1kTT

Hi, I have just converted from an Ergomo to a powertap for MTB. So far a much prefer the powertap! I agree with you 10% re mountainbike races, they really are like a long timetrial and a power meter is brilliant for pacing! what do you weigh out of interest ?

I have been using tubeless tyres on tube rims for a couple of years now. Never had an issue and have tried several types of rims and many different tyres. Ran the Epic on Conti Speed king protections not a single puncture in training or in the whole race (touch wood). I run then at 2b and weigh 77kg. My LBS does sometimes battle to get certain brands on tubeless tyres to seat properly on certain rims (the conti SK's on mavic rims were particularly difficult). In general, once they have seated, they dont give hassles. If they do, a quick trip to the local garage or better still get your own compressor for home and you will be sorted. Dont stress, use the tubeless tyres!

Although boiling fluid is a side-effect of overheating pads' date=' the fluid itself has nothing to do with brakes overheating on downhills. Overheating brakes can be attributed to: 1) The rider is unskilled and relies on his/her rear instead of front brake. 2)The hill is simply too long and steep. 3) The rider is particularly heavy You have cause and effect slightly mixed up. [/quote'] nope, I think I am clear. If you have your brakes setup properly (like mine) I have never ever been able on overheat them ie no matter how hot they get they will still work. Fluid (or other) issues would result in over heated (ie not functioning properlt) brakes under conditions that well maintained ones would not.

I have 2 sets (one with Tune hubs and 1 with Chris King's). I rode the tune's for the epic and they were bullet proof. In fact I have had them for 2 years and they have not given a moment's trouble. When I first got them I was 85kg, so there is no issue with heavier riders either. I say go for it, just be careful who builds them.

Juicy Ultimates + new pads + proper maintenance= not a moments issue for the whole epic. I kept asking if the pads were worn and needed replacing, but they were perfect to the end! I suspect people who had issues with disk brakes overheating on the nasty downhills probably had old/suspect break fluid which is prone to boiling (you then lose pressure in the brake line and the handle goes soft). Also you dont want to run any sort of super lightweight disk on a race like the epic! From what I saw 99.9% of riders where on disks and nobody around me had issues.

Anybody who doubts that tubbies roll better than clenchers try this: ride a pair of rollers with clenchers now try the same thing with tubbies you will be amazed at how much easier it is with the tubbies I bought a set of tubbies to use for special occasions but everytime I go back to my clenchers they feel so cr@p that I put the tubbies back on. Punctures are not an issue - just carry the Vittoria foam + a bomb in training. If I am feeling really paranoid I carry a spare used tubbie.

thanks Bruce. Thats very interesting. I always thought cranks made much more of a difference, although I suppose at a top level 1% is huge...

I have never had anything but exceptional service from MSC. They are tough to get on the phone after moving shop & being so busy looking after their Epic riders. If there is something you need for your Yeti PM me and I will see if I can sort it as I am in there often.

Hi All, I have had to make a tough call re power meters for the Epic. I am just not convinced that I want to take my chances with the Ergomo and Isis crank for the whole race so I have decided to fit XTR and go powerless. It will be very tough as I think that power meters are a great pacing tool for MTB but I just cant take the reliability risk. If I get stuck with 100k's to go and a crank that has come loose or busted BB, theer is no way for the Shimano guys to assist. Are any other hubbers planning on using power meters in the Epic ?

I test rode a Soloist a while back and hated it. I really wanted to like it but I couldnt. The ride was unbelievably harsh and very noisy. The bike felt completely dead, I am sure it was stiff and fast, but it just felt dead. Worst of all, my feet overlaped with the front wheel, I am a +-55cm frame size and have never has that happen before- it is just bad frame design. A mate who is a very dedicated Cervelo fan (he probably has 5 of the things) didnt believe me, bought a Soloist and absolutely hated it- I am pretty sure he has sold it. My advice- make sure you test ride the bike before you buy! On the other hand, I have only heard goo dthings about the R3, but have never ridden one.

Hi, I have been using an Ergomo on my road bike for about a year and mountainbike for about 6 months and have been very happy. In fairness I have had a couple of issues: - road bike: the cable got pinched by the cable ties used to install it and the unit started giving wierd readings (replaced under warranty and perfect since then) - mountain bike: see an earlier post on The Hub- have broken something insude it and am sure it will be fixed uner warranty but still need to get to Cycletech to sort it out. I have done lots of tough milage on the MTB with the Ergomo- Cederberg, Sabie and lots of training in heavy mud and it worked perfectly until about 3 weeks ago. Evenn with the above, I would recommend the Ergomo for a mountainbike unreservedly. Your alternatives are: SRM: old style wired or new style wireless. Dont even ask the price, it will make you sick but it is probably the best around. Powertap: currently v-brake only (so not for me), there is talk of a disk version but it is yet to be released as far as I know. I dont think any of the power meters will work 100% of the time without any issues, but in my view, the benefit in training and racing is well worth it

if you like those, you will love: http://www.poshbikes.com/

I have a black one that I am no longer using (tried to sell it a while back on the hub). PM me if you are interested.

KCNC MTB stem and bar's = brilliant. Had them on my bike for a couple of months now and havnt had a single issue. Cant comment on the cranks

Hi All, Some feedback on my mountain bike Ergomo- it is busted- something seems to have broken off inside as you can turn opne crank a 1/4 turn while the other stays still.... Will take it to the agents on monday and see what they say. Problem is to find another solution before Epic.....

wow, the u16 guy generates some serious w/kg!

I have had nothing but superb service from MSC, Colin & Kirk are always helpful. They even re-dished an MTB wheel I hadnt even bought from them overnight in the week leading up to 94.7. The phones in the new shop are not connected yet. I need to go in tomorrow so PM me what you are looking for and I will pass it along.

that is a brilliant article, I had heard about it but never been able to find it before, thanks!!

Oh and mine 'siezed up' after riding through some thick mud. Took them out, cleaned them up and sprayed a bit of oil in and they were back to normal.

just be warned, the colour wears of pretty quickly where the chain comes into contact with the pulley. still damn cool though....

Pitstop +1 Fits in pocket no problem