Haha, thanks Rickon. As I’ve said, bike is absolutely spotless. Less than 100 miles and thoroughly cleaned after every use (full cassette scrub down, chain cleaned, Teflon sprayed and re-lubed) so everything is clean and pristine. All parts were bought brand new except forks which were about 8 months old when I got them, albeit spotless as well. No wear anywhere and it’s just got back from a service so it’s running absolutely tip top and true. All running gear, brakes and wheelset were bought as a package, brand new, 3 months ago, although it is all 2012 model I think. Plenty of tread on tyres, no punctures, and the Reverb which is around a month old works perfect. Rides beautifully. Now my complete rookie guess was somewhere around the region of £1600/£1650?

*cue finger pointing and sniggering*

Not an advert gents, just after an estimation from someone with a little more knowledge than I have!

Thanks Miked… it’s spotless. Only had it around two months and I bet it’s not seen 100 miles.

B R – I’ve never had a hardtail and I wanted to try one. I read raving reviews on the Soul so I got one. This sounds daft – I love it… but I just can’t get used to the firmness at the back compared to my old full susser and unfortunately I cant afford two bikes at the moment. I wouldn’t mind going full suss again.

A Chinese

Still not 100% on what to have though…

Junkyard – I know, and I was thinking that. Maybe the 140 Talas without the Terralogic part?

Northwind – Yeah I’ve heard about the whole 120 thing too, and it had crossed my mind. My previous forks on my old bike were some 130 U-turns which were brilliant! Shame they’ve gone.

Monopoly!

Chin up wheelie good, it could be worse. Think of the positives – in Oz, ride a sick bike, STWers at your feet, you’ve realised the guy you liked is a moron, and.. well, you’re hardly gonna have problems finding another chap with those looks are you. Let’s hope the new chap is nicer! From all the above, in my opinion you’re too blessed to be stressed.

I know it’s all personal preference, but do you find the 100mm travel is more than adequate? Or is 125 needed?

Do I need this collar thing and a bleed kit then?

Thanks for reply guys

Thanks for your reply guys. How much of a necessity is a bleed kit? Just seem to save a fair amount extra if you get a Reverb without one.

Lloyds TSB Gold account – mobile phone insurance and backup, worldwide travel insurance for me and the missus, card protection, and AA breakdown cover (whether it’s my car I’m in or someone else’s at the time). £12.95 a month.

Oh, and a lovely shiny gold card

I’ve got a Norco Fluid with Fox Float R shock that I’ve got no interest in anymore as I got a new bike yesterday. It’s a medium, so about 17″ I think. Lovely frame, I just wanted a hardtail.

Edit – I had it with 130mm RS forks and worked well.

Heavy night out and day off from work today influenced a little powernap at about 4 o’clock. Funnily enough I fell asleep thinking about Cotic Rockets, dreamt about the colours of Cotic Rockets, and woke up with an in depth spec list of what I would build up a Cotic Rocket with.

I wouldn’t mind but I’ve just bought a bloody Soul.

I’m the same as you with X King rear and ended up going for Mountain King II front.

@MCTD, yeah apparently it’s not just bikes now. He does a few other bits and bobs I believe. We’re relatives, but I see him maybe once a year if that. And I know this sounds cliché coming from a relative, but regardless of his business and trading (I don’t actually buy from him), he’s a nice guy and it’s a shame he has a bit of a bad reputation. But, I suppose his reputation only mirrors his work ethic.

[quoteI watched a distant neighbour adding stuff to a fire in his back garden. ‘That’s a bit close to the hedge’ I thought. I can confirm, one thing that does burn well is a leylandii hedge.[/quote]

Bahahaha

Nothing better than a good old can of Lynx body spray and a lighter. Just be careful the flame doesn’t decide to jump into the can and blow your arm off 😯

Wait. Otherwise you seem too desparate. In a couple of weeks pop back to the bar, say hi whilst ordering a drink, watch for the recognition but walk off with the booze. If she wants to she’ll initiate the next move.

Yeah, this is what I would say, act completely nonchalant if you see her again and see what she comes back with. Sounds daft but the old saying, “treat ’em mean, keep ’em keen” actually makes sense. But I don’t mean go to the bar and trip her up if she’s carrying a tray of drinks…

Ah, I see. My mistake. Txt hr, thn, “UR DUMPD! Looooolllz”

Flashheart, this got me laughing!

Wow, that does look pretty suspicious!

+1 for Freeride as well. Big mountain bike lads there, and the shop is great.

There’s also Sett Valley Cycles in New Mills, but they’re more of a roadie shop.

Used them a load of times as they’re not too far away from me. Only ever had one problem, I waited over 7 weeks for a part that was easily available on the internet everywhere. Still, they’re great guys, all game for a laugh and Damo is a gem. You’ll enjoy using the, great little shop as well!

Got a feeling I’ve got one brewing on my right foot big toe as we speak. Can’t put pressure on it. Definitely don’t think it’s anything to do with digging away into the corner of the nail with the clippers on Friday night 😯

Hi guys,
Thank you for all your replies. @Rickmeister and @robarnold, I’ve emailed you both.
Thanks

+1 for Tosca – Suzuki
Synkro – Look at Yourself
Thievery Corporation – State of the Union
(My absolute favourite) Lovers Lane – Island Memories
Digby Jones – Under the Sea
Edit… Art of Noise – Moments in Love

Chin up Ton, it’s part and parcel of him growing up and is just another chapter in his (and your) life. Just remember that you’re dead proud of him for what he’s doing. And there’s not a chance of him forgetting those rides because he’ll miss them just as much as you do, if not more as he’s away from home.

Looks lovely! Dropping off all my components with LBS tonight for them to start on my orange Soul! Will soon be part of the proud owners club!

You need to get yourself a share dealing account through a bank or speak with a financial advisor. If you get a share dealing account with a bank, have a shop around at the different comission rates they charge per transaction to save yourself a little bit of extra money. I don’t use a financial advisor myself so I wouldn’t really know how they work, sorry!

From a friend of mine who unfortunately died of cancer last year in her mid twenties.

“Too blessed to be stressed”

@MikerTroid
Yeah, there’s a guy who comes into my work who has one and its so bloody big and heavy. I have a Breitling Montbrillant Datora which is on the large side, but the Deepsea dwarfs it. Submariners are a lovely piece of kit, next on the watch list is a Sub date.

Not 100%, Klunk but I think it’s one of these I’ve seen him in.

Anyone else spot Clarkson’s Submariner Deepsea in the car for old people episode a couple of weeks back?! Those things are sweeeet.

@CaptainFlashheart, accept my apologies. I haven’t seen the episode in question, I was merely going off your link as I have seen him in the Omega I mentioned in the same colourway previously and thought it may of been that.

Anyway… I’d have either. And I’d also travel around Africa in a battered old estate! Lucky sods!

Hi Kid Cragg
It’s an Omega Planet Ocean with the rubber orange strap. It’s very similar to the watch that Captain Flashheart mentioned but without trying to make him look like a snob, he’d be more likely wearing an Omega than a Tissot. He’s quite often got luxury timepieces on his wrist and remember reading somewhere that he’s quite the aficionado. All of the Top Gear guys regularly wear nice watches – Rolex, Omega, Tag Heurer etc etc.

Luxury watches and fast cars… we can dream!

Mercedes SLK. You can pick up a brilliant 200 for £10k but my choice would be a 350. 350 is bloody quick, not too bad fuel consumption (28mpg combined(considering it’s a 3.5L)), good handling, gorgeous looks, and best of all it’s a Mercedes so it’ll last longer than you will! If that doesn’t float your boat then the 200 is brilliant. As a few of the other guys have said, S2000 is a good shout but be sure to take a look at Nissan as well.

But, still… SLK

Hi Ben
Not that colour, thank God! Was thinking maybe repetitive stretching and some Nurofen? 😀

Adidas Kanadia TR4. Absolutely awesome, I have the Gore-Tex version and love mine. Bloody steal as well at this place, £35!

http://www.sportsshoes.com/adidas-kanadia/

How do you make your living? Assistant Golf Club Professional

Are you happy doing it? Nope. It’s not a job, it’s a lifestyle, and one that I don’t like very much.

Would you considering a change of career? Yes, am doing shortly to a big passion of mine. Never been in the best position to do so before so shortly it’ll be big 😀

Does it pay enough for you to mtb comfortably? Currently as an assistant, providing I save a bit, then it’s not too bad but things seem to take agesss to save for.

Cheers for the replies guys, the spaceship one made me laugh. Will be looking at all your recommendations tonight

Nukeproof Electrons. Cheap, light and very grippy. £35

Off work today anyway so I feel cheated 🙁