He wasn't complimentary about the XT stuff at all. I dunno if it was just that demo bike, but the SRAM GX groupset on it felt rough as hell. Made me realise how good the SRAM X1 is on my Aeris.
Would a 46T be more forgiving than an 11 speed 10-42T cassette with a 30T chainring? I have that cassette on my Aeris with a 32T chainring, and sometimes I do wish it was a bit easier uphill.
No idea, I've been using SLX for nearly two years. Including wales, morzine, scotland ,cyprus and even the horrible clay in cornwall and the cassette has only just given up the ghost. I've not exactly been nice to it either. I've just upgraded to XT, with a 50T expander, but only because I got the full kit + brakes for £300. Still to be fitted though, so can't give any feedback.
So will give the nearly same ratio as an eagle, except the 10t at the bottom but I doubt I'll run out of power there using a 34t upfront. No doubt the SRAM stuff is much superior, but when your getting a full XT groupset for nearly the price of an eagle cassette it's just too much for me. Mind you if I had the cash, which I suppose I do but I have a few holidays this year, then I would without a doubt.
Plus the Eagle stuff is lighter too, right?

If its hollowtech 2 then yes
I went to BPW this weekend. It was awesome. I wish I'd ridden my bike in the time between saturday and Mid August![]()

. The biting point changes dramatically. Literally from biting when you pull the lever 1mm to the point where its touching my grip and still no lock. Tried bleeding twice, but not a single air bubble and it changed nothing. From googling its a massive common fault with them and even the big review sites/magazines have picked up on it! How the hell did I miss it. I bought XT as they were supposed to be the go to brake before the M8000, so surely the newer ones should be better! Arrrrgggghhhh. It feels strange but I wish I went to the Sram side, even though the trail 9's I've had have been a ball ache with constant attention, they've never been as dangerous as the M8000 XT's! It would have certainly ruined my day If I were on an uplift, wasted fuel money and uplift pass as to be fair they inspire no confidence and that was riding on paths.

. They sent a silly email asking for a photo. What the hell will a photo show? It only really happens when riding. Literally the brakes are 1 week old. I wish I could just go direct through Shimano.