Hog_

As much as I love long distance train rides, if you're dragging your bike along, rather avoid the trains. If they're anything like the German ones, it's going to be a huge pain in the ass dragging the bike through the (often crowded) stations for changeovers. Some trains also don't really have decent storage space, so the box will be in the way. You could DHL the bike from the UK to France, but it'll be pricey. If you book in advance the flights will be cheaper and faster. Another option: There are always a ton of Brits in France around that time. Maybe look on Pinkbike to see if you can catch a lift with someone.

I moved the components over from the Glory to the Kalula on Friday.... Surprisingly not too bad! The jockey wheels where completely seized, as well as the one on the chain device. The BB was still turning, but I had an extra new one so that went onto the new frame. Haven't opened the fork yet... not sure I want to. The linkage bearings seem to be okay, so I'm not going to bother with those before selling the frame.

Gave the bike a proper test at Spicak on Sunday, and it's quite good at the moment. The BOS needs to go though! Can't hear the chain over the damn shock!

You actually make a pretty solid point. Not sure the wife would be happy with me buying yet another bike though.

Earplugs would at least solve the issue with the BOS. I have some mastik type stuff on order from Amazon, until it arrives the inner tube method will have to do though.

Yes, the clutch and short chain are already in play. I still need to figure out how to silence the BOS shock as well. It sounds like I'm molesting a squirrel every time I hit a rocky or rooty section.

I like my bikes to be quiet. In fact, as good as Hope hubs are, the main reason why I don't use them any more is the noise. So while I'm redoing my Kalula, I'm looking for tips and pointers on how to make it as quiet as possible. This article has some pointers: http://anybodysbikeblog.com/2011/04/04/chain-slap-solutions/ Which hacks do you guys use?

I haven't touched the Glory since we got back. Busy stripping my Kalula frame, so I'll check the damage when I move the components over. I'm expecting most bearings to be ****** though.

Hahaha! I took the Hornet out for a spin on Sunday, the day after getting back. Almost looped it out a few times because the front comes up so easily in comparison to the Glory.

Looks like we have a wet day ahead of us. Good thing I packed my space monkey suit!

I was planning on washing the bike tonight, but looking at the footage I don't think there's much of a point.

I think the Domain has polished steel stanchions though? Should be more difficult to destroy than the Boxxers?

Kinda funny that the Domain, with it's 3,4kg heft, is Maxle Lite compatible.

Just wear a fullface and a neckbrace in the plane, you'll be fine. Neckbraces make you invincible.

You arrive 3 days before me. I can say with 98% certainty that you'll have broken yourself before then.

Most bike shops near the DH parks are well equipped for brake bleeding, since they know they can charge you a quick €60 to bleed your brakes while you have lunch. Source: My empty wallet.

Hahaha, doing that on a 'Goose takes balls... or rather the lack of balls. I'm sure the YT will be soft as a feather in comparison.

I was considering that, but it would mean having to take the pedals off my bike and put them on the YT... and I'm a lazy bastard.

It's kind of annoying that the nicest bike to be in my workstand in years does not belong to me.

That's the thing though... Stuff goes wrong when you're not planning for it. Case in point: A few weeks ago we go to Saalbach for the day. Just over 2 hours in the car to get there. One of the youngsters with us is very fast, very good, but unfortunately also an idiot who decides not to wear his elbow pads/body armour because it's too hot. On the third run of the day he does a lie-down on a rocky corner and smashes his elbow open to the bone. Instead of having lunch and a nice relaxing day further, we spent the afternoon at the hospital before heading back home with him in a cast and in lots of pain. The protector would have saved him from that. I found that wearing a cooling compression shirt under the armour helps with the heat.

Posted by Bikeradar just now: http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/how-to-make-the-most-of-a-trip-to-the-alps-22587/

The way I see it, if you're doing the DH courses, you need elbows, back, knees as a minimum, but when you're wearing elbows and back you may as well go for a full upper body suit - easier to get into, and less chance you'll forget one of the pads at home.

I don't **** around. If I can't work, I'm not getting paid. Usual getup is a BrandX Suit from CRC along with IXS Hammer Knee/Shin combo. Fullface is some carbon jobby, can't remember which, but it's fugly. No one will make fun of you for wearing too much armour. Unless you're commuting with a fullface, then I'll laugh at you.

Sold the Fox last week, so no single crown left. Also started making the Giant all pretty again last night, so I'll take that. Amazing what 5 minutes, a brush and some Muc-Off can do.

Hahaha! I think it's a Euro thing. The boys show up in their best pajamas on bikes that cost as much as cars. They talk about adding 2 clicks rebound and adjusting the tyre pressure for the trail conditions, and about how much time they spent in the gym during winter. Then they hold you up on the trail.