I’ve had XT rears and killed them (before I had a shop and mechanics to look after them but they’re still a pain!).

Now I use Hopes (although the alloy freehub annoys) and next wheels will be American Classic – can’t see how it can get any better than them.

Have a serious look at American Classic. Really impressive and lots of patents: they work very very well.

It took us 6 months to get a Madison account and we had a real shop the whole time. Some are easier than others of course. You could probably get cheaper prices than trade anyhow as a consumer!

I would say a Transition Covert – I know folk who use them for downhilling but also as an all day bike. Not too heavy, can take serious punishment and a good pedaller.

Have a look at American Classic wheels. We’re mesmerised by them.

I’m hoping to do this. I heard the Great Glen Way afterwards is pretty easy and you can cover a big distance every day, is this right?

My mate did it and said to avoid the north Loch Lomond hike-a-bike. It’s supposed to be tragic.

Yes, it would be!

Ridden both and Covert felt much plusher and a better climber. Great bike. I’m not impartial though as we sell them!

Shame we’re not like that. Sick of hearing “jokes” from folk who should experience something like this themselves before they open their mouths.

Not really concerned. If we run out of Shimano in the shop or parts for my Honda, I’ll deal with it. You’re kidding, right?

LONG HAUL TRUCKER!!! Just sold two of these, love them.

Nobby Nics are very fast. Great all-round. Shouldn’t be saying that though as we’re not selling them any more – this deal is cheaper than my trade price!!!

We’ve had a couple of customers run them tubeless and it hasn’t worked. I’m no expert though – I just use the tubeless versions on my bike.

I wouldn’t lick you if you were glazed in honey!

We have one left! A Loki Meta Snowsports Jacket with integrated gloves and face mask! Need to sell it off!

I hated them when I was a kid – they got in everywhere so I spent many joyous hours trying to kill them with a magnifying glass. Wasn’t very successful.

I’ve always liked birds though, my Dad would not have had it any other way, although he was worried for a time…!

Our shop of course – best bikes in the whole world. Bothy Bikes are a good set of lads by the way.

Are you likely to be able to use other paths than roads? If so, CX. Otherwise, road but you should really try both out and ask yourself what you want?

Road – look for a brand that’s putting more into the frame, as you would with MTB. If you’re comparing a “carbon” bike with 105 with a carbon bike with 105, you are generally not comparing like with like. See if you can demo some? What’s your price limit? Spec-wise, all works fine – Tiagra’s great but I would use either 105 or SRAM Rival. No sense in spending more than those groupsets to me.

Do you want a comfortable bike or a more racey machine? Perhaps a touring bike would make more sense if you’re only using it as a commuting bike or maybe even a light tourer such as a Surly Cross Check.

Sorry, asking more questions than I’m answering.

iDave, loving your work!!!

Why is it a great debate? If you want them, stick them on? If you don’t, don’t?!

Transition TR250? New Bottlerocket out in July I think too.

Cool! Thought the coincidence was pretty strong! We changed the name on the downtube by altering ours ever so slightly. I was trying to call you today to see if you wanted anything put on your frame.

But it has been sent now so next time you order anything, drop us an email first and I’ll try to give you a cheeky wee gift of some sort.

Yes, it’s more likely to happen. It’s obvious that it will and with so few spokes it must surely be more likely to flatspot the rim between the spokes? And they’re superblingy so someone’s going to hate you for having them. Oh, and the first few had terrible freewheels. AND there was no real reason to “reinvent” the wheel in the first place.

However, I ride them because:

1. They attract attention to my Morewood Zula so customers ask about it (it’s a ploy but at least I’m honest about it!).

2. We sell them (from time to time but not very often!). We also sell Hope Hoops (and sell quite a few) and the odd handbuilt wheel.

3. They’re actually really good. I run mine with Q/Rs front and rear and they’re a lot stiffer than my handbuilt Hope/819 wheels and feel a lot nicer. It sounds ridiculous but I change bikes quite a lot and I can feel the difference (in a good way).

Sweet bikes, we love them but we’ve got tons of frames because they don’t have the correct name on the downtube. Superbly finished and customers who have Sanderson swear by them.

Smart. Back light is phenomenal and we’ve never had any returned.

Ox, shut up, they’re our secret.

Just ridden the Pivot Firebird. If the Pivot Mach 4 and 5.7 ride as well as this (and the reviews state as such) then I would seriously look them up. We’re going to be a dealer now on the basis of riding a 170mm bike that really climbs. Surprising stuff. I’m going to buy a Pivot Mach 4 for me – they’re not kidding when they say you don’t need Propedal!!!

Tons of frogs out last night out our way (near Stirling). They were pretty “active” (although always just sit up and play chicken when you’re cycling at them). There was a four-way at one point, which was nice.

Don’t let the forums grind you down! You’ve made your choice and it’s a good one. Persevere, it’ll work out. The mechanics don’t like my Formula The Ones but I’m selling my Hope X2s because they’re not as powerful and work the way I like. You’re allowed to have an opinion. Again, sorry for being positive.

Sorry to be vaguely positive. I know it’s not right or okay. I’ve had The Ones for years on two different bikes (about to make it 3) and while they can be a bit of a pain (needing a bleed when changing pads) they’re awesome. Braking good in all conditions and pads last long enough for me.

Maybe you guys should stop dragging the brakes?!

What is the point of forums?

Oops

This is surely from the guy who sells Ragleys and doubtlessly other sexual steel bikes? He’s having a laugh!

Sanderson Life? Whyte 19 Steel? Dunno about them myself but lots of folk ride Cotic. I don’t think you can go wrong with them. Just get used to slacker geometry. Believe me, I’m still fighting it but I love it. Perhaps an adjustable fork may help you get used to it.

We sold a Transition Covert to a MASSIVE guy. He loves it and it’s solid.

Whyte 19 Steel – true enough but I saw the bit about spending more! Should be £649.00. Have only got medium but we’re selling them for £520.

If you work a 37 hour week and spend most of it on forums, should you be taxed more? Discuss.

Simples – Whyte 19 Steel. I think there are 2010 models left too as frames so Whyte dealers should be able to get hold of them. Really amazing bike and the seat stays are swoopy (!) So it looks cool.

Sealskinz don’t work for me – boil in bag stuff then I get eczema. However, now I use merino socks (Smartwool) and Gore socks. Works really well.

I’d strongly recommend spending the money and using bibs. Santini and Craft in particular have surprised me with how comfortable they are but how much cheaper they are.

Mine.

Ox – just occurred to me – I’d be rubbish as a Tourism Officer – I’ve been trying to persuade you to move up for years with no luck.

Maybe it’s a dump after all and we’re trying to lure you, fat.