Sardine

Thanks, I missed it under the forum topics

Hi Have any of you bought anything online from ChainReactionCycles.com? If so, was the service good (i.e., the equipment made it to you in one piece and in a decent amount of time), and did you get nailed with customs duties when the stuff arrived in SA? Cheers

The rear hub (Shimano Deore M525) on my MTB is dying a slow death (despite two overhauls). Does anyone have some suggestions for a reliable budget replacement hub, or is the M525 my best choice in the budget segment of the market?

Crossmarks will be easier going than your Minions if the ground is firm, but if it rains you will soon find the Crossmarks will clog-up with mud and you will have no traction. No traction may be ok when riding a short distance on non-technical terrain, but over 80+ km with some pretty technical bits, it will be a nightmare. If you want to change tyres then try a compromise tyres like the Continental Speed/Mountain Kings, which have wide tread that sheds mud better than the Crossmarks, but are still much lighter and fast rolling than your Minions. Or try a fast(er)-rolling mud tyre like the Bontrager Mud X. If you want to stick to Maxxis, the High Roller (26 x 2.1") is a good allround tyre, but probably is not as fast-rolling at the Mud X or Continentals.

Thanks, that is a relief to hear.

I have noticed a very small amount of residual oil on one of the stanchions of my Fox 32 120RL after each of my last few rides. My LBS said this was normal for a Fox fork. Are they correct, or do I need new seals (the fork only is 6 months old)?