I think there’s a lot of judgement being made here without knowing the finer details (on both sides of the argument).

I’m a contractor working through a Ltd company, mainly driven by clients who used to refuse to engage with anyone who didn’t due to liability issues.

All this talk of everyone who isn’t PAYE is tax avoiding is quite frankly a load of bollocks.

The example of buying a car through the business to offset tax is a classic. If I did that and parked the car at home overnight, it immediately becomes a benefit in kind and I’d pay more BIK tax than any savings I’d make. Also its then owned by the company which has a load of other complications when it comes to insurance and selling it on etc.

From my perspective there are pros and cons of employment, self employed and Ltd co. but its on a risk and reward basis. I earn more money than I would as a PAYE employee, but I have a lot more costs, risks and zero benefits so overall it works out about the same. I’m about to finish my current contract and the way the market is I’m unlikely to pick up another one for at least a couple of months if I’m lucky. That’s just the way it is!

Sausage and onion American style pancakes for tea with potato and veg hash to get some sort of veg in the meal. Kids didn’t fancy the idea of savoury pancakes but they were delicious!

Followed up by normal pancakes for pudding with lemon & sugar, syrup and home made Nutella that my daughter made. Yummerz!

I think that the subject of coffee is the same as anything where there is an opportunity to obsess over the details (see the current thread on speaker cable as an example).

There will be a small percentage of people who can tell the difference between 1 day old and 2 day old beans but for most people it just tastes like nice coffee.

Personally, I have a Delonghi bean to cup machine that gets filled with a bag of Aldi beans once a week and I haven’t noticed a difference between day 1 and day 7 – YMMV!

That’s spooky, I was literally just on the petplan website getting a quote for the same thing (we collect ours in a couple of weeks).

Pet plan seems quite expensive (more than my car insurance) and more than double than others that I’ve seen, so I’m curious if it’s worth the extra.

Watching with interest!

Normally on Valentines, I’d do West country style chicken. She loves my coq in cider.

@theotherjonv I think this deserves more appreciation than it got. ;-)

We used to have a crap wobbly metal ladder as well, which i replaced last year with this wooden one from screwfix (similar to the one above): Screwfix loft ladder

I had to make the hatch bigger and rotated the opening by 90 degrees to fit between the joists, but making the hole bigger has been a revelation! I can now get stuff in and out without being a contortion artist.

The ladder is attached to the door as well so it freed up a lot of space where I used to have to leave a gap for the ladder to retract to.

I dont have a handrail, but the steps are fine without shoes on and much better in every way than the old one.

Not been out since before Christmas. I managed to pour a pan of boiling water over myself in between Christmas and New year which resulted in 3rd degree burns on my foot. I’ve had to keep my leg raised since, just standing still was really painful so ive been a couch potato for a few weeks. Only seems to be getting better over the last few days so sat here contemplating riding my bike to the hospital to get my dressing changed…

I spent the first 6 months of lockdown using a dressing table as a desk which wasn’t deep enough really, so I built a desk big enough for me and the wife to both WFH out of oak worktop but I went for a 720mm deep version to give more desk space.

As a complete stroke of luck, the offcut of the 3m worktop was exactly the right length to use as a support in the middle. Rock solid and much more comfortable!

I also spent ages looking for some sort of cable management tray but they were expensive and not really what I wanted, so I made my own out of square guttering from B&Q for a few quid. Bargaintastic!

Wow thanks for the PSA @ready, I can’t believe I’ve never heard of it before let alone seen it. Great watch and well worth staying up for! Dark but funny in places (5 up in a 2cv for example).

For anyone who missed it, definitely look it up – well worth a watch.

I’m going to look up some of the other recommendations above as well now…

I picked up a large chrome anglepoise style desk lamp from Homebase at the weekend for £25 which adjusts up to about 65cm high. Perfect for my new desk I made and looks great! Not sure if it was just my local store though as I can’t see the same one online.

Just looking at a couple of fridges online suggests around 25-30kg for a normal under counter fridge. I think from memory the safe lifting weight is around 25kg for a single person so it should be fine with 2 of you if you’re careful (bending knees etc).

The size and shape make it awkward, so I would leave the packaging on until you get it inside (assuming you can fit it through the door) just in case one of you drops it!

Ok, sorry me being thick. Once logged in it works fine. Here is the ‘mini’ before I click on it:

Here is the same page once I’ve clicked on the thumbnail of the video. Piff paff poof, its vanished:

russian letters copy paste

And here is the same video in ‘maxi’ mode once I’ve logged in:

I should report this to tech via email now I’ve worked out the scenarios I guess…

BTW, the video i linked to is worth a watch if you’re having a bad day 😄

That’s odd, I’ve gone to look for an example of a ‘mini’ and all the embedded videos I can find are now showing as ‘maxi’ and are working! My phone did an update last night, not sure if that’s fixed anything but its been like it for a few months.

I get the same, Chrome on Android on my phone. I have noticed that there are 2 types of YouTube links (but I haven’t bothered to check why they are different). Let’s call them mini and maxi. The ‘Mini’ type shows a small embedded preview that disappears as soon as you click it. The ‘maxi’ type is a much bigger frame normally with borders top and bottom. These work fine. Very odd! I dont have the issue on any other site, but I’m a freeloader at the moment so haven’t bothered to report it or mention it!

Edit: this video is using the YouTube share button with the following url:

https://youtu.be/5_sfnQDr1-o

Edit 2: that shows as a maxi window and works fine. Not sure how others are embedding videos?

I only thought I would watch 5 mins and get bored as I have the attention span of an ant normally, but somehow just watched the whole thing! Thanks OP, enjoyed that.

Its almost like he had someone doing the camera work for him, especially near the end where he walks around with a canoe on his head shot from various angles. Must have been a ballache to keep putting it down to move the camera!

At least its got room for a massive D lock to deter all those scallywags from nicking it!

I think you need to be a member of the group to see the listing, but here is all the info in case anyone is in the market for such a beast:

This is a highly powerful customised ebike. It has peak power over 3KW + bluetooth BMS and need someone who understand how ebike works and knows how to maintains it. So I’ll only sell it if you know what is an ebike controller, a BMS, etc.

Because I’m selling everything, you’ll also have access to all the spare part I have for the bike, hydraulic brake, load of brake pads, replacement inner tube, spare hall sensor, tri clamp, power supply, replacement rim, etc. See last pictures to see what are also included.

I’m liquidating everything and selling my dear loved high power cargo bike. I had a lot of fun with it. It’s compact but at the same time big enough to carry passengers around, or carry stuff around.

Bike specs:
– 20″ front and rear moped tyres. Great to avoid any puncture.
– Ultra long custom banana seat. Perfect to carry passenger as you can see on the pictures.
– Shimano BR-M615 Front And Rear break with spare brake pad. (rear not installed because it has variable regen)
– Front and rear light with switch installed
– power meter installed
– KLS7230S sine wave Kelly controller with 2 throttles. 1 for acceleration and another one for variable regen. It cost $270 new (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32809156125.html). Absolutely silent that’s great.
– Leafbike 1000W motor with 90.5% efficiency (https://www.leafbike.com/products/e-bike-hub-motor/48v-52v-1000w-rear-spoke-hub-motor-electric-bike-motor-spline-cassette-1015.html). This is the motor with the hall wiring snapped so it needs to be re-wired. It has a 20″ fat BMX rim with custom spokes (spare provided)
– 13s14p of battery which are NCR18650PF. 182 cells. There is probably 1000-1500wh left of the battery. The bms is for 15s but works for 143.

I unfortunately plan to travel around and can’t keep it. It’s a nice fun bike needing a good owner! People will be impressed!

You can have it for £950.

Note: The controller is powerful enough to push it to 3KW with a bigger battery pack. My initial plan was to add a battery extension to double its range and power. I already have the 2 cases and 208 cells you can buy here (https://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/threads/liquidation-sell-new-battery-cells-and-accessories-london.39138/)

My MM and BB turned up on Monday from Germany after ordering late Wednesday night.

I haven’t had chance to fit them until today, but I’ve had them laid out flat to regain their shape for a few days. The sun was shining here today so I thought I would quickly swap tyres and get out at lunch time, but bugger me they are a tight fit on my 30mm Alex Rims.

I tried every trick in the book to mount them but gave up after an hour of swearing and sore thumbs. It was like i was chasing the bead around the rim if that makes sense. Anyway, gave up on the lunchtime ride and sat them by the radiator for a bit. A pair of gloves, some soapy water and a warmed up tyre did the trick so I got them mounted and went for a sunset ride after work.

First impressions:
– Slow rolling on the road (as expected) and draggy AF going uphill on road!
– They grip like shit to a blanket! I would go as far as saying they grip better than any tyre I’ve ever had, but also the priciest tyres I’ve ever bought.
– I found I was anticipating a washout and adjusting for it before the tyres let go. Hard to explain, but there is far more grip than I am used to so I was wimping out before I needed to.
– When they did break loose it was controlled and easy enough to correct without ending up on the floor. Managed to get my drift on a couple of times in the proper sloppy bits which was fun!

Overall I’m impressed after a quick hour on them this evening. My thighs hurt more than normal so the extra weight and drag should help my fitness too 😄

OP here, just placed my order for a 2.6 MM and a 2.4 BB. Looking forward to lots more grip! Cheers all

Cheers guys. Not sure a 2.6 + mud will fit at the back, but will be fine up front. Maybe a 2.6 + 2.4 combo…

Any suggestions for good (I.e. cheaper) places to buy from? R2-bike.com have both in stock but the reviews don’t seem great.

As above, where have you been for the last few years? The IR35 changes were only delayed because of Covid etc, so you should have been prepared this time last year. What steps have you taken to ensure/prove you are outside IR35 at the moment?

The only thing changing is the fact your client will be making the judgement, not you so you should have some idea of whether your current role is in or out.

I’m aware this sounds judgemental but from the info you’ve given it sounds like you’re a ‘permietractor’ and you should be inside already, which is exactly what HMRC are trying (badly) to tighten up on.

Edit: You also need to be aware that HMRC will take a dim view on contractors who go from outside to inside at the same client doing the same role so if you go down that route be prepared for a world of pain!

That is pure genius!

steamtb
Full Member
I have given the bike some tyres that it deserves, a 2.6 vigilante up front and a 2.4 fast rolling trail boss at the back.

@Steamtb Can I ask what you didn’t like about the Morsas and what sort of terrain you mainly ride on? I’ve got them on mine and set them up tubeless. I found the front end had a tendancy to wash out to start with but I put that down to me not being used to the LLS geometry. I’ve been making an effort to keep my weight forward and this seems to have helped. They seem OK on loamy and rooty areas around me but I’ve only been doing local loops so far.

Mini PSA for anyone looking at a Scandal, they are back down to £999 until the 18th Oct. Slightly different spec to when I bought mine (different wheels and tyres etc). Bargain!

Fair play to the guys who worked out it was a Corsa D from the original picture. Could be an idea for a new thread – guess the make and model from an obscure picture game!

@ready its a freaky looking doll. I hadn’t ridden down there for ages, but there is a bit of bridleway that spits you out onto a lane directly opposite. Here’s a better pic from a rambling website I just found:

Thanks all, as suggested I think I’ll leave it as it is as a reminder to concentrate every time he gets behind the wheel!

When it comes to selling it, I might have a go at getting the worst out with him or replacing the boot lid…

Lush day for a ride on Saturday which included a mix of great views and wooded sections with lots of roots. Getting a lot more confident with the LLS geometry, having last bought a mountain bike in 2011!

Highlight of the ride was tackling a tricky rooty section and 2 young deer came springing out of nowhere and raced alongside the trail just in front of me :-)

@Boblo, I get that and completely agree. He’s deffo no snowflake, he’s had part time jobs since he was 13 and he’s a grafter. Currently doing ‘full time’ college + 30 hours a week at McD’s. We’ve always taught him to fend for himself but I like to help him out every now and again cos I’m nice like that :-)

Paint the dent in a suitable lipstick shade and get a couple of eyes with those car eyelashes in the back window.

That’s his birthday present sorted! :-)

Why are you sorting his car out?

#prayforthesnowflake

He’s just started driving and has already had a big repair bill for a coolant leak and a new set of tyres so I thought I would be nice and help him out if I can. Any reason why I shouldn’t or are you just trolling?

Thanks all, glad I didn’t waste my time trying to do something with it! I’ll have a look at a replacement lid. Cheers

Before she leaps into contracting, make sure she’s up to speed with IR35 and in particular the changes that will be coming into force in April. I’m in a different industry, but a lot of contractors are now shutting up shop and going permie.

To answer the question though, Jobserve.com is good and has a filter specific for Contract roles.

For general background info on contracting, there is a wealth of stuff on contractoruk.com. Its mostly IT bods on the forums there but the same rules apply in terms of LTD company etc.

Well I had a small punt and bought in when they were 184p, then watched it fall. Stopped watching until today when I got an alert saying it was up 95% since Monday! Wish I’d gone balls deep now :-)

Thanks all, I’m determined to keep going through winter so I will be mixing it up with a few gravel and quiet lane rides.

For those that were asking where the photos were taken, I was just outside Standish woods near Stroud. You can see the river Severn in the background if you look closely…

No worries @MartinHutch, I’d recommend Admiral as they were really helpful on the phone and they even gave us a £25 refund per car in April due to Covid as the number of claims had decreased. I can’t imagine many insurers doing that!

Had this recently with my son. We bought a car when he was learning just before lockdown so it mostly sat on the drive until he passed last month!

I did the comparison sites and Admiral came up as the cheapest company that I had actually heard of but bloody expensive.

Anyway, long story short, I phoned them up and got a cheaper price and the chap on the phone suggested a multi car policy. I thought he was just up-selling but its worked out loads cheaper.

Each driver keeps their own no claims discount and my son’s NCD started whilst he was a learner. We just had to phone up and pay the difference for the rest of the year as the price increased once he passed his test.

I’ve now got my car, my wife’s and my son’s cars on the same multi-car policy. The element for my car is less than I was paying before, my wife’s is slightly more expensive and my son’s is waaaay cheaper than what I was quoted for the same sort of policy by LV who I was with before.

No black box or any curfews either. I guess YMMV depending on location cars etc…

Thanks all, can I ask what you are all using to track your rides? I’m currently using the Samsung health app on my watch/phone but its obviously bobbins!

Thanks all, I realise the 0.6 miles ascent is total bobbins but interesting to hear opinions on what is classed as a hilly ride.

Just in case I’m being thick, here are some screenshots of my ride stats. I am reading that right aren’t I?

Also a pic of one of the climbs back up after finding some cheeky downhill bits 😜

I think you’re right @kelron! 0.6 miles horizontally doesn’t make sense either though as I was going uphill for at least half of my 4 mile ride today. The min and max elevation seem about right compared to Komoot so I’ve no idea how it worked out the total ascent!

I’m bored so I’ve just worked out the first mile averages out at 7.1% gradient. Is that plus lots of ups and downs for the rest of the ride classed as hilly?