Thanks both. It would be a trip from Bristol, which is currently Tier 2.

Sounds like it’s best to avoid Cymcarn.

Cheers all.

Troy Lee Stage helmet M/L (57-59cm) and Fox Proframe L (58-61cm) both arrived today.

To my surprise, the Troy lee felt better, and that’s without tweaking pad sizes. Definitely snug, but not tight or uncomfortable.

Whereas the fox felt a touch wobbly, more enveloping, but not as nice to wear.

I also think the Troy lee is a fair bit slimmer and sleeker looking. Really nice looking helmet actually and not at all spaceman esque.

So I think I’ll go with the Troy lee and use that for the majority of rides. But may also keep the specialized ambush open face, for tame stuff like Ashton Court in Bristol or other pootles.

Lot to spend on 2 helmets, but it’s justified I guess.

Got a pair of Endura Humvee gloves. Love them. But had to size up to a Large, which feel perfect. And that’s with fairly average, slim hands.

2015 Bird Aeris here 140/150mm.

Whyte Shoreditch Road hybrid for tarmac commuting duties.

Yeah, good points above.

I’ve ordered a Fox Proframe and Troy Lee Stage to see how they feel/fit. Got my doubts they’ll fit but worth a go.

Yeah, it can be a real pain when in between, or over the threshold of sizes.

Have you tried a Bell Super DH?

I used to own a Bell Super 2R in Large, for my 59.5cm head. Medium was really tight and uncomfortable, and the slightest push on the chinbar put it in contact with my chin. The Large fit well enough when fully tightened, but if I shook my head, there was definitely a bit of wobble (although still felt secure). Whether that wobble would actually be an issue in the real world, I’m not sure.

But got a Bell Super DH (Large) arriving today, so can give you the lowdown on that when it arrives.

Yeah, I noticed the Ebike thing last weekend! First time riding at a trail centre in Wales this year, and I was shocked how many there were. Maybe two thirds of riders that day.

As for which trail, I love Caffall. The climb is varied (not much fire Road). Fun, natural ish feeling descents, if a little spoilt by all the tree felling. Still prefer it to twrch though.

I’ve used a Whyte Shoreditch for the last few years, as a fast flat-bar commuter. Looks sleek and easily quick enough for most stuff. Personally, I think unless one is really into ‘road biking’ as a discipline, or has a long commute, fast hybrids tend to make more sense for general riding around town or weekend trips. They’re fast (enough) but better vision, grip, comfort, more fun handling, not hunched over drop bars.

If I was buying new now…I too would be looking at a Specialised Sirrus X, or failing that a Whyte Stirling.

I’ve been a few times (lucky to be a Bristol local) and think it’s great for what it is. It’s effectively a 3ft wave, consistent training ground. Still much prefer a good day in the sea though.

As others have said, the takeoff takes a bit of getting used to, as it’s a bit blind and ramps up quickly. Easier slightly away from the wall. After a couple of sessions it clicks though, meaning you can get circa 12 fun rides in an hour.

After the initial fast takeoff, it tends to flatten off a bit, before steepening up into a fast and playful wall. I have surfed both my 6’10” Gulfstream Eggplant and 5’8” Firewire Seaside there, and both go really well. The egg planes over the middle flat section better, but the Firewire is more fun in the latter half, gaining warp speed when going up and down the steeper sections. So on balance I think shorter boards are more fun there, but make sure you have a bit of foam to carry you over the slacker bits.

On Saturday morning just gone, it was reaaally cold (noticeably colder than Porthcawl a few days previously). But still bearable, and the café is a lovely post-surf place to warm up!

The whole setup is really well done, with friendly staff and a buzzing atmosphere. I reckon it’ll come into its own more in the Summer flat spells / warm and light evenings. You can also see there are building works in process on site, so it should improve all the time.

The negatives are that it’s not cheap, you have to arrive at least 45 minutes prior to your session, there is a fair walk from carpark to site, and the water is very cold. But overall, its great.

Thanks all.

It’s the deviousness on the part of the sellers that has really made it hard to swallow. E.g. We move in and there’s a handwritten note that said ”when we were moving our stuff out the loft, we noticed some damp patches. You may want to look at that.” – i.e. pleading ignorance, but when we went up there, it was pissing in rain in several areas, there was (old, water stained) cardboard laid to catch leaks, old gaffa tape at base of chimney breast, mastic on areas of the roof felt to try and stave off leaks.

And…the survey didn’t comment on the front valleys where it’s worst, as it was (deliberately) piled high full of stuff (placed there by the sellers to cover up the leaks and rot). So of course both the surveyor has a get out clause (not being able to move stored effects), and the sellers can plead ignorance.

It’s the same theme for most of other defects, covered up with paint/furniture/caveats, lies. E.g. ”Ah, we don’t bother using the dishwasher” – we move in, and it simply doesn’t work!

As above though, just one of those incredibly expensive, frustrating problems one has to learn and grow from: 1. Don’t get a survey, 2. Walk around with builders and get their opinion, 3. Don’t trust sellers – satisfy yourself with your own evidence.

The above said, the latter posts above are right – not the way to look at things, and just best to get on with enjoying living there and not worrying too much about the future.

Update on this, following developments that have occurred since.

Unfortunately, despite already being in remorse for paying so much and almost pulling out as a result (but usefully thinking that all was relatively pristine), that was not to be the case.

We moved in December 2018, but soon discovered a mass of defects (both major and minor) that a) were not picked up on our homebuyers’ survey and b) we hadn’t noticed either / the sellers neglected to inform us of, but were quite clearly aware of.

Of course the homebuyers report is woefully full of caveats and generalised content.

E.g. Roof pisses in rain in numerous places, with longstanding wet rot in many batons and valley boards and requires a complete re-roof and additional flaunching/guttering work etc required + extension roof needs re-roof to remedy the various leaks there too. £7k for that. Sash windows are painted shut, save for one that has all weights and pullies broken, plenty of rot present and all rattle in the wind. So double glazing/draft proofing etc came to £5.2k. Rising damp in dining room that affects a large area, rotten sub floor throughout hallway and living room, consumer unit not earthed, no extractor fans in bathroom or kitchen, garden level 6” too high, amongst many, many other more minor issues.

Of course one has to expect some maintenance to be required, especially in an old property, but £20k worth of unexpected works has been an entirely unpleasant shock.

Expert report obtained by our solicitors (funded my legal expenses insurance) puts diminution of value at £20k, citing clear negligence / failure to meet duty of care by surveyor, although other side’s solicitors obtained an expert report, which essentially puts diminution of value at £1k, with an almost absolute denial of all points.

Currently considering the next steps, but ultimately, we have paid £325,000 (£305,000 purchase price + £20,000 of remedial works, some of which will need to wait until we save more funds) for a house that is worth £290,000 at a push. None of the remedial works are adding value, they are value-neutral essentially. This was only ever going to be a short (ish) term house, but we are effectively stuck now. Bitter lesson learned, but maybe the true lesson was to follow instinct and pull out of the purchase, or, rather than relying on a pitiful survey, full of caveats to cover the surveyor’s behind, it’s instead best to walk round with a number of builders before committing, to see what their view on problems/remedial works is. The mere thought of the sellers having received so much over asking price that they did not deserve and having avoided undertaking any of the remedial works they were well ware of, is galling.

Sorry for rant!

Thanks all.

Quite torn really.

Its either get 7 modern uvpc replacements for around £5000 all in. They’ll be more efficient, quieter, less maintenance, no condensation. But arguably won’t have the same character.

Or have them refurbished/draft proofed etc but left single glazed. Only a telephone quote, but expected to be circa £2,100 for that. Retains the character, cheaper option but obviously still noise, condensation, less secure.

Or refurbishment and double glaze them for circa £7,100!

Given it’s only a 2 bed terrace, and we aren’t sure how many years we’ll stay (let alone all the other problems we are discovering, like a re-roofing being required), it’s hard to weigh up the best option.

I know what people mean though, it does seem sad ripping out that 140 year old, beautiful timber.

Thanks all.

When I say replace with upvc, I mean sash rather than casement. Can’t these still look pretty good and in keeping with the traditional style?

Ahem, so a further (probably mad) question on this.

Would it be financially viable to remove the existing extension, but extend the old kitchen sideways to the outside boundary wall? This would in theory create a wider, open plan kitchen diner (that could have plenty of glass in to let in light), and also opens up an actual backyard.

What would be a very broadbrush estimate for doing this, and would it even add any appeal/value?

(A look at Google Earth may assist in showing what I mean – 38 Cossham Road, Bristol – 4th house along from the end, with the skylight in kitchen roof).

Stevextc – sorry I don’t quite get what you mean in your final sentences. Do you mean it’ll sell on to a couple in the future easy enough, but if we spend money on making it a 3 bed/improving it, it’ll be wasted money, as it’ll never appeal to families anyway?

Thank you all for the helpful responses. As they say, a bird in the hand is better than 2 in the busy. I think I just need to stop looking at other properties, as always feels like the grass is greener.

e.g. this came on to the market today nearby. Firstly, it’s £320k and will probably go over asking (although we bid £305k on our one listed for £280k, as there were 5 bidders within 24 hours). And yeah it has a bigger garden, bigger bay windows, and has a tiny study (hardly a 3rd bedroom!). But in every other way, I would say it’s not as nice, plus it’s on a horrible through road, which is always busy with traffic:

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-67109491.html

At the end of the day, the one we have had an offer accepted on, ticks loads of boxes, and the garden point is far less of an issue given the 3-minute walk to a superb park (complete with playground, skate park and a lake). It’s also a 5 minute walk to Aldi and the 2 best pubs on Church Road. I hadn’t even thought about adding Bifolding doors at the back + taking out the shed + adding patio/potted plants/seating area against the end wall. It will still be a tiny space, but at least it would open things up a bit and make the most of the space available. And it’s West-facing. I’ll press ahead! Coincidentally the chain completed this morning, so it’s all go.

Thanks again.

Thanks everyone for all the advice! Very helpful. 🙂

I think you’re right, there is nothing major to worry about. I also suspect it was slightly undervalued, in order to generate a lot of interest/bidding war.  Will be able to afford the mortgage notwithstanding the survey result, as we have a big deposit.

On the garden point – it’s only a 3 minute walk to the best park in Bristol IMO, so that makes up for it!

Not decided on kids yet. But if we do have them, it won’t be for 2-3 years (I’m 35, and other half is 28) and hopefully a loft conversion is possible, making it a big 3-bed then.

Lastly – I can’t believe how many STW people live around the area! Cheers for the shout-outs, and would be keen for drinks at the Dark Horse and to check out the local riding.

Yeah DezB – I did think that!

Oh, and I forgot to add Fork Service to the list too – Pike, lower leg service.

I had a bit of a shock recently. Probably just nativity on my part, but I had assumed modern bikes were more durable, especially when you spend a small fortune on them.

Bird Aeris, just over 2 years old. I reckon I’ve only used it once every 3 weeks on average. To be fair, all I’ve done in that time is clean it superficially, and degrease/re-lube the drivetrain. But recently I took it to the bike shop for a rear shock service and brake service…and all this needed doing:

Shock service + new seals (as above)

Dropper post

Brake bleed + new pads (as above)

All new frame bearings (a couple were so worn and loose, that the rear triangle was bashing into the main frame, causing damage)

New bottom bracket + service (no free movement left, and grinding in use) – Raceface Cinch

Headset – Cane Creek 40 – service + new bearings. (again, next to no movement left and grinding in use

Rear hub service + new bearings – DT Swiss SD1501 (bearings completely shot)

Total with labour (because I’m the least practical man in Britain) – £450-£500 – remaining work being done tomorrow.

And I could easily have had more, less essential stuff done to it – new rear tyre, new rear headset, new chain, gear service etc.

It wouldn’t be so bad if it was being used several times a week etc, but it has only had occasional use over 2 years. As above, perhaps I am just naïve.

Surfing on the other hand – other than travel costs – simply involves a new £2 block of wax every few surfs, the occasional ding repair, and a new wetsuit every few years! 😉

Thanks for all the responses.

Decided the exposure set was a bit pricey for my needs.

Ended up going for a Moon Meteor Auto Pro (front) and Moon Arcturus Pro (rear). In a set, including a discount code, for £44.99.

I already have a budget cateye rear light, so that can be used in addition or as back up.

Thanks guys, sounds like something cheaper (with back ups) may be the way to go.

Nice. Still loving my 1.5 Aeris in Medium, would would like to try a 145 in M/L. Was it a handful in tighter corners at all?

I tend to always wear Bell Super 2r helmet (and attach the chin guard for descents), knee pads, elbow pads, and 661 undershorts (with that soft padding on hips).

Maybe that appears overkill to some. But given it’s more often than not the extremities – knees, elbows, hips and hands that take the brunt of most impacts, it seems silly not to (in my opinion). They don’t add much in the way of heat and discomfort to me.

Perhaps I ride too far in my comfort zone, but I crash extremely rarely these days (last time was 2 years ago at Cymcarn, although I only ride once every 3 weeks maybe, at a mix of trail centres + BPW only). Regardless, I feel I ride at a fair pace and slowly look to push at limits. But the two ‘proper’ crashes I’ve had over the years have been sudden, unexpected – and most relevantly here – on fairly benign parts of trail centre descents.

One involved a front wheel wash out, resulting in a hard slam on the side and lower face – chin guard did its job, and pads did too. And the other (at Ashton Court of all places!), again involved a front wheel washout on a berm and me landing on my face, elbow and knees. I was extremely close to losing teeth on that, despite being on such a tame section of trail.

Point is, just because terrain isn’t mad technical, doesn’t mean protection can’t be beneficial and worth the trade-off of relatively minor heat/discomfort trade off.

This isn’t to say I’m suggesting full on Turtle armour. But a bit of protection is warranted IMO.

Flat spell has been terrible…my fault for ordering a new board, sorry! 😉

But yeah, Tuesday to Thursday next week looking good. May have to book a day off work and make the trip to Wales.

Hi,

I’d avoid XCEL these days, personally. The prices (!) are becoming obscene. Their 2017 Spring/Summer suits have just been released, and….it’ll cost you £450 for their top of the range 3/2mm drylock wetsuit. By comparison, their top of the range winter, hooded 5/4 drylock wetsuit in 2016 was £430. Still eye wateringly expensive, but it hints at just how pricey next winter’s suits will be.

I’ve used a top of the range 5/4 XCEL hooded wetsuit for the last 5 years (but I only surf once every 2-3 weeks). It’s as stiff as cardboard now! Full of holes. So just invested in a C-Skins Wired 5/4 Hooded (£223 in the sale, and a further 10% off voucher code, so around £201). That’ll be for the coming winters.

Other than that, the Finisterre wetsuits are of superb quality, and decent price. O’Neill look pretty good on the flexibility scale.

As others have pointed out, Need Essentials look to be good value, no-nonsense suits.

As for Summer – had a 3/2 XCEL a few years back, but always found it too cold for British summers, as I feel the cold a lot. So I’m currently looking for a not ridiculously priced 4/3mm. Need Essentials perhaps.

It may be fairly tame, but I think the Nova trail at Ashton Court (not Leigh Woods) is pretty fun. Good for a quick blast now and then.

Lovely.

Footage looks great quality on the latest go pro, you have too.

The new Aeris 145 does look veerrry long. I’m 5’10” on an old version Aeris, and even that feels ‘fairly’ long for my height. Or in other words, if feels just right and balanced, but with a bias towards modern geometry.

If I jump on my friends’ bikes, they all feel quite short in comparison. And while that means they are less stable, they are actually quicker in some of the easier, twistier trails we ride, as they’re more manoeuvrable.

That’s not to say I find my Medium (old) Aeris bargelike. It’s still easily responsive enough. My point is though, the new Aeris 145 has a fair bit more length again. So I’d imagine that a Medium/Large at my height, would be quite a change in terms of stability (but also marked drop in manoeuvrability).

If your aim is to ride relatively technical trails at speed, where stability is paramount, then the new 145 will probably be ideal, and yeah, a Medium/Large size. But if it’s more average trail centres, twistier trails, or more general riding that you’re going to be doing, then I would personally think you’d be better off on either a smaller sized Aeris 145, an Aeris 120, or another slightly shorter bike like a T130.

I may well be wrong though, as I’ve not actually ridden the 145, so take the above with a pinch of salt.

I’ve owned a T130 (2015) and an Aeris (mark 1), the Aeris being what I ride now.

Aeris ticks all the boxes, at a great price.

Geometry has of course changed for both of the above bikes since.

Orange overpriced IMO.

I’d go for an Aeris.

I have only ever had a couple of “proper” crashes. Even those were at fairly slow speed on relatively tame trails, where front wheel slipped out. Both times my face hit the ground (the latter wearing the 2R chin guard).

The first was on a small berm and my face hit the top of the bank. Almost lost teeth and needed gash above top lip glued together at hospital.

So for any descent, I wear mine. And I only ride trail centres really! And it’s not even that hot or restrictive on climbs, so sometimes I just leave it on.

Bird Aeris or Whyte T130.

Cafall is great! I don’t go riding often, and although the climb is stiff and mega anaerobic, it’s manageable. As a whole, the trail is brilliant. Varied, atmospheric,fun descents. Still can’t seem to carry any speed in powderhouse section though!

Ceepers…penny has dropped; realised what your alias is on that other forum. I’m Goat over there!

Didn’t realise you were into biking too. I do envy those who live bear the surf, but there would be a lot to give up if I were to leave Bristol.

Sounds amazing, you having a reef to yourselves.

Drove from Bristol to Porthcawl again today, surprisingly quiet at 9.30am. 3ft clean also. Had once nice ride, but shoulders were a mess from yesterday so was like paddling through paint!

Looking marvellous!

Tomorrow morning looks good too…

Today was a perfect example.

Been waiting weeks for decent swell to push in. I get all excited, cancel today’s plans (pissing off the girlfriend), drive to Wales. Albeit crowded and not the best break, Coney Beach at Porthcawl looked great: 3ft+, clean and no wind. Excitedly I run down the beach and paddle in.

First thing I notice is appalling paddle fitness, having not been for a month. In two hours I got 6 waves, all of which lasted a few seconds. None were particularly inspiring. The rest of the the time was spent waiting, battling crowds, or paddling for waves and missing them.

And then it’s getting changed in the cold and rain, before driving 1hr 20m back to Bristol.

I can’t say I “enjoyed it”, and while in the sea, I repeatedly asked myself what the point is. I don’t even have kids yet, so window for opportunity will only decrease further!

And yet…here I am sat on the sofa thinking “I can’t wait to go again. Maybe it’ll be better next time. Bring it in!”

Very nice. I’m gagging for a surf!

Idiotdogbrain…yes fair point, I think I am a bit obsessed! I shall book a session with Jedi.

Roverpig- thanks for the recommendation. Would love to try a fat bike, although don’t really have the cash for one currently. Definitely want to test ride one to see what the fuss is about.

So not been out on the bike for two months. Am going to go for a nice ride tomorrow and enjoy it.

Thanks again for the interesting and useful responses. I suppose one thing that seems apparent though,is that even for those of you who take it relatively easy, or are in the right mindset of relaxing and enjoying it…still report a catalogue of severe injuries in recent years (I.e. more than cuts and bruises). Which makes me even more wary, especially as I’ve not had a crash in say the last 20 rides, which I’ve had since May 2015. Makes me think “OK even if I get my head right, and relax,I will crash at some point, and there’s a high chance I’ll end up at A&E with a broken bone”.

Now all I’m hearing is a list of injuries! 😉

Yep, do wear a degree of protection when riding – gloves, Bell Super 2R helmet, elbow pads, knee pads, and some flimsy padded under-shorts. I wear all of that for general riding/trail centres. Of course none of that mitigates the chances of a broken collarbone or neck. But hopefully it staves off a fair bit.

Roverpig – yes, I know what you mean. Some people probably relish the little slips etc. I’m firmly in the other camp, like it sounds you are too!