It’s 4lb 14oz, not 4oz. Not that 10oz is really that discernible.

Do you mean the section over the road from the top of the Badgers’ climb aka Sting In The Tail (which is run backwards)

I reckon that’s the one. Having marshalled there a few years back there were loads of complaints when people were flying down “return of the jedi” across the road towards “A&E”. By missing out sting in the tail you’ll probably go left before the road and onto Cathedral trail, or they’ll take us up the road then left towards A&E.

Interesting. Looking forward to a change of course.

The section through Coldean Woods (other side of the A27) is apparently being run in the opposite direction this year, which means a steeper entry and a longer/gentler climb out. Also, the very top section (where the Brighton Big Log resides) will be missed out.

Interesting. So i hope we still get to do the fun final descent into the start finish area, as doing the Coldean Woods bit the other way kind of has you at the wrong part of the course for that. I’m sure they have it covered.

anyone been training specially. what have you done.

Yeah, riding last year’s course alot! Now i’ll have to ride Coldean section backwards just in case.

Basically you want to be training on short sharp climbs, high intensity 30 – 60 second intervals. On the course there are not lots of places to get a breather (if you want to post a quickish time) so get used to riding hard for 40 – 45 mins. Get your trail radar locked-on, good bike handling in singletrack is also important.

Really? I usually run 750mm +. Bugger.

Its a personal thing. I’ve always run bars fairly narrow and not had a problem. Recently went up to 720mm and hit everything, so cut them down to 690mm and now no probs.

Maybe its just me, like a say personal preference and all that.There’s plenty of people riding Stanmer with wide bars so obviously not a major problem.

I can say for sure that in some sections the trees are very close.

There’s loads of Strava segments of parts of the course but not sure one entire lap is on Strava so not sure how easy it would be to follow the course.

I’m local and having been riding last year’s course alot recently. Its been super fast and great fun. No idea if they plan on making any changes to the course for this year, but i’m sure whatever they do it will be good.

The course is tight so if your bars are wider than 700mm take care.

Niner Air Nine is perfect bike choice. I’m on a 29er Stumpy and it loves to rail those singletrack trails. If its dry tyre choice would be Ikons, Crossmark or Ralphs.

The first half of the course is the real lung-buster in my opinion. The climbs are short and sharp, with the final climb up “badgers” to the road being the one that sorts men from boys. After that its all good with some lovely singletrack sections.

As said above if it rains alot it will be hell. Not sure riding SS will help much as the climbs are steep and rooty so you struggle for traction, but less probs with stuck gears etc.

If you are in a pair / team take a bike washer or something at least to clean up your drivetrain between laps.

I had this exact dilemma at the start of this year. After much research, testing and talking to people I went for the 29er and for me it was the best decision.

I have a road bike for road riding and a 29er for off road.

The thing that sealed it for me was the personal preference of having the right tool for the job. For me I’m either riding on the road or I’m MTB riding and I don’t really think mixing the two works for me. That’s personal. I think CX bikes are kind of of a compromise I’m not prepared to make when i dont really have the money. However I know plenty of people who like mixing it up and exploring for which a CX bike is perfect. It’s all down to personal preference.

Now if i could afford it my next bike would be a CX bike, but it would be for winter riding and CX racing.

I sell my old vinyl on Discogs

ESI chunky grips

(You can delete the ‘s’ in https to embed it)

Tried that, didn’t work.

Oops meant that for the chat forum

James Olsen (jameso on here) is currently 15th. It’s early days yet so it could all change.

BMC Gran Fondo

Personally not that impressed with Spesh tyres. Just ripped the sidewall on a Ground Countrol after 2 rides over my regular trails, where my usual Maxxis tyres have been fine.

Personally i would run a Maxxis Ardent on the back. They roll fairly fast and have great grip and work well tubeless.

I am a Strava addict and until recently had a Premium subscription.

I downgraded basically because i didn’t see the value in the suffer score, didn’t ever export GPX files (i thought this would be the main benefit for me) and a few extra £ in the pocket is handy at the moment. I don’t have a power meter so never really took advantage of these features either.

I find Garmin Connect is useful for looking at time spent in HR zones, which is a useful training tool. I have also begun using VeloViewer which has some good features too.

I would be happy to pay a lower subscription for a basic service, or if they find a way to leverage an advertising model (within reason) then that would be fine with me to.

Have i done a bad?

My Stumpy

Norco Sight. Gets rave reviews.

I’m really enjoying my new Stumpjumper Evo. I think it could be built up either light for racing duties or a bit more trailsy with tweaks to stem, bars etc.

Just got this. No idea on the weight but would guess around 24-26lbs, but planning to lighten it up for enduro racing duties. Lighter tyres for starters and some new pedals.

Boonen has crashed out!

Really looking forward to it. Hoping Boonen does it again, but I suspect his fitness and a certain Mr Sagan might play a part. Looking forward to seeing how Team Sky handle this race as it feels like they are getting close in the Spring Classics. Geraint Thomas is being talked up and i would love to see Stannard steam roller it but I’m sure Cancellara will have that covered.

Good race preview over on the INRNG blog Here

Tricky cover of Black Steel by Public Enemy

Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?

One of my all time faves.

Absolutely stunning, but needs a Rolls saddle.

I’m 40 next year and you’ve got me thinking now….

Crapped in a graveyard. Felt terrible afterwards and resolved never to do it again. Next time i got hammered decided the graveyard was out of bounds so crapped in someone’s driveway. To this day I still think about the family going to the grave of their loved one and finding a six inch brown one and the other family trying to leave their home and finding a six inch brown one.

Its on British Eurosport tomorrow from 1.30pm

Lizard Skins

If you wanna save weight on your wheels look at your tyres and the cassette

Lizard Skins DSP 2.5mm is awesome, particularly in the wet.

Thanks for the feedback gang.

One other question: will my 10 speed cassette fit an 11speed hub? Do I need a specific spacer or would one that comes off an old cassette be ok?

Oldgit, yes it’s steel and I love it. I figure a wheelset upgrade will be a good investment.

What would you recommend for wheels?

If you like that sort of thing I can highly recommend the film Into The Wild Linky here[/url]

Moda have just realised a couple of lovely steel bikes and I reckon Genesis won’t be long with a retail version of the team bike.

I have an Equilibrium and love it but defo want to lose some weight on it this spring. New wheels will be the start point.

Federalski, good to hear the op was succesful

I am in very similar position to you. Was really keen on Jake the Snake but after much faring decided discs are where it’s at for CX. Now looking at Cannondale CAADX.

Kona Big Kahuna. It’s Scandium not steel but its 142 rear and I reckon looks good.

Starts this Friday.

The folks at London cycle campaign might be able to help

A little bit of soapy water and a brush works for me, followed by some hose action if its really bad. I got myself some SKS full length mudguards which mostly solve the problem.

Just bumping this in the hope of more feedback on the Fortitude Race. Thanks.