Strengths: FANTASTIC trails, everything from fast and flowing to uber techincal.
friendly accomodation, sam and lyndsey + guides really know their job, and how to make you feel welcome, in what is their home.
good quality, home made food, make sure you love veg though!
crazy cats (plus one moody bugger!)
meet other likeminded people
great atmosphere, with or without beer/wine
chance to push yourself on trails you wouldn't get in such quantity in the uk
Weaknesses: moody cat!
some trails could be too techy for beginers, but they are willing to suggest other, easier routes
Overall: i improved my riding a massive amount over my 2 weeks. i'd be surprised if many people didn't improve. wales etc just don't compare.
don;t shy away from the long climbs (there are a fair amount of them, unless you go for lazy options) they bring fantastic rewards (think singletrack descents 2 hours +)
the itilien job is the best ride i have done, the 1600m vertical climb may be tough, but its not as bad as i thought it would be...
one thing though, remember to take enough money for lift passes, it was around £10 per day if you get single day tickets, get a week one if you plan to use lifs as much as possible. we used the lifts around 3 times per week, and it did put a dent in my finances.
just a brilliant holiday. prob go for 2 weeks again. damn good value too!
Strengths: this is a light and airy helmet. the excellent venting makes it feel like it isn't there. air flow is especially good, even at low speeds, which i found lacking in my old MET Anaxagore. the styling is subtle or loud, depending on which colour you chose. you can't really go wrong with any of them. the looks are helped by the low profile of the helmet, not like the blocks of polystyrene we used to wear. the straps are thin, which increases comfort, as is the padding, however this isn't a problem. the visor is fantastic, with a lot of fore and aft movement. it actually works - keeping branches/rain/sun out of your eyes. it is made of a softish material which doesn't hurt too much if you fall over - fully rigid visors can cause pain if hit, this one gives a bit. the range of adjustment for supporting the head is large, and the little wheel on the back of the helmet makes adjustment easy on-the-fly.
Weaknesses: the only problem i have had with this helmet is that the straps come loose over time, however it is important to keep the straps tightened at all times, so it serves as a good reminder.
Overall: well, what can i say?! this is a fantastic helmet. its one weakness IMO is not a problem really. included with the helmet is an assortment of spare pads and velcro stickers, a few specialised stickers and a sticker on which you put details of your self. this is a good idea IMO, 'cos if found injured, people will know your name, blood type, emergency numbers, allergies and contacts. a great idea from specialised. i used to feel a little self conscious of wearing my old helmet (it was a bit of a dog) but now i wear the M1 with pride. as said in previous reviews, the helmets come out a little large. i went from a large to the smallest possible in a medium. it is important, as with many things, to try before you buy. there is no point in getting a helmet which doesn't fit well, cos you won't wear it, and it won't work properly if you do, helmets are a vital piece of MTB equipment.
you may have gathered that i recomend this helmet 100%! i love it, and if i don't get the same one next time, it will be because i'll get the S1. it is definately worth the asking price.
Strengths: works. cable stops reliability probs with wireless
Weaknesses: falls off, bitch to set up, waste of money unless racing or training, spend too much time looking at figures, which generally tell you that you are slow.
Overall: don't botther with computers generally, i think they are shite! this one fell off on its second ride, at coed y brenin. they are annoying and expensive. SHITE! it did work while it was still attached though.
Strengths: you'll have to wait a while for me to find one
Weaknesses: everything. doesn't tension the chain, and thats all its meant to do
Overall: DMR: get it sorted. it can't be too hard to produce a chain tensioner. it is unable to tension the chain. I was so confident with it that i bought a new freehub Bcos i thought that it was slipping, it wasn't and the new one isn't, the chain is not tensioned. save your money in the future, and spend £10 extra on the surly one. it can't be any worse.
Strengths: light, lockout eta system the name (oooh, you've got Marathons!)
Weaknesses: i'd rather have got the blondie version (same colour as my fame)however i couldn't find it anywhere:(
Overall: i'm not convinced mine are working properly, I've only got around 60ish of my 105mm travel so far so it seems and i'm a bit miffed. the eta system also doesn't seem to be working as well as i expected, it only seems to lock down about 40mm??? maybe its just me. i'm gonna take it to a shop to see if there is anything wrong. another reason could be that i'm only around 11.5 stone (~74KG) so maybe the springs are a bit stiff for me. I'll update this when things get sorted out, so rating might not be truly fair, sorry!. (get them for £280, so value is good)
Strengths: Strong (being steel), very light and responsive. Looks good with pearl like paint, cheap.
Weaknesses: Steel could pose problems with corrosion if not looked after at all.
Overall: Very happy with it. Set for 80mm fork but i run a 105mm marathon with no problem. I occasionaly get some creaks from around the front but this goes after fiddling with the headset. Back end has nice vertical flex which softens out the ride but has very little horizontal flex so acceleration seems good. New one released in US as whole bike (www.marinbikes.com) but havn't seen it on the UK website (www.marin.co.uk) so you might have difficulty finding one here. Also doesn't seem to come as a frame (apart from mine and a mate's!) sorry. If you do find one, get it, you probably won't regret it. It's dirt cheap as well.
Strengths: light, work well, last ages, adjustable, feel nice
Weaknesses: need new shifters when you want discs.
Overall: really good. no problems with them even after a few crashes. Problem now because I want discs. Great shifters/levers but if you want to upgrade to discs later on don't bother with them! I learnt the wrong way!!!!
Weaknesses: not that grippy on bars. raised SCOTT logo is uncomfortable for long rides as these are virtually the only raised bits on the grip. hard to get on bars
Overall: minor gripes but can be annoying on a long ride, took us bloody ages to get on the bars and will probably have to cut them off!
Strengths: comfy, strong, not too sweaty, holds enough for a day ride + bladder, easy too clean, good storage compartments, good bladder hose routing
Weaknesses: havn't found pump holder, just a random piece of velcrow which won't fit round my mini pump.
Overall: really nice bit of kit, pump holder annoying. waist and chest straps stop any annoying over the head flights from the rucksac when braking (or crashing)
