I'm planning on getting a Montane Featherlite Smock – really light and packs to a really small size. Also checked on the Velocity DT and H20 jacket but they both seemed heavier and less breathable as they are more waterproof.

I suspect it would only really work in a shower but to be honest that's fine.

Haglofs make a similar smock too which might be worth a look

I've recently got an X4 although there's only the frame, fork and shock left from the original bike. Only job left is to trim the hoses.

Very light build for the money.

The Dirty Dan 2.0's seem to have loads more clearance than the 2.1 Ralph I had on the rear before so I reckon they must be smallish.

I think they come up similar size wise to a mates 1.8 Fire Pro XC's. I'll check when we're out on Sunday.

Hopefully availability on the Dan's has improved. I waited for almost 4 weeks for set from my lbs and gave up in the end as the date kept being put back as the importer didn't have any. I ordered some from ebay direct from Germany in the end and they worked out cheaper and arrived 48 hours after ordering.

My Seal Skinz have kept the sleet, snow and rain out so far but they do get very sweaty. I wouldn't buy another pair though as the lining is a total pain and always comes out when your hands are sweaty no matter how carefully I try to remove them. Trying to get them back on again is then almost impossible and results in much mickey taking from mates who are all ready to go again.

I've been running a pair of the new 2.0 Dirty Dans for the last couple of weeks (took off Ralphs as they were useless in the mud we have round here)

A bit draggy on tarmac but they've been great on everything from wet grass, sticky clay mud, loose mud, loose shale, roots, stones etc. They throw off the mud very well from the rear so maintain traction in even the worst gloop.

They're on the same carcass as the Ron so they're very light – well under 500g each so spin up fast.

If you look around you can get an XT for £120 with BB

I'd pay the extra £20 or get an SLX

Will do

Just the XT crankset and front mech to fit and the Formula hoses to be cut down a bit shorter and it'll be done.

Did a couple of hours on tracks and bridleways this afternoon and was very pleased with it.

I bought a 2010 Anthem X4 in the end.

Got a load of goodies to fit to it – some new, some from another bike – XT crankset M770, XT Shadow rear mech, SLX shifters, Formula K18 brakes and rotors, KNC X9L, Thomson seatpost and stem, Next SL carbon bars, Stans Olympic wheelset (weighed at 1500g with Dirty Dan 2.0's run tubeless with Stans yellow tape (light for a mud tyre at 460g) and KCNC ti skewers – just need an XT cassette and I'll be sorted.

I've not weighed it yet but I hoping for around 23lbs – will have to see.

Why do a group of staff who mostly enjoy better terms and salaries than their counterparts with other airlines want to put their business at risk?

BA have lost well over £1bn in the past couple of years. Where do the staff think the moneys going to come from??!! They should be glad to have well paid employment despite the difficult trading period.

Additionally their action has caused huge volumes of cancelled flights which simply makes matters worse.

It is their right to strike but pretty ill advised I would say.

That's for all your feedback folks.

warton's EX9 sounds perfect just to throw a proper spanner in the works.

Sadly all the X3's at Pauls have now gone in a small frame – only XL left

That was my thinking, that despite the higher spec of the Trek, the Anthem X would have a better suspension design.

It's for XC and trail use – I would love a 2nd hand 09 X1 or X2 but there simply aren't any around used. I guess that says it all really.

I was already leaning towards the Giant as I know it fits me really well.

Cheers

This will be my first full suspension purchase.

Currently ride a custom built Giant XTC Composite – the Anthem X seemed to have similar ergonomics so I felt immediately at home on it when I test rode one (even with the Tora forks on the one I tried).

Obviously the test ride tonight will help decide. Is there anything to especially look out for on used full sus bikes?

Hi Mark
Thanks – will hopefully be test riding the Trek tonight.

Hoping for feedback from people who ride either bike for strengths and weaknesses of each.