Have you ever owned or riden a titanium bike. I have had 2 and the conlusion I have come to is that a good steel frame is better much better value. Ok ti looks nice it doesn’t scratch and people admire it. But if you shut your eyes when riding I doubt you could tell the difference. Plus its easily repairable and repainted.
I am talking mtb here so maybe not applicable for your use. Good luck with your project.

Take a look at the sqlabs website. There is detailed information o n there. I would suggest a riser bar with more sweep. Options are Sq labs, On one ogee, or Stooge Moto bars which I have. Also Ergon gp1 grips.

I find Stooge Moto bars suite me. 800mm wide, 17 degrees sweep, 38mm rise. Usually with Ergon grips. I might try some stubby bar ends on them some time. This is for off road use, road doesn’t appeal to me.

I recently bought an slx caliper and one of those came with it.

I will be riding my Stooge Speedball tommorow. I know I will love it. That bike has something special in it. I can’t explain it- it’s magic.

Lands End. Rohan.

Ecco track 25. I wear them all day. Goretex membrane and last well. Really comfy and last well. Pricey but worth it. Shop around for best price as they do vary.

Woolovers

I’ve been using Bridgedale waterproof socks this winter and am well impressed. Waterproof and warm.

I had an sl to demo for a day. Bought full fat which I ride mostly in Eco.I think it depends on your weight and how you ride.I am lightweight and have had 35 miles from 500 w battery but its good to have trail and boost available. You definitely need a proper demo.

Interesting to read this thread. I recently had an SL demo for a day and was not really impressed. If I paid that sort of money I would expect it to be sorted. I bought a Merida E160 and am well pleased. Nothing to change except the saddle which is to be expected.

I am self employed fitting kitchens and bathrooms. Most of my customers have postponed. Most of my supplies have to be ordered in advance and that is now not possible because most have shut their doors.

I have been on 3 for years and find the coverage ok. It does depend on area though. I am in east wales/ gloucestershire area.

Thanks all for your replies. A few more details that I missed out in my original post. MIL is in good bodily health but she does suffer from dementia and my wife does have lasting power of attorney and is co executor of the will. The issues that I mentioned are relating to family members and large amounts of money, a recipe for discord . My reason for asking the question is based on personal disappointment in the service I have received in the past from the legal profession. I feel that when people are grieving is not the best time to make important decisions.

Thanks guys.!

I was persuaded by a bike shop salesman to buy some ergon grips. I loved them and since have put them on all my bikes. I have just bought a new bike so will be looking for some more or similar. Those spesh. ones look interesting. Once you have ridden any distance with this kind of grip you want them again.

If you are not interested in racing have a look at the ‘Exmoor Explorer’ run by’ Channel Events’ This is a challenge ride of 20 miles with an optional extra 15 miles. I have done this the last 3 years (different route each year). It’s well organised and well marked. They also run similar events on the Mendips and Quantocks.

I come into contact with many people who send their children to private school and most of them think its a good thing ( perhaps they would after they spenting that sort of money). Although they generally think that state schools are ok. I think it depends massively on where you live and the quality of the state school your daughter would go to. I went to a state grammar school and when I was younger thought it was rubbish but as I grow older I recognize the good things about it. My children went to the local comp. and neither they nor I think much of it. Although I am happy with my life I now know I could have done better ( how do you define better) My children have both done well in very different ways. My conclusion is that a parents influence and advise given to their children is the most important thing. Quite some responsibility!

Following on from my previous comment and others could it be that Ergon grips just mask the underlying problem which is that most bars put your hands at an unnatural angle.

I use Ergon grips and they certainly help but I have found swept bars really make a big difference. Stooge moto bars are good but have quite a rise which may not suite some. Richey do a few different ones or try On one ogee bars. Of course if you’re feeling flush there are Jones h bars.

Following a review in singletrack I spent a lot of money on some Ion Shelter pants. For the price they are un impressive. They are well made but the sizing is way out even for my lanky proportions. The medium that I first ordered were too small in all directions. I now have large but they are fully tightened on the waist and still not really long enough. They constantly fall down at the back. Although not sold as waterproof they were quickly soaked after a light shower. I have improved this by reproofing them myself. All this for £135. Still a do now like the idea of pants/trousers. Next winter I shall lash out on a dirtje one peice, I hear nothing but good about them. Styling is a bit suspect though.

Toe clip straps.

Alex. I did exactly that and spent weeks trying to get it to work with no luck. In the end I swapped it all out to 11 speed with sunrace 11_50 cassette and all good. When I had both cassettes on the bench next to each other the 12 speed one was about 3 mm wider than the 11. I dont know what that tells me. I will use the 12 speed kit sometime I am sure.

I ran a 2.4 Ardent on a 45mm rim for a while, it was a bit square but ran ok. As has been said Jeff Jones recommended this and he,s no fool and not in the least bit bothered by fashion.

Kitchen and bathroom fitter rant.
You cannot have a BMW for the price of a Ford.
When will people learn this very basic thing.

Have you thought about Pogies. I find they work well but not cool.

I have 29×3.25 duro crux on my stooge speedball. I ride every week in all weathers and it copes with everything. I am tubeless and have 50mm rims so running 11psi. I have not had the bike in the summer so cant comment on how well it runs in dry weather. It is also a bit of a bargain comparee to some.

Whatever you do avoid Hermes!!

My day started at dawn with a family and friends walk up Sugar Loaf then a bike ride around the Blorenge. We called it 2 peaks 2020. Black mountains in South Wales, so lucky to live here!

I spent this afternoon fettling with my Stooge in the shed. I fitted a sunrace 11_50 cassette with an slx mech and an xt shifter . All 11 speed. Fitted and set up with no problems at all. So on that basis 11_ 46 would be no problem. Shed time is so important.

If you can manage rigid _ stooge

Stooge

Most of the well known names are sold by people who have know little about the product or kitchen design. They are very good behind a desk with a mouse. Try and find a good independant fitter. He will help with the design and advise you on where to go to buy. The quality of the your buying/fitting experience will vary largely depending on the fitter and the individual who sells you the kitchen. Wren kitchens although reasonable quality have zero after sales service. Other makes vary. As has been said Howdens have been left behind quality wise. DIY kitchens always get good reviews for quality and service.
Having a new kitchen fitted is a major upheaval so bear in mind that price is not the only factor. Problems do arise and you need people who who are willing and able to sort them.
If you are in the south wales/Bristol area I can help with all this. ( Yes its a a stealth advert!)
Good luck and do not rush into anything, especially january sales.

Most trees are vertical. If they are horizontal its a sure sign they have been felled.

I have a wednesday and until recently I used it for 90% of my riding. I built it up from a second hand frame. Mine is set up as a trail bike. Bluto forks, Dt 710 rims, hope hubs, 1×10 xt and slx gearing, slx brakes, brand x dropper.I have no idea what it weighs but I do everything on it. For a fat bike the geometry is a bit slack. Cant fault it. If you are anywhere south wales your welcome to come and try it. I love it.

I have the 12 speed sunrace set up and am having trouble setting it up. Currently have slx mech with xtr shifter and shimano chain. I started out with slx shifter and sram eagle chain. The xtr shifter is far superior and so i t should be. Although shifting is better it is nowhere near right.

I set my Duro Crux up tubeless at the weekend. I used Gorilla tape as I couldnt find any 50mm rim tape. I do have access to a compressor which helps. It is a fantastic tyre and at a good price. Beare in mind it is 3.25 so maybe a bit wide for some frames.

Twonks. I am talking 12 speed.

Sorry to highjack this thread but have I missed something. I recently built up a Stooge Speedball using a do nor bike and new parts. So hope hubs and driver that I already had. Set up is Sunrace 11_50 cassette, xtr shifter, slx mech, currently shimano chain but have tried sram. Anyway I cannot get it set up properly. I am not new to this but am running out of ideas. Any suggestions??

I currently have a dispute with Hermes. I sold a dropper post on ebay and sent it via Hermes( one of their reccomended courier). The buyer received an empty box. As soon as this became clear I put in a claim to Hermes and provided them with all the documentation they asked for. I quickly recieved a reply telling me it would be sorted within 14 days. It is now 28 days and despite many emails and web chats I get no responce. Of course you cannot speak to a real person. I have spoken to real person at ebay who said they could do nothing and it is up to me to sort it out. My ebay buyer had now started a dispute via ebay. What can I do.