Innis and Gunn, yummy!!

Depends.

I think you need to be very clear on how exactly you want your forks to perform if differently from how they perform just now. Then you need to discuss it with TF tuned who will be able to advise you as to the best course of action to get the performance you want, whether PUSH or TF's own magic.

If you know precisely what you want, you won't regret it.

I must say, I went to Morzine with Flow MTB and I thought they were great.

Did you ask for their help?

In my experience they couldn't help enough.

I should be up for it then, will drop you an e-mail.

By long day out, just how long do you mean?

Also busy third week end otherwise would be up for it.

Alpine Winter series 2nd round Feb 20th and 21st.

No problems here, SLX double and front mech with SRAM rear X9 mech and X0 gripshift front and rear.

Works a treat.

Mel Gibson Braveheart.

Especially if you're Scottish!!

There is a fair bit of climbing, so I wouldn't do it on a DH sled.

Did see others doing it last year on DH bikes, but I think this was because they only brought one bike for the trip. Most I saw were either breathing out their A£$% on the flat/climby bits or off and pushing.

Bearing in mind time is a factor for the whole loop, its not something I would consider unless there was no other option.

I have used a pair of MG-1 Wellgos for about 18months now, and apart from cosmetic scrathes etc they still run perfectly.

Cheaper and lighter than a lot more expensive sets.

Got the Salomon Speedcross 2, Love them!

Very comfortable, the lacing system is genius, very comfortable and the grip is outstanding to the point of being almost unbelievable.

They doo ware fast though, but in my view worth it.

Yes, the rear is indexed

Depends what, where and how you ride. Sounds like you don't need one!

I for one use the SLX double and bash, my outer ring had more gaps than teeth so it made sense.

Check out some of the bikes being sold, especially on a nice sunny friday afternoon.

I saw a 3 year old standard spec Specialized HT sell for more £150 more than the brand new 2009 version?????????

I recently considered this too, but in my eyes the pro 3's weren't worth the extra cash.

In the end I went for the Pro 2 straight pull version to add a bit of variety to the standard pro 2's I already run.

Definately recommend Hope Hoops though, very impressed so far.

Why don't you consider the stans options on the Pro 2?

Fair bit heavier, I use 2.5 dual plys on my DH rig, over a kilo per tyre I think!!

I would stick to single ply for a chameleon.

Dual ply is thicker, heavier and more robust.

If it's for DH, go dual ply. For trail use single ply should be fine unless you regularly punture or ride very rocky terrain.

Whistler.

No blisters here either, never had a problem with muddy hands not being able to grip either.

I had forgot about being able to trim the front mech, must be so annoying not being able to do it with triggers!

Spot on.

I know people choose them because they are lighter, but I chose them because in my experience they just work.

No danger of crash damage, and the biggest plus is the ability to change from top to bottom gear on the front and back with a twist of each hand rather than all that thumb tapping.

People complain about accidently shifting, but this has never been a problem for me. I think the correct hand/grip/brake setup and position is key here.

Thanks for all the suggestions guys, it all looks good, now I just need to fit in as much as possible.

Was also going to bring the road bike, so I will make sure I do Glen Lyon too.

I think youve got a couple of options.

Firstly if you are planning on the more XC routes your SC will be fine once it's "Beefed" up with a short stem, wide bars and big tyres. Personally I would also try and get a hold of a second cheap wheelset as it is notoriously rough on equipment and it would be shame to spoil what you've got.

With the money you've saved you can hire a DH bike for a day or two. I hired a proto DH with BOS front and rear for 70euros for the real big/steep/techy stuff.

The other option is buy something cheap(£1000 approx) and sell it when you get back. The alps are notoriously hard on equip so in some ways it makes sense to save your pride and joy. If you go down this route I wouldn't bother with a pure DH bike unless you don't want to go exploring and stick very local. The best trails tend to be further afield and require linking up lifts and traversing sometimes varied terain so I would say something about 7" front and rear, ideally single crown with a double and bash. A single crown helps with the switchbacks, a double will let you climb too.

The advantage of this setup is that those unmarked trails you find and explore are less likely to throw up any really nasty surprises.

I would also suggest at least one uplift weekend with your chosen setup before you go.

Finally make sure you've got the biggest, most reliable brakes, because of the sheer steep angle of some of the trails mean you have to brake ALOT. Don't scrimp here, you will regret it when you have either crashed due to the dreaded "lever to the bar,no brakes" moment, or are watching your mates fly by while you wait for yours to cool.

I meant to say, regarding stem length I wouldn't go longer than 90mm as a max. I use a 60mm stem, you will want to keep the steering fast and responsive.

Rochplough, It would probably be better to get a large with a short stem than the other way round if you are between sizes.

It's great on the DH runs here. Haven't the guts to try the big drop on Matador but apart from that it's very capable. Thats me though, not the bike!!

Particularly fast on make or brake, faster than much bigger bikes due to it being more pedally. The bike flys nicely in the air too if you are that way inclined, very stable but flickable if that makes sense.

I ride the medium and am 5ft 9. Fits me perfectly. It is the kind of bike you will want to throw about though so definately don't go for the XC stretch approach. I would try and throw a leg over one to see what suits.

As said above I think it depends on your style.

It is a naturally very very aggresive bike, it doesn't really come alive unless you are riding it like that so you really need to be the right type of rider.

If you are though its fantastic. Got the 2008 and have hammered it all over Scotland and the Alps. Live in Innerleithen and it has done everything from Merida marathons to Uplift days. Haven't found it's limits yet, although like above also I have also shed some weight.

Innerleithen!

I moved here from the burgh more than two years ago and haven't looked back. Still exploring and finding more and more excellent trails.

Got the Ribble sportive Racing about 3 months ago and highly recommend it.

Very smooth and fast, bought to do RAB this year and can't wait. Also I think you'll find its even nicer in the flesh, lovely carbon weave etc.

Will also keep an eye out.

Also got a custom 2008 Wolf ridge, and don't see many about so will keep my eyes peeled for yours.

Easy, FLOW MTB, can't recommend them enough. Very helpful, knowledgable and can point you towards the better lesser known trails.

I have 08 Stroker Trails in white, 8" front and 7" rear and can totally recommend them. Used in the Alps this year with no problems with heat or anything else. Have only just been bled for the first time after 2 years and still going strong.

Don't bother!!

The roads are covered in about 2 to 3 inches solid ice left over from what the snow plow couldn't shift.

Latest forecast is for another 6 inches tonight, that's on top of the 10 inches or so already lying.(In Innerleithen anyway!)

You know, You pay your money you takes your choice.

As I and others have stated we prefer to pay for Hope quality products.

PP prefers his Shimano XT.

Nothing wrong with that, just different.

And how much does a set of bearings cost? And how much battering do they take to get out? And have you ever had a bearing seperate leaving the outer race in place?

So, no easier than cup and cone hubs to service, and certainly a LOT more expensive…….

Bearings are more expensive but have lasted me in excess of 2 years with no attention. Easy to replace, ("Battering" with a soft mallet is part of the process, but no issues there) and I have never had the bearing seperate from the outer race. Cheap alternative bearings trying to save a few quid maybe?

They are more expensive, but you get what you pay for. The original poster now has to replace his original hubs, considerably more expensive than a set of Hope bearings!!

Hope, utterly reliable and serviceable.

Easy to do yourself as well

Also about 30-35, 5 bikes so probably taking the mickey a bit…..

Mmmmmmm.

Went to Morzine for the first time this summer and can't recommend it enough.

Lots of suitable trails for Novices.

However………..

Not sure I would trust myself to stay with her and not lead her down more challenging trails. Most of the best trails I found are off the beaten track and are unmarked, so tend to be a bit of a surprise as to their content! Can't recomend exploring enough, although there is enough waymarked stuff to keep you busy all week.

The question is, Can you ignore the better/more challenging riding, and if so how hard will you kick yourself afterwards??

+1 for the Traquair Arms

As above, Vans are definately the most supple.

As for the weight penalty, it's not worth compromising on unless you are a weight weenie.(Less than 200g)

It's true, they are also warm but the main reason to buy them is the grip on any decent flat pedals.

Put it this way, I moved back from SPD's to flats after trying Five Tens on flats. All the advantages, no downsides unless you are a pure XC whippet.

Flamethrower[/url]

Johannesburg was a bit interesting……..

Excellent news!!!!!

Now you really can have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!