Best brakes ive ever used by a country mile. I've tried my mates avid codes and whilst they are good they're not as nice as the saints. I have 200mm rotors on my trail bike but could easily get away with 160mm but I bought a whole set from merlin for £300 including rotors.

As above they take a while to get used to due to the massive power for little finger input.

I was under that impression. I have just the R version and its never bothered me.

New shorts or some bling for your bike.

I have them, not that hard to change the cable and the performance is spot on.

Shock bushes are very easy with the correct tool. Bearings are simple but can require a vice and a big hammer.

BETD is a great place to start.

Used a similar site (not via ebay) and they are fake but for the money worth a punt. I got Mellow johnny stuff which was fine but my mates Sky kit was a different shade of blue compaired to the proper stuff.

I like those purple ones

Just want some pictures at this stage james! Little confused.

Never lube my post – attracts dirt and not necessary. Just clean is after a ride and remove seatpost to allow to dry.

38mm too much rise but thanks James.

Handlebars

Chamois cream

geetee – ill keep that in mind but second hand bars worry me a little.

Tempted by the orange or purple. Are they all 785mm and not the 725mm claimed by CRC?

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=50606

Shimano Saints. I've had some Oro K18 and the saints are head and shoulders better in terms of bite and power (insane power). They are a tad heavy but its a price worth paying.

Ill give the dealer a call tomorrow.

Rick Steins book is excellent. Everything is from scratch so you can see whats going in so far all the things I've cooked have been far better than any take away.

Cli-Machx. Great little place.

I like my Thor goggles.

I have the new saints and they are anything but squidgy. With one finger I can easily lock either wheel, if the SLX are half as powerful they will be fine.

I've just ordered some team road jerseys. I'll mainly wear then to ride to work and maybe even for mountain biking. I bought them because I like the look of them and they were cheap.

I'm guessing most people buy team kit and "all the gear" because they are really into biking regardless of how good they are. Not a problem for me.

DHB bib short are fantastic – look on wiggle

The long lift from the swiss side (can't remember the lift) is very dodgy, we nearly had a few bikes fall off!

How do I fix that? The damping does work but only just.

I had it serviced by TF tuned 12 months ago just before I went to the alps.

Thanks for the replys, if they need a service anyway can I send them to TF or Mojo and will they repair them or just say they need replacing?

Met kaos UL can be had for £80 – very light and well vented. I don't notice mine when I'm riding and its miles better than my old Giro Hex.

Undertake – I'd rather get forced into the curb than into on coming traffic. Just watch out at side streets.

Traffic makes city commuting fun!

Anyone??

Billy Bob – Yes I found it more draggy than a crossmark (not an advantage) but the crossmark comes out smaller. Not sure what pressures as not my bike, probably around the 35 mark at a guess.

I was going to buy some but after riding them (but only for a short time) I preferred my crossmark rear, advantage front combo. Each to his own and as I say my mate loves them.

Got a mate that swears by them. I had a quick blast on his bike but found them draggy on the road sections due to their large profile.

Personally I prefer the Maxxis Crossmark for a rear tyre paired with an advantage up front.

I got one of these – went in the bin as the lid didnt screw shut properly.

Is your chain at the correct length? As above check your mech but if you dont use your big ring I'd give the bash guard a try – worked for me and a few mates plus gives you a bit more clearance.

I now run a double/bash combo on my 140mm full suss all the time. It allows you to shorten the chain and therefore reduce the risk of the chain falling off. I can't remember the last time my chain came off.

I'd suggest you try this first as its a lot cheaper than a full chain guide and lighter.

MP66 are pretty good for the price. Nice if you use platform pedals but I prefer my M166's for longer rides.

I had this in morzine. Rear XT hub completely seized and the axle snapped – 2 mile walk home carrying my bike. I think something must have been loose and the bearings jammed into one another – couldn't undo the hub at all.

I must say I'm not entirely convinced but for £20 may give one a punt. Interesting to hear some other USER reviews.

I have a pair of Kyle straits but rarely use them. There not that much of a pain and for sub 20km technical rides I generally wear them as gives that added piece of mind. Sometimes wear them in winter to keep my knees warm too.

When you go to trail centres you see a lot of fully padded up people but each to their own I say – if people would rather ride in them and it makes them have a better day then surely they're a good thing.

I prefer the crossmarks as found the SB8 to be too draggy. I'd only use one as a rear tyre though.

Maxxis are releasing an "exo protection" version of the crossmark with a beefed up sidewall – I'd go for one of these as the execption series has a very thin sidewall.

My X9 rear mech is going strong after nearly 3 years – taken abuse, mud and several knocks.

Used both pretty extensively and I'd say the Raptor is the better pack and has more features. The Osprey Bladder is excellent and the stiff back is a real benefit over the camelbak.

Both very good though.