Definitely phone the professionals – not that costly and quite fun to watch them stressing.

…they dont look that composed 'walking' over the red hot coals though do they?

Incensed as her example was clearly referring to an 'off the leash' dog [and an invisible cyclist]. We get regular walkers round here with 2-3 dogs loose and a good way from the group – fed up with the unpredictability of the dogs and the pooop left behind….

…definite vote from me – for the French.

Incensed!!! Just had to email the show… :o

Sorry should have been in chat – not bike forum

…the boss has just called me, the screen price for the particular bike I was looking at was an error – web designer will be getting a kicking no doubt!
Nice bloke, sounds genuine…

FoxyR, I've had a look, those fields don't appear to be blank on my PC and the 'about us' is on the home page.
I rang them this morning regarding a particular bike, 'the boss was out' and the guy I was speaking to had just started in the last couple of weeks!
The bike I am after is 'not stocked but would be ordered in by early next week', which surprised me a bit as it's a 2008 spec…
…they're about 50 quid cheaper than a CRC discounted bike

…and of course enter the Cotswold site via http://www.topcashback.co.uk for an additional 6% !!

:D

I must admit that DMR looks niice…

I use DataTag but not had to call on their services yet …

…kiss of death!

[bialled_dikes – M

I think fat kids are best, you know, Generation XXL; solving the pensions crisis]

…love it!!

Thanks for the guidance – just been speaking to the LBS. Given that we live in a hilly area they are recommending the Specialized P2 Jump Bike(which is 8-speed) rather than the P1 which is single speed (not wanting to offend the SS-ers out there)…and with good discounts around on the 09 model!

Thanks … based on rrp there appears to be two versions of the P1 and the P2 with some overlap on price I any ideas on spec levels and rideability?

Have owned both the Mondeo Estate and the X-Type estate I had the 3.0l V6 Sport for 5-years. The two cars couldn't be more different, jag very refined and nicely put together. No reliability issues whatsoever at 95k miles. AWD was an asset also but would exchange for the mpg of the 2.2d…
…and they look great too…

Mrs D says 'that's not right…'

Yikes!!

I'm on to my third set of carbon bars!…that may give you the wrong impression but they are very strong.
I did manage to snap a bar at Mayhem a 3/4 years ago…but it was a massive accident (snapped bars, exploded pedal, 'black-thigh' and damaged nerves in toes).

"Remain calm"….FREAKS!

Late post – just back in from the pub (just to evidence that I have at least three friends!)
…99% solo…
– because it suits my sad, sad personality where I need an escape every now and then
– it fits in with the random family / work balance … get the three kids in bed and then f-off up the hills for a couple of hours
– also do Mayhem and Trailquests solo. Not very well, but solo…takes the pressure off (all parties) – more of a personal challenge for a hefty 42-yr old !

I run a HID on the bike [prob not in budget]…supplemented by a helmet mounted Double Shot 'PRO' from the US which was just £79…(brand new on ebay). Might be worth checking out as it gives me a really good spot beam for the money. Only a few quid more than the regular Cateye Double Shot.
The charger works at UK voltages but you will need to buy a UK/US pin adaptor – these are just 2/3 quid though.
Enjoy!

Yup…normally have a tube zip-tied to the seat post but not when I need it! Sods law really.
But lesson learned…having to choose a long, dark walk home or a slightly shorter route, through town (pubs at 11.00) while wearing silly, click-clackety shoes! Fun.

Helpful "That being the case, any unhappiness with Mr Martin's comments must be addressed not to the BBC but to Associated Newspapers Ltd, publishers of the Daily Mail"
Surely it would be more productive to address complaints to the local constabulary along the lines of 'endangering life on a public highway', 'driving without due care and attention' or inciting others to do so…

No doubt the BBC will try and defend his actions – good luck to the CRC in the event of any court case
"We urge the group of cyclists who James Martin attempted to run off the road to get in touch with CTC's accident helpline – our legal team would be only too happy to take the matter further."

Total knob…'James Martin holds the world record for carrot chopping in which he peeled and chopped 515g of carrots in one minute'…genius…
:|

Went out for my first daytime ride in ages last Friday…lasted no more than 45 minutes before I was fed up with the loose dogs and young (4/5 yr olds) around every other corner…went home, had tea and put the lights back on and waited 'til later when I have the hills more-or-less to myself. Selfish I know…slow up but loads of adrenalin boost where its needed!!!
…so I guess the gist is for max enjoyment the location and the time of day needs to be right and under cover of darkness includes some cheeky roller coaster sections too…normally OoB

.

I've had loads of stuff from howies (often from their sales)…long way home jacket, shorts, sweats, ts, jeans, the lot! Never had any problems at all with quality. Great stuff imo and prefer to support someone like howies than the other brands…

Nae hoebuhkeurapeuteuneun changuhro kadeuk cha itseyo!!!!

:x

Yup…one of the nurses knocked while I was getting ready and took another look. Seriously…. "Just checking all okay"

GUTTED…had a day off work so rang for a test drive and they'd just sold it…so back on the look out.

Okay, slightly different story…the op itself was uncomfortable but not painful. This was followed by 3/4 days of major swelling and proper ball-ache – definitely no biking! The doc had actually decided to do one of mine twice "because he wasn't confident in his first attempt".

…still well worth it….
>;-)

I've owned a couple over the last 10 (!) or so years. I don't think you can go far wrong, really solid, so you do not have to think about them…bike/swim etc.
Great product imo.

UST sealant spillage on carpet, lack of 'normal' clothes, pile of stinking bike clothes, range of tyres in the garage….

(Work) Desk upstairs has helmet, gloves and Alien ready to go with HID batteries on charging

Check out Great Malvern…we moved here 5 years ago and have not looked back. Great trails literally on the doorstep. Malvern Theatre for the missus – major london shows regularly (plus just 30 miles from Stratford if the bard beckons). Close to Wales and the Forest of Dean when a change is needed.
Reasonable property prices, direct trains to London, award winning pubs, good schools…what more do you want?

Liam Killeen and Tracey Moseley have made the most of their upbringing here….

All positive then, anything to watch out for (faults or reliability issues)? I'm not too worried about the renault key card, Mrs D's megane has same with no problems.

Jaguar X-Type estate.
Changed my Mondeo estate for one 5-years ago and what a difference! 3.0 litre V6 Sport is the most comfortable load carrier imaginable and then goes like stink when you ask it to. We live on the side of the Malverns and its such a joy with the AWD when we get snow on the hills.
For sale too as it happens……

Thanks. Yes, the thought of just chucking the bikes in the back is definitely appealing…

I managed to pick up a set of these for around GBP220 (brand new)..1,850 lumens and 3-hrs run time, absolutely stunning lights: http://www.trailtechproducts.co.uk/acatalog/MR16_Eclipse_Mountain_Bike_Light.html

Surely can't go wrong with a Cateye Double Shot Pro for GBP78.00? See ebay item '270428811398' just got one myself from the states…

Agreed, it would be nice to see a map agaib but the old climb which last year became the big roller-coaster descent will be missed if it has been reversed again!

BTW latest f’cast is at http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/wm/great_malvern_forecast_weather.html

The malverns hills have been generally as dry as stick for days (95% of the tracks in any case) with the odd damp patch under the trees ready to suck you in…and then we have another downpour today just to top them up…a lottery for tyres again.