what about the fluid in the hoses? do I not need to drain it all before cutting the hose?

180mm it is then.

If I put a 180mm rotor on the front do I have buy adapters or spacers for the calliper to handle the larger rotor?

Had a look at those RT61's they are fugly.

Merlin have got some XT ones (XT SM-RT75S) they look a bit better, and they have some Ashima Rotors, do you reckon I'll be able to use either of these?

Can't decide on the size of the front rotor either, thinking 180mm at the moment, is that overkill for primarily XC use?

excellent. thanks