goes off to read issue 1…

Had a 1.2 TSI since 2014 and it’s been flawless. 2 kids and all associated stuff is handled easily. It’s been round France, to Scotland and various other places for week long hols.. It’s had x4 kayaks on the roof and all kit. It’s a bit Tardis-like for me.  MPG, parts and cost of servicing makes me smile as it’s so cheap (I’ve come from BMWs). It’s just starting to have some niggles – like exhaust and fuel line rusting, but that’s fair enough.

My only dislike is that it feels small and a bit rattly on the motorway (I have the 5-speed).

But would definitely get one again as the cost/practically equation is great.

Having re-read that, it sounds waaaaaay more dramatic than it should!

Definitely in it.

Buying my way out of it isn’t something that’s entered my head. (Though now you mention it restoring an old Midget or BGT or something would be fun.)

For me it’s manifested as a questioning of everything. The realisation that I’m perhaps not the person I thought I was, and that I’ve probably been kidding myself about a few things over the years. That things I once liked or felt were important actually aren’t. However, the biggie has been this growing sense of the fragility of everything around me. I’ve led a lucky and charmed life, but things are now starting to get real – illness, elderly parents, losing mates, changing relationships, career questions, money worries… all of that stuff. And it’s all left me feeling a little floaty, dreamy and lethargic tbh. Like I’m disappearing from every day life. I mean, I’m obviously not, that would be weird. But, yeah it’s a weird feeling.

Not a crisis as such. A new perspective on things perhaps?

Loved my 2008 Orange P7 with 140mm forks. Used to carry speed through everything.

Mk2 Soul for the win though (with 120mm flavour forks). That’s the bike I miss the most. Though I imagine it would feel a bit steep and twitchy these days.

I changed from 1×11 (40×42) back to 2×10.

42.28 x 11-36 just suited me and my riding far more.

Used Shimano for years, but switched when Sram pushed 1×11. Found Sram a bit easier to set up, and loved the compatibility across road and MTB. Still on GX 1×11, but would be tempted to give Shimano 1×12 a go when I replace the drive train. Only for curiosity though, I doubt there’s any real performance or durability advantage.

An old Pompino with 32c small block 8s, sram red cranks and a white industries freewheel – used to fly along that thing (or maybe my knees were better 15 years ago).

Also had a Bianchi Sass at one point, which was rubbish to ride but looked really good. Would have the frame as artwork on the wall now.

Sounds like a bit of a nightmare! Thanks for the heads up on the Keter, I’ll check them out

I was pre-hack. Can’t remember when exactly. Same username. I’m one of the quiet ones…

No one is likely to trade an old cove for a gravel bike

That deserved more recognition.

Absolutely amazing! Thanks for sharing that.

Also been on the journey for about 15 years. Started with big toenail on left foot and then spread. Did terbinafine early on and it sorted it for a year or so, but then it’s come back. I now just file it back as best as possible and treat with tea tree oil. It’s not going away, so it’s just a case of trying to keep my nails looking as decent as possible. Will try Vicks though, heard that a few times.

Had some mavic ones for a good few years now, very knackered but still going. I’d definitely recommend toe covers as a concept – make a big difference.

Introvert? Don the sweatshirt and hat, grab yourself a chair, close your eyes and wait for the end of the party. Seen me through 20 years of Christmas dos this outfit.

Is the cable routed correctly through the derailleur? I had something similar ages ago and think I’d done something random with the cable not looping through the right holds on the derailleur

Yep, tried BB, but gave up after 3 episodes. Then watched Better call Saul and loved it…. Then went back to BB and watched it all – didn’t think it was anywhere near as good as Better call Saul, but watching that first gives the characters and story a whole
New depth.

It’s funny, there are some of those longed for bikes that I’d still buy. I’d definitely buy a Fortitude if I ever saw one for sale. And I thought the same about a Trek 69er too, but there was one on eBay recently and I just couldn’t bring myself to buy it – just seemed so wildly impractical and I struggled to see where/when I’d use it.

Ahhh, the Trek 69er. That was an also a close run thing back in the day.

“None. I’m too impulsive when it comes to bike purchases it seems”

Yes, normally that’s the case. No idea what stopped me on the Fortitude.

The “Leaf blower” is quite something!

Here’s how I like to respond to Daily Mail readers on this one:
I think it’s great we have a government finally taking cycling seriously. And one prepared to invest general tax payer’s money into cycling on the same scale as motoring. It’ll also be great to see the police giving stolen bikes the same priority as stolen cars. Better/stricter speed limit enforcement for all road users will be much safer. And of course, this will also mean cyclists are finally given equal status to cars on our roads.
(Then watch their little faces drop as they realise the real implications of something like this. You can always follow up with…)
Oh, I’m guessing as part of this a lane of all motorways will be for cyclists now?

Well, that puts things into perspective. Will be showing this thread to my Louise with a ‘see, I’m not that bad!’

Dawes ascent
Kona blast
Kona kula
Orange evo6
Pipedream toredo
Orange p7
Cotic soul
Bird zero TR

Cross bar seat for the 6 year old, hamax kiss on the back for the 4 year old. BUT, I don’t have to go very far and weight is starting to become an issue, so don’t know what I’ll do next. Like the idea of them both on the back on a Ute or something…

clicks ‘like’ button

This made me go and regrease my DT Swiss 350. I’d forgotten what it was actually supposed to sound like. Good reminder!

Currently on shimano across the bikes (XT and Deore) and they’re good. Had Hope X2s in the past (and some Minis) and they were good too. To be honest I don’t feel that passionately about either of them. They’re both fine. Yeah, they feel a bit different. But for an unfit old bloke bouncing down trails they’re much of a muchness. It comes down to price for me.

That said, I once had a pair of Magura Marta SLs and they were incredible. I swear, they could talk to me through the levers. It was as though there were angels on the discs singing feedback to my fingers. But I was drinking a lot back then, so who knows.

I also need this op, but to be honest I’ve been putting it off for years as I can still cycle, walk, run etc., – just not for very long or very far, and certainly can’t put out much power through my left leg.

The thing for me is that as the damage isn’t series (yet) I have a fear of making things worse/having a long recovery.

Yes, it’s definitely addictive. If I end up somewhere where the shower settings are fixed and I have a warm one then it does feel like somethings missing.

I started doing this in 2005 – though back then it was a way to train my body for the cold water of white water kayaking. 30 secs turned to a minute, then turned to 2, and now I just cold shower all the time.

Health benefits? Maybe, can’t say I notice after all this time. But I am very, very good at getting into cold water.

Also a spare room sleeper. Start off together, but I’m a light sleeper and the slightest snore or weird noise will wake me up for an hour or so. I’ve learnt it’s pointless trying to get back to sleep, so head for the spare room or head downstairs to make a drink.

I’m generally a bit useless at this – taking on way too many things at once and then getting frustrated when I’m not at a pro level after 2 months. Kids/work then get in the way. And then that frustrating little voice starts saying, oh what’s the point.

Would love to learn:
skateboarding
sea kayaking
a language – maybe French
guitar
decent first aid
skiing
Wheel truing

At 46 it’s becoming late for some of these things. And maybe should focus on just one or two that could be done with the family.

oh, no links, tries again… https://www.tritoncycles.co.uk/frames-forks-c6/rigid-forks-c51/darwin-700c-fork-p22658

Thanks for that dangerourbrain – great resource. Gives me a -0.68deg change so, yeah, feels ok to me.

Saw those honoutrablegeorge but they’re tapered and I’m limited to 1-1/8 straight streerer with the old CdF frame. There’s the Genesis CGR1 fork, but a bit spendy at £350

Was wondering about this

That was great, thanks for sharing!

Orange Evo8. Weird sizing/angles, so felt like a gate, and was the stiffest thing known to mankind. Could barely ride it for more than 30mins before the pain became too much.

Got some mk2 Spesh 2FOs and I’d say they sized up a little small then – don’t know what the current crop are like. But they are certainly grippy, have lasted really well and I’d happily buy again.

“Drop bars, not bombs” genius.

Got “Don’t be such a roadie” on the CX

Are you sure you did it right? I mean, really right.

Not done the breathing stuff, but have been doing cold showers for 15 years now. Started it as a way to reduce the shock when surfing and white water kayaking, and have just stuck with it. Tried a few cold baths more recently and have found those to be good too. Benefits for me are just feeling more awake/refreshed.