I often get the catty comments when parts turn up ‘oh…I thought it was a present for me?!’

Funny…we both earn the same money, I pay maintenance for two kids with my ex and yet I pay more into our joint account…still to be ridiculed and guilt tripped whenever I spend MY money.

If you’re engaged or married…just tell her it costs the same as her engagement ring…and to be thankful she’s not paying for it.

Jekyll – I take it the second doesn’t? I’ve read all the books so far and hoped all seasons would be as good.

Pick TV…should be episode 3. Great series and really follows the book.

Seen this from all sides.

Grew up with two parents arguing to the point where I became a ward of court.

Took up responsibility for my ex’s little girl from the age of 3 (and much like your situation), she’s now 17 and a really smart kid.

Now left my ex and my own 2 girls 400miles away, but she refuses to let them stay with me for holidays etc.

In Scotland unless you’re married you have very few rights to the kids,but I’d never stop providing for them. So women can equally be as difficult.

Just grin and bare it, but never speak out of turn about their Dad in front of them.

I use a camelbak charge lr which is great for up to 3 hour trips for me and doesn’t move at all. Think they’re £50 now.

Think they do a new one with 3 litre bladder too but about £75

If any of my daughter’s grow up to look like that and have their talent along with creating debates on here…I’d be well chuffed.

gear suck – they can take my girlfriend…not my bike

bike, booze, babe…in that order

Had a few very good experiences with Merlin when returning items.

Most of their components are OEM (hence good prices) but they’re always happy to help out if ther is a problem.

As an aside Leisurelake bike sent me the wrong Csixx chain proctector and they also sent me a replacement without waiting for the return of the wrong sized one (along with an extremely nice and very apologetic and personal apology).

Both really good service and can’t fault either of them!

aracer – no, under a SAR you wouldn’t be given the name and address of the individual who had been given your details (as it would be redacted, I think), however you would still know your details had been given out.

If you could somehow prove a link between a theft and your info being given out, then I would go to the ICO and make a complaint.

If in any doubt go to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO and they should be able to help answer your query.

Last one Xmas Eve…same day as my son was as born. No hurry to take it up again…how else will I buy him his first bike?!

You can apply for the info using a form and stating the reason why you need it i.e. hit and run etc and pay a fee for the privilege.

You could always try a subject access request under the data protection act to find out who your info was released to.

I run a pro koryak 400mm…might not be to you weight liking but was cheap at £35 and very comfortable

Takisawa2 – you mean awesome 80’s cool?!

I hate being married…

Unsponsored – I do not like you….I was 1 month too early in my purchase of a Soul!

TBH – I asked cotic if they were changing the colour…and nothing. Obviously trying to get rid of older stock to make way for new.

Wouldn’t mind but respraying invalidates the warranty!

Misery

1994 Marin Palisades Trail upgraded with brown walled 1.9 z max tyres and razor sharp saddle…that USA flag and purple stem and bars…nearly bought another a few months ago!

Just get the Hope pre-installed instead, easier on the pocket and less hassle!

Frame/component coating made from ‘graphene’. 200 times stronger than steel,as light and thin as silicone and doesn’t degrade and is impervious to scratches. Could be extremely cheap too.

A 0.1mm covering would make your frame/components ‘literally’ bombproof… but also highly conductive if hit by lightning!

Manchester Uni just got a £32m grant to develop the stuff further.

I win!

Not sure if this helps but…?!

http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/slx-shadow-plus-mech-question

A red one would look lovely…if you like your bikes to look like the Forth Rail Bridge.

Been to France a few times and stayed in a gite (cottage). One near Paris to go to Eurodisney and the other in Normandy beside my family.

Loads of things to do, beaches in Normandy, rivers, forests etc and the weather was brilliant 25-30 degrees. I recall an amazing Zoo in Normandy too.

Invest in a Euro TomTom, as getting lost around Paris for 4 hours the first time with 3 kids wasn’t funny!

@James – Probably interchange them between Ex8 and Soul, so looking for something relatively light and not going to break the bank.

Stick to Shimano XT…I do.

Sorry forgot to say it’s posted by ‘unsponsored’.

2nd hand Soul in the classifieds right now.

Got SLX m675 on the hardtail and XT m780 on the fs. SLX were a steal with the exchange rate when they first came out and look better than the XT IMO.

The old SLX m666 never had a mark either after a year on my Crush.

If it’s a regular occurrence then I’d be up for it…not sure about this weekend though.

Between carbotanium and graphene, the bike world could look very different in a few years.

Ace, some great looking rooty downhill bits to fall off on!

Walked the dog at lickeys a few times…but never seen any riders. I was told it was off limits after a rider killed an old bloke in an accident. Is it true?

If not…I can train my dog to come with me.

@stumpy_m4 – cheers mate. If I ever manage to put this baby down I’ll be in touch!

Use venture when I need to as I’m crap at anything mechanical or DIY. Trying to build a soul at the mo and learn at the same time but not getting very far at all!

I’m in Stirchley…but limited riding at the mo due to having a 4 week old. Loads on here though that do cannock or Wyre forest. Think there is some kind of club for Wyre too.

Wow, they’re beauties! Loving the Fireleg.

Wishing you all the very best and hope that you and your family are able to stay strong through this tragedy.

I know I would be in bits if I lost any of my kids and feel humbled by the fact you were able to share this with us.

Rob

Would you open it to all…or keep it all to yourself?!

+1 Fitting forks first, cutting steerer later.

Few other comments…

You may also want to run them longer if you have two bikes that will use them (which have different Head Tube lengths).

Head doctors are good, but found mine difficult to fit. Oil the O ring and this should help. Don’t be tempted to hammer it in if it gets stuck!!

Rear http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=13749

Front http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=17390

or similar

If in doubt…get your lbs to cut the steerer and fit the head doctor/star nut (should only cost a tenner).

Has anyone had theirs resprayed before? Can you peel and ‘re-use’ the original stickers or can Cotic provide them?

Write to the DVLA with your name and address, the VRM (vehicle reg mark), make, model, who you sold it to (if you can remember) and the date sold. Also advise them about the V5C going missing (although it’s not that important).

Make sure you send it recorded and keep a copy of the letter if possible.

If you don’t get a letter confirming that you have been removed from the record after 6 weeks, then give them a call.