Are you cycling with people? Maybe you're stuck in a rut, and need a change. New Bike!!

The Phoenix is the biggest "walled park within a city" in Europe, or somesuch.
I really like Dublin. I think the quality of live to work balance there is really good. You can work central, live out a bit and still have a short commute if you're sensible. I've found Irish people really quick to adapt too, so you can see a change in people since the downturn (more people cycling, being more sensible with money, but still good fun, etc)
Hairychested would be a good man to ask, he moved out recently…

@ doof, simply gorgeous photo!

good lights ++

On the Dunwich Dynamo one year I learnt the value of good lights when I hit a pothole with skinny tyres and a fixed drivetrain (ouch!)

Ahem, I've got a red 'bert

I loff it

Oh, good thinking MrGreedy. I guess I'm just not that committed 🙂

I also don't like the cafe at the end. I still remember the fry I had there last year, and it almost puts me off ever eating a fry… Ever again.

I also didn't do it on the bike I wanted to this year (vintage steel racer), and ended up on my tourer, so basically I have to go back next year *sigh*

@Zuke, was that second time the year of continuous rain? I wasn't there but I've heard _all_ about it…

I've done it three years in a row now. Last two with a vehicle waiting at the end. The only way to do it! The bus is AWFUL

Consider a low stack height headset, that could give you the 10mm or so you need…

Supposedly you should reuse existing notches…

I can't think of much mtb type droolage, but Condor cycles is pretty nice. I like that they sell a completely different range of bikes. They sell Rapha stuff too…
Evans' and Cycle Surgery are probably the same all over the country… and you rarely get good sale stuff in-store.
There are a few alternative ones – recumbents in Lamb's Conduit street, cargo bikes in Velorution. There's the new cycle cafe on Old St – Look Mum No Hands, which will also be showing the tour, they're worth a visit…
Can't think of much close to Baker st!

(That wasn't a very helpful post at all)

I've not been to switchbacks, but it's Spain, so bear in mind : thorns and rocks! Super tacky type front tyre will stop your front wheel from washing out. Tubeless should be good for the thorns, but you might need more pressure than usual to cope with the sharp edged rocks. I think 2.3 should be a good size, I wouldn't take anything smaller.
It's always a good bet to ask the tour company what they roll…

Gel inserts do work! I have the Fizik ones. I like them better than wrapping the bars twice – as they only provide extra padding where you need it (top section of drop tubing), but you keep the tactile response from the underside of the bars. (And I think wrapping bars twice looks 'orrible)

Also, you will get more used to it as time goes on (but get gel inserts, they're great!)

Tinners, that is hilarious 😀
I hope you've since lost that ""anxious not to offend British gene"

As a woman I get completely ripped off if I need a haircut. I've persuaded lots of my friends that they could be budding hairdressers now (although, not many of them are…)

You could meet in the middle and get some lighter high rollers?
The tubeless ones have slightly better sidewalls than the single ply, without the weight of the 2.5 downhill ones.

I don't know about the alps, but conti verticals don't last a minute in spain.

+1 for the BBB ones
(I don't own a child, but know of one with them, very nice 🙂 )

Hey Grum,
Just saying well done. I was diagnosed with CFS about 5 years ago. I feel completely better now. However, ever since then I have been careful not to tire myself out too much.
I'm in two minds – between telling you it's great that you can do more, or telling you to be careful!
Good luck to you, and there is an end if you take it easy!

I've tried something like that, only the other way around, and you have to really tighten the stem. I ran it with nitto drops (narrower than normal ones), and occasionally the drops would start dipping mid-ride (and I only weigh 8ish stone!).
If you can get the right stem for it, that's preferable 🙂

The rear brake instills a bit of feer in me. Won't it just lever out the screw on braze ons if you jam the brakes on ?
I do admire your ability to bodge though…

Despite being called a Prince Albert, I still occasionally get people asking me if it's a women's specific bike…

Lots of people put a super tacky tyre on the front, and a 60a on the back. This combination works well – the harder 60a doesn't wear out as quickly as a super tacky would on the back… And you need the tackiness most on the front to stop the front wheel washing out (you might not need this though…)

I paid quite a bit more, and wasn't terribly fussed…

That looks lovely 🙂

I love my PA.

I tried looking for a "Show us your Prince Alberts" thread, but then got afraid of what I might find…

For 100squids, I'd do the cassette/chain/chainrings, cable outer&inner, and either jockey wheels or a new rear derailler. Shimano XT levers should be fine. Squirt some gt85 into the shifters, and soak the mechs in it too.
Cassette/chain/chainrings could cost about 70quid altogether (for averagely priced stuff), so 100 isn't going to go far…

I love my Dialled PA 🙂

2x better on 26s, 3x might be ok on 29er rims…

It's sometimes a lot more difficult on smaller bikes – I find it easier to get the wheel up on a bigger bike. Why don't you try wheeleying her bike, and her yours… just for comparison…

I cycled close to this on a touring bike a few years ago. It's a nice area. Lots of sunflowers! Wine too, obviously. Also, the canal seems to be perfect midge breeding ground, so lots of deet wouldn't go amiss! (They do bite)

Would have thought it was less from Bordeaux to the Med, I did it in about three / four (a very leisurely pace)… It's quite fast given it's all flat 🙂
We cycled along the canal on our roady bikes for a while, but got off it as it was faster and less midgey on the nearby roads.

It'd be a lovely trip, do it!

Isn't nouveau one of the adjectives you put before the name?

Nouveau Zesty?

I like it. I think that's ok with the red saddle, but I wouldn't go putting any more red bits (or even a white fox fork – no)

I've seen this happen, if you don't keep it greased. Firstly, apply GT85 or similar to unthreaded side. Unthread it a little, and then push the legs together by hand. It should release the non-threaded side, which is what is stuck.

How about Dakine Apex?? Not women's specific, but lots of adjustment in it. It fits my short narrow (female) frame quite well. It's got the full-face carry, and straps on the bottom, etc. Check it out 🙂

I found some pictures on ebay, and the angle of the spokes with the rim on 26" wheels with 3x was horrendous! Not sure if it's unsafe in any way, it just looks fugly 🙂 I went 2x and it's bomber anyway.

It depends on proportions – I usually adapt my bikes with a shorter stem, and saddle that I like (even if you get a women's specific saddle, it might not be suitable)

Best of luck bigyinn, job satisfaction is really important. I hope you're happy whichever way it works out!

joy-riders.com 🙂

two wheels would be good…

Try the non-destructive way first!

Use window cleaner – ammonia dissolves aluminium oxide.

This really does work – spray a bit twist, spray twist, maybe spray some wd40 to lube it up too (but it'll need continuous applications of ammonia)

I'm looking to buy a pair of these – does anyone know what the sizing is like? (I usually take a 6 in uk sizes)

FWIW I've flown with tubeless a few times, just deflate them a bit and confirm you've done it fully….

Sounds like a plan!

Yes! I have an old deore mech on road campy stis! they're fine
all front mechs work the same, i believe
(beware of size and top/bottom pull)