The whole homage/fake etc always throws up a lot of debate.
When it comes to watch building and modding, some (like me) just do it to create a one off watch to their own taste.
I posted this one ages ago which was built by myself from scratch using entirely aftermarket parts.

To be honest, I get more enjoyment out of wearing “my” watches than I do from wearing my branded premium watches as I decided what I wanted them to look like, and I took the time to put them together with my own hands. The modded watches or ones I built myself also receive more comments than the likes of my Seamaster, because they are different. Live and let live and all that. I’d agree that straight out fakes are a bad thing mind.

Yup, that would do the job. The only thing I wouldn’t scrimp on is the crystal press (I did and had to buy twice!).

From memory Otto Frei is a go to place for Sellita compatible cases and bits n’ bobs.

Vit D, cod liver oil and glucosamine.

OP, I’m maybe mistaken but did you not post pics of the wear or your shorts whilst using a C17?
If so, (and I didn’t comment at the time) was the wear not all on one side and quite far back on your shorts/pad? I’d be more inclined to go for a bike fit session before chopping and changing saddles.

Entirely subjective but I did 60 predominantly off-road miles on a C17 yesterday without discomfort, but I do shift myself around on the saddle as I would with any other.

Anyone here built a watch from bits? Not one of those DIY kits, things bought from eBay, AliExpress, Cousins, etc.

Yes. Generally built around Seiko movements as they are the most common, but others are available.

It’s not particularly difficult as long as you have the correct tools (crystal press, case back remover, hand press) and you ensure parts comparability with the movement.

Just shy of 60 miles gravel ride in Aberdeenshire. Started off heading for the local forest then worked my way down the coastal path from Stonehaven to Johnshaven then home.

As haggis pointed out WD40 is a water dispersant not a lubricant. I’d be questioning their skills and experience in removing stuck seatposts using this method. Or were they just having a go and the red mist set in when it was obviously stuck fast.

WD40 Penetrant Spray is designed for exactly this purpose and I’ve used it as such in marine environments.

From WD: “Our Specialist Fast Release Penetrant spray specifically targets corroded or rusted components and mechanisms. It’s formula loosens stuck or seized parts quickly and easily.

The penetrant has an extremely low surface tension, meaning it can cut through rust, seams and tightly-bonded threads to easily saturate and lubricate seized fixings. The Smart Straw and 360° valve allows it to be used precisely at all angles, and the capillary action of the formula means it can reach tight and hard to reach spaces.”

Plain vanilla WD40 not so much, but WD40 is just a catch all trade name these days and not all products are equal.

Along with Four Horsemen, this is another amazing track off 666.

I recently took a punt on some Siroko RX Squadra bib shorts from Spain. £48 to the door and I’m impressed so far. Finished much nicer than the price would suggest. About 400 miles in so far.

I used to wear Assos and Rapha but just can’t justify it these days.

No experience of arguing with the insurers, but if I were in your shoes I’d be pretty miffed about it too.

Stan Smith’s, Novesta or if you are feeling spendy, Axel Arigato.

I’m surprised you are surprised. The throttling thing was standard when I was at school in the 80’s & early 90’s. A.K.A Giving someone a sleeper.

Which brands guarantee ethically sourced down? How much does that cost? Are the AliExpress ones any different from a Chinese down bag with a branded logo on it? Are Aegismax ethical?

Brands list which ethical down standard they are accredited with on their websites (there are a few different accreditations). Nearly all of the bigger name have accreditation to one of the standards. Most of the accreditations involve an independent audit of the source of the down. Ethically sourced down is usually a by product of the food industry. Unethical, is usually live plucked.

Aegismax make no reference to ethical down or where their down comes from on their website. Draw your own conclusion from that.

Torque wrenches work both ways. I is confused.

I wouldn’t be charging 18650 batteries with anything but a dedicated charging unit.

I won’t even use the usb on my vape to charge 18650/21700 batteries. The batteries come out and go in to a Xtar charging unit.

Mathias definitely do small sizes.

I’m no HR person but I do kind of touch on this doing other consultancy work. I personally don’t agree with it, but lots of employers seem to have the Bradford factor embedded somewhere within sickness absence procedures.

https://www.breathehr.com/en-gb/bradford-factor-calculator

Edit: missed that this had been mentioned already.

Previous skinnier board was better for ollies though

Board width has little effect on the ability to ollie. I learned on a 9.9″ board. The stability of a wide board makes it easier. Kickflips and shove its etc. get more difficult with a wider board.

I still skate at 45 and have done on and off since I was a teen.

Contrary to the comments above i’d buy a wider board. I ride 8.5 to 8.75. At 45 your not likely to be learning anything overly technical and you’ll appreciate the stability of a wider board.
I’ve never ridden completes but mini-logo would be ok.

Brands of decks that I like are Polar, Welcome and Creature.
For wheels, Spitfire every time
For trucks which aren’t mad money, Venture are decent. Mini-logo bearings are cheap and decent.

On the face of it it sounds as though she’s saying she wants you to see the kids less, and pay extra maintenance because you’re seeing them less. Or did I misunderstand?

No, you understand perfectly.

but is there any milage in trying to meet to talk it over face to face?

In any other circumstance, I would agree with you. However I’m not dealing with the world’s most rational person. That’s not said to bad mouth her. Just a cold, hard fact.

Cheers for the replies folks. I was starting to doubt my thinking on this.

If I was in your shoes II’d inform her by letter/email that you wish to see your children as arranged in your separation agreement. If she refuses it’s solicitors letter time

I’ve responded twice by email stating that I wish to return to the arrangements detailed within the separation agreement. Yup, I’m thinking next step is a solicitors letter.

I went down this route when my Sony phone died and I replaced it with a Xiaomi. It was a great phone, but I replaced it with a Pixel Pro when my contract was up for renewal. I couldn’t give it away to my daughter. I got her a refurbished iPhone XR.

To be fair, the refurbished phone was like new.

What ransos said.

I had to give 50% of my (not huge) preserved pensions. The house was split 70/30 in her favour (House was worth around £270,000 at the time) and I got to keep the savings of around £20,000. Oh, and my motorbike. Her solicitor was fully expecting to get the house in full. I expected 50/50 for everything so didn’t bother with a solicitor! She has refused to sell the house – it’s been nearly 7 years …

I kept my (not huge either) pension and walked away with a paltry amount from the house. I also kept my motorbikes.

I’ve given it up and feel all the better for it. Not having hangovers is a godsend.
The social aspect isn’t too bad. By the time my pals are three or four pints in, they’ve forgotten or aren’t bothered that I’m not joining in.
I’ve not bothered with no/low alcohol beers. I prefer ginger beer or a soft drink. Low alcohol beers would probably make me crave a real one.
Strangely enough, I still brew beer but give most of it away. I’ve some bottles up the loft for a special occasion that I can’t see happening!

Uniqlo ultralight down gilet. More expensive than the Decathlon, but doesn’t leak down all over everything it’s worn on top of.

I like Uniqlo down stuff as it’s cheap as chips and not plastered with logos, so suitable for wearing in the office etc. However, every single one of the three gilets I have leak down like no other down product I’ve owned!

I’ve a pair of red Wellgo SPD pedals that I reckon I bought in 1999 and are still going strong.

Despite a reputation for being short lived, I’ve a set of Ti eggbeaters from the mid 00’s which work perfectly.

Sidi Diablo GTX boots from around 07 currently in use.

Some Assos clothing which must be nearly 30 years old.

And they’re in Dundee aren’t they 🤦‍♂️ More coffee needed.

Pretty much mid way between Dundee and Aberdeen 😀

66 North are another Aberdeen brewery doing excellent work.

6 Degrees North. Brewed five minutes from my house, which isn’t in Aberdeen 😉

I love my down jackets, but they are only worn when it’s bone dry or under a waterproof shell.

For the grand majority of time, I’d say synthetic is much more suitable.

I’d also recommend gilets, much more flexible than a jacket and comfy under/over other layers.

If on a budget, Uniqlo do some good lightweight down.

My playground during the early 90’s

A nice early morning local ride before the weather turned.

That’s lovely and definitely earlier than 80’s.

I’d be stripping it, cleaning it then enjoying lots of miles on it.

The Black Isle Brewery

Extra kudos to The Black Isle Brewery for Jocktoberfest. A brilliant Weekend the last time I went.

They changed the hops to a cheaper variety once Tesco picked up Punk.

Yeah, the hop bill definitely changed a few years ago.
I might be wrong, but I’m sure they used to be quite vocal about using whole hops back in the day. I was surprised they were using hop pellets when I visited the brewery a good few years ago (although understandable given scale).

I’m no fan of Brewdog these days. I think their beer used to be much better than it is now.

I refuse to drink their pish- rather have Bud Lite!

That’s a bit much. I’d rather drink my own pish than Bud Lite!

I’ve got a Brooks Cambium C17 on the gravel bike and (for me) it’s possibly the comfiest saddle I’ve had.

I always used Fizik or Flite saddles previously.

I wouldn’t consider yumove for a young dog.

I do make sure my dogs get oily fish a couple of times a week for joint health. They also get a dollop of golden/turmeric paste with their meals every couple of days.

https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/turmeric-dogs/

Lovely bike TJ and the ST badge is a nice touch.

Here’s to many happy miles on it.

80/10/10 raw. DIY or from Paleo Ridge/Just Naturally.

The occasional treat of whole prey (mainly rabbit or fish)…that’s always fed outside!

The occasional topping of raw egg/shell and a bit of veg.