I was a deputy head in a secondary school and successfully got a safeguarding role in local NHS trust (I had lots of education safeguarding experience). Did it for 9 months, learnt loads but ironically now working back in education!

So to answer your question safeguarding elements of role may be transferable. I had to convince NHS manager to accept application outside of health but they were really open to people with different experience.

I hope your wife is ok.

I’ve had the email saying my order has been cancelled. There goes my 5oth present.

No worries. You won’t regret it great all-rounders for the money.

To OP I’m possibly selling mine if you are after a large (I’m 5’10”)?

My order still says processing and payment showing on my credit card (processed through PayPal)?

I’ve been after one for ages and it was a present for my 50th from my wife. I’ll be gutted if it falls through.

Was looking at one of these for my birthday- ordered! Thank you :-)

Trance looks nice. All these new bike launches are great, but you can’t actually buy them! I fancy a new Anthem – it’s been launched but not even on Giant UK website (although it appears on other countries).

You want some rigid forks….

Depends on budget. Whisky Mtn forks, Enve mtn forks are lush. Carbon ones on Whippet builds are good if you can find a set.

Shand make bikes as high quality as anyone at a lower cost than this mason

A Bahookie frame and fork is over 2K if you pick an interesting colour. So they make more expensive frames, as well as some a bit cheaper. Same ballpark really.

As I posted yesterday:

For context a stock size Shand Bahookie frame and steel fork is 1895, and I’d argue finish and details on the Mason look better.

For context a stock size Shand Bahookie frame and steel fork is 1895, and I’d argue finish and details on the Mason look better.

Rab Vapour Rise. Brilliant for high output activity, but not particularly water resistant. As long as you are working hard you remain warm though.

No alu models apparently due to the suspension (carbon flex stays).

That’s a shame, Kona seem to manage it wit the Hei Hei several years ago.

I was waiting for this, but hoping for a cheaper alu bike, as outgoing model. Any news on alu models in the future?

They come up on Plentx’s eBay store. Mine was meant to have a paint blemish – it is a tiny pin-prick that I probably wouldn’t have noticed if I wasn’t told it was there!

Dial is very much xc angles. ‘Downcountry’ bikes seen to be the same angles as trail bikes, so how about On-one Scandal? They can be picked up with ‘blemishes’ on eBay for under £200, are just over 2kg and ride really well.

Review here

Think they all sold out on pre-order months ago. Andy was keeping some back (a few) for stock, but they may have gone too?

KTM GravelMeister

Or it could be the KTM MotherFunker. They’re very similar frames

Ta………

Looks ace. What is it?

I run my Scandal at 120mm. Modern geo, not heavy, cheap and rides well.

How are we sizing these? At 5’10” a large etc looks perfect, but massive reach and seat tube push me to a medium.

Stooge Scramber, Mk 4 (I think?)

I’ve built up a Scandal from one of the cheap eBay frames – have to say it’s ace. Geo spot on for all-round use, relatively light. Recommended.

Review of new Sherpa on Hardtail Party

https://youtu.be/JSxoaXAG6mM

Oh, and if anyone wants some 29+ boost wheels I have some Mulefut 50SL on DT DSwiss 350’s in classifieds…!

I can’t find them??

As a teacher, this is one of the things I find most frustrating about the press coverage and system in general. My Y13 classes completed the full syllabus and the submitted grades were based on significant assessment evidence and carefully weighted calculations to reflect the students’ two year performance. This was followed up by three levels of scrutiny of grades/evidence from other staff (& neighbouring school) and comparisons to trend data, etc to make sure that there was no artificial inflation. I’ve read in a few places the idea that either a bingo machine or some intentional bias to boost figures has been the go to position for grades this year. I normally stay away from education-based things online, but there are plenty of schools who have done things thoroughly and properly. I know the students in my classes worked damned hard to achieve their grades and they deserve the grades they’re receiving today.

It’s great to see so many (rightly) proud parents on this thread – congratulations to your kids who are off to start the next exciting phase of their lives.

Absolutely! From what I know of my daughter’s college the processes have been very rigorous. I also know that she worked her socks off over the full 2 years, and they covered the full syllabus. She got A*, A*, A which is more or less what she was predicted anyway.

I was after XC geometry and this frame is very similar to this year’s Trek Xcaliber although Trek has 71.9 head tube angle whereas the Airwolf has 69.5. That suits me fine.

Nah – you’ve quoted seat tube angle (which seems slack?) – both are 69.5 ha.

Which model of Berlingo? Big difference between current model in XL and standard length previous generation. I’ve got 2 bikes in mine now, wides gravel bike with both wheels on and my Sonder Frontier with front wheel off (it will go in with both on, but not as neat). This is with left split-fold seat down in middle row (third row live in loft!).

Just heading back to the Trance 29 – it’s got nigh on the same geo as the Epic Evo (in L at least) – plus shed loads of clearance for 2.4s (talking from experience)…

Good shout! Wonder how it compares it terms of pedaling efficiency?

Had a stock alert set up with CRC and Wiggle and got in there when I had an email.

Gambled on a large at 5 foot 11 so will see how I get on with the geometry. Seat tube a bit too tall but shorter than the spark at least.

Ta. Interested in sizing. At 5’10” I’m thinking medium, but prefer ett on large.

Have been thinking about this myself for a while and have an slx/deore Rapide FS being delivered today. Will let you know how I get on and already considering a spare set of beefier 120mm forks for trail centres as its 100mm as standard. Will keep the 100mm for xc racing as I dont have the space to keep another bike.

Who has stock?

It does need to be dumbed down a bit for the olympics due to the broader range of viewers.

I disagree – is road cycling coverage ‘dumbed down’? A mountain biker might few use a few technical terms, but that happens in most of the sports covered.

I have a Bombtrack Arise, bought as frame only. Lovely looking frame, really happy with it.

If the ramp was there in reconnaissance then he has a valid reason to be exceedingly upset….

Not if teams were aware it would be removed for the race, which appears to be the case (including his team).

Exactly. Pidcock wasn’t at the test event, he seemed to know.

I’ve got a Scandal (cheap frame off Planet X eBay shop) which is very similar geo and weight to the ti frame. I would love the Signal, but can’t see I would notice much difference?

BLE is gorgeous! How does it ride with air shock? I was reading Starling site yesterday- lots of talk about how cool better for their design.

Cheers Kryton – looks good! As you say, entertaining if wet!!

bugger, be at work!

What’s the xc course like?

If you’re anywhere near Bristol I have a barely used Concept 2 rower you can have for £700.

Thanks – do you know which model it is? I’m in Somerset so close.