Although not a frame, this video showing the strength of some fake carbon bars would definitely put me off 8O

I always use the 7.5cm wide Biketart tape and it’s great.

I’ve only got a standard steel frame though, so got no awkward shapes or tube profiles to cover.

I can see the benefit of the of the Invisiframe[/url] stuff depending on your frame shape as it’s pre-cut.

The frame wrap from Bike Tart is also great for protecting chainstays. They’re showing as being out of stock of the frame wrap at the mo.

The frame wrap manufacturer site is here[/url] for more info.

I’m pretty sure I read in Performance Bikes a few months ago that Martin wanted to win a TT so he didn’t have to come back.

Not 100% on that though.

My money is on McGuinness, he’s just so precise and seems to carry a bit more speed than the others through the tighter corners like Ballacraine.

Can’t wait for it to start though, not long now….

Only 4 days, 19 hours and 22 minutes 8)

Whilst I end up working a lot of extra hours during TT, I am out and about so get to see the bikes and chat to all the fans.

The Isle Of Man is already a fantastic place to live, but the atmosphere during the TT makes it even more special.

It’s nice when everyone goes home though!!!!! :lol:

Here are a few of my greatest motorcycles….

ZX7rr

[/url]
ZX7rr[/url] by Ample Brew[/url], on Flickr

RC30

[/url]
RC30[/url] by Ample Brew[/url], on Flickr

R7

[/url]
R7[/url] by Ample Brew[/url], on Flickr

R1 (98 model)

[/url]
R1[/url] by Ample Brew[/url], on Flickr

RC211V (2002 model)

[/url]
RC211V[/url] by Ample Brew[/url], on Flickr

M1 (2004 model)

[/url]
YZR-M1[/url] by Ample Brew[/url], on Flickr

NSR500

[/url]
NSR500[/url] by Ample Brew[/url], on Flickr

I thought everyone new what a Hite Rite was…..

I must be getting old!!! :oops:

[/url]
hite-rite[/url] by Ample Brew[/url], on Flickr

Although I’ve got a 29er as well, there is something really aesthetically pleasing about a rigid 26er.

Really love the IF’s and the Kona’s.

witty.name – Member
Here’s one of my old ss, now sold

Are those White Ind cranks on the IF?

Oh go on then :D

[/url]
IMG_0887[/url] by Ample Brew[/url], on Flickr

[/url]
IMG_0897[/url] by Ample Brew[/url], on Flickr

[/url]
IMG_0901[/url] by Ample Brew[/url], on Flickr

stilltortoise – Member
It’s possible that the key code sticker may be stuck to the radio casing which you’ll be able to see once it’s removed
Thus defeating the point of the key code in the first place.

Do people actually do this??

[EDIT] – probably the same people who keep their PIN in their wallet with their cash card

Yes, it’s really common; especially on ex company or hire cars. I used to work for a company who stuck the radio code stickers inside the drivers sun visor.

It’s also common for radio sets to get swapped on used cars, so the set in the vehicle might not always be the one it left the factory with.

The swap could be to replace a broken set or to provide a stereo upgrade on another vehicle to clinch a sale.

Is the original dealer name still on the number plate?

It’s possible that the key code sticker may be stuck to the radio casing which you’ll be able to see once it’s removed.

Might also be worth speaking to your local ford dealer to see if they can access the vehicles history on their service computer or even see if Ford customer services can confirm the supplying dealer from the chassis number.

I ride either 7 or 10 miles all on road depending on the route.

I work 6 on and 4 off and ride in every work day. I work shifts though so my ride in is either at 6am, 2pm or 10pm. My rides home can then be at 8am, 5pm or 2am.

I just use my Kona Unit singlespeed with 2.2 Maxxis Ikons at 40psi.

It’s cost me buttons to run compared to my previous geared bikes.

That looks fantastic 8)

And can be run singlespeed according to Intense.

Are they geared only or can they be run as singlespeed without an ugly tensioner?

@ edlong

Looks like they still make quite a few of the old classics.

The Land Cruiser is nice. Very similar to one that Richard Hammond drove on a TG special.

In fact, it might have been that exact vehicle :lol:

See a few of us had the ‘Brat.’

I’m sure mine came with half a man to simulate the driver.

The top half obviously 8)

@ racefaceec90

It does look amazing, especially in Matt black.

The detailing on the chassis and running gear is fantastic.

I must admit to having a look at Schuacher Cats the other month to see how much they’d moved on. I was very nearly tempted with the current model, but then realised that I’d never actually use it.

I can now see a downside to not having kids.

edlong – Member
Tamiya Frog, can’t find it on that photo, sure it must be in there somewhere.

I think the frog is 41.

I seem to recall Tamiya trying to get serious with their buggies, but at the time; Schumacher, Team Losi and Associated were the daddies.

I used to love building Tamiya models.

I started with the Subaru ‘Brat’ which is number 37 on the picture; mine was bright red though.

I then ended up with a Boomerang which is 55 before finally moving to Schumacher and running a ‘Cat.’

I always wanted a ‘Willy’ jeep though, my friend had one and it was great; wheelied everywhere :D

I noticed Basecamp Bikes[/url] have one in as I peered in through the window earlier today.

Looks really nice from what I could see, but £1800 seems an awful lot of cash for an off the peg carbon frame.

Love your new bike, although I might be a bit biased :D

[/url]
photo (9)[/url] by Ample Brew[/url], on Flickr

No personal experience, but my work partner swears by Ultremo ZX tyres.

Another one with Hope hubs.

I purposefully freewheel when approaching folk and it works everytime :D

Wozza – Member
Just posting this for those that ended up on this thread expecting something else…

I came on here expecting motorbikes as well, especially as its only 23 days, 4 hours and 35 minutes away…..

Not that I’m counting or anything.

That’s really great, thanks for the info guys.

I use my Kona Unit singlespeed to cycle the 6.5 miles each way to work. I just run it with Maxxis Ignitor 2.1 tyres so I can venture off road when the mood takes me.

The route is a bit up and down and has a bit of a drag on the way in. On the plus side, there is a bit of a coast on the way back.

The only thing is that there is pretty much a headwind everyday on the way in. A few times over the winter, I’ve been pushing like mad on the pedals whilst cycling a dizzy 5mph up a hill into a huge headwind!!! I think they call it character building.

Having said that, it isn’t really any slower than my geared bike; but it is so much cheaper and easier to maintain.

Petplan here as well.

Not the cheapest, but they’ve never not paid out for us.

They deal with claims really fast as well.

Might be some good info on this topic a few weeks ago.

Yeah, that’s the impression I got after doing a bit of digging on that Facebook thingy.

Not that I’m stalking the staff or anything!!!! 8O

Pretty much discount on clothing all year, unless you’re buying the latest gear.

Have a look here[/url] for an idea.

Hein Gericke stuff is really great and lasts ages. My current Hein Gericke gortex jacket and trousers are now nearly 5 years old and they’re still immaculate and waterproof.

Daytona boots are also great and last ages. I’ve not long bought a new pair of Daytona boots after the sole split in pair I bought in 1998.

Helmets are such a personal choice, depending on the shape of your head. I’ve worn Arai now for 14 years and wouldn’t wear anything else.

The main thing with motorbike clothing being comfy and the right temperature. If you’re not warm and comfy, you’ll lose your concentration fast.

Spend the most you can on clothing as falling off at only 30mph still hurts and to be honest it’s not the falling off that’s the main problem; it’s what you hit once you’re off!!!

I’ve had to deal with enough motorbike collisions to know not to skimp on kit.

5thElefant – Member
Depends on the weather. I’ve got one-piece leathers, leather jacket, armoured jeans, textile two-piece, or if it’s nice shorts and t-shirt.

Surely a joke?

As legend said, I would agree on target fixation.

Can catch out many and inexperienced biker.

I asked the same question not so long ago in this thread.

The consensus was that it’s no problem.

VFR’s are great bikes and you can’t really go wrong with one. They are very well built, easy to ride and can keep up with a lot of sports bikes if the mood takes you.

The riding position and softer suspension over a usual sports bike makes it agreat road bike and it would open up a lot of different riding experiences due to it being a bit of a ‘jack of all’ bike. They’re quick bikes that’ll take you out for a blast with sports bikes without getting dropped, through Europe with a pillion, down to the shops or just to work without any ssues. It should be all the bike you’ll ever need.

The V4 engine is lovely to ride, very smooth and it makes a nice noise even with the standard exhaust.

I’ve had 3 VFR800’s since I passed my test in 98 and I’ve got to say it’s pretty much my favourite bike. I’ve owned a 98 and 00 ‘pre-vtec’ and an 02 vtec. They’ve all been great bikes however if I had to choose a favourite version then it would be the pre-vtec.

The vtec model came out in 02, so the model your looking at could be either. You’ll know immediately as the pre-vtec has a single exhaust can at the side of the bike and the vtec has twin underseat cans.

The vtec on my 02 model sometimes felt like a bit of an on/off switch and I ended up choosing a higher gear than normal when entering wet roundabouts etc so as to not upset the balance of the bike.

It was still a great bike though and the only real negative I could see for a new rider would be the size and weight. Although that depends on your own size and weight!!! I’m just over 5ft 7 and around 11 stone and I was riding one within 6 mths of passing my test without any issues.

If you can get the bike at trade price then go for it. You should be able to sell it easy enough, especially if its a pre-vtec model.

That looks really great,love the colour scheme 8)

I’d give Ison Distribution a shout and see if they can help.

* I was a bit slow there :lol:

I’ve bought this[/url] frame saver tape from Wiggle and it’s really great quality.

The tape from both JRA and Biketart are spot on as well.

I also use Framewrap around the chainstays of my bikes. It works great and stops damage from the chain or rocks and stones that get thrown up.

Use a hairdryer to gently warm the tape up and it’ll go on easier.

£1600 is an awful lot of money and I wouldn’t be happy with a paint defect.

I know it doesn’t alter the ride of the bike, but it would annoy the life out of me and I would personally regret accepting it.

£100 ‘free’ accessories seems a bit cheap, especially when shops are knocking off over 20% from other Specialized models; albeit 2012 models.

A guy I work with had a problem with his carbon Tarmac frame after a cable stop came off the frame. He had a brand new frame off them in under a week, no questions asked.

The same thing happened to me the other month.

I only realised when the ‘blue P’ disappeared from alongside my username.

I was e-mailed this yesterday and can’t get the tune out of my head :?

I used ‘Fork English’ to service my old Pace forks and they did a great job.

Don’t know if they’re still around, but their contact details are on this topic.