I went to La Clusaz a couple of years ago and did a lot of biking. At the time there were 3-4 DH runs but the red ones are of a similar level to places like coedy brenin so you should be fine on those but not ideal if your on your own.

There are lots of XC route, most good but a few are just average. In places its pretty technical. The biggest loop utilizes the lifts (lift passes are cheap) and is really good with a few brutal climbs.

I think you'll be ok if you take it steady, maybe get some knee pads and a full face if you think you'll be tempted by the DH runs (I would). Compared to places like Morzine there are not many people about on the biking trails so if you have an accident you'll probably be on your own.

Screwfix – miles cheaper and easily do the job.

For me its the worst major sporting event of the year. Cliff Richard, Henman Hill, Murry Mound, lots of toffs – no thank you.

I've never been asked for my degree certificate, despite being told to bring it along on my first day. I didn't lie about mine though!

I'd stretch the truth and don't be afraid to add extra curricular stuff like running clubs at uni or doing CSR stuff for previous employers.

The biggest risk of lying is getting found out – then you'll never get the job. The other risk is getting a job you can't handle, this has happened at my work and its proved very counter productive for the chap in question.

Excellent, thank you everyone.

I have the new saints and they are amazing, slightly heavy but I think most of the weight is in the 200mm rotors.

They have quite a long lever pull but once your used to that the power is insane but also controllable.

Can't comment on XT or SLX although if you dont want/need mega power I'd consider the SLX.

I've got a Raptor 18 and really like it. As above it packs down really well and sits well on your back once adjusted properly. The bladder is excellent and its a well designed pack in terms of features and performance. I think the material is showerproof but not waterproof but you can buy a raincover for it.

Much prefer it to my old Mule.

I want one.

I thought it was about having fun.

Looks very good, will be heading back to Gisburn soon to try it out.

Rabbit heads or yoghurt pots.

Used advantage front and crossmark rear for a while now and really like it in dry conditions. I ripped the sidewall on the crossmark and that would be my only complaint.

Great tyre though imo.

Maxxis Ardents? Not used them but get good reviews.

JonBurns – can you let me know what you think and about sizing. Tried on the M086 in 44 and they were perfect.

Worth the extra £17?

Anyone?

I prefer the dry one – cleaner but need to apply it more often.

Is that not more expensive? Not sure an after market radio would look right to be honest.

The DICE unit is looking favourite at the moment.

Stainburn is short, just a couple of 1-2kn loops with technical riding. If you want a proper ride I would suggest Bingley or the Dales.

Bingley, Stainburn, Ilkley Moor.

Not sure about the multi-media plug – its just the bog standard radio (300 version I think) that came with the 1.6 FSI Golf V (2004 model).

Read good and bad things about the Xcarlink.

The crossmark is an amazing tyre for the rear in the summer. It does drift a bit but controllably and its fast. Main downside is the descent 62a version is a bit vulnerable.

Sorry I though darkside was the STW official term, shame on me!

Life in yorkshire near the dales so avoiding hills is tricky. Looks like I'll just have to man up and hopefully one day I'll be as fit you lot!!

Trail-rat – I have a 2 year old campagnolo Centuar chainset.

BCD?

Fat birds don't fly is worth a look. Not the sane stock levels as crc/wiggle but cheap and fast delivery.

Evoc pack could be a more versatile option.

I work in the city centre and regularly ride form work out into north leeds. Meanwood valley is excellent and it takes you to harewood/eccup.

I live in chapel allerton and would highly recommend it, the northern side is a better bet though.

I do commercial EPC's and when doing reccomendations I can create my own or eleberate on existing ones in the software.

I think the house ones are a good idea but I imagine there are a lot of under qualified assessors just ticking boxes in software packages without a knowledge of the industry.

Nearly finished my sample bottle – great stuff but need a clean chain to start.

Which has the tougher casing SB8 or Maxxis Larson/crossmark?

I do like maxxis tyres and was thinking about the larson. Is the exception casing the ultra thin one?

D'oh. Expensive bike ride!

Thanks, I'll pass on this onto my mate.

Si – Please can you tell me more about the Chumba? Especially about the weight and how it compares against the zesty and meta 55?

+1 for Osprey, Raptor models are the bike specific ones.

I have a blackburn with the head as above – very average. Doesn't lock onto presta or schreada valves well.

Mine came with two cloth ones, think ill just keep it instead of the hassle of sending it back just for the gel pads.

Its an UL one, just not a 2010 model like I thought it was. It has two sets of fabric pads.

I got it cheapish (£80) – if the only difference is the gel pads then I'm not too bothered.

Its complete but I think its not the most recent model. Not too bothered if the gel pads are a waste of time?

I have the new saints on my 5" full suss that I use for xc, trail centres, alps etc. Yes they are a bit heavy but 100% worth it. The power is insane yet controllable once you get used to them (200mm rotors).

Buy them if your willing to sacrifice weight for immense stopping power.

Used a Maxxis 2.5" Minion Dual Ply Super Tacky on the front last year in Morzine – outstanding tyre, didn's miss a beat all week. Worth the money.

gmail