Hadn’t considered the Strive, another to add to the list. I really need to start demoing some of these.

My head has been turned by the Murmur, will definitely email Starling to see if I can get a test on one of those. The reviews make it sound right up my strasse.

Yeah, I’m looking at Whytes too. Though I’ve read the frame designs are getting updated in 6 months and I know I’d be moody if the new one turned out to be the promised land of MTBs…

Yeah, the Orange Stage is another I should consider for sure.

Good feedback on the Highlander, I clearly need to get a go on one of the working demo bikes.

Has anyone ridden a Murmur to compare it any of the other bikes?

The Murmur is beautiful, had completely forgotten about that.

Hobnob – that’s a good summary. Can see myself ending up with a Fuel and having mild buyer’s regret I hadn’t got something more niche.

My last FS was a Tallboy Gen 1, which I lovvvvved, so will have a look at the Hightower.

Ditto the Bird. Pricing looks very competitive on those too…

Ah, hadn’t heard of the Pace, will check that out too…

Thanks Tom, the suspension does sound great. No issues with the idler yet? I read in one review about a sticky wheel which has made me worry about reliability. Did you try any other bikes before going for the Highlander?

Growing up in Forres they were never very bad until you went inland and West a bit. I remember Glen Affric being grim one summer with them. However by far the worst I’ve ever seen was at the Kielder 100 briefing in 2011 (I think). Also bad for the actual ride. I looked like I had some Victorian skin disease the next day.

Managed to free up an extra hour, so will do a speedy Laggan trip. Will save Glenlivet et al for the next trip. Excellent advice all, cheers!

Craig Dunnain! Of course, good shout.

Hmmm, maybe it’s best to try and fit in a drive to Laggan instead if I have time. Otherwise it’s sounds like Glenlivet may be the best option.

Thanks Dave. How tame is tame? Are the reds actual reds?

Hah, I laughed at the Refuse…

Are the Gravel Kings not meant to be a bit puncture prone? Not too rumbly on the road?

Interesting. Commute is over fairly decent roads. Did the 40mm tyres not soften the ride enough?

Cheers Marty. No issues with it all?

I’m mulling fitting a rack and guards too, which would make it decidedly less cool…

I thought Black Pearl did that Naked in the Rain song. Maybe Henson do the video for that?

I am a fan of this film.

Just received the hoodie I ordered. As if going to a good cause wasn’t enough, it’s excellent quality. Good on you Wwaswas for sorting.

Pretty meaningful to me. I’ve been off the bike since August after ‘exploding’ (my surgeon’s words) my shoulder in Stanmer. Will buy a T-shirt.

Paddy Considine.

That boy is going to be big news himself in a few years time though. The new Jordan / LeBron, etc.

Oh. The game posters is a Pandora’s box. Loved Afterburner…

Good shout on the print, I’ll investigate that tonight.

Is that a vampire Beckinsale?

It’s more Jaws-y.

Having done bothering numerous times, I would really, really, really recommend Kerala over Goa. Much less touristy (though still quite touristy), much better countryside, more interesting towns, many more things to do, much better beaches. And cleaner.

I do agree about the MRT being given stuff, but surely they wouldn’t use it if was crap?

The Keela does look good.

Yes, I was going to default to a gore tex coat, but I noticed the Dartmoor rescue teams wear Paramo, and I’ve seen broadly good reviews. I’ve also never had a gore tex jacket stand up to more than a couple of hours of rain, thought that may be because I’ve been shopping at the cheaper end, previously.

Useful Matt thanks (was hoping you’d chip in!).

What’s the beef with Paramo, out of interest?

Thanks all. Had a test drive today, wasn’t blown away but did like the space. Have some bike trips to Provence in the pipeline so hope it’s comfy over long distance.

Yikes, what years is yours Stumpy?

Very useful, thanks both. Especially the bike info, that sounds perfect. Also looking at a Yeti, which is a bit pricier.

Thread resurrection! Did this ride happen in the end?

I recently left a very large publisher. It’s over simplified somewhat, but essentially in order to get your work looked at you’ll need an agent who has an editor network. Very, very few publishers will even look at unsolicited work these days. PM me if you have any questions.

HOW STONED R U?

Gotcha. On with the thread!

Take it it’s Geex then?

Hah. Will definitely try the Escape one too. Cheers.

Really enjoying Containers and Adam Buxton. Any more suggestions?

Hah, containers actually sounds really good, right up my strasse. Keep ‘em coming, my flight has been cancelled but I’m gonna dive into lots of these anyway.