It’s not as weather resistant as Afan that’s for sure.

I reckon you’re brave to try it after the recent weather. :lol:

Different people have different comfort zones for number of revs per minute when pedalling. IE the number of times you do a complete circle of the pedal every minute.

The range is generally from 60rpm (slow pedalling, hard pushing) up to about 120rpm (easy to push but legs turn real quick – people who ride like this used to be called twiddlers).

Aim for something in the middle rhythm wise. When you say legs are pounding to the dozen do you mean your feet are going round really quickly or really slowly?

If it’s really quickly (not much shoving needed) then try a smaller cog at the back or bigger one at the front, until your feet are going round between 60 and 90 times a minute. Obviously the opposite for if your legs are going too slow.

If you’re strong but bulky (like I am) you’re probably going to be nearer the 60, if you’re lightly built and supple then closer to 90.

Also make sure your saddles at the right height. Roughly speaking with your HEEL on the pedal your leg should be almost completely straight when the pedal’s at the bottom.

My old Mk 3 you could get a (short travel) hardtail upright in the boot diagonally bars at the seat back and rear mech in the back corner. Couldn’t do that with the Mk 5.

As for tuning it, I’d say leave it alone. Unlikely to get a really cost-effective result. I had one for 3 years and 60k miles (1.8 petrol 75bhp), broke down once when the starter motor failed other than that it was ace as straightforward reliable transport. Wish I’d never got rid of it, as the car I had after was a right pup.

Roofracks are fine with sunroofs on those by the way. Certainly never had an issue with my genuine VW one (I might even still have one at my folks place).

Got a pendle one. It’s mostly used an extra shelf in the garage but then I have got a bl**dy great estate car.

+’s
Solid as you like
Very convenient for putting bikes on and off
Much better fuel consumption vs. roof racking
It just fits on the rear seat of the mondeo when out riding without folding any seats (oddly it doesn’t fit in the boot!)
I reckon it is more secure from a locking point of view (big eyebolt attached to towbar for proper locks)and
The bikes are less likely to make a bid for freedom while driving along the M4

-‘s
You can’t open the boot with it on (some of the Thule ones you can but depends on boot shape)
You’d have to fold seats to put it inside a hatchback
It’s a bit of a sod to fit until you get the nack (doesn’t take long)
If you get rear ended by some dozing school runner/ the next Lewis Hamilton wannabe your bikes are going to get f***** which may be worth more than the car

I like low-rise (0.5-1″) risers. All the sweep and width without the bars round your ears feeling. I think they look neater too.

Oversize alloy would be good if you’re worried about snapping them but you’ll need a new stem.

On another point I would not spend £100 on carbon bars on a sub £1000 hardtail (assuming that’s what the CinderCone still is) it’s not worth it.

Get some £30-£40 branded risers (+ matching stem for similar money) – I like the shape of Easton bars but it’s a personal thing what suits you.

No (honestly not sure if that’s a compliment/insult or who CFH is!)

I do feel that one should dress properly on the trails though
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By which I mean cycling attire, accessorised with the local geology, flora and (less so) fauna.

What a rubbish rant.

I can just picture my next trip there. Get up in morning, go to Glyncorwg to do a nice (inevitably muddy and wet) lap of Whytes, return to cafe for lunch.

Shower & change, obviously.

Also I think we should dress properly for lunch, perhaps chinos, a blazer and club tie or even a lounge suit and punched brogues?

After which I’ll put my soggy lycra back on and head off for a lap of the wall.

Honestly. :roll:

Thanks for all your help.

“2bliss” bane of my life…

I echo your thoughts. :evil:

Repair them.

For crying out load what a waste of decent tubes and damaging to the environment to chuck them away. Alternatively go tubeless that is IF you can tolerate the ‘fun’ of seating them!

Though I can go one better: I just get in and say “Defrosting on”

Odd my 04 reg Mondeo doesn’t need to be told to switch it on. Switch the ignition on, it beeps for “chuffing cold out” (ie 4C or below, as I live in the South) and then it switches on both front and rear heated screens for me.

Spending on baby stuff, only a couple of months til the big day.

Not spending on anything else much (and I work in a genuinely recession proof industry).

Couple of other good things

Star nut setting tool (got one for a tenner and saves the need for 6 star nuts) – I never could knock them in straight.

Some way of holding the frame up at chest height so you can work on it. Hanging from the shed roof or at least do some of it by GENTLY clamping the bb shell in a vice (then fit the BB and cranks towards the end of the build)

Bromley Bike Co

Only £20 (and includes a tool not to F&&k up the crown race too)

Got a set and for the life and cost of a King headset it’s well worth it.