niterider

Just get a cardboard box from your lbs

Beating a whole bunch of Rabobank riders? Very impressive.

I get Bike mag, Spoke mag and the US Rolling Stone on Zinio. I also get the paper version of Bike mag because they are important reading for the toilets in the house.

I'm about to order an AMG chainguide/skid from MRP's website. Shipping is pricey and would be less relative to value if the order was bigger. Anyone else want to get something from MRP? I'm ordering this for myself - http://www.mountainracingproducts.com/mrp/amg/

I've just gotten a special order in with Dragons for a pair of these (they haven't imported any up until now). If anyone else if looking for a pair, I'd suggest you get your LBS to call Dragons. http://www.mavic.com/sites/default/files/products/zoom/326518.jpg

Let's get this restarted with the official dirttv video from round 1 (sorry, can't embed). http://mpora.com/videos/AAdhcli5pb90

I've ridden one. It is awesome. Unfortunately my budget wasn't quite so awesome, so I ended up buying the regular stumpjumper FSR, which has a little less travel and very slightly steeper angles, but is still pretty awesome.

Most dual-sus 29er XC bikes have head angles between 70 and 71 degrees.

I considered one, but ended up buying a Stumpjumper FSR instead. I also have crap Avid brakes which shall be replaced soon.

I rode my first Epic on a hardtail and the next two on a full suspension. I can't say there was much difference on my arse - like people have said, as long as you are used to it, it is fine. Where the dual suspension helps is when you are tired - you can ride out of some situations that would have been trickier on the hardtail.

No-one saw this one coming, including Martin Whitely - http://spokemagazine.com/2013/01/08/gwin-breaks-trek-world-racing-contract-to-ride-for-specialized/

I rode the S-works SJ and Expert EVO at a demo day down here. Both superb bikes and I would have gotten the EVO if my budget had allowed. I ended up with the bottom of the range alloy Comp (the carbon Comp models were still on a boat), but the bike is as awesome as the S-works that I rode. It just carries a little extra weight vs the S-works.

There have been reliability issues in years gone by, but supposedly they are a lot better now. Specialized support is good - so for me it wouldn't bother me. I just mentioned it because some people do have issues with stuff like that.

I'd get that Cannondale in a heartbeat!

I don't think you'll find problems with either brand. They both have excellent reputations. A small negative on Specialized - some models have proprietary shocks which you can't get anywhere else (eg the Brain on the standard SJ). That might bother you, it might not.

I ride a SJ FSR 29er. 130mm travel front and back. Not to be confused with the SJ EVO which has 140mm at the front (Fox 34), 135mm at the back, and is a degree slacker at the front. I have not ridden a TB LT, but on paper you'll see that its angles are much steeper than either of the Stumpjumpers, and it has a shorter wheelbase. So probably a more responsive ride, a bit better in the tight stuff. If you're on a small or medium frame, the headtube might be a bit taller than the SJ (just guessing). I'd expect the Stumpy's to do better when the downhills get bigger (specifically the EVO). They are all excellent bikes and you'll find glowing reviews of all 3 out there. I think you need to go test ride and figure out what works best for your body and your trails.

+1 for the Stumpjumper. Got mine near the end of December - an absolute blast to ride.

Also check out the Cannondale Synapse, Bianchi Infinito and maybe the Cervelo R5.

I've been very happy with my Specialized MTB shoes. Very comfy. I've had Sidi's before that, which were also ok, but the toebox was a bit more cramped than the Specialized.

Perhaps something like this then...? http://www.slikgraphics.com/collections/fork-decals-rockshox/products/rockshox-revelation-style-decals

Damn nice! Those red stickers on your forks need to go though!

The first replacement bits for my new MTB http://www.switchbackmb.com/contentimages/Ritchey_trail_stem.jpg http://crev.vo.llnwd.net/o42/mtbreview/images/products/medium450/product_454532_43895.jpg

I'd get the cheaper of the Giant or the Silverback. The bikes are all relatively similar. If you really get into mountain biking, you're going to want something better and more expensive, so the less you spend now, the less you lose then.

I love my camelbak. But the big ones are not necessary on the Epic. Mine takes 1.5l of energy drink, then I have one bottle with water, which got refilled at the stops if necessary. The Camelbak also gives you a convenient place to store your bombs, spare dropout, tyre boot, pump, etc. No bag rattling underneath my saddle. Camelbaks are *much* easier to drink from in technical terrain. And a camelbak won't pop out when your bottle cage decides to let go (which has happened to me - try riding with one less bottle than you were planning - not fun). And getting ready in the morning is simple - grab the pack and go.

Got me a new bike this week! Stumpjumper FSR 29er.