as the good ones haven’t been out that long how do you know?

Fair point; I don’t. I’d rather stick with something I know to be reliable, than chance it with an unknown quantity though.

D0NK; thanks, that would be good to know. Says ‘hollow axle’ in their description, but as we’ve seen recently, descriptions can be misleading. 😉

If you Google image search ‘boy bands’ and ‘girl bands’, it’s very interesting what you get, in he context of this discussion:

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=boy+bands&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=uqBvUpPvKImqhQfr14HoBw&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1570&bih=929

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=girl+bands&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=4qBvUuAL0KqEB7yCgYAO&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1570&bih=929

The first thing we notice, is that there’s an awful lot more flesh on show with the girls. Why is that?

Ok, so let’s look at two current examples of popular boy and girl bands:

What do we notice here?

Do any of you with bling bikes actually lock them up anywhere outside?

Junkyard describes what a hack bike actually is. As long as it goes, has working brakes and lights, is all that matters. Lock it up near a bike with bling parts, and it’l hopefully be ignored. With thieves now stripping locked bikes for parts, it’s not worth having anything flash, as it will inevitably get nicked.

Another interesting thing, is that the woman in the video doesn’t show her face at any point. If she’d so ’empowered’ and confident etc, why not show her face?

mines done 3000km, it’s still perfect.

My tatty commuter bike does more than that every year, and the BB is probably about 15 years old. It’s out in all weathers, gets locked up in the pouring rain, is still perfect. I want that kind of reliability and longevity. External BBs can’t give me that.

Ae the new UN55s hollow axled? Because the solid axled versions are a tad heavy.

Very interesting, tomhoward. Anyone else found this?

It’s interesting that you will see a lot of opposition to the burka, and comments on how women are ‘brainwashed/forced/compelled’ to wear veils, yet when young women are pressured into dressing in a sexually provocative manner, in order to get attention/a new record contract etc, it’s ’empowering’.

🙄

Both chainsets are FSA junk which I want to replace. One crank has a lockring for the spider, which simply cannot be tightened sufficiently to stop it loosening (I know, threadlock could be used, but I don’t like them anyway). They require FSA bearings as they use a very slightly different sized axel, annoyingly.

Like the Middleburns a lot. Was wondering if there are any other options?

Levers adjusted accordingly, but that doesn’t solve the problem. If the Maguras need less physical input at the lever, then this will help a lot. just wondering how much less input they require, as I’ve never properly ridden with any.

The problem I see with any new product of this type, is that drivers may well not realise what it is. A certain ‘vernacular’ has been created with flashing LEDs for bikes, and drivers recognise them quite readily. I don’t think introducing different colours (not sure about the legality of that product in the UK) will help things much, as it’s simply more distraction for drivers, especially if set against lots of other lights in urban areas, as that picture demonstrates. What you want is something that stands out against all the other visual confusion, which bright flashing white and red LEDs do. No need to confuse things further.

Any more thoughts from anyone?

Well, he doesn’t seem as thick as the vast majority of neanderthals who comprise the EDL membership, so I’d suspect he’s managed to get by quite comfortably on party ‘donations’ for the last few years, and if he’s got any sense, has spirited away some of those funds for a rainy day.

Addictive personality? What does that actually mean?

I’m not sure if such a thing is defined in such a general way in psychology, but some individuals seem to be more predisposed towards addiction than others. Why they are like this, is far more complex than a catch all term can even begin to explain. Addiction is an immensely complex and problematic subject. I suppose we’re all potential addicts, and it’s likely that our individual personalities, circumstances and situations are contributory factors in our individual focuses. At the root of it all may be a need for control, or something to act as a compensation for insecurities/inadequacies. I’ve often found addicts (of all forms) to be ultimately immensely frustrated individuals, deep down. And whilst certain (milder forms of) addictions can have a positive effect, such as sports/physical activity, the intensity of the addiction can mean the individual is affected in myriad ways. And some can become addicts quite suddenly, due to trauma/sudden big changes in life patterns.

No simple answer really, sorry.

The package is certainly better than his rivals but personally I doubt he could win 4 in a row if they had as good cars
Would he beat Alonso or Hamilton if they swapped teams?

It would be much, much closer. It would be a lot more exciting.

Minor point if order Mr Chairman, if he was genuinely on of the greats, there would be no doubt and no discussion shirley?

I don’t think there’s any doubt in Germany. And if Vettel was British, there would certainly be no doubt here.

Let’s not forget that Webber’s had mechanical problems in the last 3 races too, which have cost him places at Monza and 2 DNFs, not really the whole story to say:

Vettel has consistently out-performed Mark Webber for the whole time they’ve been team-mates. He’s simply in another league. No amount of highlighting Webber’s ‘bad luck’ can cover this. How many times has Webber had pole, only to lose position at the start? Once Vettel is in front, he invariably disappears. Webber is a dependable journeyman who can deliver decent results, like Barrichelo, but he’s not a great driver like Vettel.

Therefore to suggest it is all down to the driver is disingenous

I don’t think anyone has actually said that.

Best place to live if you’re a woman, apparently:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-24650912

One addiction replaces another.

missing the point somewhat

Not at all. Mark Webber doesn’t have the talent that Vettel does. It was Vettel that helped Red Bull create an unbeatable car (Adrian Newey’s genius not withstanding), not Webber. Red Bull favoured Vettel because he’s the driver that has the ability to get every last ounce of performance out of a car, and the talent to know exactly how to make it go faster. Like Senna, Schumacher, Alonso and Hamilton. To diminish Vettel’s talent by suggesting it’s mainly down to the car is to ignore the fact that he is bloody brilliant, and way ahead of the average F1 driver.

So if we put Vettel in a Sauber he would win?

I believe he’d get better results than their current driver line up.

If you want ‘equal’ machinery, watch Formula Renault or something instead. if you want the pinnacle of driving talent and engineering endeavour, watch F1.

So its not ‘the best driver in the world’.

There are perhaps only 3 or 4 drivers in the current line up who are comparable to Vettel; Alonso, Hamilton, Raikkonen and perhaps Perez (one for the future) in terms of talent. Red Bull would not have 4 drivers world championships if they had only Webber to rely on. F1 is about a combination of engineering and driver ability. At the moment, they have the perfect combination with Vettel.

Vettel’s a briliant driver, end of.

Does anyone really think , given equal cars to Hamilton and Alonso that Vettel would have won 4 back to back?

Mark Webber has the same car as Vettel, yet has consistently been way behind Vettel in the world championship standings. If the Red Bull is as far ahead of the competition as some might suggest, then why is Webber only 5th in the current standings? Considering he’s a decent racing driver. Alonso, Hamilton and Raikkonnen are in ‘inferior’ cars, yet are above Webber. To say it’s al down to the car is disingenuous. If that were the case, then surely Webber would have been the 2nd best driver over the last 4 years?

Vettel is an exceptionally talented driver who has the ability to get the very best out of his car (remember his win in a Torro Rosso? How many other drivers could have managed that?), in practice, qualifying and the race. His desire to win everything, even fastest lap, marks him out as a true great.

Boring? People have been saying that about F1 for as long as I can remember (early 80s onwards).

Why has nobody asked the Op how much they paid for the rotor?

But on inspection I ordered a 9speed shifter on the box it says 9speed but the shifter only shifts 7times

They must be faulty then. Do the shifters say ‘M590’ on any part of them? If they do, then they’re definitely faulty if they only do 7 shifts (should be 8 ‘clicks’ if 9-speed). 

Do they shift the 7 cogs ok? If so, you may have your rear derailleur limit screws set too far in, thus preventing the shifters from shifting to the extreme cog(s).

A true 7-speed shifter would have too much throw on each shift, as a 7-speed block is spaced wider than 9-speed, meaning you’d only have 2 or 3 cogs max shifting ok.

Sounds weird.

So, the HS33s will be easier on the hands? Worth it to buy new, or are older ones still good?

About £130 for a set, so comparable to a high end v-brake set up. A lot less than a comparable new (s/h) bike.

Aw; that had potential to run for days! Spoilsport! 😡

Is this the point where we get the kettle on and the biscuits out ?

Yes.

Next question.

😆

I want to go drinking with Binners!

That’s exactly how the EDL started: a smart Alec mouthpiece for the disaffected masses becoming the figurehead of an antiestablishment movement badly disguised as politics

No; the EDL ‘started’ as an attempt to make far-right wing extremism more palatable, by pretending not to be the BNP/NF/BM. It’s subsequently been exposed as exactly what anyone with half a brain knew anyway, been abandoned by it’s leader, and is still exactly what it always has been; a fascist network for racist thugs.

Comparing Russell Brand to the EDL really is clutching at straws.

UK soldiers sign up to serve and no matter what they think of a conflict etc they have to do their duty to the Crown.

Personally, I feel that one’s own moral judgement must take precedent over all else, otherwise people simply fall back on the Nuremburg defence; “Befehl ist Befehl”.

What Edward(en) Snowdon has done has been for the greater good of humanity, at the expense of the US regime. A regime, let’s face it, that is corrupt and morally and ethically bankrupt, and exists mainly to serve an elite few.

So yes, he’s a hero. No question.

I don’t know why anyone’s demanding that he should propose any ‘concrete alternatives’, when by his own admission, he hasn’t set out to do so, merely that the current system is crap and that his rant is simply to get people to consider what alternatives there might actually be. And he’s done this very successfully indeed, as it’s provoked mass debate as exemplified on here.

No-one’s demanding that Paxman come up with any answers, for example, and considering his long career as a political journalist, you’d think he might have an idea or two, instead of being an egotistical bully.

And I don’t see any of Brand’s detractors coming up with anything themselves. Maybe they’re content with the current mess.

Big lustrous beard

Lustrous.

There’s a word.

No, merely pointing out something he himself is completely open about.

Something that may or may not prejudice opinions of him as a person. The stigma of addiction is such that individuals can find themselves alienated and disregarded. That Mr Brand has managed to overcome this, and
then become the focus of so much attention, is a great credit to him as a person. I have far more respect for him, than I do for any of the lying scumbags who tell us crap like ‘we’re all in it together’.

Halfords are trying to establish themselves as a serious bike retailer at the moment……

Again?

BikeHut 2.0?

I find the idea of ‘ethics’ in business somewhat confusing; isn’t business all about maximising the return for your investment? So aren’t Halfords’ ‘ethics’ all about doing exactly that (and delivering the best possible dividends for their shareholders)? Whilst small independent bike shops (which FW Evans was once) might well offer a level of service the corporate giants don’t/won’t/can’t, ultimately they still exist primarily to make as much profit as possible, no? So why should anyone demand Halfords be any different?

Good on Hope though I must say.

Interesting that the rantings of a former smack head, watched by many millions, have had such an impact.

Naive, populist drivel

Yet here we are, talking about it.

Near(ish); Holborn Viaduct:

Not near me, but a fave; Lambley Viaduct in Northumberland:

Thanks for the replies.

Current brakes are XT Vs with Avid SD7 levers. Decent quality, clean free-running cables. Clarkes brake pads. So they are decent stoppers, but obviously need more effort to keep speed down on long/steep descents.

The bike is a very nice older Cannondale, with hand built wheels (Mavic 717 rims). She loves it, and it would cost a lot to replace, hence why I’d like to upgrade the brakes if possible.

It’s worth remembering that nearly all of the 300+ britons convicted of terrorism related offences over the last 9 years have been detected through a combination of surveillance and intelligence.

It’s also worth remembering that of that 300, some have been convicted of nothing more than owning a few books and writing a few poems:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samina_Malik

http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2008/feb/13/uksecurity

It’s also worth remembering that a ‘combination of surveillance and intelligence’ led to the murder of a completely innocent Brazilian electrician.

It’s also worth remembering that quite a few convictions have been overturned.

It’s also worth remembering that a ‘combination of surveillance and intelligence’ was absolutely useless in preventing the 7/7 attacks. And whilst there have been successes by the security services, far too often, a ‘combination of surveillance and intelligence’ is used in the wrong way towards people who should have the right to a private life and not be treated as ‘suspects’ or ‘dodgy’ simply because of their political leanings.

http://policespiesoutoflives.org.uk/
http://www.organizedrage.com/2013/09/uk-police-admit-involvement-in.html

And finally, it’s well worth remembering that the security forces act with Public Consent, and at all times must be answerable to the very society they are charged with serving, not as secret police for those whose agendae serve only themselves, at the expense of Freedom and Democracy.

Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?

Just a shame you can’t take bikes on most of them!

Bicycles are permitted (with certain conditions) on the Central Line (from Leyton eastwards), the Jubilee Line, the DLR and most trains through Stratford station. It’s only the Central Line from Stratford westwards and buses you can’t take bikes on. So, I’d say it has fantastic public transport links compared to a lot of other venues, and certainly to most other cycle venues.

I see few benefits from more people taking up mountain biking

Even though several have already been suggested?

The vast majority will drive to trails

Really? Do you have any evidence to suggest this? Do most mountain bikers already mainly drive to get to their trails?

I love riding around my locale, but it wouldn’t be improved by more people doing it. Not one iota!

So, it’s ok that you do it, but not for newcomers? Would you be willing to stop riding those trails in order to allow others to do so?

I personally think that the higher ranks of the MTB community needs to step back a bit and remember that most people start riding with a bimble amongst mates or family. The majority do not take up DH or Cyclocross or XC as a serious sport until they have learnt some skills. We all learn skills by riding with and watching others and if we want to share trails with good riders with great ability we all need to share the space and have more space to share.

I think that’s one of the best comments so far. I got into mountain biking through being invited to come on rides by others. I imagine many others started off this way too.

njee, we seem to have the almost identical view. Wonder why we seem to be the only ones?

If you want my personal opinion, I think it’s because both of you have an elitist and exclusive attitude towards mountain biking. You both seem to think it’s ok for you to ride, but don’t welcome the idea of others joining in. That strikes me as somewhat selfish if you don’t mind me saying. And it’s this very attitude which some people might see as a barrier to them participating. Would you prefer a system whereby you need to be a member of a small and exclusive club, and ride only on designated trails on private land? Because surely if you’re going to ride in areas with general public access, then you’re going to have to share. I hear your concerns about mountain biking becoming ‘too popular’, and I do think this is an issue which has to be taken into consideration, in terms of helping minimising/preventing environmental damage.

A lot of what is getting discussed here in terms of improving accessibility just sounds to me like hand-holding and making things easier for people who can’t be bothered to find out for themselves

Well, I for one am grateful for such ‘hand holding’ as you put it, although I will make every effort to find information on places to ride. It’s the efforts of the wider mountain biking ‘community’ that I’ve benefitted from, which i see as a very positive thing.

If I decide to take up a sport or activity because it looks interesting, I expect to have to put some effort into doing some research into it, not simply have everything spoon-fed to me.

But surely you will be reliant upon the efforts of others to provide you with information, equipment and resources, no?

Diversity comes with sharing, teaching and learning and encouragement from other people. If people want to ride or walk in solitude that’s up to them but the vast majority enjoy the nod or hello of other people they meet. If we didn’t we would all hang up our bikes and walkers would hang up their boots.
It’s only a minority that won’t accept others and fears are often based on one singular incident, not conflict every time they walk or ride in the country. It’s a fact often overlooked.

Word. 8)

a) They announced it ages ago

Oh.

b) It’s a pretty high-cost niche product that’s really only designed for media professionals

I can still use it for surfing and FB and stuff though, right?

I’d love one but realistically I can’t justify/afford it.

Cost is supposedly ‘from’ £2500. It would need a lot of justifying!

It does look cool though.

It’s tiny! A real powerful workstation computer that’s genuinely ‘portable’. I love the design of it, but it appears to use proprietary parts, so probably astronomically expensive to upgrade and/or maintain. Question is, whether or not other manufacturers will follow suit in terms of design, or is it just another Cube?

Sod ‘bragging rights’, just go out and enjoy it.

Otherwise, what’s the point?

But one product Apple have recently developed which does seem revolutionary, yet isn’t getting much attention, is the new Mac Pro.

🙁

So, no-one interested in a revolutionary designed new computer then?

Apple needn’t have bothered.