The recent Golf R deals worked out at around £6,700 for 24 months, with 5k miles allowed PA. Excess mileage was fairly reasonable. I briefly looked at them but didn’t want to spend that much. The deal was around for a few days before all the cars were allocated.

The one we test drove was in Godalming, Surrey. It was a 6 month old car they had for sale. I went to have a look as I wanted to see the matt grey finish. We got offered a test drive in it. Worth seeing if any local dealers have a 2nd hand one, as there are quite a few low mileages cars in the dealer network. Actually looked at leasing the car we tested but is cheaper to go for a new one…

I ordered the 208Gti Prestige from Gateway2Lease. There is an admin fee as well, but they knocked that off due to messing up the first quote they sent me. The price on the website is slightly different, but I asked for a quote and they came back with a slightly better price. So far I have been very impressed with the service they have provided. I am currently in the 14 day cooling off period, but the car is in stock so hopefully delivered towards the end of next week.

For the 208Gti by Peugeot Sport the cheapest I found was Total Fleet Services (carleasespecialoffers.co.uk) I spoke to Dan there and he quoted £143.47 (inc VAT) per month with no admin fee. 9+23 and 6k miles. That price isn’t on there website but worth giving him a call if you are interested.

I have just taken out a lease on a 208Gti Prestige for my wife. 9+23 @ £150.55 per month with 8k PA, which was the best deal I could find. If it had been for me I would have gone for the Peugeot Sport model which was about £10 a month cheaper. Found a Peugeot dealer who had one we could test drive, and it seems a decent fun little car, we have bought it to replace a Mini Cooper S, and it seems an equal but with slightly softer suspension. Our mini is on 18″ alloys so a fairly firm ride, so the Pug seems better in that respect. I gave the dealer the opportunity to get near the lease price, but they were coming in at £1.5k more expensive over the two years on less miles. Also saw the cheap deals on the Polo, but wasn’t as keen.

The Golf R deal was on an Estate and was much more expensive.

There are a few deals around on the Scirocco if you want something like that.

Let me know if you want details of where the deals I found came from.

So… what do you have guys ?

A5 with a towbar. Although mine is a diesel Sportback version. Overall a pretty comfy car for long distance driving, probably get another one after this one. as mentioned above for more comfort look at the larger models A6, E Class or 5 series. And the Skoda Superb is a good call.

On topic – did you dashcam users get a discount on insurance?

I am shopping around for a new car for my wife at the moment, and while checking out insurance prices I noticed AXA now offer a discount for having a dashcam fitted, I think it was up to 10%. Not sure how many other companies do. I don’t think it was an option when I took out insurance with them last year. DIY install is okay, but phone app isn’t. I don’t think I am keen on the insurance being reliant on me having the dash cam on in the car all the time. Previously I have brought my camera inside to down load the footage before and then forgotten to re-fit it for a day or two. Sods law that would be the day I had an accident and the insurance wouldn’t pay out due to no camera footage.

I have been using a Mobius Actioncam (about 50 pounds) in my car for the past two years. I have mounted it near the rear view mirror with wiring tucked down the A-pillar trim and hard wired into the fusebox – really not too difficult to fit. I think I used the Mobius helmet mount turned upside down to give the neatest install. Turns on automatically when the engine is started.

The mobius is a tiny camera, and it is discreetly mounted so not really visible from outside the car. So no concerns about theft.

As a few people above have said it loop records and any 3 minute segment can be permanently stored by pressing the right button.

I did look at the higher end cameras, but went for the Mobius as I just wanted a reliable small camera to take video footage. I was concerned that GPS or speed data from high end cameras could be used negatively in the event of an accident.

The main reason I got it is is that my personal car is insured under my work’s insurance policy which has a fairly hefty excess, so in the event of a potential 50:50 accident I want to be able to prove all the blame lies with the other party.

I have had one accident since I have had the camera. Someone reversed off a driveway into the side of my car while I was stationary on the main road. The camera points forward so didn’t show the actual impact, although it clearly show the car rock as it was hit, and that I was stationary at the time. The other driver admitted full liability so I didn’t need to use the video footage anyway, but nice to know I had it if needed.

I fitted a Westfalia detachable towbar to my A5 a couple of years ago. Fairly easy to fit, and I would imagine an A4 is a similar process. If you are happy to remove the rear bumper then it isn’t too hard. The Westfalia witing loom should plug straight into your A4, if not then it takes an hour or so to wire. My A5 wasn’t pre-wired for a towbar but instructions with the Westfalia loom made it fairly easy.

However you wire it you will need to programme the ecu to see the towbar. I have the VAG-COM lead and software so did it myself. Otherwise it is a case of visiting a dealer or finding someone with a lead as mentioned above.

For the A5 Audi sell a neat holder for the detachable part of the towbar, it fits next to the spare wheel. Worth buying if you can get one for the A4.

Apart from the changing rooms everything is mixed at Szceszney baths. I think it is better than Gellert too. It has a lot more saunas, steam rooms and pools to try out.

On the Buda side make sure you go up the hill. A great view of the city below.

At the metro stations the machines sell multiple day tickets if you want them. I found the tram network pretty confusing, never really figured it out in the few days I was there. The metro network was fine.

I wasn’t that impressed with Momento Park. The statues are impressive, but there is no information on the history of any of them. And the lady on the front desk was very grumpy when we turned up with 25 students.

Try the chimney cakes for sale at some of the metro stations, they were really nice.

You can only speed it up when Parcelforce have the rims at your local depot. Give them a ring as soon as they arrive and you can pay the charge over the phone and they get them out for delivery. Otherwise you have to wait for them to send you a letter with the charges in. This only saves a day or two off the process.

The best way to do it is to remove the spider that holds the chain rings in place. On the Sram cranks the spider is held on by three torq screws on the back. Then a direct mount chain ring fits in it’s place, so no need to worry about BCD.

So one of these : http://www.workscomponents.co.uk/works-components-sram-gxp-fitment-narrow-wide-spiderless-chainring-963-p.asp

The cranks on my Carbon 2 were on really tight. It took loads of force to get the bolt to move, you will need more than a normal Allen key to remove them – but they do come off.

I think I have a 30t Works direct mount ring on mine. From memory you need the GXP version rather than the BB30 version.

Is Afan cafe open? I was there last October and it looked like it was in the process of closing.

Had to check the original post didn’t feature my old car!

I had a Mk2 MR2 Turbo for a couple of years. A great car, loads of power and the later models had more predictable handling than the earlier ones. Still the only car I have managed to spin on the road 😳 You didn’t see many of the turbo charged ones, so people didn’t expect them to be as quick as they are.

Eventually sold it to buy a Westfield, and also a Mk1 MR2 as a run around. Never really took to the Mk1, it was fun to drive but lacked the comfort and speed of the Mk2.

The rear shock switch sits nicely under the bars on the left hand side. That is how I have mine set up. Although probably won’t work that way if you are running a front shifter.

Our wine and beer glasses are mainly made by Spiegelau. Thin glass but seem fairly durable, we have only broken a few of them. The beer glasses make any beer taste better.

I went for an Audi A5 Sportback rather than the default 3 series option. Happy with my choice.

For Sale pub is that the one with the notes plastered everywhere?

Yes that is the one.

Another vote for Szimpla Kert, went there a couple of time when I was in Budapest last month. Also ended up in a club called Instant which I think was okay, but my memory is a bit vague from that night.

I would go to Szechenyi Baths rather than Gellert, not as opulent but more baths, saunas and steam rooms there. Also the outdoor bit of Gellert is shut in winter. Make sure you do visit one.

If you want more food than you can eat go to For Sale Pub.

I did go into a proper old fashioned bike shop, which had some really interesting stuff in, but sorry really can’t remember where it was.

I had some built up by Light Bicycle just over a year ago. Novatech Disc hubs and 45mm U shaped rims. Mainly used on the road, but they have had a battering off road a few times too. The deep rims meant a bit of head scratching to get a suitable length tubeless valve, but work great.

Just checked and it was from here:

http://www.katzcastle.co.uk

Ewan, we got our 2 via a rescue centre in Cobham. Sorry can’t remember the name. I can probably find it if you need it. They put us in touch with a lady in Sunbury who looked after homeless kittens.

We tried the RSCPA centre in Chobham, but they would only let us have cats if we were in all day…

Nick, riders disappearing seems to be a sign of a poor internet connection. Since I have sorted mine I haven’t lost any riders. I put a repeater between the router and my trainer computer – which is outside the main house. I don’t think you need a fast connection, just a reliable connection that doesn’t drop out.

We should meet up for a virtual ride one day!

Just back from Budapest. Not the poshest place, but I thought it was a nice city to spend some time in. The thermal baths are amazing, and well worth a visit. Lots of restaurants and bars all over the place. Lots of interesting history. Plenty of easy tourist sites to visit. Really cheap as well.

I spent a few days in Parma last year. Really enjoyed it there, not too touristy, probably the best restaurants of any city I have been to. Not too far to get to Ferrari for a look around their museum. Only downside is no direct flight, so it involves a train from Bologna.

I was also in Vienna earlier this year. If she likes Gaudi and Picasso, then the work of Hundertwasser is of a similar vein. Personally I wasn’t that taken with Vienna as a holiday city. Maybe fine to work there but I wasn’t inspired to go back in my own time.

If you have a look on page 4 of this thread you can see the metal plate on my bike.

On mine (a carbon frame) there is a protective metal plate in the area where the shock cable touches the frame. Not sure if you can get them for all the frames?

I built this one up for my son, he was almost 10 when he started riding it. I got the frame from Germany (after a thread on here). Forks, wheels, tyres, bars and post were spares I had in the garage. Built up 1×10, with I think a 28t ring on the front and short Thorn cranks. He has ridden loads on it, and hopefully another year or so before he out grows it!

Also there are a few facebook groups where rides are posted. The main ones seem to be KISS on Mondays and Thursday at 8pm. And ZTR on Tuesday and Thursday at 18:30. Slightly different rules to them both.

Zwift are soon to launch an update to the software that will make groups rides easier to participate in. At the moment there are a few issues, but they seem pretty focused on this so it should be an improvement.

I signed upto Zwift at the start of the year and have been using it a far bit. Only issues I have had have been down to a poor wifi signal, I have sorted that out and it has been fine since.

I find the best bit on Zwift is group rides and races. Riding solo can be a bit dull, although if you end up with similar paced people the time can flyby. The Richmond course is a bit tedious, but Watopia is more interesting. I did one of the KISS races last week and surprised myself how high my heart rate was for the race, not far an FTP effort for over an hour – plenty of motivation from chasing other riders. Much more so than using Trainer Road. Have a look at the Zwift Teamup calender for rides and races.

The blurry screen at the end of intervals is a design feature.

Just about to jump on the turbo to do the Tuesday night early birds race.

I have bee using 28mm Ones tubeless for about a year, in that time I have had one puncture, which a 5mm cut through the tyre(typically that was on the 2nd ride on a new tyre) No real faff to fix; just valve out, fit innertube and pump up. I left the sealant in the tyre so no mess. Sadly the cut to the tyre meant it had to be binned, I tried various tubeless repairs but wsn’t confident with them at road pressure, although might have been fine. I always carry a tube or two just in case, but only needed them that once.

I gave up coffee at the start of December, I probably used to drink a bit too much and just decided to quit one day. As most of the comments I would say a couple of weeks before everything is normal, but the worst symptom disappear after a few days. For me I got headaches in the afternoon/evening and tired at strange times of the day. I found going for a bike ride helped with the headaches.

Since giving up I have found I feel much more awake in the morning. Previously I would never feel properly awake until I had a cup.

I was going to suggest the F29 mentioned above. Currently a fair bit cheaper from Evans

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/f29-carbon-29er-4-2015-mountain-bike-ec071441

As Mattyfez suggests contact the other drivers insurance. I was in a similar situation a few months ago where someone reversed into the side of my car. I was in the car at the time but stationary. The car needed a couple of new panels. The other driver admitted fault and I just dealt with his insurance who seemed keen to settle the claim ASAP. They even provided an equivalent hire car while mine was off the road.

To agree with several of the points above it is about the quality of instructor (and maybe the mindset of the diver) rather than the training organisation. I have dived with brilliant divers from all organisations, and also appalling and frankly dangerous divers from them all.

Personally I would recommend a referral course. That way you do the class room and pool stuff in the UK, and the open water parts somewhere nice. I learnt to dive in the UK, and really didn’t learn to dive, I just learn to complete the skills needed. Doing a referral also lets two instructors assess you and provide comments on your technique.

I have just upgraded the computer I use with my turbo trainer to an Acer Revo One (A PC equivilant of a Mac Mini) and it works fine with Zwift. Core i5 processor with embedded Intel HD5500 graphics. I was lucky to get one at half price from ebuyer, but they look to have sold out of that model. It comes with a remote that combines a keyboard and mouse – while all the reviews critise the remote it is surprisingly useful when on the trainer. Going down this route you would also need a screen, and obviously it isn’t as portable as a laptop.

My old laptop couldn’t run Zwift due to the graphics not being up to it.

I have been using a Fuji XP80 on my last couple of holidays and it worked fine for snorkelling, diving and water slides. My son is only qualified to dive to 12m, so hasn’t really been below that, although the camera is rated to 15m. If I get chance later I will upload some pics from it.

I have been using a set of the Di2 hydraulic levers for about a year. Mine seem fine, but I did spend ages pushing all the little bits of rubber on the inside of the lever hood into the right holes after fitting and bleeding them. It was a bit of a faff, but have been good so far. Although even with the rubber bits in the holes they were still fairly tight on the hoods, they just bulged a bit.

Gaz, you must have been hallucinating. The course will not go anywhere near Porridge Pot (well unless they build a bridge over the main road) Porridge Pot & Windmill Hill are the same area. Frith Hill is by it’s self on the other side of the road.

I am probably the closest STWer to Frith Hill so guess I better comment on the venue.

Frith Hill has plenty of twisty rooty single track. It isn’t ridden much, so the trails are in good condition, and it drains well. If we get rain in the days before the race then maybe one or two muddy bits, but not sticky mud. Lots of short up and down hills. At the moment lots of the trails have vanished, but I am sure they will be refound by the Brass Monkey team.

Car parking at Frith is probably the best of any venue that Gorrick use. Plenty of hardstanding car parking, straight off a main road.

I recently sold my carbon Epic 29er for that sort of money. If you look around there are a few for sale 2nd hand in your price range. A lot lighter than the Trigger mentioned above, although the Trigger is a better bike when pointed downhill.