Brand X Ascend II is internally routed. It comes with a cyclocross style lever, which mounts on the wide part of the bar by the stem, for use on drop handlebars. Otherwise it seems to be a good product so far. I’ve used mine in the mud of Hit The North this year, and it survived that.

I do want to get a lever that fits next to the shifter though.

I was going to suggest Raleigh RX Pro 1x from Wiggle which has all the features and is a bargain, but I see tonight the biggest they have left is 54cm, which was fine for me but too small for 6’4 I think.

A reasonable Beinn 24 will go for £245- 295. A really good one in sparkly Teal or another limited edition colour could go up to £350.

They are a premium to buy, but you will make most of it back when it moves on to the next rider.

There is a Facebook group PREOWNED ISLABIKES FOR SALE which always has plenty of choice, but if one comes up you fancy be quick! I bought one the day it was posted, and the seller already had a backup offer by the time I got there.

I did the Dyfrrn Conway mountain challenge last year. The water leg is a kayak up the Conway on the tide, then a harsh steep run, and a decent bike ride to finish. Great atmosphere, quite intense racing.

http://www.map17events.org.uk/

It’s on next year.

1995. Thrombin inhibition. I was making new small molecule anticoagulants. Small molecule as opposed to the more typical leech spit approach.

2 years post doc in the quantum mechanics of highly constrained molecules.

Not used one of these, but at that price on eBay there is quite a choice. Kiddimoto are fun, and Early Rider have really good geometry. Resale on Early Rider is very good, so overall cost is quite low.