These were fitted to my Revolt Advanced. I had always intended to swap them out as I already had RS685 shifters to fit but was pleasantly surprised at how well they worked. Very quiet and almost as powerful as the Ultegras (though as mentioned not as much feel and they do take up a bit of bar space). Still got them and 105 shifters if anyone’s interested?

Dammit! Can’t get link to work on my phone. Shoes are on the Start Fitness website for anybody interested.

@Nobeer – thanks, it looks a cracking route.

A very timely thread as I’m staying near Grange for a few days from this weekend. Nobeer, which FP did you take to avoid Rosset Gill – the one after Stakes Pass or do you follow Angletarn Beck up to the tarn? Thinking of doing this but starting at Grange then adding the Castle Crag descent from the B/dale bash on at the end.

Thanks for the replies.

I had dismissed the Secan at first after seeing the full bike prices but then saw the frame only option.

If I use some existing components (and a bit of man maths) I can just afford a nice build.

I guess what I should be asking is – is the Secan worth the extra cost over the Tempest?

I had 19″ Dunlop Winter sports put on my Audi allroad last winter and it was virtually unstoppable in the snow (massive improvement over the summers previously fitted). Left them on and they’ve been fine all summer with over 6mm of tread still left all round after 10000 miles.

Thanks NCB looks good, just what I was after.

Was some years ago now but we used a behaviourist called Carrie Evans who has a centre in Stockton-on-Tees. She worked wonders with our derranged ( but very lovable – now sadly gone) Lab/Collie cross.

Can second the Clarks, had mine on for 6 months without issue. They look just as good as the Hopes and a 203mm is only £15 on eBay.

Was just thinking about this last night. I’ve always used winters in the past but never got around to fitting them to this car (bought last summer).

In the first bit of snow this winter it obviously didn’t perform as well (even with 4wd, previous cars were Fwd). But what I really missed was the security of driving in cold wet conditions at 5:30 in the morning or late at night. I managed to get a good deal on some Dunlop WinterSports and the difference was night and day – they have been great all winter.

Thing is I tow a caravan (I know, I know!) which gets used all year and often find myself in muddy fields so was thinking of leaving the winters on which are mud + snow rated and have a more aggressive tread. The winters are just as quiet as the summers (also Dunlop) and have been fine when temps have been in double figures. I did try and find a decent all season tyre but none are available in my size (245/40/19).

Ok, no problem and good luck!

Personaly I would keep away from the eBay ones.
ECP have a sale on ATM (don’t they always?) and a new branded (HAAS I think) EGR valve for a VAG 2.0 TDI is £125ish.
I had a issues with my Passat before I sold it and bought a new EGR but it turned out to be something else.
I have the old one in the garage which you can have for the cost of postage.

If you’re interested in second hand I have my daughter’s very lightly used Beinn 20 in the classifieds. Even if you don’t want to buy and you’re local (Sunderland) you are welcome to just have a look. This is the fifth Islabike we’ve had in the family and everything that is said about the quality and resale is true (l know, I would say that

you don’t need to use all the power all the time …
My remap on the rolling road went from about 240 to 280 bhp but that was before I bought the car…
Never had a MOT issue on emissions and the extra 40 bhp feels like does make a difference when you want to drive like a dick…

When I’m not driving like a dick (which is mostly) I’m getting real world 50mpg on motorways in a 280 bhp car… with a nice balanced V6 diesel… most of the time the engine is in super-economy at 75 mph.. but it can just burn a lot very quickly when you slam your foot down.

Sounds like you have the same engine as me (l have a 09 A6 Allroad 3.0 TDI). Do you know who mapped yours?

Interesting reading about remaps and emissions. I was thinking about getting my current car done (had a Passat pd130 done with excellent results).
How do the manufacturer approved remaps (Volvo – Polestar, Ford -Mountune) still maintain the required emissions?

Steve Backshall – Mountain
Quite a surprising read, there’s a lot more to him than being a kids wildlife presenter.
Seen him speak a couple of times – nice, genuine bloke.

@Poopscoop
I’ve just started reading The Old Ways by Rob McFarlane on that very subject. I think you would enjoy it.

@mikesbikes71 – contact me if you’re still up for a ride. email in profile.

@mikesbikes71 – sounds good – yes I live close by. I’m away for the next week but I’ll message you when I get back and we’ll sort something out.

Brennak nails it. Excellent ride, was a bit worried how l would manage on a 120mm hardtail when everyone else l saw seemed to have Enduro rigs and body armour but it was fine.
Kayla, does that mean their are 3 Cotic owners in the MTB paradise that is Sunderland?

Here’s mine, anyone guess where?

Kayla, nice Flare – been thinking about one myself. I may have seen you riding past Silksworth Ski Slope a couple of weeks ago (another Sunderland rider).

Apart from a mention of Stanley I’m surprised there haven’t been more NE England suggestions.
I live in Sunderland which I always thought was a featureless dump but compared to the other contenders here it suddenly seems like a cosmopolitan, cultural haven (ok, that might be pushing it just a little).

Had mine for about a year now and it’s been fine (got it reduced for £12.50!).
You don’t need to extend the legs out all the way. I have mine about halfway and it still holds a bike ok only with a much smaller footprint.
Also, popping the front wheel out helps to balance the bike a bit better if you’re holding it by the seatpost (unless it’s that you’re working on of course!).

Currently away in our caravan in the Lakes.
Was up Hallin Fell today and want to be up sharp(ish) to do Angle Tarn tomorrow so kids and us to bed just after 12.
BTW long time lurker but first post so hello!

I ran 42mm Conti X Kings on my old Croix de Fer and it was fine although sometimes a stone would get stuck in the tyre tread and you’d hear ‘ping ping’off the frame/fork as you rode along.

Have mentioned this in another thread but take a look at the Cube CX Pro – excellent vfm. I’ve got the Race (next one down) and am chuffed to bits with it.

Take a look at the Cube Cross Race-for £995 it’s got a very good spec. Have had mine for a couple of weeks now and I’m chuffed to bits with it.