Much prefer a bladder in the framebag than bottles - my frame's so weenie I can't fit two bottles but I can fit a 2 litre bladder which can last me 6-8 hours - I use an Osprey LT bladder with the hose exiting out the front and secured to the stem with the magnetic clip.

Velocity Blunt available in 36 holes - probably special order from Brick Lane Bikes who are UK distributors. Been running earlier model, P35 for 3 years without troubles and easy tubeless set-up but really comes down to the tyre.

I have a pair of Rimes and some Mavic Cree/Crossmax SL. I was a bit sceptical of the Rimes as they felt a bit flimsy initially, by they're pretty good for summer wear, but not really done much H-A-B in them and don't think the uppers would withstand much abrasion as it's quite thin. Mavic is the bes...

I have a similar dilemma - wore a hole in an Adipura seatpack as it slipped-down in use. I can get away with a large Ortlieb seatpack and put a strap around it and my saddle rails to 'cinch' it in a bit. For bigger loads I had a custom rack made: http://i.imgur.com/1IgMXRQ.jpg A stock rack like OMM ...

I have a rigid 29+ and have no problems being at the lower-end of the height and weight spectrum - I love the way it just rolls over everything and totally bomb-proof on descents - just let it go!

Somebody directed me to the forum so I'm joining the discussion - completed the event this year and entered the 300 for next year! In terms of airport transfers, they'll take bikes on the airport shuttle bus but you'll have to lift your own bike into the bus boot. I finished at midnight Sunday and h...