WHICH GRDUPSET?
Im considering buying a Cube Reaction GTC Pro to replace a Cannondaie F700 that I sold. I want to upgrade the bike to a similar spec as the Cannondaie was. Should I go for a SRAM X9 set – up or stick with XT ? Dyfan Williams, Wrexham
WMB says: Wed stick with XT: theres not that much to choose between XT and X9 in terms of configurations, as both come in double and triple options you should be able to get your preferred set – up and gear ratios. However, Shimano gets the nod for overall performance and slickness of shifting – we rate XT as the best buy drivetrain available in our buyers guide.
If you go down the 2×10 route get a cassette with 11 – 36T sprockets – the 36T sprocket helps maximise climbing ability – a 34T can be too big for steep or sustained efforts but the 36T option is spot on.For long days in the saddle, Shimanos shifters have a lighter action so youll find gear shifts to be easier. Weve had big rides with SRAM shifters where our arms have been so pummelled by the terrain that by the end of the ride were struggling to overcome the shifter resistance with our thumb strength due to fatigue. Matt

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
I used the advice in your magazine to assist me in my decision to buy a Saracen Ariel 1. I was interested then to read your article on the differences between top of the range and entry – level bikes based around the same frame..

I was frustrated though by the inconsistency with which you quote the mass and other data on bikes. I imagine that the majority of your readers have been taught the metric system at school and the imperial pre – decimal units you quote, presumably from US manufacturers literature means little to them. The vast majority of engineering now uses the metric system so it would make sense to follow convention.

When dealing with US/European suppliers and customers I use a handy conversion calculator, may I suggest your writers do the same? James Jones, by email
WMB says: Youre right that that article does shift between different emphasis on metric and imperial units. Our usual style is to discuss metric eg “…it tips the scales at xx.xkg…”, but this one sadly slipped through, however the spec boxes contai n the correct style.

The bike industry is awash with conflicting uses of metric and imperial measurements – usually perpetuated due to established convention and simplicity rather than for stylistic accuracy. However, some things just stick. Standard mountain bike wheels are 26in, with bigger wheels coming in at 29in – hence the normal description of 26in/26er and 29in/29er wheelsizes. If these were metric, theyd be 66.04cm and 73.66cm respectively. To muddy the waters further, these sizes take in both the rim diameter and the inflated tyre height. With so many sizes and potential for discrepancy – as a bikes actual wheel size is a combination of both rim diameter and tyre height – its no wonder that such a general size convention has been adopted.

Road bike wheel sizes are another confusing kettle of fish: standard 700c wheels share the same rim diameter as 29er mountain bike rims yet are known by the 700c convention, which is the diameter of the wheel and inflated tyre in mm.

Why is there such a discrepancy between road and MTB wheel nomenclature? The answer lies in the roots of mountain biking in the USA as the US pioneers adapted their bikes from American – made bikes that used 26in wheels rather than the larger European standards. Blend in differences between the US and European use of imperial and metric systems and the blurred picture comes into greater clarity.

ALIENATING READERS?
I read with interest the comment from a reader The kids arent alright. I completely agree that issue 124 was overloaded with reviews on kit that didnt apply to many of your readers. Even those who have children dont necessarily have children that mountain bike, and to devote so many pages to this audience was a little excessive.
Far more insulting though was the review of shaving foam and an electric shaver in issue 126; when I first saw these I thought I should give you the benefit of the doubt, thinking, perhaps theyre mentioning them for the purposes of roadie – style shaving. But no, you actually mention the word beards, clearly intending this for the male market. This makes a mockery of your previous comments on getting more women into the sport.

Cut down on the testosterone boys, there are plenty of women with buying power too.

WMB says: The Kids Special has been a divisive issue; but – as I wrote previously – its the only time weve done this in 10 years and 125 issues and its not something well be repeating anytime soon. However, to ignore the fact that more young people are getting into cycling and mountain biking is to ignore tomorrows adult mountain bikers. Id much rather help, support and nurture them than ignore them. By producing the guide this is what we aimed to do.

Im sorry you found the inclusion of the electric shaver to be insulting: this was not the intention and although the review could have had better precision of phrasing Braun does market the Cruzer 4 to the male market. The review also says that “the electric shaver is useful for keeping faces and other places hair free” and doesnt ignore its use for shaving of legs. However, the review should have focused more specifically on its usefulness for this.

I disagree that the review makes a mockery of our attempts to get more people riding bikes – whatever their age or gender – as this is at the centre of what we do, and will continue to be. Im not saying things cant be better – they always can; and we work hard to ensure they do.

Youre right: women do have buying power and this is something the industry understands with the likes of Specialized and other major brands increasing both the volume and quality of their female specific offerings. Interestingly when shops treat female and male shoppers equally – not just condescendingly as our female Mystery Shopper experience exposed – then sales of womens kit dont just increase but also mens too as everything becomes more inclusive.