Today the 575 got two shiny new tires. Both 2.35 single ply wire bead jobbies. Not UST but full of Stans so hope they stay up. The front is a Minion DH F and the rear a High Roller. The High Roller was a pain in the butt to get to seal but Minion went up in seconds. Think that was to do with 'roller being pushed out of shape a little in shipping.

Have to say 2.35s look a lot better (you recall how stupid I said a 2.1 Ignitor looked on the front during the first build?). Hopefully will see how they handle on Saturday.

Over the last couple days have been upgrading a few parts on the Rush as it's hand-me-downs are going to a new build that's in the making.

The Rush got some Juicy Ultimate brakes (on special - couldn't resist), an XT crankset, Selle Italia SLR XC saddle and some Eggbeater SL pedals. As I say, the parts that came off are going on another build so easy to justify!

As is my way of recording small maintenance jobs...

The Rush's Lefty got a service this week and it got two new bearings in the headset.

The bearings gone at only 13 months old are a bit of a disappointment, but then again the summer's rain will not have helped.

Lefty was due for a service anyhow, but the damping wasn't feeling quiet right last few rides and I noticed some oil on the air valve. Turns out a seal inside had leaked allowing damping oil to get into the bottom air chamber, no wonder the feeling was off! One seal in a year's riding isn't such a bad outcome.

Another maintenance update...

After the filthy ride on Sunday I had feared the worse for the brakes. Once the pads get worn down leaving metal on metal action not only are you up for a new set of pads, but most likely a new rotor too. Rotors chewed up by this kind of stuff get so pitted and rough that they then chew through the replacement pads in no time - keeping them is a false economy.