Going against the grain here but I can’t stand racks and panniers on my commute. I do 25 each way 2 or 3 times a week and hate all that dead weight on the bike. Same with guards. I don’t really care about the wet as long as I’m dressed appropriately, ie tights, overshoes and winter boots. I love hitting every commute like its a time trial. Love it!

Same with the defy as well. I had mine for a week before selling it on. It’s just so dull and safe and just neutral. I now use a Planet X team Alu as my commuter/winter bike and its stiff and fast and a delight to ride.

I take clean clothes in the car on a Monday morning and keep a couple of weeks worth at the office.

The hire option sounds ideal to me. Not into it then hand it back. If you enjoy it then buy one. You’d lose over £125 selling on a new bike after a few months

That’s the only thing with the triban. It’s the best bike by a mile at £300 but the wheels and tyres are still very heavy and poor quality. So £150 Min to upgrade these and you’re at the 450-500 mark. A cannondale caad 9 with 105 group went on eBay for £420 this week in great condition.

Surely the best option

Chin up mate

I joined at 17 and spent the best 8 years of my life in the army engineers.

Best thing is he’ll get plenty of leave. Bad bit for you is you better get training as he’ll come back fit as a butchers dog!

Remove somebody’s choice to work or not and that gives you slave labour my friend.

I suppose they could be left to starve though if they were not prepared to work for their benefits.

Ahhh but the state funeral costs would have to be funded out of your tax then. Ahhhh this is terrible.

Toss pot

Mine are great now but required sorting after a couple of rides after loads of spokes came loose. £20 to a decent wheel builder sorted them out and they’ve been great for 2k miles now.

Who moved the 95 miles?

I’d be happy with being able to use all the gears on mine. 10 speed double yet I can’t use big big and small small without the rear mech blowing up or a floppy

Mostar is a must mate. One of my favourite places in the world.

If you have time you can catch a train from Mostar to Sarajevo for about £3.00 and its got to be one of the most amazing journeys you can take.

Dubrovnik is stunning but can be packed with cruise ship folk being walked round. My advice would be to spend a day or two there then hit the road!

25 miles each way Adlington to Knowsley (liverpool)

Superb route through country lanes and nice and quiet

If it was me I’d take the cannondale for that price. Good bike. Merlin sell a full 10 speed tiagra group for £300. Buy that and sell the old stuff on eBay (£150). £500 spent for a great frame with a brand new 10 speed tiagra group

Triban 5 is a great bike for the money. The frame has carbon rear stays if I remember correctly which is unheard of for £500 and worth upgrading later