Right, I am an expert on this. I have:

Timbuk2: well made, ace for cycling. Looks “bikey”
Patagonia Critical Mass (2001 vintage). Ace, massive, no laptop sleeve. Looks “bikey”
Patagonia 1/2 mass – laptop sleeve, stupid fixed shoulder pad and crap strap.
Crumpler something – cheap (£20 TK Maxx), good for cycling, no laptop sleeve.

And finally, for work I recommend the Osprey Flapjack. Laptop sleeve, sensible pockets compared to Timbuk2, boring looking (ideal for work), top handle so you can carry it like a briefcase. OK on the bike.

I actually feel ashamed now 😳

Sorry Teej, no pics 🙁

Was similar to muddydwarf, slowed down, remembered to twist heel, ever so slow collapse to the floor. With one foot still stuck.

I have now backed off the tension.

Feel much better. Got my “toppling over while attached to my bike as the tension was et too tight. At a pedestrian crossing” moment over with now.

2nd ride on SPds.

I think it’s going to be weird being attached to my bike. I can happily bunny hop it on flats, and I suppose I subconsciously shift my weight around on the pedals descending etc.

Just think SPDs will be better for the type of riding i do now.

Cheers. I’m intending on riding longer distances, which ain’t really technical. Suppose the improved pedalling efficiency and comfort/support for a long day appeal.

I am 100% certain I will forget to unclip, spent my whole ride on monday thinking “twist”.

Also practice holding the cleat against the release tension when you approach tricky sections so you can unclip quicker

That’s the sort of thing I was unsure about.

It has been a wet drought though innit.

Aww man, proper gutted.

Bump for the morning shift

Unless there’s a special category for 1/2 blind, unfit diabetics I don’t think I’ll bother posting a time, ta.

Also, anyone got a copy of the Trans Cambrian Ride Guide and maps this one? Any good?

Yeah I’d read Pedalhead’s account. I can guarantee you I won’t be doing it in 12 hours.

Keep going on the canal to Newbury or Reading and get the train to Winchester?

(I’ve rode Reading-Bristol along the canal but can’t help with an offroad link to Winch, soz)

The witch hunts on here can be a bit much sometimes, but this bulb end deserves it.

Just read an article about an increase in solar flare activity. Maybe it’s that?

Or a poltergeist?

Oh hang on, have you checked any mute buttons?

I like a lot of crap music, and have no problem admitting it. Well, maybe there’s some I’d rather keep to myself.

But I honestly don’t get how Abba are still so popular. Music for people that don’t like music? Dunno. Always thought of it as being the kind of stuff your Mum and Aunty’s would dance to at a wedding, but no-one actually likes

Soz for hijacking your thread (but it is STW I guess 😉 ) but any reccomendations for SPD shoes with wide toes and narrow heels?

I quite like sprouts.

Had a bite of a seafood pizza once and just about vommed. So I definitely wouldnt want a 29″ seafood special.

And I only like proper stonebake pizzas – 26/29″, I don’t mind.

Where do you get such wondrously sized posh cheese on toast?

U2 doing quite well in the worst band stakes.

Best: either Converge at CBGBs 2001, Snapcase TJs Newport 2000 and something, Helmet, kerbdog & Understand Wulfrun hall 1995. Or maybe Fugazi. or Metallica. Or Roni Size live. More recently Gallows and Trash Talk was ace. Dunno, there’s too many.

Worst: probably Hole just after Cobain topped himself. Understandably his missus was not really interested. I’ve managed to see Jools Holland twice, was like being punched in the ears with boredom. loads of crap support bands.

Looks like Gav’s had the chop then.

Sorry, bit off the OP’s topic but one for the Timbuk2 spares crowd – I emailed them about a spare strap about 2 weeks ago and they popped one in the post FOC from San Francisco!

Good choice BTW OP, I’ve got a Talon and I’m chuffed with it.

Brompton here, 6spd. Coped fine with the climbs from Sheffield train station to Hathersage, loaded with a weekend’s stuff in the front bag. ^spd lets you sit and spin.

Steering is quick but you get used to it, my 29er feels like a tank if I swap straight to it!

If you’re getting the train then definitely go for one, everyday I watch the non-Brompton folders wrestle them to try and get them on. They just don’t fold as well

Expensive but worth it.

Yeah, pleased with the results tonight.

Also pleased to be a victim of the 6N glitch!

Nice one Ospreys (bit painful as a Dragons fan that one!)

Where’s my posts!

Try!

ooof held up!?

Tip tackle? bit harsh.

Wasn’t having a pop Slimjim, it’s just that I have to think about this stuff so I don’t, you know, die and that.

Suppose I’m jealous that I don’t have the luxury of being able to see what happens if I don’t eat carbs.

the thing I don’t get is why you want to **** about “experimenting” with your diet. Eat healthily, make sure you exercise, and you’ll be fine.

I’m saying this as a diabetic, so I’m always working out if I’ve had enough carbs, too much sugar etc. Why you’d do it if you don’t have to is beyond me.

It’s well good making them, you get to use sharp things and fire, what’s not to like. Even better if you make them out of beer cans.

And another:

You can make some right posh ones too, not like mine.

Wales had better win as I’m going to watch the match with my (English) father-in-law, and couldn’t put up with the ribbing if they manage to lose. Though he’s Welsh for the day, or at least as long as we’re in the ground.

My Mrs hates Rick Stein, purely based on his TV persona.

I have nothing to add on the quality of his food BTW.

well, seeing as it’s degenerated into “loud music I like” rather than what the OP wanted, my top tip is Converge, I bloody love ’em.

Watched them in CBGBs with The Hope Conspiracy, made me feel well tough.

I used to work in the Library in Pill, you’d see Benji wandering round with his kids. just looked like a typical newport resident in his leisure wear.

Not sure I’d call Fugazi metal btw (even if they are awesome).

I’ve looked at my iPod, and I’ve been listening to Swashbuckle, pirate-metal FTW.

Oh yeah good shout on Mastodon, new albums a belter.

I watched a video he other day, think it was nightwish, honestly I thought it was a reformed Abba dressed as pirates for Eurovision. Shocking.

Can’t really help, generally like the shoutier bands. New Cancer Bats album? New Gallows with a bloke from Alexis on Fire?

Nope, hover bikes are the future.

(I’ve got a 29er, don’t really notice the difference riding it now – just feels like my bike)

Hmm, don’t rate them as running shoes, far too heavy and stiff.

Stupidly comfy walking shoes mind, just ordered a replacement pair for me old ones, cheers for the PSA.