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Time for kitten killing - 29er HT = significant comfort improvement to the extent FS much less needed. This aged wreck managed to do 2 x 13hr races on some pretty rough terrain on a 29er HT without wanting FS.

I have looked into my crystal ball and foresee 'Howard on 29er'.

Tubeless cuts on sharp stones - amazed he got them to seal.

The bag meant that Howard fixed his double puncture on the first lap.

Much pain

Boardman generally produce a MTB that gives you more bang for buck and because of brand snobbery are more affordable, I don't think they've made a bad one yet.
Quality in SUS forks at that price would be Rockshox Reba in good order that have been serviced, hold air and have no wear on the stanchions. Generally avoid Suntour. Nice would be Shimano drive train and brakes. More likely is SRAM and Avid.

A reasonable spec Boardman that has been bought on cycle to work and sold due to lack of time etc.

It's not boring just overly detailed in some areas. You can skip the chapters on choosing a power meter etc and get stuck into the testing regime etc. It's worth it alone for the workouts alone.

Was probably the best ride I did last year - glorious weather, dry trails, Summer Lightning lined with flowers (ah!).

You missed out the amazing company!

5 and 10sec power from first FTP test => how much of gain 4 months later due to better pacing....

4 months of base miles, 3x 3hr MTB races and a couple of 20minute FTP tests.

Me too.

More to the point how was he riding!

Basic, rather plastic Garmin is best. Avoid the luxury soft straps from Garmin and Polar like the plague - they are VERY unreliable.

Rocket Ron Protections are a good balance of speed and grip. Not very different from X kings though. I've not tried Ralphs on a 29er but they might work better than on a 26er where I found them rear only and sketchy on anything not bone dry. Also not tried Thunderburts.

I'd go protection version every time. Actually I think X kings in black chilli are as good as Rons and probably what I am moving to as I've had a lot of training punctures on Rons. Your pressures do sound a bit low but weight, carcass strength, line choice and rims are all factors

BTW there is an internet legend that Contis come with mould release agent on the side walls that interferes with latex sealing. Supposedly if you wipe the inside down with alcohol or similar it helps the sidewalls seal.

I have it on training peaks just wondered how people were displaying them on here?

Last FTP was at the start winter miles in November. At the end of winter miles (180hours at average Z3) today FTP showed 18% gain Better pacing balanced by not being completely fresh. Calculation is 20 minute average power x 0.95? How are people posting TP curves?

Theoretically possibly but I had fairly low but realistic aims for it which was to improve training efficiency by working to power zone not HR, track fitness changes and to analyse race performance. As the measurement is on my visibly weaker side I am encouraged to try to make that leg less of a passenger and I can notice the effect of trying to improve pedal technique etc.

Thus far the unit is allowing me to achieve those 3 aims on my training bike and race bike so I'm happy even if my legs aren't.

Haz Stages so can't play on this other than to say my left right imbalance (musculature) is visible to the naked eye from calf to quad. Had assumed that as weaker looking side is on the left that I was pumping out more watts than being measured. Don't want to hear that danb!

Edited version...... what position issues on a road bike are likely to cause hip flexors and core to be overused/sensitive in someone who can ride other bikes much longer and harder without issues?

Thanks.

Yeah that's it. Will look it up.

Looks like the motivation of XC racing allows me to hold a higher intensity for longer => Black Park this Sunday.

The question is which is how well an hours XC racing equates to a 20minute FTP as a testing regime. HR just to illustrate the intensity.

How well does an hours XC race at absolute max equate to FTP?

20minute FTP HR average 175bpm - approx. steady state
65 minute XC race HR average 179bpm - 6x max HR (190), lowest HR 172

or the chart of disappointment where the effect of weight on relative performance becomes hideously apparent.

FTP due later this week - might 'forget' to update to winter weight.....