I got a rail the weekend we went into lockdown, I’m 30 miles from the trails and as it was permitted to ride from the door at the time and I didn’t have the fitness I got the rail, rode to the trails did 20 miles then rode home it’s an awesome bike.

As things relaxed I went back to the other bikes as my cycling mates didn’t emtb, my rail sits largely unused  it’s 4 years old and 1200 miles on it, original motor and spec tbh. Do I regret it no, I do wish I had a lite version Levo SL or Fuel ex-e but then there’s moments where I love riding the rail, recently went to Glentress and took the rail and the climbs for the new stuff meant I could session and do loads of laps so at that point it made perfect sense again.

It all depends on what you ride, where you ride and how you ride, fitness as I doubled my mileage on the  emtb I didn’t see a drop off but I do commute via bike and I road ride as well as mtb so one ride a week emtb had no effect.

I got a speshi diverge a couple of years ago for gravel rides and fun from the doorstep, and it the worse bike I’ve ever had, constantly something breaks, going back again tomorrow for the futureshock issues, but it’s very good on the road, as fast as my road bike but point it off road while it can do it I’m too nervous on it and it’s twitchy.

So my work commuter is now a procaliber and I use that instead of the diverge if I’m going to do something other than road, yes it’s a little slower but im so much happier and I feel like it’s been a much more fun ride.

Oddly my rail was recently updated…was told no new updates since sept 21, had a battery/distance/range update and that’s it, to be honest I’ve no idea if it’s any more accurate.

So I’m saying probably not much to worry about update wise currently.

I’ve got the newer 9.6 released early this year. Still has the isospeed tbh I can’t feel it but that’s the point? Less fatigue maybe. I got mine to replace the gravel bike which tbh I never got on with.

Use the procal for work commute, fitness rides on canals, fire roads and round the chase blue and red, it’s a great bike very quick and nimble, my only gripe is it has a creak I have no idea where it’s come from, mine has the 110mm recon forks which perform well, got it in the grey fade and it looks great!

On Facebook there’s a trek procaliber group, worth a look post any queries there.

Many thanks, I guess going forward some prep other than grabbing the bike and gels and jelly babies should be in order!

Had to go back to the dentist today as the filling he did last week failed already and fell out, another tooth im fighting with him not to pull out..

Mashed banana and peanut butter sounds yum!!

Will fit in the swat on my stumpy as well.

Ride whatever your comfortable on, I ride a Roscoe 9 in Med that’s for a very low stand over possibly the best clearance I’ve ever had, also ride a rail in Med and that’s massive but fits in length and every other way, I gave up with stand over clearance years ago as small bikes I was too cramped, im 165cm height 30” inside leg.

It’s one of those not every bike will fit but I find trek do tend to have a sweet spot for me sizing wise.

Shopto have got stock, it’s the god of war edition but it’s in stock now.

https://www.shopto.net/en/ps5-consoledisc/?utm_source=Website&utm_medium=Banner&utm_campaign=PS5+Console+Disc

I’ve got a rail and on the trails it’s an awesome bike, everywhere else a pita..

Don’t live in a particularly nice area, so bike has to be stored inside the house, normally wheels off, battery off just to get the bugger stashed away and she’s a long bike compared to my stumpjumper.

As I only have a small car had to get a newer more expensive towbar rack, that weighs as much as the bike! Now due to added weight have to check the rear car tyres more often.

Can’t go on the spot bike rides as have to remember to charge the thing up, caught out a few times, hence why I still have my stumpjumper.

Get criticism for not riding properly on the trails oh it’s an emtb cheating! When I ride eco-trail and often ride double my distance compared to the non-emtb and feel fitter than ever, somethings wrong somewhere. Also emtb’s on turbo don’t like me much as some think it’s all about the turbo!

Other than that I love my rail, so many more miles, so much more fun, it’s proper planted in trails, it just needs more thought than grabbing a bike and riding.

Sorry probably should word it better. So 3 spells in 26 weeks could lead to a first warning, have another sickness within 8 weeks of that warning it then moves up to the next warning stays on file for 12 weeks, then again another sickness in that 12 weeks leads to a final 26 weeks warning and then another sickness in that period can be dismissed.

It can take about a year to dismiss for sickness and tbh I’ve only seen 2 in 10 years, but that’s food retail all of them have this process and there’s no support to help, I work with my guys and support them, often get a telling off for not issuing a warning. But retails crap currently so can see why people are off, might be off myself at this rate soon.

Team of 95, varies but it’s about 5-10 a week and 2 long term, short term is currently mostly flu and covid has reared its head again. We don’t pay first 3 days, the usual anymore than a week need a fit note. 3 sickness spells in 26 weeks or over 3% can lead to a warning, first sits on record for 8 weeks, second 12 weeks, final 26 weeks, if you get a final and sick again within 26 weeks it’s dismissal.

I had this about 5 maybe 6 years ago, first hurt my back before Christmas and then just after I bent down to tie my shoe laces and I just couldn’t move. I didn’t have surgery, dr said it was a prolasped disc, walking was the only relief I had, small walks which took forever leading to quicker bigger walks. I paid for private physio and back then was £65 a session which was half an hour a week, felt like it helped as the walk there was originally an hour and when I was recovering got it down to 20 mins.

Oddly I had a back spasm issue last week first time in years, but I put that down to overworked and doing things I really shouldn’t. You can live with it but be sensible and don’t rush the recovery, I stayed off the bike for 4 months and built back to the bike slowly.

I’ve had to replace the car battery several times in the last few years, I just don’t use the car, I commute to work via bike or foot as it’s only 3 miles away. The last year I’ve taken to once a fortnight taking the car for an hour down the motorway which has helped as not needed to get a new battery this year so far, reading above I’ve ordered a solar trickle charger will see if that helps.

I’ve got a pair, I downsized as my fox endura pads in med started to slip so went for small, the outer material is like rapha bib shorts material and fits really well, they stay up all ride, thankfully haven’t crashed yet…the only downside for me is they obv stick out more than my fox ones and as I tend to grip the frame with my knees when biking I’ve rubbed the frame on my bike. Other than that they are wear and forget, very comfy, now to find something to protect the frame arm on my stumpy..

Sounds very familiar and yep brummie too never carried any weight until I had a back issue a couple of years ago and being past 40 I guess that doesn’t help..

I find I snack lots more than I used to, I cycle to/from work not lots but 3 miles there flat and uphill home, I have an active job so find I snack more at home need to keep busy to cut it out.

I’ve gone big and ordered a gravel bike, found some 50-60 mile routes hoping that will push me out, struggled with some mental health stuff since an incident in September meaning I don’t cycle as much and it’s more an event to go biking than a fitness thing it was. Determined to drop some weight, work shifts was 4am starts which lead to unhealthy eating but currently has moved to 8-5/9-6 type of shifts. Need to cut out the meal deal lunch and go with fruit or something healthy instead.

Lots to do, need to get past the head stuff that effects me at work and home, hope your journey goes well update as time goes by!

I got my ebike a trek rail at the start of covid lockdowns, the idea was ride the canals to the trails, ride trails then ride home it’s approx 65 mile round trip I wasn’t fit enough to enjoy the ride hence the ebike. Ride from the doorstep and still mtb.

I’ve found im fitter due to the ebike due to pushing myself when it was serviced the stats was 60% unassisted 30% eco and 5% tour and 5% turbo, for me I think I got the wrong bike and feel I should of got a levo sl instead as I don’t need the full assist. But I have found I can double my mileage and the other week did 3 laps of llandegla while in the past I would of done 1 lap and not even want to do that climb again. The ebike makes those climbs fun! When I go back to the road bike or the non ebike im beating my pb due to its in my head I can ride futher. I don’t do group rides but when cycling with a mate i bring my other bike.

Weight yep blooming heavy! It’s why I got the trek as the battery can be released quicker and easier to transport. In hindsight 2 years on I love the rail it’s just so much fun and more miles but my head tells me I should of just got the levo sl. So pick the right bike and test if you can.

I use a mtb, but that’s only as my commute is 4 miles in, I tried the road bike but with roadworks for the commonwealth games and constant diversions closures at 4am it wasn’t fun, before that I used an Orange speedworks for 3 years and it was spot on, I know its more flat bar gravel than mtb but was a very capable commuter/canal and trail bike as and when I needed. Unfortunately lost that and trying to source a replacement still after 6 months, I now use a trek x-caliber 7 a cheap HT but it’s done the job well so far but really want to replace the orange with something similar.

I’ve got the Thule velospace, will say this is heavy, very heavy for a bike rack but it takes my trek rail which is pretty long, and my plus tired bike, so all good. Keep meaning to get the wheelie wheel for it as it can be a beast getting to and from the car, I’ve got the new one so it’s 3 years old and not let me down yet.

Mine does this although it seems fortnightly seems to be the point, went through a battery every year, I now 7-10 days run it down the motorway for about an hour just to tick it over, I don’t drive for work and feel the car could go but insurance pricing etc it’s cheaper to keep the car.

Off to do the battery run today!

Yes…long week days/nights surprised if typing anything that makes sense.

Don’t use John Lewis they won’t pay out as I discovered. I’m now using admiral who I called and asked the direct question and was told yes it’s covered. Also use direct line for my eeb it’s expensive but again was told I was covered if this happened.

From my other thread I lost a bike this way, I explained to both insurers what had happened and why I was moving from JL and both admiral and direct line incredibly helpful.

The police have removed the post, here’s hoping they have arrested the offender.

I always used to cycle south on the canals never had any issues but lockdown a mate lives the other side of the city so we started meeting up halfway down the canals, we have had some great days out on the bikes but this experience has stopped me, and him too.

The insurance was terrible they never paid out a penny, ended up ditching them and signed up with admiral on the face they seem much better, able to change new for old and increase value of bikes in line with value of the new models.

Only downside is i got a trek hardtail for work duties while it’s trail ready..I’m doubting it has the balls tbh! Need to replace the forks and tyres so I can use it to hit the trails after work next spring.

It’s odd to explain I get some anxiety mostly at work when I’m running the shift solo which is rare but due to sickness at work/covid and having to have an unplanned night cover means more of running solo, but it’s better than it was.

There’s been about 15 attacks that I’m aware of since mine, last 2 that I’m aware of have lead to hospitalisation of the guys attacked. In the last week the police finally upped there game with patrols but after yesterday’s attack it’s still not enough.

I’ve replaced my bike, and other stuff, and avoid the canals now as it’s not worth the risk.

Seems to be a weekly thing on the canals in Birmingham at the moment, I lost my Orange speedworks 4 weeks back now, they have escalated, I unfortunately had a 4 on 1 attack with heavy mechanics spanner’s and hammer, poor guy a couple of weeks ago they pulled a gun on him and his daughter no idea if it was fake or not but enough not to argue and hand the bikes over.

Just got a trek x caliber 7 in med from
my local bike shop theres quite a few 8’s around and 7’s if you can find a local dealer. Air shock RS Judy, fairly light and quick, shimano brakes and deore group set, mines for commute duties but should be a fun trail bike.

Just got a trek x caliber 7 as my work commuter, and I got the M, I’m 5ft6 30” inside leg, I’ve got the seatpost at an inch above the min line, it feels small compared to my old commuter an Orange speedworks but the reach is perfect. In hindsight an m/l would of been better for commuting.

It seems the in thing is massive seatposts! But like I said the reach and top tube length is spot on.

If you’ve got the new series s/x you can pre-download the game, then stick the disc in to activate on launch day. It’s pretty good tool, normally it’s a week before launch. Just checked the app yep it’s there ready to download, then purchase on day or stick the disc in when launched and it will play straight away.

That’s the next step, the policy appears to of not been set up correctly, so it’s at the 3rd and I’m guessing last stage of complaint/investigation there end, so far it’s been a week since it was levelled up. I’ve told them I’m prepared to go as far as I need to, and seeking some sort of apology for the service as the call handler when I first called pretty much cut me off stating I had no cover.

It’s a mess there end and tbh cheaper in the long run if they just settled.

It was a 4 on 1 assault and there wasn’t time to ask for my garmin and gopro back..

As they where attached to the bike they won’t pay out for these items even though under the limit for named items, having a tad bit of disagreement with the insurance company, effectively they are making it as difficult as possible.

With the hassle I’m currently going through with my home insurance I can see why people have this cover.

I got my trek rail it’s own policy after this mess started as it’s fear of losing it and not having any cover. My trek costs me £25 a month but that’s with public liability and health cover, also covers my accessories attached to the bike which as I’m finding out home insurance refuse to cover. I’ve lost a gopro and garmin there big outlays that you forget about until you have to replace both at the same time.

To cover my other bikes it was another £10 but will sort that once I get a resolution with the home insurance.

I wouldn’t use a phone on the bars, I lost my bike the other week, garmin attached, could of been a lot worse if my phone was attached to the bike.

I’ve found an Orange clockwork evo 29 in my size, not sure that’s a convincing commuter..

Thanks, trying to move on, not been an easy week, got my emtb insured separately now, got a quote for a new insurance company, if I can sort my commuter out then it’s just arguing with insurance company left. Next week off work so getting some road rides in and maybe some mtb.

I think in that regards there won’t be anything, most including where I work feel apologising is enough, went through a stage of apologise goodwill but most feel there’s no need as it’s been abused. In my favour there is a recorded call and they have said it’s not acceptable from the call handlers.

Update on the insurance, had an apology about how the call was handled, the guy in complaints came across genuine and much better than the initial calls. Oddly he only deals with complaints and I was advised to call sales and find out what’s gone wrong.

So a lengthy call, the person I spoke to said my policy had issues as I had listed bikes there’s no reason I wouldn’t have bike cover, it’s seems my other bikes would only of been covered if stolen from the house because at some point they have made an error. If that error works in my favour I have no idea, it’s being reviewed again I should find out in a few days what the outcome is.

Not sure what’s worse trying to sort this out or finding a bike, very little in stock. My plus bike has picked up commuter duties for now.

C2W it’s an old one, my current scheme I got clothing and shoes and it’s on its last payment.

The insurance stated originally they would cover up to £500, bike is an Orange speedworks at £899 so I didn’t list it as value over years dropped, I have my mtb listed as a separate unit. I thought it would be at least covered up to £500 and with my garmin and other bits but unfortunately they are declining to offer anything. A friend is an insurance broker she is looking at the policy for me and if it’s my fault and so be it, she will find me a much better deal if it’s there’s she will give me the technical wording I need to get it sorted.

It was my home insurance, I didn’t list my work bike as it’s under there value but the call handler was pretty blunt and no empathy at all. I understand if I’m not covered I’m not covered but his attitude was as if i was just making it up and making his day worse.

Today’s lesson, don’t use John Lewis insurance, they are claiming as I didn’t have this bike on the insurance listed due to it being under the requested value they won’t pay anything. Won’t even cover the garmin or gopro attached to the bike.

Not sure where to go now…maybe c2w scheme.