I had a fireline for a while. I don’t know why but it didn’t float my boat.Dull and boring when I was expecting so much.

I am on my second Doblo. Love it for its practicality, but not a smooth ride. Spent a bit on good tyres which improved the things.

Another for screwfix degreaser. I use it to clean everything including the bath.

Shorts are a very personal thing. I have recently discovered Galibier after years wearing Endura. Sorry just noticed ‘ budget’ In that case probably dhb or decathlon. The pad does not have to be big to be comfortable.

There is usually a gasket but it needs silicone more than a gasket.

The people who work in screwfix are usually nice, polite and helpful but not likely to have any first hand knowledge of the products they sell. Read the reviews.

I,ve often thought a postie is a good job.

If you need to ask about electrics then you need an electrician. By that I mean someone trained, qualfied, registered and regularly asessed. I am not an electrician.

For me, mainly dog walking in wales, I bought a down jacket from Decathlon for just under 50 pounds and supplement this with wind or waterproof outer layer. In my case my mt500 jacket. I did order the Katabatic and it is a nice jacket but not for me.

As said endura will fall apart. 100% Briskers.

I had the previous version and was quite underwhelmed by it. This one is obviously not the same but there no details of the frame geometry on their website.

As has been said, ex army and of thread.

For all day comfort anything from Ecco. I wear the Track25 in either boot of shoe. Maybe not cool enough but have a look. I am an old man so can get away with it.

I have always found them very efficient with deliveries.

My Merida ebike came with Fox Factory forks and I can’t fault them. Go for it.

Not in the forest but Climb On bikes in Hereford or Slam 69 near Gloucester.

My Merida while is mullet. 29×2.6 front, 27.5x 2.8 rear. It works fine for me although I have nothing to compare it with.

+ for Galibier.I have had a few things from them recently and I am well pleased. And also good people to deal with. The sizing is ‘italian’

Ex Raf goretex. I have 2 pairs, one cut off for biking, the other full lenth. Really good quality. They come in many waist sizes and lengths but not all the time. You have to keep looking until your size comes up. There are several sellers on eBay but some that are not. It can be a bit of a hassle searching for the size you want but I think we’ll worth it. They will cost about £30 , mine were brand new.

I too have discovered Galibier recently. Great kit at sensible prices. I’ve just bought some peloton bibs and really pleased. But beware the sizing is for racing snakes.

I recently bought a timber bell from stw. It’s amazing how everyone loves it and says so.

The Wye Valley is my local area. I was there today. I would agree with all Welsh Farmer says. I am not massively rad but know the area well. Pm me if you want to tag along some time.

More exploring from home on my ebike.

When I was looking for a jacket recently I ordered the Katabatic from Alpkit and a down jacket from Decathlon. The Katabatic is a lovely jacket but for £40 the Decathlon works for me. Note, they size up small.

Much the same as others. I run a standard at 12 speed shimano chain and no breakages and good mile
age. But… I use the the full range of gears and do not rely on the motor, plus I use Squirt lube which I always find good.

So sorry to hear this.

Vande Moab. Job done.

Gore windstopper

FJM custom stands. Way out of your budget but a quality price of kit.

I have a Festool1/2 for worktops and biger jobs, a 1/4 Makita for smaller jobs. But recently bought a Katsu palm router and I am really impressed with it, an absolute bargain.

I use a silicone spray readily available from Screwfix.

Since getting an ebike, on the car is not really an option due to the weight and there are 2 dogs in the car (Skoda Yeti). I bought a fork mount which I mounted on a peice of timber which fits on the floor of the van. I then drilled 2 x 6mm holes through this and the floor. On the bottom of this I fixed 2 T nuts held in place by block of wood glued on. 2 long threaded boots with turn knobs hold it all down and easily removable. The bike is now easily fixed and removed. Make sure the weight is positioned over the axle to minimise any effects on nose weight. The front wheel goes in a bag. I usually remove the pedals to get the bike in the van.

Blatant ad. I supply and fit kitchens for a living. If you are anywhere near Monmouth,( S. Wales/England border) pm me for advise.

Op you haven’t said where you are. From the tone of your post you seem to have missed some of the very good trades people out there and stumbled on the poor quality ones ( of which there are many). As with most things we spend our money on there is good and bad and we have to choose what suites us.

+1 for Burgtec

Off piste in any area is often a bit sensitive if you know what I mean and so is best not published.

I am amazed that no one has shot him. The Americans do have a history of doing this.

Magic Mary up front. Hans Dampf at the back. Job done

South of Nant Y is the Elan valley. Loads of epic proper old school xc. Start at at the visitors centre. Clive Powell bike shop in Rhyader.

I have the Osprey Seral and rarely use anything else. I find it comfy even when full and carrying 1.5 litres of water.