I have a Deore chainring on my Soloist, but find that if I have much more than 10mm, I get the chain rolling off the chainrings. Maybe I should invest a SS-specific chainring…

Amazing how all these people saying that the NHS needs to change, has outlived its usefullness, is a dinosaur, blah blah blah can’t manage to come up with an alternative. Surely its a simple matter?

Sorry mate, but no it’s not simple. I don’t have a master plan, but personally I think we have to realise that the NHS isn’t free… it costs money. Secondly, it isn’t a bottomless pit. Once we realise these two points, then we may start appreciating the NHS for what it is: a health service to ensure the health of the nation. Missed appointments, not turning up for an op, medication not being taken appropriately, requesting unnecessary ops, using the ambulance service as a taxi service, staff abuse, I could go on but you get the idea.

And let’s take the politicos out of the equation. Then we can stop this constant fiddling, re-organisation and vote-buying initiatives (hello free prescription in Wales). Why not have a proper and professional national and regional management team with professionals sitting on the board? Hospital and primary care services complimenting each other??

And here’s a thought, why not engage the PMIs to offer insurance to those that want? And if you are a higher rate tax-payer and do not take up a PMI, maybe they should pay an extra supplementary tax.

And no mention of scrapping the NHS :)

BTW, cost on an anaesthetic in the private sector? Depends on what op you are having, but as low as £80. Surprised?

Let’s face it, the NHS is a big lumbering monolith that has out-lived it’s design. And it needs a radical overhall. Not a facelift, a re-branding or any other general rubbish often spouted by the politicos, but serious change. As has been mentioned, the costs of healthcare have escalated dramatically, and the rate of inflation for healthcare products far outstrips that of the CPI or RPI. The tax-payer (that’s you) can no longer afford it. Unfortunately any politicican that stands up and says that the NHS needs radical change will have to kiss good-bye to their career due to the collective ignorance of the general voting public.

I have to laugh when people comment about companies making a profit out of healthcare. Where do you think your penicillin comes from? Clue; it ain’t grown by a socialist co-operative.

(Rant over…)

I have a daughter who is a huge fan of anything Mr Fletcher does… and I must admit, he’s pretty entertaining! My preference is for the Octonauts! More adventurous and daring :) They’re even on twitter.

Always ride in my (monthly) disposable contacts. If I’m anywhere but pootling to the shops I also use eye protection. Usually just some cheap clear lens glasses… nothing flash. Maybe have a go with a trial pair. A decent optician should allow you a trial.

Yep, no action for a month. A combination of work, various colds (from my toddler), an overseas trip and then laryngitis last week. Hoping to venture out this evening for a shortish night ride… fingers crossed!

I bought my (red hubbed) hoops from 18 bikes. They offer free Stans tubeless kit and, if pre-ordered, a discount. Great chaps to deal with.

‘morning!
What’s the correct etiquette for grinding the coffee beans when the littlest one arises? I say, that if I am awake, it’s ok. My wife says, I need to wait until 2 y.o. awakes as her bedroom is above the kitchen.

Stratos HF please!

It was running well on Wednesday with only a couple of diversions. P1ssing with rain at the moment so the link will be like a quagmire.

I (legally) deal some mind-bending drugs. Currently based just south of Afan.

The shop (in Cardiff) is pretty good for stock and the mechanic is both knowledgible and and a dab hand. Unfortunately their stock comes from Swansea who seem to have trouble moving things around! My only online experience was when ordering a wire bead Aspen tyre at the bargain price of £12, I was sent a folding version a week later (at no extra charge).

@offthebrakes, I have wondered about taking a metal file or hacksaw to the tool.. will give it a go. At the same time will apply some copper grease to the EBB. Thanks for the tip :)

EBB on the Soloist cannot be adjusted with the crank arms on if you are using an external BB. Bit of a pain TBH, but it’s a wonderful ride.

Ground Effects. Great pics of great scenery in a great country. :)

’88 Uno, ’94 Punto, ’97 barchetta, ’08 500 and my Dad has a ’06 Panda. In total I’ve had two new wheel bearings, a thermistor and a stop-light bulb. So, yeah, Fix It Again Tony (for those still in the 70’s)

A quick clarification. Pete Davis designed the Multipla, as opposed to Chris Bangle who designed the Coupe Fiat (its correct name). Walter da Silva did recent Alfa’s but zagato did the utter fabulous il mostro (SZ).

I’m surprised nobody has mentioned the Rodius-wannbe, bmw x6. Or the x5. Or the x3 coming to think of it. And pretty much any SUV. BTW Multipla is sooo out-there, it’s cool!

I have two of those: one for the road and one for the mountain. They work and do not damage the wheels. What more can I say? I’ve just bought a third hook, for the SS, but this time a different design. Rather frustratingly Halfords are now selling the same one for £9.

Halfords

Tredz are owned by wheelies. Tredz delivery in my experience is a little tardy and they’re rarely the cheapest.

@tk, what’s the braking performance like with those fancy bling rotors?

@fishboy, try roofbox.co.uk, they’re usually pretty helpful.

Alfa 159. Saab use their old engines and an old vectra chassis. Alfa has bespoke “Premium” chassis. Volvo is nice looking though :)