Yeah, tried the headset finder, it only gave the option of having a 1 and 1/8th top part for the headset for the Nomad (thinking about it I might put in the Bullit and see what that comes up with) I’ve emailed them to see if they can advise, all the different types of headsets is just mind boggling!

I’ve got a spare 1.5in Double X complete headset, all I really need is the top part for a 1 and 1/8th steerer but can’t find spares.

Maybe just change the top bearing for a 1.5in one when I put the Totems on for the Alps trip?

Great, some better-er and funny replies there 😆

Better place to work – better reputation, better facilities, better more up to date equipment, better benefits, more £s

liking this

new organisation provides excellent development opportunities and the chance to expand your range of skills across the profession

Something along those lines maybe? The new job would have better equipment and machinery, more up to date, but a bit more pressure too and I’d probably be learning some new skills.

Used to commute 14 miles each way and just used baby wipes and a towel, I found merino wool to be the best thing to ride in as synthetic tops made me stinky, used to leave my trousers at work and just take in clean shirt and grots each day, sorted.

hubbox

Had to google that … gourmet burgers, dogs and craft beers, sounds like a good enough reason to move right there! 😀

What’s the job?

Ooooo, can’t tell you that, might get everyone applying for it! 😉 … nothing special, not that well paid but I’m lucky to be debt free so happy to do a job I’m happy doing and have better leisure time and less stress.

All sounds really positive, just need to apply and get and interview and go from there. Like the idea of being able to get to Wales, trail centres and the other riding places mentioned easily.

Bottom Bracket gearboxes

Shaft drive instead of chain, hooked up to internal hub gearing

hub gears or internal gearboxes and belt drives with bottom bracket pivot points

This sounds like my uni degree design project from 2002, designed all of this, had it at New Designers, Bike 2002 and a little 1/8th page article in MBUK … no interest at all! Anyway, copyrighted and even applied for patents* so if anyone does do this I’m sueing Spesh style! 😉

I’d like to see some form of adjustable front and rear suspension, so you could have 120mm front and back then with the flick of a lever 160mm front and back. Could even be electronically controlled, although I’d prefer a simple mechanical adjustment.

All this electronic shifting and suspension/damping controls, expensive gearing and forks and dropper posts are all making a simple bike very costly and complicated, soon we’ll be wanting a service history record and log book when we buy them.

* never did this properly and anything I did do has probably expired now anyway

All sounds quite good!

Although, toys19 might be trying to keep people away??

The job is near Pinhoe, it’s actually a higher salary than I’m on at the moment in the Brighton area, there’s just no jobs in this area at the moment so considering moving away from the south east as it seems to be becoming a very busy congested area with high housing costs but low wages. At the moment my commute is 23 miles each way, takes about 40mins but I have had to spend nearly an hour to get 14 miles away in a previous job.

All good here. We took out border terrier to Pau last year so had some great walks in the nearby Pyrenees. She had to stay in the car on the crossing (4 hours) and was fine. If you haven’t already they need to be chipped and have up to date innoculations, go see your vet as they’ll have all the correct information and it wasn’t that expensive to sort out. They’ll need to have a worming tablet before return, I think it’s up to 5 days before they come back into the UK, we google translated what we needed printed it out and took it to a local vet in Pau, cost €8 and you have to make sure they fill in the pet passport. Otherwise, it’s the same as having your best friend here, but I don’t think the French worry so much about clearing up their mess!

Thanks for all the replies 😀 I lived in, well just outside of, Slough for a few years, at the time it was the only place I could afford, I never ventured into the town centre but just had it as somewhere to sleep so I’m guessing basingstoke would be on par with that. The job is in Basingstoke, it’s not great pay but it’s more than I get now and I’m doing agency work so it could end tomorrow, but there’s very little in the way of work in my area at the moment, haven’t found anything that’s relevant to my skills and interests for a couple of years. So, the idea was to move somewhere near and drive/cycle to work. But looking at prices of housing it’s a little bit more than where I am now, so I’m in two minds. We’re also considering moving further afield, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, depends on finding work but houseing costs seem to be better in those areas. So, need to weigh up the pros and cons, if i get an interview I’ll go and have a look around and then think about it.

Thanks, good info. It’s been about 10 years since I’ve been to Basingstoke and that was only a quick visit and I just remember a big ring road going around it and a normal town centre. Liking the idea of Winchester or around there somewhere and checking maps it’s only about 18 miles away, and I live the east end of the South Downs so would be good the be riding the other end. Swinley’s half hour away, that’d be good, haven’t been there since my MTB was fully rigid with canti brakes and I’ve been meaning to go there.

There’s an old boy lives near me, must be in his mid 70’s now, I saw him the other day off road on his mtb, doesn’t go far though, he also has an electric bike that he uses to pop into town, I’d like to think when I’m his age I could still go riding off road and one of these mtb e-bikes could mean I can keep doing it, go a bit further and still come back with a grin, so it’s a good thing. But, not for me now, I like the challenge of powering myself along, keeps me fit, anything else and I’d feel I’m cheating myself. I’m sure one day I’ll be looking at these with interest.

Having coal delivered, and having to go out at night into the freezing cold wet garden to fill up the coal bucket when it was my turn.
Electric blankets to warm up the bed, this was before we had central heating, I remember ice on the inside of windows in the morning, no double glazing eather.
Rag and bone man, and we used to get the salvation army band playing on the corner of the road on a sunday.
Herbal cigarettes, this was something you could buy over the counter, not wacky baccy, my parents were heavy smokers and I remember them buying them for a while as they were supposed to be good for you.
My dad buying party 7’s and getting a shandy out of it.
Used to travel for miles in the back of my dads chrysler/talbot? alpine, actually in the boot facing backwards, making faces and jestures at other drivers.
Star Wars cards, used to get a rock hard stick of chewing gum, and I have a vague memory of Hammer Horror cards as well??
Climbing trees and carving your initials in the bark with the new penknife I just brought.
The post arriving before anyone left the house in the morning, same with the milk and newspapers.
Vans coming around the streets selling bread.
As soon as I could ride a bike I was never in the house, always down my local woods. It’s funny I went back to those woods about a year ago and I probably walked around the whole place in less than half an hour, they seemed huge when I was a kid.
Being given a bottle of milk everyday at junior school.
The cane, the slipper, regular fights between kids and teachers – all boys comprehensive, KNUCKLE was what everyone used to shout when there was a fight.
3 TV channels and black and white TV.
Smoking in cinemas, I remember seeing Star Wars through a haze of smoke.

Great thread, bringing back lots of memories.

Blimey, how much better is this place without all the ads, I was beginning to think I had a problem with my pc when looking at pages here but it seems it’s all those bloomin animated ads loading and slowing everything down!!

Wooo! First code worked for me, just wanted to post to see the P ! 😀

Even more time to spend on here now …. other half will be pleased

Straight steerers as options on sus forks – some of us intend to ride our current bikes for a while as they’re great as they are thank you!

Fabien Barrel to design and build a fantastic bike park in the south east (um, I think there’s only Bedgebury at the mo) I sometimes look at the South Downs (Lewes to Eastbourne) and think that’d make for some great swoopy trails and berms down the side of that, but this’ll never happen.

A summer like last year – missed it due to a lot of grief going on in my life.

I think the old stumpys got 130mm rear travel, he’s got some old pikes in it at 140mm, didn’t say if they were fubar or just wanting something different, I’ll find out, if they are all good he might just as well keep running those, although I reckon rev’s would be good if he’s looking, I’ll find out what he thinks.

Thanks for replies.

He’s looking for 130 to 140mm travel, something light-ish as it’s an xc bike 55’s and lyriks might be a bit overkill on a stumpy, and he’s not keen on used but that might be the only choice. Will have to keep looking. Also think his wheels are Mavic not Hope so not sure about converting to 15mm.

Annoying that I may not be able to get forks for my 2011 bike, they make stuff so obsolete so quickly – 20mm was perfect, don’t know why we ended up with 15mm and can’t say I notice any real difference in straight or tapered forks when riding (I know … it’s all about marketing and making you purchase new stuff). Just hope I can keep my existing stuff going on and on.

Actually, if 26in stuff is dead as we’re constantly being brainwashed, where’s all the cheap wheels, forks, frames and tyres, I’d like some 26in 2.2 black chili rubber queens for a fiver thanks, as their so rubbish?

I got some Teva Links Mid recently, prefer a boot to a shoe for extra ankle support, and I’m impressed with them, usually use 5:10s but wanted something a bit more weatherproof for the winter, find a grip on par with 5:10s and they keep my feet warm too – brisk cold wind up on the south downs yesterday. Not tried them in constant rain yet but they are supposed to have some kind of technology that prevents water being absorbed and waterproof materials throughout(according to the website). Not as wide as 5:10s so might want a size up if you have wide feet
half price at je james too!

Guilty!

My better half is fighting a losing battle to get the house cleared, I keep promising to get the new (unfinished as yet due to problems) mancave sorted out so it’s all nicely organised in there, it will be like heaven when it is. I used to have a bike in the bedroom and she said to me once ‘do we really have to look through a bike to watch telly?’ ‘Yeah, I like to look at the bike as well’, it’s not there anymore. I had 2 bikes in the lounge the other day and she insisted they were moved, ok I said, but mysteriously now my superlight 29er is sitting in the lounge, along with a pair of domains, a dropper post and track pump on the carpet, pedals, tools and shock pump on the windowsill, pile of hydration packs and helmets in the corner, some new tyres in another corner on top of some drawers, had a pile of front and rear lights on the dining table but they got moved this morning as she wanted to eat on table, madness! Nothing in the hallway as it’s recently been decorated, but I think there’s some forks in the spare room. Wouldn’t know where to start with stuff in the loft (that’s what used to be in the spare room!)

This

Vertibird

Hours of fun, probably a bit boring these days as it only went around in circles

Edit:

Just a thought, but sounds similar to an issue I had with mine, although this was when new so would have thought that this would have been dealt with before, unless the bike hasn’t had a lot of use? When I reduced the travel on mine I only got about an inch of travel before they locked up and had reduced travel when set at 140mm, this was the plastic sleeve on the coil spring that was mis-shapen and binding in the fork, this was cut off and solved the problem, so I’d suggest removing the coil spring and push down on the forks to see if you still get the problem??

Thaks, looks like a bit of stretching and core exercises make the most difference.

I suffer a bit on long draggy climbs, fine on the flat and descents. I was reminising about my old bikes of the early 90’s and amazed at how low and long the front end was back then with no suspension and I never had any problems, younger and fitter I guess but I was doing a bit more gym, running and tae-kwon-do then, I think the stretching exercises we used to do for tae-kwon-do helped enormously as I was a lot more supple than I am now, I’d like to find something similar so maybe some form of yoga would be useful?

This Thermos Stainless Food Flask it’s the best!

I tried many others and got one of this after googling for the best food flask, it gets great reviews (this was the first link that came up so you might find it cheaper) others I tried failed, food/soup in it in the morning and it would be warm by lunchtime, with this one it was too hot to eat, I stopped pre-heating it as there was no need, food still hot by the end of the day, it’s the best you can buy, end of!

Last nights curry leftovers …. mmm, cold or heated up?

Looks like I’ve been an idiot again trusting what someone says, this is the second time this year, it’s sad that you can’t believe and trust what people say anymore.

I’ve spoken to the agency, they didn’t see it as a problem and are happy to negotiate but I get the impression the employer doesn’t want to spend any more than they have to, the department really want me but it’s the final decision of some manager that sits in an office and probably doesn’t have a clue about the job or what goes on in the department.

I’ll just have to wait and see and keep an eye out for something else just in case.

Mmm, so I’ll probably be unemployed again in 6 weeks time, that sucks! The position of the employer wasn’t made clear to me 2 months ago, they said I could apply for the position if I wanted to, 2 days into the job I’m told otherwise, if I had known this I wouldn’t have started and just waited until they advertised the position and apply as normal, I don’t expect them to just give me the job but I expect to have a fair chance like anyone else. I’ve been out of work for over a year, well except for some supply work but nothing permanent, so this seemed a good opportunity.

I’ll speak to the head of department next week, maybe there’s some way around this?

Just an update for anyone interested …

We’ve not heard anything from him after sending a letter of dis-instruction on the advice of the police and my solicitor, but I got a text yesterday saying he has had advice from a solicitor and he’s going to take me to the small claims court, the police said he would probably say that but it’s unlikely he’d do it as he would then have to submit receipts and evidence himself and even if he does I’ve got the surveyors report, evidence of threats and demands, original quote, the letters I’ve sent him that haven’t been responded to. It’s just a pain as we thought we’d got rid of him, we just want it all to be over and done with. I did end up speaking to his mum, she was upset about the whole situation, I explained we just wanted to move on, I was hoping she might influence things and he would back off.

toys19 – I have had threats to pull the building down and the roof off, this has been reported and I have a reference number but not a crime number, no physical threats yet, but I have been recording the conversations so have evidence, so wondering if I need to let him know I have recorded evidence, give the reference number and get some witness statements too?

Not aware of any law and didn’t even think to check myself, but we have driven all the way to Pau and back with a bike on the back of my hatchback on one of those strap on racks without being stopped or having any problems, I’d have thought it’s an accepted way to transport a bike anywhere really.

toys19

I had this happen, almost carbon copy, you are not in devon are you? I resolved with a solicitor, surveyor who condemmed the work, and a recording of him threatening me..

Just rereading some of this thread, how did you resolve this, I’ve got a solicitor, recordings of the threats, building work is ok except for leaking roof and a few minor bits, but we can’t seem to get rid of them, so just wondering what you actually did? I don’t think they realise I’ve been recording them, did you tell them you have the conversations recorded?

cranberry – that made us laugh, something we haven’t done for a while 😆

Anyone know if they have a right to stop other people working on the project? I’d have thought not as I have no written agreement/contract, just the first quote and verbal agreement.

No, not signed any new contract!

This was what they insisted and thought I would do the last time I had to deal with the builder and his brother, last Friday.

I am seriously thinking of contacting cowboy builders/rogue traders, the work is ok, but they have been right bar-stewards and nasty people to deal with, and left the place in a mess, I’ve spent most of this week clearing away rubble, rubbish, sand, cement and a load of screed they laid down in my driveway.

Well, it’s been quiet until today, we had a note through our door saying that as we are in an ongoing contract I’m not to let anyone else to enter of alter the project. Don’t know if that’s true legally, I think it’s in response to us having a another builder look at it yesterday to get an idea of costs to finish the work. He’s also said a copy of the contract will follow shortly, a contract I’ve never had and the work he was supposed to do is almost complete, erm bit late now?

So, after help from the police and my solicitor we have sent off a letter today to dis-instruct the builder, we’re all hoping he’ll just eff off!

On your property isn’t ‘in public’.

That particular episode was in front of my house on the public footpath and road for about an hour, arguing, swearing, etc. didn’t even think of getting onto 999, I think we were all in shock at the time.

Actually got an ok’s nights sleep, been waking up everynight and BANG it’s there going through your head straight away, same with almost every waking hour too. Feel better able to deal with it today so we’ve got to get a letter together, the PC said he’d look at it before we send it as he gave lots of advice about what to put in it. The only anxiety now is are they going to come and do something to us or our property, I’m giving the case number and details to the good neighbours so if they see anything going on they can get onto the police straight away …. wonder if his mum would do this for us too 😉 she used to keep an eye on the property when we were away and take parcels for us, say hello and have a chat, she’d probably turn a blind eye now 😐

Well, I’m going to have a large drink now and hope it all ends soon and not get worse, I’ll keep it posted.

Thanks for everyone’s support and suggestions 😀

Part cash, part bank transfer. They could argue I haven’t paid the cash, but I have witnesses, the amounts being withdrawn from my account, and it was suggested I could argue that I’d paid the amount they were asking and they’d have to prove I didn’t, so it works both ways, the PC said it’s unlikely they’d do that as they probably won’t be declaring it.

Maybe a brick or some damage to the cars, but it’ll be obvious who did it but unlikely to prove it.

No invoice or receipts, we’ve been asking but not getting anything. The building, luckily, is sound as it’s been subject to building control inspections at every stage – apart from the leaky roof, and we’ll just be happy to have them out of our lives.

I’d been phoning 101 to keep them updated on the situation, have a ref number to keep refering to, but the only reponse I had from that was it’s a civil matter and nothing they can do, it’s only when I decided to phone and speak to a PC directly that something was done about it. He asked if I had contacted Trading Standards, I had open a case online and even phoned them and they said there was nothing they could do, he was surprised at this and told me there’s a local office go to them and speak to a Trading Standards officer and get as much information as possible. So the help and advice is there, it’s just a case of going to the right person.

I did think of the CCTV option, will have a look at some systems tomorrow.

Unfortunately there’s knobs in every trade and profession.

Next to my front door is a fork, shovel, sledgehammer, axe, large spike and crowbar … that’s because I’m removing some tree stumps in the front garden.

Meeting never happened, 9am this morning I get a phone call from my local PC who I contacted on Saturday to explain the situation, he wanted to pop along to get the full story and offer what advice he could. So he was here for about an hour, gave some very good advice as he has had to deal with similar situations before. It’s restored my faith in the authorities.

It’s hard when you’re in the middle of it all to see a clear way of doing things, both my partner and I just couldn’t seem to function or make a decision, so it was great to have somebody say, you can do this, you can do that, you don’t have to do this. He went through their paperwork that I had received and basically said it stood no chance, they have not provided me with information I requested, proper contract, signed paperwork, very unprofessional. So basically we tell them in a nice letter to eff off, make no contact directly only through my solicitor, not to come to the property – if they do call the police, and that’s that. If they do carry out their threat of taking or damaging my property the PC will happily put them in court.

I’d imagine they, or their mother, saw the police car outside and decided not to call, although we did wait until gone midday just incase they did, but we were advised to put a note on the door basically saying leave the property, don’t return, will not answer door, will contact them in writing.

It’s like a massive weight has been lifted, although it might not be over yet as who knows what they might decide to do, in a way it would be good if they did decide to try and take the roof off.

The money they’ve received so far should cover the costs and profit for the work to date according to my Quantity Surveyor so this will be mentioned in the letter, but whether or not they decide to accept that is another thing.