I really like mine a lot. No problem doing long (80 – 100 mile rides)

I don't have much to compare to but my riding buddie used to race semi pro. He borrowed mine fo an event as his Orbea was not available (can't remember why) He came back and ordered one for himself. Rides nothing else now.

Smuzzy – what size is yours? I was thinking of egtting one for my wife. She needs a medium

Same as DT78 with a wire bead dual ply Maxxis.

Other tyres have been ok, though certainly not as easy as other rims

Funnily enough I hired a Demo bike at Glentress yesterday that had Float 32's on the front. 2009 models apparently

I came away thinking why all the fuss about Fox forks? My 2.5 year old air Pikes are much better forks IMO. I am off to the states in a few weeks time and was sure that a set of Fox Floats would be coming back in the suitcase. Pretty sure that will not be the case now

Thanks – Good input.

Will give it a go I thinik

Thanks that is helpful

More inputs welcomed

Think the differnece is getting more and more marginal for forks but is still pretty significant for shocks due to the relative air chamber sizes

If you can get the correct sping for coils I think the benefits are better small bump sensitivity and the ramp up through the travel that prevents big bottoms out.

I have 36 vans and compared to the 36 TALAS's I had on a demo bike that is my experience.

Again all getting more marginal. You need to weigh that up against the weight and adjustability of air.

Rich

Exact same thing happened to me. Sent them the PayPal receipt.

Worryingly my DX cart still has the light in there

What kind of bike do you have Chunky?

Yesterday took a load of old 'just in case' tyres down to the recycling centre.

Figured that having 20+ semi used tyres was getting a little silly

Should have added

I only got mine for the mega avalanche. Was not convinced I 'needed' one in the UK.

I can honestly say it has transformed my riding. You drop the saddle so much more than you would have if it required a stop. I also have my saddle slightly higher for climbing. As a result I climb and descend better.

Agree the prices are just stupid. I also seem to have been lucky on the reliability front 😀

I have both the GD and the i900 (Both remote)

I don't have a picture but I did hang my bike off the FW gondola using the i900. I would happily get either again though in all honesty would opt for the i900 first. It has a small amount of 'slop' but you don't notice it at all and the 5 inches of drop is absolutely perfect for riding up hill through to full on DH tracks. That said all accounts would suggest the GD is the more reliable product. I may have been lucky with my i900.

BTW – it is fine shimming with a GD.

I clean it most times I ride it (a double lap most weeks through the winter typicially) though agree that if you are not concentrating there are plenty of bits to get you. Knowing what is coming really helps though.

Definitely find it easier on a HT for some reason

As others have said it was also noticably harder before they 'sanitised' the last singletrack (which includes Android Hill)

Will give that a try. Thanks for the tip

Off to the supermarket now 😀

Does flapjack store well in the freezer?

I shy away from making it as I always end up eating it all rather than saving for my rides (as is always my intention) 😳

Cutting it up and freezing some would be a great solution

We had 2 in about a year around 5.5 & 4.5 years ago (both from our garage) We also had one about 3.5 years ago when they broke into our house whilst we slept.

Since then we upped the security significantly (improved alarm, always on when we sleep, go out, new & extra locks, security lights, etc) and have had no issues (fingers crossed!).

Really grates that these scrotes break in, help themselves and we pay for ever more

5th pencilled in

6th would be trickier but could work

Think i can make that so a tentative yes from me

Awesome.

For now both dates woudl work so yes I'm in. Let me know the details when confirmed

Thanks

I would like to participate (date / time dependent)

Thanks all

LOL at Spongebob

Guess you've never seen Trainspotting then? 🙄

Thanks Mossimus.

That helps

Nothing more to add other than my very best wishes and thoughts also.

Very best of luck

Taz

Do you have a 'gravity dropper style' seatpost?

Would not spec a bike without one now.

1.31 for the black???? If that is true that is stunning

It was Andy Barlow that said 3 mins for Spooky Wood BTW

Scott – 3.30 ain't too shabby!

You won't be 'under biked' but the majority will be on slightly bigger /burlier set ups.

Think LA did his job today. Marked Wiggins out. Contador said he was nervous about Wiggins' TT ability

The TT will see a major reschuffle (except no.1)

Stage victory for LA on Ventoux part of the Astana 'deal'???

It was a great stage yesterday (thank goodness).

Contador was in a league of his own

Wiggo was awesome. He may make the podium though will be close

LA was not where he needed to be physically. Though staggering performance given the circumstances. Thought he was pretty magnanimous in his post stage interviews

Think the TT at Anncey will be the next key stage. Lets Hope BW puts some time on his key podium rivals!

Moe – You trip up between certain times (same for all in your race) and start when you want

Intermediate Mountain stage (or something like that) so 25 pts for the win vs 35 for flat satges

Well done jojo!

Moe – Mass start for qualifier, Avalanche & 2nd race. Both Affinty races are timed only

Yes that bike would work very well!

As Jon says

It will stun you just how bad some people are that have entered!

Some good advice all round here

My inputs

All the places to stay have pro's and cons. Think most have been covered. I stayed in Oz Station and would do that again.

If you are a good rider, and have some luck, making the Avalanche or the 2nd (promo?) is pretty do-able. Crashes and technicals can and likley will play there part.

Fitness is key. Upper body as much as cycling. It is hard riding that long & fast on rocky terrain. Regardless of goal the fitter / stronger you are the better

A 6 inch bike with 'dropper' seatpost is probably the ideal bike.

First time out set yourself a goal of enjoying yourself.

Go a few days early and pre ride the qualifier and main course as much as you can. They are good fun but just as importantly pick some alternate lines you can use if required. Chances are you will get held up somewhere. It will frustrate you if (when) you get stuck behind people walking sections you can ride. I got knocked off on the very first corner last year. I wish I had thought of this before the event.

Entries are January I think. It sells out quickly so get in ASAP.

Be prepared to want to go back 😀

One of the things I admire but not neccesarily like, (if that makes sense) about LA is that he is so focussed and driven.

He says he is there to win. Not much will get in his way of pursuing that goal.

Suporting Contador would win him some short term accolade. Longer term a win would cement him as legend of the sport (even more than he is already) and ultimately be a launch pad for whatever are his next projects (Livestrong, Politics, ???)

All that aside. Most captivating TdF for some time. Got to be a good thing.

Few new signings for next years 'Livestrong' team 🙂

he has no respect for the Tour, the jerseys and what it all stands for. i doubt he will even get to paris.

Utter tosh!

He came out and said wearing the green jersey was the proudest moment in his careeer??? He praises his team every time he wins. I agree he is cocky and arrogant. So what? He's the best and as others have said it seems to come with the territory. I also think he will mellow with age

IMO – He will get to Paris, he will win green and the final sprint. I hope we (the British public) give him the respect and credit that deserves should it happen.

Already told Mrs Taz I will be sat firmly in front of Euro Sport for that Saturday :D.

Wonder if she will agree to fetch me beer???

The course has been badly designed.

Not sure why they have 'sanitised' so many of the mountain stages by not having mountain top finishes.

Reckon it will go to Ventoux. Exciting but dull at the same time????

Warton – I agree

Glenp – I agree that I think AC will win. Don't think for one second it is a clean cut as you imply. Or maybe I am just hoping. Before every six nations I think Scotland can win 😀