The post offfice has/is changing its pricing policy from weight to size. they may be obliged to take any size of parcel but they can now charge a lot if its to go by post. They should take any size by parcel force although make sure you insure it as in my experience they are quite good at losing...
Try talking to the guys at Trek UK 01908 282626. They used to be able to get the cartridge bearings from a British supplier. They had the tool to fit them and would do it or a reasonable price.
Karma
The Karma was around in first year after the Trek takeover. Chehalis built (Klein factory) It never worked very well. A poor mans Mantra but without the looks, oil damping but with a signifiicant weight gain.
The Trek forks were made by showa and were very advanced for their time. Unfortunatley the effort that had been put into their damping technology was let down by poor seals and very poor bracing.
They did a white 8000 same frame as the 8500 but DX kit. The 8900 was a 3 tube carbon with flouro rear end and fork. It may have had Grafton brakes and bullseye hubs.
Frame Trek 8500 Easton E9 program series tubing
Fork Pace RC35
Headset Shimano threaded STX
Stem Control Tech
Handlebar Race Face ( a bit new but I like bars that don't break/bend)
Grips Bontrager Foam
Brakes Deore XT
Cantilever cable hangers RBP
Brake Levers Shimono Deore
Shifters...
24 hour power output test
http://www.cyclingnews.com/tech.php?id= ... nlandmines
Some more thoughts on the 26 v 29 debate, a little more scientific than just feels better, but not much.