Dogs definately become part of the family very very quickly.

I’ve got 2 dogs and I can only imagine how you’re feeling.

Just think of the fun he had whilst you had him. That 13 days will have made a massive improvement to his life.

If you’ve got a garden, you could put a little ornament or similar in memory.

RIP Digit, you’re no doubt in a place were they have infinite doggie treats to eat and green flower filled sunny fields to run around in 8)

I alwways give the postie £10 in a Christmas card. He’s a really great fella who always have the time for a chat.

No matter what the weather, he drops ths post off and he hasn’t missed a day this year.

I’ve given a talk at both my Nan and Grandads funeral.

I spoke about my personal memories of them, what they mean’t to me and also gave examples of funny stories including them.

My Nan and Grandad were both funny and fun loving people, so it seemed very appropriate to talk through the funny and happy moments.

I’ll ride to work in prety much anything, my work collegue told me it was -10 the other night (according to his car)

However that is because I’ve got no other form of transport, except my feet. As long as you’ve got the right clothing, even riding in what I was told was -10 wasn’t bad.

I wouldn’t ride in that temperature for pleasure as I’d end up getting a permant sore throat and cough.

Also unlike a social ride, I don’t stop when riding to work; so don’t get the opportunity to get cold and I’m only out in it for 45 mins each way.

So far throughout all this snow and ice, I’m one of the few in work who has managed to get in on time.

Everyone’s got themselves in eventually, but some have been up to 3hrs late due to the conditions.

I always cycle into work as I don’t have a car and I’ve found the bike to be by far the best way to get in.

Over the 10 mile each way trip, the weather has made very little difference to my time spent commuting.

At most it’s only taken me 5 mins longer to get in and that is me probably being a bit over cautious on the roads. I’ve been a bit paranoid about coming off on the ice and scraping myself down the tarmac.

The folks using cars have had their commuting time at least doubled.

My wife knows exactly how much my bikes are worth.

I was into mountain bikes and motorbikes whilst we were going out for 6 years, so when we got married it wasn’t an issue.

As long as all the important and essential stuff is paid for, then she doesn’t mind.

I don’t see the need to lie about it and it works both ways anyway. She spends just as much money on bits and bobs that she likes.

It seems a bit sad having to lie to partners about how much a bike costs!!

I swear by Endura MT500’s.

I wear mine on my mtb and road bike and can’t fault them.

My Mum and Dad have made a huge curry for the family over the last couple of years.

It makes a nice change as I’m not a fan of roast dinners myself.

They set it all out on the table and folks just help themselves.

It makes it a lot less stressful than having to prepare individual dinners and serve them up.

They use a slow cooker to prepare it as well, so no-one is having to slave away in the kitchen.

I’d imagine that there would be loads of vegetarian curry options.

If I work overtime during my normal shift, I get time and a third.

When I work overtime on a rest day with less than 7 days notice, they give me double pay.

However if I have to work a rest day with more than 7 days notice, I get the standard pay rate with a day off in lieu.

I really sufffer with cold feet in the winter, although I’ve found that wearing my Shimano MW80 shoes with Endura MT500 overshoes seems to cure the problem.

Mine arrived in the Isle Of Man this morning 8)

Not read it yet though, as I’m only just up from working nights.

Funnily enough, my wife came back from the shops today with the new MBR mag and there was a Canyon brochure inside.

I’ve never seen them before, but all the bikes look really nice and seem to be really good value for the spec.

richiethesilverfish – Member
They’re not required.
We used to supply them as standard because we did powder coat finish crank arms and the washers prevented the paint from cracking when tightening the pedals in but on ano finish cranks they’re not needed.
I’m pretty sure the Atlas cranks don’t even come with them.

alanf – Member
I’ve got a set of turbines from about 2001 and a set of Atlas AM and neither came with pedal washers from new. I’ve not used them on either set and they’ve been fine.

That’s spot on 8)

Thanks as well for everyone that’s responded, I really appreciate the help and advice.

Thank you 🙂

coatesy – Member
All RF equipped bikes we sell come with them, I guess that counts as recommended.

Cool, thanks for the info 8)

Just to confirm, are they metal or plastic?

I’ve had the same problem and a torx bit took it out easily.

You could force in a slightly larger torx bit, and unscrew it.

I’ve always based my bike size on the effective top tube length.

I suppose it depends on what you’re going to be using the bike for and if your worried about the stand over height.

I definately wouldn’t go off just the seat tube length.

Is Merlin able to provide you with the full geometry spec on your current bike?

Having the full details of your current bikes geometry will be helpful for you when comparing different brands.

My 2009 Unit with a scandium frame is a 27.2.

I don’t follow road cycling and what I do know comes from a mate in work who follows it religiously.

From the very little I’ve been told about Cav, he sounds a bit big headed and cocky.

My mate may not be a fan though, so I might be getting a biased view from him.

Going online makes it much more fun.

I rarely use my X-Box, probably an hour a month at most, but online play makes the games much better as your playing against another person rather than a machine.

No matter how good the AI is, it’s not as random as a human.

We’ve got a Hetty (Pink Henry) and found it to be really good.

We had a Dyson before and I don’t think they’re as good as folks say.

Our Dyson wasn’t a patch on the Hetty.

My Hewitt tourer was £1500.

Having said that it’s done a fair few miles and it’s never let me down apart from the odd puncture.

I’m able to take it into a secure and dry Police Station though, so have the luxury of not having to worry about it getting stolen or damaged.

If I had to leave it outside, I’d be on a £150 bike.

bagpuss – Member
Chipps, surely Singletrack have a say in what goes in the Singletrack calendar or has the mag lost it’s independence in favour of £££??

Completely agree.

Surely the fact that the ‘Knog’ page on this years (2010) calendar caused issues should have been enough for STW to have the final say???

There must be a lot of other companies prepared to provide a cool and inspirational picture for the calendar.

steve_b77 – Member
Looks well nice, I would be tempted with some coordinated fork stickers though

Thw swoosh bits on the frame are orange, although they do look more red in the pics. I think it is the orange that the Maxxis team use. I’ll have to have look if they do Orange stickers for Sid’s.

speaker2animals – Member
Very very nice bike, bet you’re glad you didn’t flog it now?

200% 8)

It does feel really light, even though I’ve not fitted the lightest stuff to it.

It’s basically got an XTR groupset with Hope Race brakes. The wheels are Chris King on XC717’s and the finishing kit is Thomson for the stem and post with Ritchey bars 10 degree flat bars.

I can’t wait to get some miles in on the forks. I haven’t had a pair of RockShox since the 1st Sid’s came out!!!

IanMmmm – Member
Very nice. Looks like a Niner Air 9 carbon, but with baby wheels.

For some reason it appears bigger in the pictures than it is in real life. The seat tube is only 16.8″ C-T and that seat height is bob on for me at 5ft7 with 31″ inside leg.

I tend to run my seat height at about 27 1/4″ from the centre of the BB to the seat rails.

It’s got a 23″ top tube and I’m running a 70mm Thomson on it.

Wozza – Member
Not a fan of the the down tube sticker underneath but my word is it beautiful from every other angle.

I wasn’t too keen on that myself.

They’re obviously expecting me to spend most my riding time upside down in a ditch or bog!!! lol

Thanks for the positive comments though 8)

Unfortunately the pictures don’t really do the tube profiles justice.

I’m not too sure on the weight of it though. I used to use the missus’ wii Fit scale to weigh my bikes, but she’s just sold it for a Kinect thingy to go on the X-Box.

I’m intrigued to see this picture now.

As soon as my issue arrives in the post, I’ll have a look.

I remember the picture last year, which was completely at odds with the rest of the calendar.

They obviously do it to shock and work on the basis that there is no such thing as bad publicity.

It just means for me that I won’t be able to take it into work.

A bit of a shame to be honest.

I’ll definately be cycling on Christmas day 8)

Unfortunately It’ll be cycling to work 😕

83 miles this week, but all on the road.

I haven’t been out today though, as I was had some work ‘bits and bobs’ to sort out 🙁

Is the the carbo RSL version?

I’ve had a Vertex 70 RSL and thought it was a fantastic bike, but unfortunately the frame broke 🙁

On the plus side though……

I did get a Vertex RSL Team frame as a warranty replacement 8)

I’ve done a few hundred mile on Cannondale Taurine and in comparison, I found the Vertex to be a lot more comfy to ride.

I’m working Christmas day myself on an early shift; 7.30am to 4.30pm.

I’ve worked the last 6 Christmas periods, but I don’t mind to be honest. Christmas day isn’t too bad, it’s Boxing day that is usually the problem.

Boxing day will be sorting out family disputes, numerous drunks in pubs and a possibly a few drink drivers after a heavy session the day before.

My wife is working as well looking after poorly kids, so we’ll doing the presents and Christmas dinner in the evening.

I’d agree with reimbursing the deposit once you’d re-sold the item.

If I’d sold it through a free forum or classifieds site, I’d refund the whole amount once the item had re-sold.

If it was through ebay or similar I’d deduct my costs.

It would have to be a mk1 or mk2 Escort RS2000 for me.

Everyday I walked to school, I used to go past a black mk2 Escort RS2000 with the flat front and 4 square headlamps. It was a fantastic looking car 8)

Although I’ve got a soft spot for the Opal Manta as well 8)

I remember when I was younger, one of our neighbours had an Opel Manta Exclusive which I always lusted after.

We’ve a couple from hatchbag[/url] and they’re really great.

Here’s my Unit with Orange Raceface bars.

Got to be the brand new and unused Honda SP1 that I managed to get just over a year ago.

I was a huge Joey Dunlop fan and always wanted an SP1 after watching him riding and winning a race version during the Isle Of Man TT.

Not as fast or as easy to ride as more modern bikes, but to me…….. it’s a million times more special.

Another fan of the Endura MT500 here.

I wear mine loads and they’ve held up pretty good.

I wouldn’t hesitate buying another pair.