I used to have a focus estate. 07 plate 1.6 diesel. Nice car to drive. Cheap road tax. No too bad on fuel. It wasn’t huge but with bikes and box on the roof, plenty big enough. Focus estates look better that the hatch in my opinion.

Then it went wrong. Turbo went. Lost power. Leaving my pregnant wife stranded by the side of the motorway. Ford wanted thousands to repair so it had to go.

Bought a Hyundai, mainly for the warranty. It’s ok.

What is this? Guess who’s going to die next?! I’ll pass thanks.

Thanks for explaining. Sounds like it’s worth a go.

I am seriously considering one of these for commuting, tow paths and general exploring. Does anyone have any further expiences to share?

Not sure whether to buy a frame and build it up or get a full bike.

I think I would like flat bar with bar ends, 1x, hydraulic brakes in chilli red. Two sets of wheels.

I saw the Tifosi Cavazzo at the Bike Show at the NEC and thought that was perfect but this Sonder is cheaper. Cavazzo has a carbon frame, very versatile with rack mounts.

I am a teacher so I am not going to “blame schools” but primary schools are under such pressure to achieve academically these days that seems to be less time to teach basic manners, table manners, the green cross code, keep Britain tidy etc.

I suppose there are other issues which are considered more important – mental health, self harm, sexting etc.

A very sad state of affairs.

There are signs around here (Redditch) threatening fines but, as pointed out above, no-one to enforce it. Lots of litter especially cans.

Litter in hedges is more visible at this time of year – snow cover has gone but foliage hasn’t grown just yet.

I would advise going to her school and speaking to the Head of Year or Safeguarding Lead. Seek advice from them. They should be able to advise.

Condor Fratello

Kona Roadhouse

Kona Wheelhouse

Thanks for those suggestions. I will check them out.

I have some winter mountaineering experience but don’t normally take the family so normally I would rough it. Daughter is four so hoping to take her out to play in the snow.

Cheers.

Just seen a Tripster on the workstand in Halfords.

If you’re going to the alps think carefully about insurance.

You’ve absolutely got to take duct tape. Knife and/or scissors.

What is going to kill you? Bleeding? Hypothermia? Heart attack? Think about what you need to deal with that.

What else might you specifically need? Do you wear glasses or contacts? Do you suffer migraines? etc.

Take a mobile phone but make sure (a) you know what number to call, and (b) that it have battery when you need it.

Knowledge is vital. Prevention is better than cure. Remember that major disasters usually have more than one contributing factor.

After checking google maps and the weather forecast, we decided to go to Cannock and ended up doing “Follow the Dog”.

We were slow but it wasn’t busy. It was great fun.

It’s a seriously impressive place. Good for the whole family.

Happy days….

Good answer. Cheers and sorry.

PS. If we sound like cowboys……. that’s because we are.

Thank you all for the benefit of your enthusiasm.

Yes, we have helmets. I want to just roll over everything. My bro-in-law may decide to try and take off but I don’t trust him and don’t want to end up in A&E so will try to put him off. I don’t mind slogging up ascents but my bro will hate that. Building a picture?

Any more advice on hiring a mountain bike?

Interesting thread, this. So is the Tripster ATR better than a 2015 Croix de Fer 30? Or should I wait to see what exactly the Tripster ACE is like?

Thanks.

I found the Gino something or other but that is cheaper and looks a bit wider. Thanks.