Cheers SC – I need to get feedback from our group and the possibility about subsidisation first :)

Cheers Simon – I’ll have a look – I presume we can design them or do you have to use their design service? Just thinking about keeping the costs down?

Edit – just looked at their website ;)

I’m no racer but changing my Ribble Sportive frame (admittedly a more relaxed fit) to a Spesh SL2 (in teh sales I might add) the difference was very noticable :)

Fills a niche IMHO but you “dont” need them – handy but not vital :)

yes (well my HiLo) and from new – I figured it is just tolerances between the bushes and the central pillar/outer tube?

I hope you break it down not break it ;) LOL

VanMan – yeah did an article on it for our magazine:

http://www.cyclistno1.co.uk/features/maintenance/x-fusion-hilo-service.htm

FWIW – I just used Shimano grease on the seal on the collar on my X-Fusion Hilo which is very similar :) Float Fluid would do that same thing also :)

Cool – looked like a good trip – soz I couldn’t make it esp as I only live 1/2 mile up the road from the HOM :)

Hmm- Sorry – Was only me that laughed ;) Mine arrived this morning all the way from Preston instantly! I do wonder about their tracking :(

That was what I thought – just wondered if this was realistic ;)

But wouldn’t that say – yes we have one made by exposure?

Edit: just mailed them as well.

No one then?

Rich you should have got yer thumb out – hitching usually works.

Yeah Tim did cross my mind but never hitched before…..

cheers for the tip ransos

The Altura Semi-Drys are OK – although with bib shorts they do slip down – seem OK ATM

Cool – yeah did think of the shoes but pricing put me off – Maybe i’ll keep my eyes out in the sales?

Otherwise I’ll have a look at those BBB one – I did see them when pursuing :) Maybe I’ll have to think about velcro vs zips as there are few with velcro :(

@ hammerite – the Pro ones look good even if they are a bit larey ;)

Sounds like a plan :)

LOL – no not really but only if its raining and blowing a gale ;)

BTW – is this your first go on the rollers – if so put it up against something you can lean on ;) They take a few goes to get them right IME :)

Oh that was just a link – I got mine a fair bit cheaper than that :) was a little while ago though. Was just that if you layer garments you can have the right combo for the conditions if you know what I mean :)

? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Gore-Bike-Wear-Power-II-Lady-Waterproof-Cycling-Jacket-/120802900145?var=#vi-content

I thought I had prepared but fate was against me :(

Biked in today and have a brand new tube, I have my other pump in my bag, mobile is charged and now carry my emergency waterproof one always, spare chain links and puncture repair kit :)

Edit: Crispy – no was on road bike – those pads are for test purposes ;)

Yeah – sad isn’t it – people just do not want to get involved or, even worse, the thought never enters their head?

He sounds like a right tool Bob! – yeah sorry I didn’t mean stop and get out but at least ask?

I did have a bright orange high viz jacket on but I did look like a typical cyclist so…. I can’t answer whether I look like a weirdo – you’ll have to ask others like Realman ;)

Ti – Ahh – you mean they were jealous – now that might be likely ;) LOL

Edit: Off topic I offered someone 10p at the petrol station recently coz they were short – the look of surprise on the ladies face was priceless!

I got a top shell – wind proof and drizzle resistant from Gore – fitting jacket – superb :) Can layer it up so if you get hot and the sun comes out then you can stuff it into your pocket :)

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/gore-bike-wear-xenon-active-shell-windstopper-jacket/

Mine has a bit of play but not really an issue – also putting grease under the collar has helped with the squeak :)

No worries – Water under the bridge :)

We all have our aspirations – they just vary – most people in the UK have never even ridden more than 10 miles so….

I see myself in the 1 % of the country that has ridden a fair distance but one of the 99% of the 1% that and probably Mr average – I take my hat off to those who can push the boundaries but I have so many other interests in life that I feel I am a jack of all trades but a master of none.

Good on those who can push themselves to feets of endeavor but I am happy just doing my own thing – each to their own :)

Perhaps I fear that this tiny island famed for it’s explorers and tenacious characters is becoming one populated by people who seek a sterile and structured ‘adventure experience’ based upon ‘cool camping’, 101 things to do before you die books,well groomed trail centres and magazine features?

I think you will find that there are many more adventurous people in the UK recently than you think but maybe not as adventurous as you? I rarely ride trail centres as I have the whole of Dartmoor national park to ride – I do prefer the natural outdoors having done my stint in Cubs, Scouts and D of E :)

Like my XTR’s – but I didn’t pay full price – second hand – not sure I pay full price but they are very nice and much much better at shifting – haven’t changed my outer in years and I am sure they would need it if I was using a cheaper shifter :)

980 and above :) – fit with a bit of grease is my advice – stops it creaking :)

What about the G-Form arm pads used as leg pads – prob a bit too big still ? (wasn’t a joke, just s thought as they are thin and conforming and flexible?) – might be too long anyhow?

Very nice (fellow Five owner ;) )

Don’t get me wrong I have Hosteled in Scotland on an MTB trip riding the 7 Staines for a week and YHA in the Scouts as a nipper – the only negative thing I encountered was the snoring ;)

Yes the first 3 stages are entirely in Scotland!! – yeah basically 1/2 of the ride is pretty much Scotland! Its huge! ;) Wet n’ windy I am expecting – anything else is a bonus ;)

No worries

At this stage in my life this is the biggest thing I have ever undertaken and to me it will be an adventure – I only know 1 of the guys I am riding with (and the organisation is needed to get us all together as we live miles apart) and I cannot speak for the others. I have never been to many of the places on our route before so as I can relate to what you are saying can I just say one step at a time – it may pave the way for more adventures in the future – I am planning some more epic MTB rides in the future so … :)

Rather than over preparing to ensure your challenge is comfortable?

Rather wanting my trip to be enjoyable rather than comfortable – I know parts of it will be arduous and painful – I am not that super fit or that strong minded!

I have used sticky slug things when out on the trail. They seem like a decent fix to me. Ridden many times on them since without a problem.

+1 – I use the patches on the inside if its a sidewall problem or a bigger hole?

But why post your garbage when my post was not aimed at you either?

You didn’t even answer my question – you just wrote how you thought we were all unadventurous people unlike you?

Your post was insulting and pointless – my OP was not to make me look wonderful – I am genuinely excited as are my mates – we are doing it for a good cause and you just felt you would crap all over it. Just keep your judgements to yourself next time?

Well maybe on my posts you be best keeping your opinions to yourself then? Jeeez

@Brack – cheers for the nice comments :roll: even though I didn’t ask to be criticised – Have you ever heard that saying “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all”? No, well you have now!

We have nearly sorted/booked the accommodation and legs/stops :)

looking about £25pppn :)

We have scoured the CTC routes as well :)

@MCTD – yes were onto that as we speak – trying to meet up for a few audaxs :)

Cheers for the tips though :)

I watch it like I would a comedy – much more entertaining ;)

@redted ^^^^^^^ up there :)

BTW – found the link for the J-Tech page I used a while ago :)

http://www.jtekengineering.com/shiftmate.htm