I'm sure I got a set of Chain Reaction Cycles allen keys off the front of a magazine recently? They might be worth a call to see if they'd like to donate some of their leftover CRC branded sets?

Nature Valley bars – doesn't matter if they get crushed, they turn into museli in a packet.

Faux Snickers bars from Lidl – pack of eight for £1.50

Flapjack – if I've been living up to my name.

Anyone else hungry?

Cheers Stuart

I'm still toying with entering but will follow this regardless. A minor point, but the text is very small on all but the first entry? Maybe I need to adjust my browser but are you able to increase the font size?

trb. Both will decompose eventually only one will take a lot longer about it. Added to that the more biodegradable option will have been produced largely from renewable sources (taking up CO2) and less petrochemical products. But yeah turns out they're not 100% biodegradable and specifically don't recommend home composting! I'd not like to find that out a year down the line.

Like I say, that is not the same as 'not rotting at all' and even more of an argument for reducing the amount of waste to landfill.

Are you sure it doesn't rot at all? I'd check with your brother's business colleagues on that one if I were you? That company isn't doing a good job if that is the case? They're not designed to be hermetically sealed, just controlled so that the gases released are controlled and contaminants don't leach into the groundwater. Not rotting at all is very different to rotting slowly. If it rots slowly that is even more of an argument for throwing less into a site.

Unfortunately the quickest way to break down rubbish would be to warm it up and get it wet. Surprisingly the prospect of warm wet rotting rubbish is not that popular?

M-F, it's all about compromise I'd say. However if the manufacturers of, among other brands, Huggies, Snugglers and Pull Ups (Kimberley Clark), are putting that report on their website it’s a fair bet that those results lie firmly on their side of the argument’s mean? Disposable nappies contribute 4% of landfill volume which is quite a bit when you think of the size of those responsible! I’m not in your situation but what I’ve outlined above seems the best compromise for us.

Molgrips: The Motherease seem fine for Jnr and the only really serious leakage (top of neck!) we’ve had has actually been from the disposables!

Ok, my tuppence worth. We have a 5 month old and use Nature babycare “eco biodegradable” disposable nappies AND reusable Motherease washables. When Junior Bakes was small we stuck to disposables due to the washables being too big (‘one size’ doesn’t quite fit all) but since he passed one month old the washables have been used during the day, with disposables (usually only one needed) overnight and when out and about. We feel this is the perfect compromise between ease, cost, environmental benefits and comfort for him.

The disposables are 100% biodegradable and will in theory break down much quicker then ‘other brands’ in landfill. They are however more expensive, but this is offset by also using washables. We’ve declined from putting them in the compost bin as there are still a quite a few used every week but certainly the wheelie bin is not over loaded so far.

The washables were bought second hand (much cheaper and no further costs (environmental or otherwise) of manufacture) and will be passed on in due course. As has been described they’re barely any more trouble than disposables to use when about the house and rather than emptying a lidded bin of them into the wheelie bin periodically, we empty them into the washing machine. I’d guess it results in 2/3 extra loads a week at most and takes no time to hang on the rads/ drier to dry at ambient temperatures.

Personally I’m pretty dubious of the 2005/2008 study that found in favour of disposables which, from memory, was based on boil washes, tumble drying and ignored the issue of disposal to landfill. I’m not saying it was, but bear in mind a lot of this research may be funded by those with a vested interest in one result or another. Those that bring up the waste in water and energy in using washables could start with reducing their usage for cleaning bike & bike kit way before the three extra nappy loads it takes us. However, there are times when a disposable is much more convenient and they are also more absorbent for overnight or long journeys so we’ll use them accordingly.

That’s our experience so far and it may well change when Jnr moves onto solids and we start needing liners etc. However I’d say don’t rule out washables on the grounds of ease and certainly not on environmental grounds.

I'd also opt for the baby sling (Baby Bjorn, although others are available) up to one month as the baby will be very small (and light) and unable to support its head.

I still carry ours around in a sling sometimes, but he's now 4 months old and getting heavier so I tend to use a back mounted carrier which is better for my back.

We also bought a Chariot bike trailer which is excellent and converts into a three-wheel off-road buggy quickly and easily. I managed to push him up and down some fairly tight and steep singletrack with no problems. The best thing is that it has suspension to cushion him on the 'drop offs' (or steps as they're also known) a big front wheel to cope with the bumps, and powerful bar operated brakes on the back wheels. The down side is that it is very long when in this mode and also very expensive if bought new (I got mine from ebay for a similar price to a new mountain buggy). It has a baby-sling which can be used as soon as his neck was strong enough to support his head but while he is too big for the proper seat.

I'm wearing mine today as well. I'd echo the above, they're a narrow fit. I really rate mine; light, waterproof and have worn well so far (I've had them 18 months). They're not the cheapest but I got them for a good price from Go Outdoors in the end.

My brother has one and he loves it. That said his local trails are the peaks, and even there he was worried it'd be too much! I'd have thought it is a bit of overkill for the Downs and Swinley myself? On the other hand it'd be awesome in the Alps but you can't have everything! It is built like an Ox and I'd guess it weighs at least 32 lb, maybe more.

I've seen all manner of improvised sledges on my travels during my 'snow day'. So far:

Boogie boards,
Trays,
Kayak,
Inflatable boat,
Rubber ring.

Plus the more common plastic bags and scraps of wood/plastic.

You've got to love a snow day!

Try again…..

An orange/red RAL 3001

This[/url] was RAL 3001 (Traffic Red) done by Andy at Triple S. I took it out on its first ride since the rebuild in the snow this evening. It looks orange when pictured with flash but more reddish in daylight.

Edit: Sorry not sure how to include pics so a link via the word 'This' is the best I can do

You can't beat a 100% positive feedback!

Consider them used.

Nice one. I'll need to factor in postage but am not sure I trust any of the local options who specialise in painting hand rails and fag bins with my bike. Still cheaper than Argos but sounds like a similar quality job.

We got bought one and use it every night at the moment (ours is 11 weeks now). It's a motion detection thing that is supposed to go inside a toy bear! We got rid of the bear and just have the unit at the end of the moses basket. It has a white noise, heart beat and rainfall setting and runs for 5 mins at a time, then kicks off again if he is still moving around.

The theory goes that they are constantly bombarded by noise in the womb (blood pumping, mothers heart beat etc) so silence can be disconcerting to them. We've not done a scientific test but it certainly seems to help settle him at night?

Though not much of a change it would be worthwhile to some in winter, can I be the first to suggest a central heating engineer? Gazman the Gasman.

My LX with sintered pads were fine on the hill last night. That is until it started raining on the bit back home on road, when they let out a noise like a poked pig?

I've been to a couple and they're good events. Not a bad way to explore a new area and add a bit of competition to a Sunday's ride. There are all levels of ability on display as my team proved last time out!

Martin, I posted a message on the trail break forum regarding the Princes Risborough event that you may not have seen. I won't repeat it here but I'd be interested to get your response? Have you finalised the rules for this weekend?

Hmmm, you've got me worried now. Isn't there a guy from CRC on here sometimes? To be fair it was mostly Xmas gifts so there was no great rush but still.

Chain Reaction are the same. Still not received stuff I ordered the weekend before last which is unusual for them. I'm guessing the sales have been quite popular!

You'll not become the Huffing World Champ with that attitude Big Dummy 😉

there's not really that much of a case for Steve Peat.

Aside for him being a World Champ you mean?

Likewise, Jess Ennis, Tom Daley, Beth Tweddle and Phillips Idowu.

However I agree DH is not on most of the public's radar!

And yet the BBC had this article on there recently…

Samsung B2700? There're reviews out there that have immersed it in water and run it over in a car and it keeps working. It's relatively basic but I've had mine for six months and no complaints, although I've not really tested it's rugged credentials. I bought mine as a handset only deal and put a Virgin monthly sim in it for £10 a month, although I think you could get it free on the Orange network.

I'll have to get a romper suit to match his!

Don't worry there'll be plenty of opportunities for you to take your turn on the uphills Mattie_H, when your bike's not upside down of course!

Votchy, that sounds interesting although personally I'd prefer a watch/meter that I could wear that would do the same job! Prepare for a 'what bike related tattoo for those with diabetes' thread coming soon…

I appreciate your point about your son. When I was at school, after an initial announcement (so people knew if something was wrong) I don't think many even remembered I was diabetic so long as I was ok. In those days I injected morning and evening only so my sugar levels at school were controlled by eating at set times and set amounts of carbohydrate. Now I, like many people, am on a much more flexible regime requiring regular injections. The last thing you want at school is to be different in any way! I've not thought about pumps as I've got really good control but it sounds like a good solution for many. Hope your son copes with it all.

Stoner, that looks great and as you say seems to be quite a bit cheaper but still loaded with features.

Whatever I get will be blinged to the Maxxxxx Dave! I'm a little concerned I may have to splash out on a bike worthy of towing the likes of these things!

Unfortunately, looking at the specifications, you're about the only one who would fall under the maximum load for a tow over Shotover!

I think I'll shell out for a Chariot and try and recoup as much as I can in a couple of years when I sell it on. It may increase the number of hours I can get on my bike and will hopefully enthuse Jr_Bakes until he's old enough to go under his own steam.

I might even keep it so he can tow me round when I'm old and decrepit, so even more reason to get one with suspension!

Can't say I'm too fussed about being referred to as 'a diabetic' rather than as 'having diabetes'. What does pee me off is the misnomer that diabetes only affects people who are fat!

As has been stated above Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are very different conditions only really linked by the hormone insulin. In type 1 it is not produced, in type 2 it is not effective.

For what it is worth I got it 22 years ago when I was 11 and skinny as a rake. The causes are still unknown but I had no family history whatever. Other suggestions are a head injury (not in my case), stress (not at aged 11!) or a virus (possibly?). I hope you don't have it but it's not stopped me doing anything I've wanted to including running a couple of marathons, travelling in Africa, Asia and S.America, scuba diving and of course biking. It makes it a bit more of a challenge but there's a lot worse things to suffer from.

attractivefish….. I hear you!

grantmitchell. Ours is only 2 months but there is a sling attachment for the Chariots that can be used from newborn when in stroller mode. While it's not reccommended for the bike mode, I may stap him in very securely as soon as his neck is strong enough and go for a gentle pootle round the park. The wife may have other ideas of course! I agree they do look particularly cool!

Thanks for the advice so far,

Ikimbunza, with your chariot,could it replace a buggy or are they not practical around town? I was thinking we could help fund it by selling the Quinny!? You say it fits in the boot, what car do you drive? That would be a bonus and if I could take it easily around the country I think it'd get much more use and would be more easily justified.

I've used the LX ones for three years and had no problems. I managed to pull one of its backing by cack handedly catching it with the rotor as I put my back wheel in once, but at 4 pairs for £25 and quick delivery I can cope with that! I can't vouch for any other SSC products but I will carry on buying the pads. I expect there will be some vitriolic replies to balance this as usual though.

I had Gore sealed but must've tightened the pinch bolt too tight as I twice cut through the cable and then couldn't adjust them. I got sick of paying £30+ just to get a new teflon coated cable so tried the Transfil Black sheep (£12.50 on Wiggle) and have been really impressed. Not quite as 'sealed' as the Gore ones but at a third of the price I'm not bothered. They've not had to deal with much really wet weather yet but I'll see how they get on this winter.

I'm too old for MBUK on a normal basis but bought it last month as I anticipated having some time to sit around and read while my wife gave birth (how wrong was I in that assumption!). Anyway, as has been said above, they held the issue in order that they could put a celebratory band around the issue in Peaty's honour and also had an article inside. They acknowledged the achievement a month before the other mags, albeit due to good timing, so lets give them some credit?! If they'd slapped it on the front of this month's mag no doubt some would be criticising them for churning out the same old repetitive rubbish month in month out when we all know that is MBR's USP!

No I'm happy to have been born a man and have no wish to undergo a sex change thank you all the same.

Damn, I've given it away now!

Oh and keep the 'operation' out of conversation with the receptionist/cleaner/interview panel*. There is such a thing as too much information. Try and keep that one for once the contract is signed although we understand you prefer to broach it whithin minutes of meeting anyone!

Apart from these gems you'll be fine! Good luck!

* Prizes available for what the operation is, for those that don't already know…..**

** Actually no prizes but feel free to guess.

My advice would be: let your wife choose your clothes on this occasion. Remember, socks with sandals are not a good combination.