pbrizzolari

I did 35 on Saturday, 20 on Sunday and 45 minutes of lactate threshold today (12km). Legs are tired but happppyyyy.

Look, I obviously can't speak for the backup service of the LBS or Maxxis, but I've used the same tyres for 6 months with absolutely no issues. My advice is to have a look and see if there is any evidence of a cut from a rock, bottle etc or if it looks like the tyre just came apart. If the former then it really is bad luck, unfortunately no manufacturer will cover damage to the tyre. If however it is the latter then I would make my case to the LBS. I think we as consumers accept their excuses far too readily.

Censored due to my own lack of humor over this issue.pbrizzolari2009-11-08 10:44:30

I was 125 when I started, am now down to 112. It's not really that bad, your legs are strong from carrying all that weight around.

That is not strictly true, the warranty on the carbon frame is only valid up to 120kg. If you're heavier than that the warranty is void. (This is as per Hot Spot Cycles in Atterbury)

Can I be an ass and disagree? I've been riding MTB for about 6 months and really enjoying life on a Merida HT. I think having tried both types that having a hardtail forces you to think about how to get over obstacles and choose the best line. When I ride a DS I tend to just bulldoze most smaller obstacles. Having said that though, I'm looking to do the Joburg2C next year and I think in the context of >80km per day for multiple days that a DS would be the best option. All I'm saying is don't completely discount a HT, they are more work but also very rewarding to ride. And your ass will get used to it.

I must say that Teak is possibly the best cycling I've done in ages. Although that floating bridge claimed me as a victim one day - to be fair we did have 12 people riding over it multiple times...

I had a quick look at the bikes online and it seems that they are pretty similarly specced. My advice is to go and test ride both of them and pick the one that suits you the best. I know a lot of people that are very happy with their Silverback bikes and I'm very happy with my Merida.

I have owned a Q620 and I currently have a Merida HFS-1000. I would take them both for a ride if possible. The felt is a very nice bike, it feels much better than the sum of it's parts. Also have a look at the Merida TFS 500, it should be available at very little more than the 60-D.

Boeing, that's not strictly true. Most studies show that up to 10 grams of creatine is ok and can help you to gain muscle. There is however an easier way, make sure your diet is higher in protein than carbs and if you want a supplement then take branch chain amino acids or pure leucine powder. The way it works is by moving your body into an anabolic state which is where you need to be to gain muscle. As far as excercises go for upper body I would advise pushups, body weight dips, wide grip pullups and chin ups. These excercises give you the biggest benefits for your chest, shoulders and arms. To supercharge your workouts finish off with back squats (holding the bar on your shoulders). Squats work so many muscles (256) that they force the body to release growth hormone in order to cope. There is also a good article in the mens health this month on gaining muscle. For more information and workout ideas see Testosterone Nation. They have some really good workouts and advice.