I agree that some valves (in the pre amp) are better than no valves.

100W is unnecessary for most gigs. 100W is too much for small venues and medium to large venues will run everything through the PA anyway so it's only really outside gigs that need 100W amps. 50W (or a 100W/50W switchable amp is more than enough for the average gigging guitarist.
Whatever it is make sure it has VALVES! Too many guitarists concentrate far too much on the effects and forget about getting an amazing sound just with their amp and guitar(s).
I'd recommend an old (dual channel) Marshall JCM900 or a newer DSL100 head. Available for around £400 second hand. Don't be tempted by a TSL, they are unreliable. If you're after a combo rather than a head and cab then look for either of the Marshall types above (a lot rarer in combo form) or a Laney VC50.
I used to have a JCM900 head and cab and it was great. Not as great as my current Mesa Stiletto Deuce but that was twice the price!

Pikes run at 120mm on my Breath too.

If you hold the stick with the USB plug facing down some of the memory elves will fall out…

…IGMC

Bikewhisperer: The bike's green too, its just pretty dark :o)

Harry too: Thanks. It is a good combo, for my riding at least. I always run the Pikes at 120mm max. I thought the Sandersons were designed for 120mm forks? Its not like I'm doing anything super-knarly on it so I'm sure it'll be OK.
I can't recommend Sanderson frames highly enough. They are extremely well designed, built and finished and ride beautifully. Hopefully I'll be getting mine muddy tomorrow!

The guy in the shop was talking out of his arse. If you've got a nine speed cassette you need a nine speed chain and chainring.

Here's mine:

Freehand, no templates here!

Andy McKee is very talented. He's a really nice guy too, met him at a really small gig he gig in Aldershot a year or two ago. I've seen Antonio Forcione live too, I'd say McKee is the more impressive player, just.

Standard (coarse) M7 thread pitch is 1.0mm.

Sanderson Breath?

Could be a lot of other things; pedals, pedals/cranks, cranks/BB, headset, seatpost/frame, seatpost/saddle. I'd suggest you try stripping areas such as these down, one at a time, cleaning, inspecting, re-greasing, re-fitting and going for a test ride?
Or are you just looking for an excuse to get a new frame? ;o)

enfht, they're bred so that their front legs are longer than their back legs so that going downhill is easier, a bit like longer forks and slacker head angle on downhill bikes 😉

I can smell it from here. That's one of the worst things that can happen on a ride. Did it splatter all over your downtube/chainset/front mech?

Not as bad but I got horse poo in my eye the other day, at the bottom of one of my favourite downhills.

Should also add that I'm using Mavic XM321 rims.

XC but with the emphasis on enjoying the downhills as much as possible. Used to running 2.3" Timberwolves, which measure 60mm max and weight about 800g. Was thinking of trying the single ply, 60a variety.

Agree with you all. He is a true hero, well he's one of mine anyway.
I thought Fabian Barel, Greg Minaar and Brian Lopes had stunning rides as well.
I thought the best bit of Warner's commentary (on Freecaster) was when he shouted "Pedal! Fu#*ing pedal!" at the end of Peaty's run. Scott Beaumont's commentary was really good too.

If your broccoli has been decimated (all leaves eaten down to the veins) you can cut the plant down to a stalk and cut an X in the top of it. It will then re-grow later on, through the winter. We had the same thing a couple of years ago, and it was very successful. I've never seen so many caterpillars in my life!
You can plant peas over the winter to get an early crop. We're also trying to grow turnips, broccoli and cabbages but the slugs are having a field day. I do a caterpillar check most days and squash any babies that I find – SQUISH!!!

I'm in Haslemere so let me know next time you're down, maybe we can meet up for a spin?

(Sorry for the hijack, Ton.)

Hora, where's local for you?

Why is the Sanderson superimposed on that Background WTF!?

Eh?

Hey Hora, you're right, it is a 16". I'm 5'10" with a 32" inside leg and it fits like a glove. Makes me wonder if I've always had frames that are too big.

That Sanderson looks mint.

It is. Went for a proper good ride today and it was brilliant :o)

Not really a new bike but I got a new frame last week:

Lovely it is too.

It's not the best photo but its dark green, not black. This photo shows it a little better…

Built it up at the weekend in 1×9 mode so that I didn't have to do it in a few weeks when the mud is here, until next July ;o)

Hope I'm not too late but I'm loving my new Sanderson Breath

Weighs 29lbs as above but I reckon I could shave at least 3lb off with lighter forks, rims, tyres etc.

Thanks guys. As I said (OK, maybe implied) in the OP I understand the concept, just wondered if anyone had tried it and thought it was worth doing.

I've had one for 3 months. Great phone. Camera's OK, Sports Tracker works fine on mine (v1.83), Google maps is great too, the Latitude thing is good for seeing where all your GPS-enabled mates are! I've got Kaspersky Mobile Security on mine, as I do a fair bit of browsing and emailing.

I get migranes too. Mine are definitely triggered by stress, flashing lights and teeth clenching. If you haven't tried or been prescribed one of the types of Triptan ask your doctor about them next time you see him/her. I started to get more regular migranes after I was in a car crash and got whiplash. My doctor prescribed Naramig (Naratriptan) and I could not believe how effective they were. After suffering for my entire 31 years with 2-3 day migranes, taking all sorts of painkillers now they are relieved within 30 minuntes. Totally amazing. They don't work for everyone but ask your doctor about them.

Tyger – my average sleep time is 7 hours and I usually go to bed around 11:30 on weeknights and anywhere between 12 and 2 at weekends.

Just been for an hour long blast in my local woods. First impressions are very good indeed. It felt a lot more lively than my 456 ever felt. The trouble is now it feels a little unbalanced, front heavy, because the Pikes are a bit tubby. Will have to start saving for some air Rebas. Thinking of putting some narrower, lighter tyres on too, just to give it a bit more "nip"!

Alpin – I've got 685mm, high rise EA70s on mine. My favourite 'bars ever.

Just finished building and took some quick pics on my phone:

Been for a spin up the road and it feels good. I'll take it to the woods after the GP! 🙂

Not me. Honest.

OK I'll give you a shout when I've got a free evening. May not be until after Christmas at this rate! 🙂

It's a Sanderson Breath. I've not ridden there yet. I'll keep it local this weekend ("reference trails" to thrash it on!) but I'm up for a guided tour sometime, if you're offering?

Build pics to follow…

PeterPoddy – Thanks, what should we put in a credit/copyright line? "Courtesy of PeterPoddy", "c2009 Peter Poddy" ???

Great pics guys.
PeterPoddy – would you mind if we use some of the ones of us on-stage for on our website/myspace? We'll credit/copyright line you, obviously.
Singletrackmind – Thanks for the review :o)

I should add that I only turtle wax gloss painted/lacquered frames, obviously it would make a matte finish gloss! I waxoyl the insides of steel frames too.

I wax frames when they're new, before putting anything else on. A couple of coats of turtle wax does wonders. The dirt doesn't stick, especially in the wet, making cleaning much easier when it does get filthy.