AK350Z

I tried it out on my runabout and it lasts better than a soft wax alone. It's hard to beat for sheer speed/results ratio.

The 29er experience was a lot better than the Giant Trance 29 i had from KMB in the summer. The process front end feels just like my On-One hardtail, must be virtually the same layout, just a touch higher/less race-y (which is good for longer rides). Also similar in that its a single ring up front too. Brakes were good, apart from finishing a rear pad off half way round! It doesn't have Pikes, just Revelations, another similarity with the 456. It's noticeably smoother over rough ground, but if you go piling in, you'll find the limits of the travel, although maybe a few PSI more might help. It basically felt like a super dooper version of my On-one! It's probably the perfect 90% bike, that I could just use all the time apart from the occasional Alps visit or rocky mountain descent. Silence Arts and Crafts! Get Liam to decode it for you

So, a day on the Process! A bloody wet day as it turns out, I think thats probably the second wettest ride ever, Chris knows all about number 1! Back to the bike then. It's fair to say few bikes are this well sorted from the factory, the bars are the right width, stem and head angle spot on. The only problem is that you tend to ride it as if it has about 50% more travel! (puncture on the first descent!) The XX1 was pretty decent, could probably do with a 30T chainring though as opposed to the standard 32T. Even with the dinner plate on the back, some of the short, sharp climbs were just out of reach, although I wasn't really feeling on top form. Big hole at Tibberthwaite A very rainy Loughrigg Terrace.

Yeah, only good driving in NL is at Zandvoort!

You can have mine next then!

I think he has. Whats happening Chris?

Well I've made a decision now, I'm going for the Hope Trail X2. I thought about getting the E4, but don't think it's really necessary for my riding (hopefully!) Plus when the trek eventually goes, they'll suit another normal trail bike. Really coming round to that Kona Process 111 after reading the Dirt and Pinkbike reviews. I think KMB have one in stock, but don't know if its hireable (probably best that it's not!) Think I'd prefer a Frame only, and reuse some bits. The XX1 adds too much to the price, come on Shimano!

1. DoogyRev x2 2. SuperStu 3.Paddy78 4.Darren-B 5.ChrisS 6. Sam McGoo 7. blindbandit 8. AK350Z 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.

Obviously someone gave up reading that shonky dipstick.... Get well soon!

Fecking hell James, thats a tough break. Hope it can all be fixed up without too much hardship!

Hope you've got the Trooper handy Neil, happy birthday!

Good!

Nothing there now, don't think it was serious.

Heading down to Barrow in an hour or so for the Xmas do at work. Think the flooding as Muncaster should have receded by then...

Hmm, new brakes for christmas I think. Problem is, justifying nearly £400 for a Hope set up, when a Shimano XT setup goes for half that. Can't say I'm a massive fan of the servowave operation on Frans Bike, although I haven't really used a set in anger, and I'd prefer not to have such different feel between bikes. Avid X0 is a ton cheaper than Hope, but the cheap Avid stuff is bobbins. What to do....?

Christmas Card List 2013 Chris Dan Martin Colin Hugh Graham Ian Neil

Laughably good turn-around. Bravo!

Happy birthday day you big nerd!

It was disapproved by a team member, I'll find out why.

Yep, Japanese maple. It was spectacular, especially on a damp, overcast day.

Conclusion: I'll stick to off-road thanks!

Its a just a very very poor rant. You could say exactly the same about spending millions of pounds laying pavement to make it safer for those pedestrians who apparently "pay nothing to use the roads", just like car drivers incidentally.

I can only assume you just cut and pasted that straight out of the Daily Mail.

I don't pair phones to the car anyway. I've currently got a Desire so I suppose I'm leaning towards the HTC, never had a Samsung so unsure if I'll like the software or not, doubt I'd use all the air gesture suff, and lack of an FM radio tuner is a bit random, as I actually use the one on my phone, how old fashioned of me!

Don't be a stranger Chris