Thank you Yak and scotroutes, rather my feeling too.

having been doing this mtbing thing for only a year or so despite being an old git I’m keen to learn from everyone’s experience..

Thanks for the info, not heard of Torq, I’ve seen roadie mates with High5 and SIS.

John – thanks, I’ve never been to a trail centre but am always pleased to see how responsible people are where I ride. It’s a shame people chuck the wrappers where you are, so irresponsible.

Mike, thanks for the info. What sort of calories are they packing? How long do you feel they take to ‘kick in’ after you get that dead legs feeling? Or do you take them before that?

Yes you use them Haggis? Or yes a bloke like me would benefit from them?

And what brand to try please?

Star Wars figures and ships.

The biz.

At least he owned up to it in the ad.

Sealskinz socks.

Go get some!

Boba Fett – that is illegal and can be reported. No fireworks allowed beyond 11 apart from 5th Nov and 31dec

Kimbers – those Thunder shirts really work, we have had very positive results with our dogs

Mike smith and clink – couldn’t agree more.

Stoner

Correct.

Damn shame.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/sks-x-blade-mtb-rear-dirtboard/

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/sks-shockblade-vario-mtb-front-mudguard/

Gotta be Cotic Soul.

Not owned one yet but it’s my next project.

I don’t understand the anti-mudguard thing.

I use SKS shock boards font and back – light , durable and really really good at not spraying crud all over me.

Scwalbe Land Cruisers

Very cheap and I can’t puncture them at 50psi

Thanks all, I always ride with a small pack so I think I’ll go for the separate chain breaker idea. Hadn’t thought of that.

Now if only I can remember not to hoof it in the wrong gear pointing uphill so as to try not to break said chain in the first place.

Yes! Twice on the 40mph stretch of the M50.

Good luck. I did the similar to busydog, went from the supplied SRAM 3×8 to Shimano SLX 2×9. Good range, More straightforward to maintain, and lighter i suppose too.

Yours is a good plan, 2 up front works well for general trail riding IMHO

Pure Mountains, never been myself but great review from two mates.

http://www.puremountains.com/

Good post & good on you crikey

High Roller II up front??

It’s working for me.

Agreed – Lardlover wins hands down

Yes for about £90 your LBS should be able to shove a Deore double cranckset including the bottom bracket at the front. XT shifter is c. £40. Keep the back as it is for now! Sorted!

Mr Smith – Turkish fake Brietling, £50

Cobraki – I’m BHX based and go South or East so Im guessing we don’t chat if you’re TC at Scottish

Airline Captain.

Very lucky that I get paid to do something I love, but shifts are very un-family friendly and summer is very tiring, fatigue a serious issue.

Enough money now I’ve paid off my training loans.

Schwalbe land cruisers work for me – perfect for poor Tarmac and light off road

I’m in sadly without a beer, early shift tomorrow.