G-Unit

Fair point. The thing is though, that when riding the bike this weekend, I can't particularly say that the bigger tyre grips any better - should it? Logically, one should be able to run a lower pressure, but still the 2.35 wasn't wonderful.

The problem is that I bought a size smaller on the frame - For XC I have a large SC Tallboy and the Nomad is a medium. I'm struggling with the cockpit feeling very tight - hence the long stem. I figured wider bar with a bit of a rise would open things up a bit. Plus, the I bought the bike with a 2.35 Nobby Nick on the front, which is basically like trying to turn a tractor tyre. I'm thinking to go down to 2.25

Thanks for all the feedback. Seems like Renthal is the bar o' choice. No takers for the Spank bars - I'm quite fond of the Stiffy Royala. Gold bling.

Patience, OM - I was reading the tutorial on how to upload it. :-) It's a bit of a circus bike at the moment, 1 black rim, 1 white one, a gold front hub, a black rear hub, a cross country bar... Definitely a work in progress - hence the request for advice.

Hi all, I just bought myself a Santa Cruz Nomad frame and fork and am looking to build it for Enduro / free rding. The thing is, to get it up an running, I just slapped on my cross country bike's 700mm flat bar, and the bike's handling is not great I would appreciate some input regarding a nice enduro bar to use? I was looking at Spank's Subrosa (747mm with a 15mm rise) or a Spank Stiffy (762mm with a 20mm rise). Any other recommendations? Thanks in advance. G.

Done 2. It's just another race. No more, no less.

If one were to give 3 Towers 10/10, the avalanche is 11/10. That is ALL the best parts of 3T (Sappi- and Juniour's bush tunnel, the avalanche course, the cross country course,the descent from 3T day 3's tower and the not too gnarly bits of the DH course.) And the big thing is the fact that you get shuttled to the top. It's by no means easy - my HR was max all the way down. 4 runs on the Saturday and 2 on Sunday. I've never enjoyed 2 days on a bike that much. I'd much rather drop R650 on that than R10k on Sani. Sheeple indeed.

Defending 2nd for Contador as well as defending best team. Scared of Movistar and Quintana. Edit- beat me to it.

From the tdf live tracking site: 'Sep Vanmarcke (BEL) is at front of the peloton that crested the col du Glandon 7'50" behind the two stage leaders. The Belkin rider had bike problems yesterday and was forced to do the second ascent of Alpe d'Huez in the 53 chainring... he posted the 42nd best time for the climb, a little over nine minutes slower than Quintana who was fastest. Fark me...

Now why did you go and do that?? *rushing off to change undies*

I just about had to change my shorts, when reading this thread - I'm cringing for you!! Seriously though, I'm with Kandui on this one - I also got a staf (staphylococcus) infection type saddle sore last year just before 3 Towers, and the solution is antibiotics along with a topical treatment like Bactroban or Quadriderm. It also helps to go to a pharmacist and ask them to mix in a bit of cortisone with the antibacterial creme. That helps to reduce the inflammation and speeds up healing. Good luck, man!

Thanks for explaining.

Game worked for me. Not too sweet, especially if you mix it quite weakly. But then, I also forgo all the scientific bars, gels and potions in favor of sandwiches and peanut brittle, so read into my choice what you like.

Over my head. You'll have to draw pictures for the village idiot.

Does it occur to anyone that Sky maybe never intended to have Froome be the GC contender at TdF, but have rather intentionally led him along all this time, just to keep him on the team for another season?

Ag, bliksem!!!

Gees, that's quick! I got in just under 5hrs last year and I was pretty happy with that. Better keep training...

Every year I say 'never again' and every year I'm back for more punishment. So,one last one next year and then I'm never doing it again. Oh, and +1 on the Nissan races getting too big, jcza. If there are options, I'll be going for smaller races next year, like the USN cup races.

Those photos really tell a story - I honestly don't know how you guys managed to get on your bikes and do another 50k after a beer??? I think i would have found a nice shady spot under a tree and had a snooze. Any riding plans next week / weekend? I'm on leave from Friday.

So from the sound of things, you guys had a lekka ride? I'm way bummed I had to bail - started getting fluey on Friday and by Saturday I was just snot and coughing. Dammit, next time I guess. For interest sake how far is it exactly an how long did you guys ride?

England rolling out the Indian batsmen. 159/8 - India still need to score 40 odd runs to make England bat again. India in a big hole. After this hiding can't see how they can save the series. Will be their first home series loss since 2004. Cook- the birth of a legend? Some say so...

Do share. There's quite a bit of cattle track / single track, but that's really easy. No tech stuff to my knowledge?

Do tell! Pictures would be better...

Hey, don't you know that white bibs makes your package look bigger? Cut the guy some slack, maybe he has issues...

What, we're you like working or something? :-)