marsbeetle

Nice looking bike, congrats !

+1 for Petrol. Use it to remove tar from my car and motorcycle, works like a charm with little effort required.

Nice, enjoy the snatch ..er stock.

I was considering getting an Urge Archi-Enduro helmet until I read this - http://forums.mtbr.com/utah/crash-report-urge-archi-enduro-helmet-795542.html

I came across the full spec of all the Giant 2013 bicycles on their US website. Maybe I'm just a bit slow but I didn't see the details shown on any of the other international sites or any direct links so thought I'd share.. http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bike-index/?collections_id=9&preview=true

I've been considering getting a SB66/SB95 but there are so many issues with these bikes I think I'd prefer for them to mature first before I part with my hard earned cash. From what I've read there are cracked frame issues(mostly on the SB66), wheel against seat post and the most common being the bushes and bearings going with the "switch" technology it uses. Now before anyone says these are isolated issues, they are not. Many people have complained about the bushes and bearings going and that is even after they strengthened them. Just google and you'll see the myriad of problems with these two bikes specifically. On a positive note it appears Yeti have very good customer service but that doesn't detract from the issues, not for me anyway. A pity because I really like these bikes. Comments ?

Just make sure you have increased the ISO so the shutter speed is acceptable for hand-held shooting. A rule of thumb is having at least a shutter speed that is equal to your focal length but realistically it should be slightly more when shooting at a very short focal length. Also try to pan or move with your subjects so that the camera matches your subjects movement. Sometimes it's useful to have a slightly lower(but not too low if hand-held!) shutter speed and pan to create a blurriness in the background but not of your subject which will give the impression of movement instead of having something that's static. As mentioned having a fast lens(large aperture) helps in such low light conditions.

Carbon may be stiff but it sure isn't abrasive.

No, that's the cheaper aluminium one I suggested ;-) ...I have two, the one I suggested and a lighter carbon one I use for travelling. The aluminium 055PROB comes in handy where I live with the strong winds, last thing you need is for the tripod to fall over with your camera attached.

Yip, don't buy the cheapest, it doesn't pay. For a good solid and not too expensive tripod I highly recommend the Manfrotto 055XPROB http://www.ormsdirect.co.za/manfrotto-055xprob-pro-tripod-legs I have this tripod and a carbon one for travelling but the 055PROB is a very solid and popular tripod and always gets good reviews.

Taken with my iPhone.. Kalk Bay Mugello, Italy

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/showcase/trancex29er/

I see the say available August, wonder when it will be available here ? Maybe send off an email to Dragon Sports next month and see when they expect delivery..

That Scott looks more like a Spark to me not the Genius which has a different shock setup. Nice either way.

Damn that 29er Trance X 0 looks sweet. Now not sure as what would be better, a Yeti SB95 or a Giant Trance X 0 29er ? Both similarly spec'd..

Thanks guy's. I'll take a look at the Freeriders and also those Neutron pedals.

Hi, I'm planning on riding my new 29er(probably a SB95) with flat pedals and will also need a pair of decent shoes. If I decide to do the odd event then I'll get SPD's but for normal riding and every day fun I want flat pedals. My issue is I have rather large feet(UK13). So far I've narrowed it down to the 5.10 Impact Low shoe and a set of these new to be released Shimano Saint MX80's.. Any other suggestions would be grateful. Thanks.

Yeti SB95 ...which I'm currently waiting patiently to arrive in this country to have a look at. Not cheap unfortunately and frame will be in the region of R22000. It's a seriously strong frame though.

Apologies if this is a repeat, too many to check..

For those who appreciate a good bit of the blues.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0e0c3eyFY6I

As long as the rest of the bike is suited to the purpose I don't see any reason why it couldn't fit into any of those markets. The 650B wheel size is probably best suited to the "do anything" market but that doesn't mean it will excel in any of those markets above the other wheel sizes. My 2cents.

Interesting blog post by a Yeti Cycles employee who tests their bikes. I'm sure a lot will relate - http://www.yeticycles.com/blog/?p=1405 Think I want a SB-95.

I took this photo of Valentino Rossi on my trip to Italy last year, it was his first race at Mugello for Ducati and being a fan I had to be there. An Italian world champion, riding an Italian motorcycle in Italy for the first time, it was madness at the track The track is surrounded by a high fence so I stood on a bank that gives you a an open view of the track and waited...

Heard on the radio this morning, good old hit.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jfjIfO7BK8

Nice. The clouds and grey weather give it a vintage look. May be a good candidate for black and white too..