Mountain Biking - Running in a new bike.

I can't wait. In two weeks time I get my Gemini 1000. About 6 days later, there is a charity road ride of about 60km (37m) which I figure will be a steady trip to run the bike in. It won't be taxing stuff, but I'd like to ask if you guys have any ideas on running a new bike in? Do you basically go out and whack it from day one, or do you indulge in a little 'foreplay' beforehand?

Make sure the assembly is sound before you thrash it harshly. Expect the cables to loosen up as they stretch, and the brakes to improve as the blocks wear in.
The wheel and headset bearings take a few miles to really bed in.
For the first week, just ride it, on or off road. Save your Big Air stunts for later.

What about the disc brakes? Do they need any careful attention? Should a new bike go back to the LBS for a check-up at any time, apart from any normal servicing, for example?

Disc brakes do need a good brake in period to work to optimum efficiency, however, they will be fine from the get-go. You should take your bike back in after about 100 miles. The shifter cables will stretch (or settle) into their final position after that period of time. You see these cables are made of small strands of wire wrapped around each other. During the initial break-in period, they tighten around one another and the overall length of the cable increases. You'll notice after a couple of rides that it dosen't shift as smoothly as before, or there is some hesitation going into gear. Also, some of the other nuts and bolts may loosen a little, especially the wheels. The spokes must also settle into position and the wheels may need to be "trued". It'll also take a few rides for your suspension to break-in and become stiction free.

BTW, that's a pretty heavy and inefficient bike for a road ride. It's designed for off-road and big hits. It'll feel like a slug on the road! You'll definately have a hard time keeping up with people on road bikes, but if you're planning on just cruising with some friends you'll be fine. As far as breaking it in, a road ride isn't optimum, but it'll work, b/c you don't do a lot of shifting and braking, you're basically just pedaling at a steady pace. A good easy to intermediate off-road trail will be 10x better. Especially if there are some climbs and varied terrain which forces you to shift gears regularly.

Have Fun
L8R

BTW, that's a pretty heavy and inefficient bike for a road ride. It's designed for off-road and big hits.

I agree. It'll also be a good chance to play with the rear lock-out lever, and I can stop and twiddle with the front shock just to add a little variety. Someone else mentioned to me about scrubbing in the tires. From where I sit, I'd rather get use to the bike on the road to begin with as the bb is higher than normal so I need to get used to a higher c.o.g. I can also tweak the ride position as I go along. So when I get my 'baby' off road, she is out of nappies, grown-up and ready to party!:D