Would be Brighton for me – where I live.
As I go sailing a lot.
Having to move to North West London though in August
Hmm

I got a cheap down bag from blacks last year – c. £70 so nearly in your budget. Anything but down seems a waste.
Oh and make sure it has a baffle over the zip – as that is a cool spot on the one I just bought..

Take up drinking.
Put on 3 stone.
Then lose 5 stone..
Buy shiny bike etc..

Yes separate insurance is the way..

Insurance 4carhire I have used and is super cheap – never had to claim though, but gives you piece of mind

And make sure you take a credit card, not debit, as they will prob still insist on taking a deposit..
As a tip – check tyres for nails when you pick up.
I nearly got caught by this once.

Give up drinking ( if you do )
which will help you lose 5 stone
Do it for your kid
Reward yourself with shiny bike when you do..

That UK grid dashboard is cool

Wind power was higher than coal yesterday

Will change when thinks get tight
Huge coal reserves in the UK, and lots just found under north sea..

That UK grid dashboard is cool – However does not seem to let me turn any knobs to move the dials ..
Hmm

I am sure the cyclist has played back in his head a more witty verbal interchange with the driver than simply swearing at him.

P.s. I am not debating anything, just expressing my opinion having watched the video..

Be interesting to see the size of the cyclist..
Suspect he was not of an Arne type build.
Cyclist language / response seems OTT but as already mentioned, how does one respond when threatened with violence.
On balance not a good outcome for either side..

I love my aluminium kona jake that still lives after years of abuse.
But I mainly ride
Steel marin
Indy Fab steel
Merckx steel
Ti456
Steel fixxee for work
Spesh cross bike – ally – looks nice but not getting used
Not sure I would ever consider a steel FS – maybe because of the shock a billy I saw once.
Steel bikes just look nice and ride a bit softer, which is good as all my steel bikes are rigid.

Just read that this will also be free to air on freeview channel pick. Sky spreading the love etc..

Thanks a lot guys. Getting excited about a change.
Definitely this area – just need to see what’s available – I need to move last weekend of July.
£1k /month would be nice – paying more than that currently.
Somewhere inc bike storage also – as will have at least two bikes with me..
Beers on me when I get there..

Excellent..
Sounding like Berkhamsted is the place..

There are group mtb rides in Berkhamsted Mon, Tues, Weds, Thurs night, Sat and Sun in day, so lots of people to show you round

Wow – lots of choice.
Is there a differing criteria for the days ?
I need to join the right clique..

Looks like nearer the North downs is out as trains are super slow from that area.

Berkhamsted to Watford junction along the canal looks doable ?

So that is favourite , albeit further away from Brighton than is ideal..

Thanks for ideas – need to visit these places now..

Ooo thanks for replies..
We will be renting at this stage/ just two of us – so small flat/house, and budget should cover most places I hope ( but what it gets is the difference I suppose ).

there are some really lovely villages close enough to the main Line.
That is what I am hearing, just need to do a drive around / get some recommendations..

Berkhamsted has been suggested already, so is on the list.
Makkag – thanks for offer – and I will be taking you up on that when I have some specific questions..

Get a front avid disc brake . I raced on bikes with just a front brake for years.
Forks – I have a nice pair of float 80s in garage I can do super cheap .
Then save up / look out for complete new bike .
Full sus is the choice of my lady , and a small second hand one will be cheap ..

Why new front rings ?
Just go for it , what can go wrong ?
Surely you have a spare bike for those oh dear this is not working moments ..

I used to ride to work off road on road using land cruisers . Heavy as hell but seemed to grip and minimum punctures .

I would say that both the shifters and brakes should be fine with some 8 speed shimano stis for road drop bars.
The geometry looks ok to take a road drop bar also as the top tube is relatively short.
So I would say do it.
Put a wtb ad up and you should be able to do if for £60 pounds or so.
What is the bike for ?
I commute everyday now, and have found a fixee with bullhorn bars the best choice for me..
Brakes both ends of course..

Flite titanium – I have about 5 of them ..

I got a demo from a bike shop , super cool . The owner was telling me his wife, who had been unwell, was biking with him now on an e bike and loving it.
I used to have a 90 min ride each way to work , which I did very rarely . I used to dream about an engine as I cycles the boring ish bridle way . If I still has that commute , I will prob buy one of these tomorrow..

Ooo- that is what I plan to do – one day..

Seen a few like that around town, and normally mention it if someone is near it.
Only time I nearly got into a fight was when I was actually fixing someone s bike that was parked outside my front door.
He though I was nicking in, before I explained and he thanked me for helping..

Thanks for all that commented.
After the initial panic of my girlfriend had subsided – we turned up Friday afternoon to a damp/ dark Swanage – “ where have you brought me “ being the remark we had a great break.
First day – Long walk on South west coast path, finishing up with beers in the square and compass.
2nd day – walk to Old harry rocks, and in the car to Lulworth cove/ Durdledoor and Tyneham
Final day – train to corfe castle and long walk back in super sunshine back to Swanage.
We took bikes, but did not get round to using them – next time though as paths looked good. I popped into Charlies and said hello to his wife and buy a few bits, which was cool.
Not so good was that we came across a heli rescue of a biker on the way back from corfe, we waited as he was lifted away.
So fingers crossed he is fine.
Traffic back to Brighton was remarkably good, after we turned back from the sandbacks ferry queue – which was huge.
Swanage was super handy as everything could be started from there – but may stay somewhere else next time..
Trust everyone had a good Easter..
J.

I was stopped for no MOT and given a fine, no points luckily.
Car was all good, i just had forgotten to renew it.
I was allowed to drive off.
Policeman told me that no MOT does not invalidate insurance, if i had an accident and my car was found to be at fault then insurance company could walk away MOT or not..

Beer and pies always a winner.
Studland ferry to Poole looks like a good option aswell..

Right B & B booked – girlfriend picked it and paid for it.
We were only offered 3 nights, so hopefully there is enough to do for 3 or 4 days
Long walk one day
Long ride another day
Sand castle building ??
Anything not to miss – maybe something is not immediately obvious/ out of town..
Cheers
J.

Ok Ken,
Thanks for info– I will let her look at the options – as we have different standards of comfort…
Riding wise been looking at this as a potential, not sure if Easter will be too busy though
http://singletrackworld.com/trailguide/files/2008/12/isle-of-purbeck-medium-route.pdf

The SS specific rings are superb and made in steel I think – but only come in smaller sizes 32/34….

Oo – great response.
Having just spoken to the other half – she is more after B&B, which is maybe safer given time of year.
So Ken, will prob be phoning your mother in law..

http://www.mountainbikecomponents.co.uk/items.asp?CategoryID=33&Name=DH+Chainrings

Always got my rings from them..

Master key should open the car with alarm not going off . At least it does on my car. No master key – hmm

I bought a 2nd hand one a few months back . Latest version saw bullett ends .

Got one here from shoreham

Just tell her straight dude . Deadpan like ..

Spray a bit of wd40 in there . Worked for me in th past.

I always thought the car was the major element responsible for recent domination of a few individuals in this sport . Seems not – no excuses for meek then ..

Just 31.8 mm ones here.
About four of em..

Detectorists I liked.
Cuckoo only thing I saw that was mildly amusing .
Last thing rick mayall did with big guy from cuckoo I caught an episode of and laughed.

Pubs in steyning or bramber are the normal choice . Chances of a beer and a big feed are probably higher