She needs to find out which (if any) provider is operating her cycle to work scheme, then she can figure out where she can buy her bike and ultimately what bike she wants.

I was worried about going to 200mm rotor but the only difference i can find is better stopping power.

I had this exact same issue recently. You have no choice but to increase rotor from 180mm to 200mm because of the way the adapter sits higher when mounted on the fork. I checked this with Hope and they confirmed it.

You will need the HBSM20H mount. Details here

I think i got my mount from Wiggle.

Ok so just got back from first proper ride on the new Latitude. It rocks!

On my local singletrack it felt quicker and more agile that the PA. On a couple of sections i had to rein it in as i felt like i was going a bit too quick. Climbs well and on the flats you can skip along at a quick pace too and feel very comfy.

It has even more of that lovely steel “twang” i have felt in other frames i have had, but with something extra which just feels right. On one decent it was like i was on a full susser. Obviously tyres etc have alot to do with that feeling also, but didn’t feel beaten-up at all.

I think some quicker tyres might be in order, plus need to experiment with stem height / length but all in all really pleased with it.

Comparing with a Dialled PA i would say this is a much more refined ride, probably suits riders who want to be quicker rather than burlier but saying that i think the Latitude could probably hold its own in most situations.

I got the frame new. Forks from STW classifieds and everything else taken from my old Dialled PA. I will probably remove the bashguard or switch to one that’s a little less chunky.

Not weighed the frame but it feels a bit lighter than the PA. The frame finish is excellent. Need to ride it more to get a true opinion on how it rides, but on the few quick blasts it feels nimble and quick.

I am very happy with it so far.

How do you mean fork clearance issues? Haven’t noticed anything so far.

mboy – the forks are 120mm and the tyre is an Ardent 2.25 but it is a bit chunky i think as it has a very round profile.

Rocketdog – LOL! Experimenting with saddle height and already dropped it a little. Hopefully they will go easy on me.

i am not sure they are trying to “pull the wool” but it is clear they don’t understand their options in terms of how to run the scheme.

The end of scheme payment can be managed in different ways which means that the full cost (eg the 25% they quote) does not have to be bourne by you and therefore the savings can still be 30% – 40%.

Regarding VAT their understanding is incorrect. The scheme is now covered by VAT, which means your monthly salary payments are VAT-able and therefore the college is no worse off.

It sounds like they are looking into it so when they talk to a supplier they should get more advice.

Forest of Dean

Forget the kit, look at the Ennis.

Make sure you have good public liability insurance.

Thanks for feedback everyone.

I am a shade under 6-2 so i think the 60 cm is probably my best bet. Need to swing a leg over one to know for sure.

Been reading up on the Vapour and it sounds (and looks) great. Probably also worth a test ride.

I’ve seen good reviews of the Boardmans but reckon Alu off-road is just too harsh, plus i can be a bit ham-fisted at times so like the fact steel is a bit more compliant.

Top it up a bit and get a 2012 bike and get free accessories at Evans http://www.evanscycles.com/pages/free-accessories

I am having just the same conundrum at the moment but also looking at the Scott Spark Elite and the new Norco Revolver.

Everything i have read so far would suggest the Camber Comp is probably the best choice in terms of spec, weight and the fact its 110m so gives you a little extra when you need it. Its also proven.

Best thing you can do is throw your leg over as many bikes as possible.

I own a PA and love it, very capable of handling trail centre’s, local singletrack and general XC duties depending how you build it. I run mine with 140mm forks and SLX chainset with bashguard and it just does it all with no fuss.

I know a couple of people who have had Bfe’s and felt they were “over-biked”. They have a good rep but i think they do feel very “beefy” if you are doing anything other than going downhill.

Norco Revolver’s are looking sweet

If you think you may leave your company within the first 12 months of joining the scheme then probably not worth doing it, because you will be hit with paying off the balance of payments + the final ownership fee.

If you think you will be with your company longer then its well worth doing it as you get the tax benefits (32% saving) + spread the cost through your salary.

The end of scheme transfer fee can be handled in various ways so minimise the cost. For example some people do a P11d and others do the service which company’s like Cyclescheme and Evans offer where they offer you an ongoing agreement.

Handy summary of a BUG

one of the best covers ever..

Thanks all, i went out at lunchtime and got her…..a laptop. Spent some time playing with an iPad and it was great but i want something to replace her clunky PC and be a bit of a workhorse. Probably iPad next year!

Have a good one.

Thanks gang. Mrs MDB does lots of ebay selling and online banking so sounds like a laptop would be the sensible choice.

If you can then get a Brompton. You will pay more but the quality of the fold and its robustness will not let you down. Everything else is just a (cheap) imitation.

Go for a pleasant stroll down to Dukes Mound. You’ll have an evening to remember…

We have had it in our lounge / kitchen area for about 3 years and its brilliant. It uses a thermostat so very flexible. I would say alot more efficient than radiators which need alot of energy to get hot and the heat then disappears in the room.

The trick with underfloor heating is to have it on low all the time so you get a nice standard temperature in the room and its more economical.

Ask them to tell you make and model and then look up online. Ask to be shown the thermostat and timer if it has one. Ask it the thermo is reactive to temp changes, eg, if a door is left open etc. Ask them to confirm the heating pipes cover all the floor and there are no cold spots.

Peroni beer hall.

Cross the bridge by the little island in the middle of the river and there are some lovely bars and restaraunts on the other side and not so busy or pricey.

Check our Via Condotti to people watch all the fashionistas going into the designer shops.

This is a bike race so passing happens. Sometimes it feels a bit close for comfort – i had several moments last night when i got passed and bars touched – but some people are actually going for a high finish whereas others just wanted to get round. We all have to figure it out as we go.

That was my fifth and final year of D2D. I just can’t take anymore, and neither can my bike! Plus to be honest the cost of entry plus petrol, plus food and bike bits make it a £100 race which is just not viable when its so hard and so little fun.

The practice lap was great but as usual the rained started and just didn’t stop. We came 15th out of 57 in the men’s pairs which i think is pretty respectable given the conditions. We packed-in about 6am.

I seriously think the organisers need to consider a september date. Surely the annual horror stories, not to mention the condition which the course must be left in, could lead to its demise?

I have had a Brompton for 18 months and love it. I have the “M” style bar 3 speed and its been superb.

I have the front-mounted bag and that’s really good. Saves having to use a back-pack and getting all sweaty.

I commute by train everyday and it gets folded about 6 – 8 times every day. Never had any problems and its been ridden in all weathers.

Since i’ve owned it i’ve had 2 punctures and had to change the brake pads. That’s it. I’ve tried a Dahon and a Kansi and neither can touch it in terms of the quality of the fold – important on trains – and reliability.

Very good investment.

I broke my clavicle in March last year. Did the whole 6 weeks rest thing. Went for a check-up. The consultant took one look and booked me in for surgery the following day.

Best thing that ever happened i reckon, as the surgery heals much more quickly than waiting for the bones to reset themselves and with a bit of added titanium it should be stronger for longer. Not had any problems since and had a few nasty crashes without any further breaks.

AW – why don’t you get the bike from Evans if your LBS hasn’t got a good choice?

Evans own Ride2Work scheme does something similar to Cyclescheme with an extended use agreement. Its a no-brainer.

Gary Fisher Ferrous 29er (now sports 1×9 and bouncy forks)

I have a 6yr old son and I’m sure it must be painful but remember he is only young so give it time. Perhaps investigate getting a one of those “strider” bikes so he can use his feet rather than pedals. That way he gets the fun and the freedom but without too much effort.

Currently reading Notes On A Scandal which is rather good.

My best fave reads i would recommend, in no particular order:

Blood Meridian, The Road, No Country For Old Men – Cormac McCarthy
A Simple Act of Violence – RJ Ellory
King of The World – brilliant book about Muhammed Ali
World War Z – Max Brooks (read it before the new Brad Pitt movie)
The Passage – Justin Cronin

Stick it on Immobilize if not done so already so if Police find it they know who to contact.

Pete – I was all set for soloing until i dislocated my thumb 2 weeks ago. You won’t believe it but i rode into the scaffolding on the footbridge over A27 which is on the Big Dog course. Also smashed up my face.

I think i’ll be marshalling so i can still throw abuse at you and Brian and the others as you go round. I’m up for beers at the Fortune afterwards.

See you saturday.

Mark

Maxxis High roller or Ardent IMHO

I live in Brighton (east sussex) about another 25 mins down the line from Haywards Heath. Don’t know either area that well but strike me as a bit dull to be honest. Some lovely villages around there though and as far as mtb riding goes you’ll have easy access to south downs, stanmer park, north downs, tillgate forest.

Why don’t you ask your employer to simply extend your hire agreement for a bit longer, or alternatively process the ownership payment as a P11d benefit in kind which means you pay tax on the fair market value instead of the full value.

A few numbers for the fact fans:

1. 73% of people who do the scheme are basic rate tax payers.
2. 87% of people who have done the scheme have noticed improved health.
3. 61% of people who have done the scheme did not cycle to work before.