Yesterday – snow on black near the mast – still rideable and always good fun. Lower down clear – none at all at Buzzards.

I guess it like those pipes in your cars windscreep sprayer / washer that always seem to freeze before anything else does.

I’d say the OP is around about on the money for the bhp. Our old A3 tdi 140 did around 35 about town realistically. 50 on a run. The on board was optomistic to say the least.

4 years of sensible driving later it got handed back with an average 38 mpg on the computer. We didnt buy another (and will never).

Damn you. Another thing added to the list entitled: “Sciency things I must google if I ever get the chance”

Interesting indeed.

Discussed with colleagues earlier- consensus was “sell at the peak”. I guess this means something is threatening their dominance?

I wouldnt sweat it at all. Go and tell him his lawn needs cut, his kids are noisy, his home brew smells bad, — that what neighbours are for! 😉

When he gets home he’s left his work at work, but – luckily – he’s got a neighbour with the same interest. That’s it. Put the kettle on. Offer to fix his PC (or whatever you do). Just get on with it.

Flip that IS EXPENSIVE!

I bought a van load from B&Q before Christmas on “special offer” – buy one get two free or something equally dubious. I dont have the exact price to hand. But – anyways – I suspect that price is the mandatory requirement to list for 28 days in stores before it becomes a sale item.

Hammy – If it’s not too late: my first ever was a MTB marathon – kind of a goal to turn from a couch hugger to a more active person for various reasons. Anyway signed up for the Merida (as it was) Selkirk 100, had about 8 months given that I didnt own a bike and was seriously overweight.

Anyways, I started riding around the block, then a bit further and further. Then more etc etc.

First year I finished within the cutoff times (JUST!). Next year finished mid field. I’ve been back every year since – its a great atmosphere, a challenge – probably bonkers for the couch hugger I was back then – but still a reasonable challenge to me now.

I always do it on a hardtail – even with other choices available now. There is a lot of climbing.

The 100 (which is never so far actually 100) isnt madly worse than the 75 or 50 – but it does have the whole Innerleithen red XC climb at the end – ie after you’ve already been giving it the beans for 3 or 4 ish hours.

#Edit – I signed up for the 100. I didnt know at the time you could switch on the day to the easier options. In retrospect I’m glad no one told me.

Just do it. It’s good. A goal is always good.

Bigger disks always feel better. New brakes always feel better too. Thats a tough one. I’d think about the long term and work toward it.

Also the old brakes are old. New are under warranty. But some old Shimanos are probably the most reliable never die things out there (recent ones aren’t- certainly ’10 / ’11).

I’m not really helping am I?

Post to post will need an adapter for the bigger sizes so that’s not a worry – Superstar have them cheapish.

Oh god!

Man who had sex with bicycle in hotel room arrested

This lists most makes and models of frames and fork types (that I’ve come across) and makes it a doddle for dumb asses like me to mix and match. Then just search for the cane creek model code. Or hope do the same thing via your lbs.

http://www.canecreek.com/headset-fit-finder

#Edit – you may well just need the top part – which is usually available seperatly.

cheap barley used tyres

Is this a “what tyres for a combine harvester” type thread? I dont think we’ve had one of those before! 😉

Bike looks nice! New bikes are always ace. Enjoy.

Fantastic! Thanks for sharing.

drookitmunter

Today’s the day! Bloody perfect!

As a foreigner in these parts can I ask what your user name means?

Dawson doesn’t watch the news for a week shocker!

Did you see the one where the guy is hit by an antelope?

😉

Out tonight – proper crispy / crunchy almost everywhere I went. Just now trying to get blood flow restored to toes!

Shifters do it for me!

This should (hopefully!) answer your Q:

http://www.canecreek.com/headset-fit-finder

At a guess for your 1st times you are going slow? Giving it time to dry out. Try doing it in sections/ halves – lather one side then shave. Then the other half. Or not enough water in the lather. Or youre putting the arko directly on your face? Or you’re a sensitive type 😉

Palmolive shave stick is the other common readily available soap. Approx 50p in asda. Lasts 6 months. Not quiet as good for me but might suit your face better.

Youll be fine! I guess a futurs settings go from medium to aggressive. More than a progress or fatboy. You know that so you’ll be fine with no pressure on the razor. A 7o clock blade would be my start point.

2.25 is about the same as previous versions – ie what you’d expect (apart from snakeskin / protection ones which are much narrower for some reason).

Seem fine on the road – growl a bit but not too draggy.

Arko is great (dont think its anything to do with Wilko?). Turkish barbers tend to stock it. Should last you a year.

Another widely available good one is Palmolive Shaving Stick – I think Boots do it.

BTW – check your futur’s for a loose / wobbly head and that the blade is parallel to the safety bar on both sides. I had to send mine back and its a commonish problem with them.

Lastly – you’ve certainly gone in at the deep end with a Futur imo. Dont be tempted to turn up that dial until you’re happy.

Some WWI and a WWII antique razors. Probably belonged to those that have passed. Otherwise – the usual stuff.

No just means they’re extra opinionated.

Is that for me? Coz – when it comes to chains – I dont give a damn! I use Shimano, Sram and KMC – whatever is going cheap. I dont notice any difference at all between them. So long as it’s the right speed – go for it. Totally interchangeable afik.

Yeah Yeah, new bike you see

That old excuse! Whats the new bike then?

I got some pacestars on a new bike and think they’re good. Similar to previous EVO versions – only they go tubeless with zero leaks. I’ve not had them long enough to give a thorough review – but – I would buy them again if they split etc (which they have no sign of doing in comparison to previous rocket rons I used to have).

Ouch!

God.

Thats not cable rub.

How old are they? What did you do to look after them?

No.

Just do it.

[cheeky]
I used to think that P Premier users had at least ridden a bike and did basic maintenance, now I’m not so sure.
[/cheeky]

am i going to be overbiked?

You’re riding is totally different to others so it’s up to you. I can only say that for a heavy chap (me) chundering around Inners and Glentress the XC is more than enough/capable.

Its a pretty sturdy set of tubes.

As a comparison – I’ve broken 3 frames – I honestly dont think the Nerve will be number 4.

Dang!

I guess you probably feel a bit lucky – or something!

I had a motorbike crash in 97 – span through the air thinking – will I hit that van – god NO – not the lampost – only to end up in the road with my chin under a Toyota starlet.

So despite broken bones – I was so happy that everyone else had and had used their brakes. Human instinct from everyone I guess?

Hope you heal well.

I asked on here for a shot on a Canyon XC and luckily got a real proper off road test ride as result. Not everyone will be so lucky I guess. I ordered one an hour later – arrived within a week.

Apart from that – Canyons generally seem to win on the kit vfm stakes. If the same similar thing is available from a LBS I would go with that 100%

Ultimatley: Canyon have a 30 day test ride policy. You dont like it within 30 days let them know, put it back in its box and get your money back. To me that’s proper hard to argue with.

Paul – if you’re stuck – I’ve got a spare Nerve XC hanger (got it with the bike) that you’re welcome to borrow til you’re sorted.

Welcome Super4.

As for Super 4’s front mechs : conventional, bottom pull works best. The original XT mech I had had the adjustment screws hidden behind the stays and were inaccesible. I got so fed up I got a new one : SLX m661. It’s got the screws at an angle and is a whole lot easier.

As for the cage – assuming you’re getting an SLX double & bash – a med cage (GS) works fine with a 32 tooth cassette – but not with a 34 tooth. I learnt that the hard way.

It’s plausible, but googling “James from United Kingdom – Channel Islands” he seems (without digging) to have a couple of views on a few different topics.

On the other hand – I’d instantly suggest astro-turfer.

After whinging about Screwfixes cable cutters being crap – I got some Felco C7s as a pressie. Never heard of them before that but possibly the best built tool (and pleasure to use) in my otherwise mediocre tool kit.

Screwfix ones ime are fine initially but the blades “spread” after a while and the cuts go all messy / to pot.

We’ve all got different budgets but – if you’ve got a partner with you that’s not a mad mtb’er then the Cardrona (MacDonalds Hotels I think) is worth a look. Spa type stuff. Golf and other stuff to keep SO happy for a day.

We dont stay that way too often – its only an hour away from us – but when we do this is her second choice (first is Stobo which is downright bloody ridiculous price wise!)

Otherwise if you like simple good /top quality food and rooms with a quality atmosphere the Horseshoe Inn in Middleston is also good. Wrong side of Peebles for Inners though.

Thanks Julian too.

Yep – both items were worth £30 ish if in reasonable condition and he’s not cloning them or something. I have no evidence that he’s shill bidding – its just a bit odd. You cant tell from his history if he’s been selling ipads or 1p ibooks. It’s just all positive.

Overall I think I’ll just chalk it up to experience and not bid on anything in a “private listing”.

I’ve asked for photos of the 2nd item (actual item) and dont hold out a huge expectation for the 1st item.

#Edit – Now I’ve found copies of the photos used in the first listing too. Experience seems to cost around £30 nowadays!

What’s the problem with 2nd chance offers?

Jimc – Thanks – Ordinarily I wouldnt have a problem – but this is a “private listing” – I cant see anything about the seller and he nearly instantly offers a second chance – so I started digging and see that he has “sold” the same item before.

I may be paranoid, he may well have a few versions of these WWII type razors in his drawer but I’m dubious.

Thanks Dicky – I would have touched it with a pole except for the 100% 2K+ feedback.

After an hour of digging I suspect they are regular shill bidders, and I have have probably lost out on the item I have paid for.

Strange, as if I had only bid and won on the one – I would be pretty happy!

Similar asked last week – maybe this will help:

http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/tell-me-about-glentress-1

I’ve not been to Dalby but as an “average” mtber GT red is fine. The snag is you’ll want to do some bits more than once. Black is physically more challenging. But take your time, bring snacks, enjoy.

Heading up there early Feb. How does the red route compare to say the likes of Dalby etc?

Can you get a red loop of Glentress and Inners done in a day?

Any other info/tips gratefully received!

Marky – are they removable core prestas?

Where did you get a £7 latex?

Good luck tomorrow. If you dont survive – can I have your…..