Nimby

I reckon if you're a heavier rider 3x10 is the way to go. You'll need the smallest chainring on the steep and long uphills and benefit from the largest chainring on the front on the downs /flats. As Eldron says its about stretching the limits - 24/36 & 42/11 is indisputably wider than 26/36 & 39/11 - even if there is greater redundancy in-between...

I don't understand how anyone manages marathons / stage races without bar-ends? Obviously I have them on my 29er, but then again my other style faux pas make the bar-ends look like small change...

R What he said...

Absolutely nothing wrong with XT pedals - they just keep working. Pedals get muddy, banged into rocks and generally mistreated - I wouldn't get too precious about them...

They were smaller at 4:45 am. Fresher too...

IMO - yes. I weigh 100kgs and it has taken everything I can throw at it for 9 months with no frame issues whatsoever. It did the Berg and Bush descent this weekend without a murmur...

Never experienced this delamination thing and I've used Schwalbe, Continental, Geax and Maxxis tyres so far - all with Stan's sealant. I normally only use the UST versions (or TNT for Geax) but I agree with WW above - how can it be so hard for each manufacturer to "approve" a sealant with their tyres?

I think it depends as much on the size of the rider as the size of the wheels. If you are very broad chested a wider handlebar would make more sense than if you were skinnier. Have to agree with cptmayhem above - make really sure it's too wide before lopping big chunks off the end.

Why is it that the Specialized guys seem to have a such very high opinion of themselves and their equipment? Just because it's carbon and "Burry rides it" doesn't automatically make it superior. But I do hope the Kool-Aid is tasty and refreshing...

That really was rich coming from GM - possibly the brand with the worst fuel consumption figures of all...

Thanks Johan - I mioght do that - I'll PM you. Cheers

Hi. Thanks for the offer but I'm not quite at the "Buy" stage yet.

Thanks Citius. Ja - there is definitely a weight penalty but with a decent wheel build I might be able to mitigate it somewhat. I'm not looking to build a superlight bike - more a tough (possibly steel) hardtail that I can use for general training and possibly some commuting.

Hi - did a search but couldn't find too much info. Does anyone have any experience of running a Shimano (8 or 11spd) Alfine hub on a mtb - more specifically a 29er. It sounds like an interesting low-maintenance hardtail solution that would save my (old and tired) legs from the rigours of a single-speed. Cheers

Fantastic!

XTR

Don't know about the bars but the drink just tastes bad. PVM for me...

Custom build something like: Hope Hubs, DT Competition Spokes (32 min), brass nipples and Stans Flow Rims

Formula R1's - very light with fantastic power. If you're going XTR for your transmission you may as well use the XTR brakes as well - I understand they are a giant leap forard from Shimano's previous offerings. In my experience - anything but Avid

680mm flat bar with Cane Creek Ergo bar-ends. I'm 1.84m and this set-up feels perfect.

I love this race / series. There is a fantastic relaxed vibe and a fast route with a bit of sand-surfing to keep things interesting

The mamasita looks just perfect (and reasonably priced too)

Hey ngala - have you had any interest in other Salsa frames? I'm very interested in a 2012 Mamasita - just what I need to complement my 29 FS.