Who cares what someone rides or how they ride it (whereever they're riding)..surely the important point is that they're riding at all?

Trail centres= fun, "old school" xc =fun, epic all dayers= fun. All of these might not be everyones idea of fun (they all are for me) but who cares about what others think as long as we're all out and about doing something that keeps you fit and makes you happy? Does it really matter if its at a trail centre or out on the hills somewhere?

(as long as its not in a gym...lol)

Oh aye, the corner pouch/caryying sling device- a halfords classic eh? Remember the long pumps with the valve in the end too?? Although these prob were a bit more roadie I always remember trying to fit one in between my chainstays at the bb abd the seatstays at the seat post- never quite fited tho...

big old Mt Zefal pumps, in vomit green, used to come with two plastic straps so it would slot into the frame. jumpers for goalposts etc.

bikes back 'in the day'  were w*nk! My Muddy Fox Courier comp was a monstrosity, i just didnt know it at the time. I still have a 1991 Dave Yates, i keep it for nostalgia reasons. beautiful welds, very well made old school steel bike.  but i wouldnt fancy riding it off-road now tho! give me full suspension, disc brakes, carbon etc.

I would add that learning to ride on a fully rigid bike with cantis, hasnt made me a better rider! I am still not good enough to get the most out of my current bike, but every ride i get a little better

I'd like to apologise for my original comments. They were a tad harsh but I had been drinking heavily.

Most people out on the trail are pleasant enough, I'm sure they're alright deep down, they're probably just pretending to be arrogant, extreme riding Gods. The body armour and Steve Peat get up is just for protection, very wise and cautious.

Really, it's me that has the problem, sorry.

I'm always genuine, more so when p1ssed.

Has he found a bustier foum yet?