Cheers @molgrips… couldn’t see how the TT could have made for an interesting ride! Will have to give your route a go on my next free day

Which route to Garwmant did you take? Straight up taff trail??
I’ve done Llanwono to neath years ago… nice ride.

I’ve just caught up with this dreadfully sad news… my condolences to Jenn’s family and friends. RIP.

Just a quick thought on the Supersix referenced above… isn’t it a bit racey for the OP’s requirements? Great price, but synapse is marketed ‘dale’s endurance bike.

Cheers @midlifecrashes, I’ll follow up on that suggestion and look at the revolt.

@jerrys I like the thinking behind the CdF but I’d be looking at a 54cm.

A small thread highjack: my work have just announced C2W is open again via cyclesolutions (therefore budget unto £1000). I’m looking at an “adventure bike” mainly for commuting the 20-odd miles to work via a mix of B-roads and country lanes. I’m also considering some longer distance overnight trips. Must be comfortable, mudguard ready and have disc brakes.

Suggestions please…..

That was terrific! Brings back memories of my (bike-less) year in NZ! Don’t tell my wife (she’s an Aussie), but it’s my favourite country. Great tunes too.

A thoroughly enjoyable morning in the countryside. I have to admit the weather probably did influence me a bit. As for walking the first climb, it was a nice time to say hello to others. Only did the 50k this year as it was my first event and to be honest, I’d have quite happily stayed at 25k and just demolished the cake :)
Many thanks to the people of Winchcombe!

Verenti Substance[/url] from Wiggle. A similar spec to the CdF but substantially cheaper (fund for new wheel set?).

Another vote for Buff…

Verenti Substance[/url] looks interesting but possibly more of a cut-price Genesis CdF than a full on crosser..

It only took two cups of coffee…

Thanks cheers_drive. (off to look at dirt floor drives)

This almost exactly what I’m looking for… I’m in need of a new track pump and immlooking to go tubeless in due course. My only other requirement is that I’d like the pump to get beyond 100psi so that it can also look after the road bike. Does anyone know if Lezyne’s floor drive (ie not dirt floor drive) would be as good as mboy’s experience?

I really wanted a Raleigh Record Sprint… black with gold decals IIRC. And doesn’t it have a Space shuttle outline on it somewhere? I ended up with a Scirocco, the first bike I bought with my own money. The Scirocco still lives at my parents’ place, and I think after reading this thread, I may try and resurrect it! :)

It’s not much help but I ride a ’12 Element 50 and I have to admit I’m always mighty impressed the way the bike flatters my sh1t riding skills. The rear end is well planted for climbing but supple on the descents. If , like me, you like climbing, getting out of the saddle is no hardship. From what I can see the the Thunderbolt has slightly larger wheelset and a slacker head angle. I chassis has the same engineering as my Element and so I would expect it to perform in a similar manner. I think RM are marketing it as trail/XC bike (my kind of riding).

I have to admit, I’d love to take it for a spin.

OP, I’m about to make the same change in commuting routine! If you’re looking for a shower try theatres as they usually have them otherwise ask about. You’ll often find anaesthetists cycle or run to work (dunno why) or speak nicely to someone in general office about using on call facilities. Good luck!

As above, plenty of riding where you are. Pick up an OS map and head off on the Ridgeway towards Rudry or muck about above Castell Coch. If taking the car, I’d suggest parking in a well lit area and avoid switching on the car’s interior light…

I heard last week that the re-opening of Penhydd had been put back due to “construction issues”. It was suggested that some parts hadn’t been built to a high enough standard and needed to be re-built. I also heard that Glyncorrowg are getting a new XC route…

This doesn’t particularly answer your query, but I’ve been very impressed with my Light and Motion Urban 300. I use both on and off road as it gives a good focused beam and great battery life.

I suppose I now await the “we cannot fulfil your order…” email.

You’re right. Seems wiggle have spotted their error… though not before I ordered 2 :)

I saw them live in Trefforest around 91/92.

How did I miss that? She could’ve stayed over…

Another Alfa owner… 159 SW ti with the newer 2.0JTDM engine. Oddly, this is my first Alfa after being a serial Fiat driver. My advice to all Italian car buyers is look after them and get them serviced and they will serve you fine. The Italians don’t understand people complaining about reliability having ignored servicing. Oh, and drive them like they are meant to be.

As for the GT, probably the ultimate incarnation of the 147/156 cars. Are you sure you don’t want a nice petrol version?

Glad to hear your brother is going to use it properly! Would love to drive one as it was inteded… (from another 159ti owner)

@the_lecht_rocks, can you drop me a line with some more info? barchetta_boy AT hotmail DOT com

Not sure about Superstar hubs… they have had a few “issues” that concern me. They also only have Flows in 29er flavour which is too hardcore for me :)
Does anyone know anything about Cole wheels from Evans? Link

I used Larsens when I lived in Brisbane… great tyre for those dry hard packed conditions. Rolls fast and holds on well. Not sure about using it in the British summer though, I’d head towards a Crossmark.

Riding a Superfly Al, and I have to agree to rides very well. I was looking at an X-Caliber but the Superfly came up at a good price and has the better frame. I quite fancy having a go on the FF29. What about a Spesh stumpy?

If you’re in canton, I’d drop into Bike Shed. Cyclopaedia have a good rep but they’re on Crwys rd which is a pain. Tredz on Penarth road are pretty good too.

I’m in the same boat. I like the look of the Park Tools set, but it costs more than the wrench itself!

I’ve just changed the pads on my Rx brakes… leave the old pads in situ, and lever apart with the widest flat screw driver you have. There’s quuite a gap you need to make before you can easily insert fresh (superstar in my case) pads with enough clearance for the rota as well.

Yep, happy to ride a footpath so long as it’s quiet (in a similar vein, I avoid trail centres at the weekend ;) ). Slow up, make polite conversation and most are very civil. I use one path where the landowner doesn’t bikes ridden, so I push the 20-30m. Not a problem really.

On my iPhone 3GS I had a similar issue that was resolved by logging out and logging in again… maybe worth trying.

At 1mm I’d make sure I have spare set to hand and check after each ride. Perfectly fine to ride with 1mm of pad

As with all sunny Saturdays, I’m at the office :(
Hoping for an early ride tomorrow :)

Sounds just like the experience I had with my old Epic. In my case it was Soesh’s use of alloy nipples; look pretty but useless. Replace with brass.

Your style of riding (and vintage) seem similar to me. I recently picked up a Superfly Al and whilst the geo is very much designed around climbing, it is bloomin’ fast and fun down hills. A word of warning; whilst the frame seems strong, I think the wheels are made from cheese…. (and I’m only 70kg (ish))

Soloist
I had the basic cro-mo version (until the thieving scum nicked it). 100mm recons and rode beautifully. Geometry suited me well.

Considering g a set of these too as I have a dinged rim and worn hub on the rear I my 29er. From what I read they’re not tubeless ready and I’m not sure they can be. Merlin recently had some at a good price.