I have a feeling I’m not going to find the owner!

London based. Think my initial thoughts were just that it’s one if those situations; I may as well be the one to benefit as anyone else , but once I got it, suddenly felt a bit……wrong!

Ixus offers bang per buck; unless you’re going to start fettling, in which case buy a DSLR!

A lot of compacts are very good now, but a lot are not. If you want point and shoot then go canon IMO.

Panasonic, sorry, Lumix are ok but have falings as mentioned previously.

If you think your camera phone takes good pics then I’d advise you stick with that, because it’s ISO, white balance, quality auto settings etc that comes into play with compact cameras and you’d be as well spending £100 on a good modern compact which will provide noticable differences over your phone, rather that over twice as much in a Canon S100, for which (and only judging by your original posting)..you won’t notice much difference!

One thing I would say irrespective on my views on manufacturer, is IGNORE megapixels, unless you’re planning on printing A3+ pictures.

I recently flogged my Canon DLSR to help pay for extravagant birthday for missus; part of that was getting her a nice compact. I researched like you wouldn’t believe and settled on an Canon IXUS 115HS…it is an incredible camera and although DSLR bring advatgages, as far as a compact images go, it’s fantastic. It’s also got some nice tricks up it’s sleeve that work; action shots etc. It’s NOT loaded with pointless gimmicks either and the panel on the back is clear, with a one button video function which should be standard on all cameras! Colour reproduction is excellent and the ease of use is to be commended. Only cost me 100 from John Lewis; plus they’re available in colours other than pink.

Google it; you won’t be disappointed!

All the best, Rich

“Maybe in future just surprise them with a straight punch to the face? That’ll learn ’em.”

I nearly lost my bladder reading that 🙂

I’d rather shake hands with a friend, even if I’m crying out for a hug, than meet someone through work and have my fingers crushed by some over-compensating professional hand mangler, or shake hands with someone who’s grip is so weak, that their fingers collape under their own weight and you’re left feeling just a bit icky.

Then there are those that don’t let go, the awkwarness of how hard to grip a woman’s hand…it’s a minefield of variables.

Simple solution is hug everyone; friends, colleagues, suppliers, ramblers. Good way to make yourself memorable at an interview as well.

You could buy one of the S-works carbon bottle cages for fifty quid; then put a 1lb bottle of water in it.

Thank you fuzzy; I will ring home insurer tomorrow – it’s the new for old I’m concerned about! Thanks, Rich

What a great thread; I could cry! Can I just say John Tomac from my era…

Lucky enough to have a flat area; I’ll give it a shot. Thank you.

Wish my cat looked as intelligent as yours.

I settled with Garage Bikes and wheeled in my new (old) purchase for a front fork diagnosis & all round fettle – seems like a genuinely good guy & bewilderingly knowledgable!

Got the impression he takes a genuine interest and tries hard; just what you’d want from an LBS. You know, the kind of place that would make you also buy kit there rather than faceless ‘net purchases.

(Nice touch with a price list up on the wall too)

Thanks for all suggestions again.

Would advise they’re set up properly; I used them ten years ago without problem but tried again a few years ago and was a different matter; suffered knee pain after 15miles without fail.

Lots of advice out there on in/outstep of feet etc – my advice after looking into, seeing physio’s & smoe chap who’s ‘speciality’ was bike set-up is to look at your feet position to see how they natually sit when using flats, then try to seat your cleats to match.

Also, be aware of proper seat set-up to ensure you’re not tugging leg by having seat too high & bottom of leg stroke too low; another sure fire way to knacker knees!

That’s my two penneth; good luck 🙂

Thanks all; really appreciated – Garage Bikes wins (it’s very local too!).

Thanks again, Rich

..I mean, how hot is this for engineering & design? Insane (unjustified IMO) price, but god they’d go well with my red theme!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rare-PACE-RC36-EVO-Pro-Class-EDDIE-IRVINE-forks-stem-/300696788491?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item4602ecde0b

Thanks crip & alth – Pace RC40’s look gert lush, but too much travel for me as I’m assuming they come with a weight penalty for all that travel? Too much for a wussy rider as myself who’d struggle to use 100mm!

I’m still sad about the demise of Pace….and merlin ti..and purple…

Thanks for all replies – worryingly there isnt enough negative to put me off – I just love the way they look and was wondering if they were hopeless now…seems they’re hit and miss?

Sid WC need a £100 service and for that on what I think is clumsy looking fork, I’m still tempted by the RC38, for same travel & less weight…

However, it could be a case of ‘a fool and their money’….

Huh, shame – they were beautifully engineered.

Spotted the durins funnily enough, but seems there’s a recall still on them – which is worrying.

Thanks for advice (maybe I’ll just get the sids serviced…)

Ooops.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Specialized-S-Works-Epic-CARBON-Mountain-Bike-Mavic-Crossmax-Fox-F100-SL-XO-XTR-/190670581271?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item2c64da2e17

Crikey; what happened here??!

I didn’t persue the stumpy; shame as it went for over £1800 – lesson learned there!

I haven’t bought one yet, but am scouring here/ebay/gumtree(;-/) every day; very helpful though about forks – it’s a crash course in bringing myself up to speed on current tech!

There is a local epic for sale; have exchange a few e-mails with the seller and he seems totally sound; he’s looking for £1450, but room for negotiation…

I’m a bit stuck with the kit that’s supplied though and therefore what a fair price is.

Any views appreciated and what I should be looking for when viewing (any tell-tale signs of expense around the corner etc..)

Rich

Thank you all for your replies; they’re really appreciated.

Regarding being a specialized; to be fair, and blinked, yes. I grew up as a child in Devon with a Specialized/Trek dealer being the only shop to pour over.

That has stuck with me.

I realise that I don’t have the funds to afford what is a top end s works, but what would suffice is a decent s works, at a price that I haven’t been stiched for.

These is a stumpy s works at the moment and after soome engagement with the seller; am at an understanding he would probably take £1400 cash.

Again, bleeding you all of your knowledge, but is this a good buy, or something which is just an average price.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Specialized-S-Works-Carbon-Stumpjumper-FSR-Bike-XTR-Hope-XT-Easton-KCNC-Brain-TI-/130682143220?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item1e6d4341f4

I need a bargain to justify!

Genuine thanks again…Rich

Sorry, Forgot to put Link to Kona…(I actually work in IT…worrying)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Kona-Hei-Hei-Supreme-2009-Full-Suspension-Complete-Bike-Mint-/270957356000?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item3f165123e0

Thanks anyone..(what jolly nice people you are!) Rich

Sorry; I mean Epic – I’ve had Specialised overload for the last week. It was easier back in my day (many years ago) when it was from memory: Hardrock, Rockhopper and Stumpjumper. Or as my work colleague said the oher day as he looked over my shoulder at my laptop..”Stumpee Jumpee?”

Many thanks, just the kind of opinion I needed. I am limited by budget though so have to consider £1300 to be my wallet bursting max; so I guess I would have to suffer the older style rear shock.

I’ve actually spotted a Kona Hei Hei Supreme which has turned my head; and although the spec is a bit ‘low’ by comparison to others, would you mind providing your view?

Thanks, Rich

Thanks njee20; I was wondering what year it was – I’m dreaming slightly I know on budget, but realisitically I could stretch to £1200 – I didn’t think I was too off the ball; I realise it’ll be a good few years old for that money. I watched an epic sworks go for £1000 only a couple of days ago, although I suspect not great components as they chap didn’t reply to any request for details (that were not listed)

Oh dear….anyone want to buy a cat for £1000? 🙁

Oh…..would you believe someone has just bid; I guess it is worth the asking price! (feeling stupid)