my trusty old purple GT mtb, still shiny, has shark worn sprocket teeth
and despite being bought at my LBS, the LBS mechanic says he has seen other GT bikes in the area but never the particular hub/cluster that is on my bike (519 rims)

I've not seen how it mounts so I dunno but any suggestions on should i get the same cluster despite or is a new hub and respoke the old rim to it is not really that difficult to do ?

or just buy a new wheel ready to go ?

also, i'd like a better first gear (Bedford Creek) or convert it to a 9 speed ?

Hi all,
I've got clip in cleats for my MTB (Giant Yukon) which I've had for a while now but my experience isn't outstanding as a MTBer..I've done Manly Dam about 10 times or more in my MTBing life and I was just wondering who of you out there were advocates for clip in type systems? I've found that if/when I panic and try to clip out, I simply fall over to the side, which is a) embarrassing and b) sometimes painful.

Having said all this I am definitely improving around the Dam, but just wondering what others thought?

Hey Rob
The recent comments have dissapeared from the home page and replaced with random images, what gives?

Phil

Hi guys

I rode Duck hole last night and lost a black nokia slide phone,
If anyone found it please contact me

Thanks

I'm very pleased... neigh... ecstatic to be able to share this news which broke last night but has been embargoed until now.

With local MP Mike Baird championing the cause of mountain bike riders on the Northern Beaches NPWS have finally realised that working together with riders is the sensible way forward. There's a story in the Manly Daily with brief details here:

http://manly-daily.whereilive.com.au/news/story/...

Mike's press release here:

http://www.mikebaird.com.au/interactive/manly_ne...

Aside from what is stated in the press, these are the outcomes as I was told:

- Northern Beaches has been chosen as a pilot area for the Government to improve mountain biking trails in national parks across the State.
- A full day of consultation will be held in late October with Northern Beaches mountain biking groups and environmentalists. This consultation will focus on statewide issues and then local issues at Garigal.
- NPWS are keen to resolve current tension at Garigal as soon as possible. The Regional Director for the Northern Area has instructed rangers on the ground to adopt a pragmatic approach until the issue is resolved.
- This initial stage of consultation will direct the Government's broader strategy on mountain biking, which will be finalised at the beginning of next year.

This does not mean that riding illegal trails is now OK - far from it. Many people have worked very hard to achieve this outcome and now is the time to show them your support and the opponents of mountain biking that the community is mature and can work well with other parties. The vast majority of riders has shown great patience but we need to hold that thought just a while longer.

This news shows what can be achieved with a positive attitude and the support of the community, and hope we can all look forward to what is to come.

Will be keeping everyone posted when more news is known about the upcoming meeting and progress in general.

The Manly Dam rangers keep saying they are planning maintenance days there, with a hope that this might happen sooner rather than later think we should make a list of what needs fixing there.

Now, design issues aside, at this point let's focus on the current circuit as it stands and list where it could do with some TLC. Don't get into how you think the points should be repaired - just listing them should do for now.

Post your comments and I'll summarise here. I'll kick off with 4 points:

1. Golf course sniggle: the chains are broken on a couple of boardwalks.

Aussie made Titanium goodness!

http://twentynineinches.com/2009/09/05/kaos-cust...

Check it out!

Rgds, Hans

due to extreme peer pressure from un-named people (some of whom break bikes) I have entered the Sydney to Gong which I will ride on Mildred - none of that scum bike polava for me...
Anyway, you are supposed to ask peopel to sponsor you...

SO!! Anyone out there fancy sponsoring me on this ride please? It's for MS...

MEEE

Has anyone had experience in lengthening the Hydraulic Hose on an avid juicy? Do you need to buy a new hose with the part that connects to the caliper already pressed onto the hydraulic hose? Or can this part be reused? Sorry if i Haven't explained my self very well

Mobile coverage on MTB tracks: Optus vs Telstra vs Vodafone

I'm about to switch from Telstra to Vodafone on my mobile phone plan. Could I please get your feedback re actual coverage in more remote / not city areas for the three carriers?

I'm keen to stay "connected" while riding Northern Beaches trails, Blue Mountains, Sparrow Hill etc. for reasons of safety (emergency etc).

Please share your experience re dropouts/coverage/dead spots.

e.g. in this format: Network/Handset Model/Non Coverage Area (dead spots)

Thank you in advance.

Rgds, Hans

I guess this counts as MTB talk as there was about 45K ( about 50ish coz we overshot a turn ) of trail/gravel road riding involved and a nice downhill track near Webs Creek, and a 10K gradual decent that followed the Mountain Lagoon fire trail. ( about of 550M vertical )

For anyone interested in some additional organized event that gets you into the bush, out on a trails ( on a bike for a lot of it ). Well last weekend I did the MAX 12 hour, this is an adventure race that's held up near Wisemans Ferry ( close to where dirtworks is run ), run by the same guys that do Dirtworks.