Both been mentioned before, but the new Transition looks lovely, and the Mondraker looks good as well.

Dur! Of course – in that case it's even nicer than i thought.

I like that, is an elegant bit of thinking.

How much shim is inside the frame? That would be the only thing concerning me.

It's been a while since I last did mine, but I remember that it took a lot more than four goes to get it clear. It helps to flick the hose along its length each time before doing the 'hoovering' bit – this dislodges any bubbles that are hiding in the hose.

The o-ring can be a pain but you'll know if it's missing when the brake empties itself all over your bike / carpet / cat..

Are there any kinks in the hose? Air can hide in there, and not want to come out.

Otherwise the instructions are good, so just keep going until there is no air left – it can take a long time..

(Not surprised, I was effing freezing on the way home)

Were you waiting for your keys back so you could sell yours?

Anyway, Sofa's Peugeot estate was pretty decent. Dunno what it was though, if that helps.

Hmm, can't decide whether it was b0llocks, or utter b0llocks.

Done Martigny to Geneva by train with bikes, which was easy and a nice journey to boot.

Never done the full UK -> Alps trip by train, but it's something I'd really like to try sometime.

Ukbikestore are usually good for Formula spares.

Yeah, Five is 27.2

Best Pizza in the world is from Joe's Pizzeria in Narrabeen, Sydney.

Which is slightly inconvenient, seeing as I live in Derby.

Oh, and Domino's Pizza sucks balls.

Now then Mr Al.

Can't really add to what's been already said, but the advice to get the 120Gb Slim is good advice.

You can't be too careful these days.

Report them to the relevant authorities.

My mate drew a pair of boobs with overly large nipples. Concentric circles see – I reckon he's a mind reader.

Clarks or Goodridge.

Top of Cavedale wasn't that bad today. Lower bit had a river running down it, but that's preferable to having loads of mud dragged over it.

Most places were surprisingly dry (ish), Mam Tor (Hollins Cross, right hand side) was pretty bad though.

Bike bags are a pain to lug around, and from what I’ve seen the baggage monkeys (singes de baggages?) chuck them about a lot more than bike boxes.

A box can be more easily reinforced as well – last couple of years my bagged bike has come back dented, whereas the box users have been fine.

Yeah, you’ll need full outers – aint going to work without them..

Take some Arnica cream with you – it does wonders for the inevitable heavy bruising..

Last year in Australia, we went walking on Kuringai Chase (think Cannock Chase, but completely different and in Australia). There were thousands of massive yellow orb weavers everywhere, and their webs stretched across the paths and tracks, often down to waist level.

Except for on the paths that riders had been down.

We got talking to a group of riders later on that day, they said they kept a pair of goggles for the guy on point..

Good, isn’t it 😀

Did you do the big loop including Cut Gate?

That last descent would be, erm, ‘interesting’ on a unicycle!

Good video – rode a lot of those trails on monday night.

Last bit is Shining Cliff, much steeper than the video makes it look!

Excellent riding round there, but it’s all cheek and Ambergate in particular is a sensitive spot – posting GPS etc maybe not a good idea.

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/details.asp?revid=1131

Dolgamedd? Couple of miles outside Dolgellau, run by very nice people, good facilities, allow camp fires by the river and provide free firewood. Stayed there many times – highly recommended.

Evan Dando?

Stevomcd – that would be great, thanks!

Nice one Will – congratulations!

Mamadirt – thanks, i’ll give them a go as well.

Yo Will – are congratulations in order yet? (If they are, congratulations!).

Been trying for a couple of weeks now, but with no joy. Local shop not being particularly forthcoming, as they have nothing in stock and won’t order anything without knowing the size.

If you could pop into Cove that would be much appreciated :o)

“It takes a big man to say ‘yeah, I’m fat'”

:o)

It’s going to get smashed to bits whatever you put, so you may as well go with dave_aber’s suggestion..

Humvees are nice, but i’ve had two pairs fall to bits in three years.

Hats off to whoever posted Secret Knowledge ‘Sugar Daddy’.

Some classic 90’s Italian numbers here :-

Capella – Everybody http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ls5CGZrU1pM

JT And Company – Don’t Deal With Us http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YXQem_kiTY

SLD – Gettin Out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gba28TSCg98

And for real lovers of cheese – PKA , Temperature Rising http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpSvZPXwDXg

http://www.gravity-slaves.co.uk/main/?p=show_article&article_ID=285

Is that the Irish Al, or just an imposter?

RRP p1ssflap neoprene mudguard thing – one of the best things i’ve ever bought for my bike. Obviously it can be done ghetto style with inner tube and zipties, but that doesn’t involve spending any money and where’s the fun in that?

Honourable mention to my Dialled Alpine, as it’s a proper ace little bike.