Had a set of Hope Hoops road wheels recently and they were pretty good – well made and reasonably light. Only probs I experienced were the noise!!! and the fact that after a few hundred miles the freehub body was so badly marked / scored it may as well have been made out of chocolate – well worth changing to a steel freehub body IMO.

As a comparison for a different area of the country, my inlaws have just purchased a plot of land to extend their garden (approx 25 x 15 metres). Admittedly it is Hampshire but it has cost them the wrong side of 15K, though that has included legal fees. No estate agents were invloved, just solicitors and the land was sold at the market value (ie not through a private arrangement).

Got to say it would be comical watching anyone try cycle down the mare harbour road (or any road?? for that) at that time of year – the wind will be ridiculous and you'll be lucky to stay upright!!!!

just advertised some Hope Hoops road wheels if interested.

If your B roads are anything like mine you'll need a good front light (obviously if you cycle in the dark), a strong front wheel and some good reactions to avoid some of the cavernous potholes that have appeared in the last few months!

dhb's are fine and top value for money.
surely you should always wear your padded shorts next to your skin!?!?

as mentioned elsewhere its worth having a look on the TFL website – i'm sure it gives you a run down of fares somewhere – though it is probably cheaper to get a zone 2-6 travelcard than a return (which will be £3.50 each way)

No, car park is reasonably large at Hillingdon.
Just get the Met line – though be aware it only runs as far as Wembley Park this weekend (from Hillingdon – which to be honest is further than usual at a weekend from there!!)

Have you removed the cassette – is the Hope free hub an aluminium one – is it badly gouged?

try veetle.com

For cycling? – DHB Wickham, event fabric jacket for £85 notes!!

Recently converted from Ultegra to new Sram Force (with Shimano cassette & chain) , and IMO the only thing better about Ultegra is the front shifting.
Rear shifting speed is much the same but shifts are more positive, hand comfort/ergonomics when on the hoods (especially over longer rides) and braking are all better for me (with Sram).

+3 for the Sony, also Richer Sounds have it for £250 at the mo.

Got to say the Anthem X is good – if you can get one to fit – for me a small was too small and a medium too big – shame there isn't an in between size as it would have been perfect.
Another vote for the Superlight also.

Have you checked interparcel.com always found them much more convenient and easier to use than Parcelfarce

Lived in Cascais in the mid 90's for three years.
Socially was quite enjoyable and pretty cheap, not sure now though.
Obviously the weather is a plus (march – november, rest of the time it seemed to be cold and wet).
Riding was mainly up in the sintra hills – a fair bit of variation though very sandy – if you have the option, take a road bike also.

Have a look at a Satmap 10 if he just wants an electronic OS map.

Mine didn't work out of the box new!!!

Pure one elite here, excellent sound and reception quality, HOWEVER it hasn't been the most reliable, already on a second warranty replacement.

for me, shimano but have also used salsa in the past with no problems

had a very similar problem, my internet connection has gone to crawling speed since SP2 installed

Never a problem here either, having used them many times for larger items.

just got a full road groupset from merlin and it was complete with inners and outers.

after seeing their stand at the bike show, would definitely have a look at an Enigma – some cracking looking bikes!!

I'm the same size and have had both and personally I preferred the fit of the medium for general xc duties though I imagine the small may suit you more if you are just doing short, technical rides. Best to try and get a spin on both really before you pay out.

bought a £19 Altura Night vision one last week and haven't been knocked off the bike yet!
Fits a good range – between 10 and 30 litres I think.

bought a roll of clear tape from Wickes a few weeks back, not massively thick but is fairly tough and is working a treat, especially for less than £3 a roll.

Always had to order one size up in Shimano (compared to other brands)

Have used Interparcel before and they were pretty good – gives you a choice of couriers.

jam & peanut butter?

Got a Pearl Izumi Vagabond which I think is pretty good.

sell the Garmin and buy a Satmap active 10 – cover both bases?

This is strange, I sent a 'Gift' this morning and there were definitely no charges either way. The monies did come out of funds already in the account – does this make a difference?

only a very short ride if you stick to the marked routes – best to get out onto the south downs way from there – loads of bridleways not too far away.

more leverage with the 175's, 170's – better if your short (and spin nicely)

(though you can get 5 for £14 at wiggle)

No, mine didn't

pair of Conti gator skins 1.125, £37 from merlin.
Superfast and a bargain.

second the Giant above + excellent value for the cash

Park in Uxbridge, get the Met line to Wembley park, then walk