Some would argue make sure you don’t have mudguard mounts. They’re not viewed on like reflectors on wheels but not to be seen at races. You don’t really need them there are after market products to get round wet weather and close clearance.
How tall are you and where do you live? Quite a few Bianchis on eBay including this with easily removable 3/4 mudguards.
Bianchi Via Nirone
Not mine just did quick search and that came up.
Don’t worry about number of gears and upgrading later. At this level you’ll upgrade the whole bike if necessary anyway.

From BikeBIZ site

The magazine’s insurance service escaped having to payout too, noting a contract clause that stated ‘physical signs of violent entry must be found to claim against property destruction.’

Surely all the hackers deliberate keyboard actions are physical signs of violence. There is intent to destroy.
An extreme case analogy would be the person who presses the nuclear button is commiting a violent act by simple pressing a button.

signed

Cape-Epic just as organised. It’s run by the same people I think now. But it is a lot less technical. You don’t get massive two hour plus climbs in Cape-Epic but it could be done on a cross bike. In fact when I did it it would have been preferable on a cross bike, the least technical race I have ever done.
TransAlp much better race but definitely not the toughest mountainbike race in Europe. But that doesn’t denigrate it in any way. You still need to have a good fitness level to complete it and good climbing skills if you want to compete in it and not be stuck near the rear with hobby cyclists on the descents.
There are also many other multi-day races out there too.
in Poland a good one. Smaller field and more spread out.
La Ruta an expensive (airfare etc) but worthwhile trip.

I have managed to find a new race each year for almost ten years now.

Try and enter this year (it’s not guaranteed you will get in) freeform5spot and if you do get in, get in touch and I’ll give you some tips if you like.
Number one would be carrier bags. Bow before the carrier bag it is a mountain bikers most impostant accessory.

It depends on your budget.
Mavic Aksium to Kysrium are all worth their money.
As an alternative you could have some handbuilt with either Hope non-disc or, if you have the money, Royce hubs. On Mavic Open Pro.

With two sets of wheels you can keep cross tyres on one and road tyres on the other and just swap wheels as required. This way you can also have a different block ratio on each if wanted.

Water that has been boiled (but then allowed to cool to ambient temperature) will freeze quicker than cold (ambient temperature) water.
It’s about the air content within the water.

GrumpyDave
I’m 6’2″ and have the largest Pace hardtail – similar takisawa2’s above.
Its 19″ and only just large enough.
I had to find a 410mm seat post which is then extended to maximum for it to fit.
I would suggest you need a 20″ frame at least for those rides where you don’t drop the saddle.
My next frame will be 20″.

I went to see Jerry Sadowitz recently who said it was obvious Obama was a kuunnt.
And why?
Well he’s a politician.

Keppoch
Have you considered a multi-day stage race as an option?
If you don’t like ‘racing’ you don’t have to race but simply ride along following the route. As long as you’ve actually entered they will transport your bag for you every day. You will get support along the way and basic food and accomodation with places to eat out also and sometimes the option of better accomodation.
There are many to choose from, around the world even, and not all overcrowded. e.g.:
http://www.mtbchallenge.com/en/ – Poland
http://www.transrockies.com/trc/index.htm – Canada
There are really many many more although some a much better than others.

You did say everything, so no it’s not.
The UCI wouldn’t let me take my road bike, let alone mtb on to the velodrome for track racing. But I wouldn’t want someone in amongst us with brakes so would complain myself.

ht mtb (fs in pipeline)
2 x road bike (winter/training one and summer/race one)
2 x track bike (old one on turbo trainer and spare in case of crash damage to regular one)
plodding bike – for shops etc

Six, coming on seven.
I could narrow it to three but why? They’re paid for now.

The Look isn’t actually mine but it is exactly what I am after for my next bike. I found the photo whilst doing a search. I didn’t think anyone here would like it, in fact I thought it would be hated.
If I ‘do’ get one it will have Time spd pedals.
Apologies to Tiboy, I had intended irony with flat pedals on such an out and out xc bike.

As Mark is observing this topic I’m just going to quickly say what I miss?
I know things are still in creation mode but some things evolved nicely.
Having the option of having replies noted – i.e. recieving an e-mail to say you have a response.
The topics being put in intitial posting order – I know where to find them and don’t miss any. I know someone else earlier mentioned it too. Perhaps this can be a future ‘option’ like Outlook Express columns.
I don’t have a Mac Mr/Ms. druidh, but those with one can’t right click. I did like the pop up in a new tab.
These are of course preferences and I shall still visit even if you deliberately ignored me.

Having a hard time finding white flat pedals for this.

Can anyone recommend any?

Stoner did you get my message.
Sent to stw at northmalvern dot co dot uk
if not
I am at
paul at facer dot plus dot com

Stoner
I’ve got some brand new in packet bushings for some of the bearings. They’re yours if you want them. You will need to change them at some point, I think they were to be my third pair until….
I had a USE fork until someone sawed it in attempt to remove bike.
Also a used red spring. I think this was the light spring and I changed to the medium but it could be the other way round. But again it’s yours if you want it.
Stupidly I threw the fork and everything away after the vandalism.
I thought the fork was great but needed very regular lubing. At least every 100 miles. I found the Manitou prep M by far the best and even have a bit of that too.