In the service manual they talk about this special tool, anybody got any idea? "Using the SID threaded base retainer tool and a socket wrench, remove the dual air assembly (fig. 8b)."
Dunno, but I use avid 20 V-brakes and they're great. But nothing can compare to discs so I'm busy converting. They have amazing specials on disc brakes at crc now.
On Barberton I carried a bottle of Motorex wet lube with me. It was very muddy. Whenever I could I would clean the chain with water and give it a good squirt of wet chain lube. it worked very well in my experience. So try to clean the chain as much as possible and lube it as much as possible.
I love the feeling of a hardtail. For me it's like the differense between a expensive merc 4x4 and a jeep that can do the same job. i just feel more involved with my hardtail. And O yes i use v-brakes for the same reason...
I cramp on every race. It's part of my make-up. I've made peace with it. I train alot 10-12 hrs per week. Do a lot of 4-5 hour rides on saturdays. What I found works for me is just using cramp ease every hour. 5 min before the start of the race i take 3 and then 2 every hour after that. I still cramp but just powers through it and I'm fine. Maybe this will help.
