes

Sounds like something you'd find on the side of a magazine. People do get out and ride, surely?

You reckon? I've been on a gap year this last few months. Wish I'd put my computer on my guiding bike.

I want one of those Garmin connects! I relish the stats.

Oh my god I want one of those. Who's Garmin and how does it connect?

I'd love to know how many miles I did. According to my watch I climbed 71,000m between July and September though.

Maybe 5000 miles at a complete guess and a 100,000m climbing.

p.s. that's impressive, well done. I think I met you along with trail rat and superstar lover.

Charge spoon is really comfortable. Personally I operate a SLR XC gel flow or XP for my XXXC needs.