Thanks to all of you for your views.
Admittedly, I like an easier life and currently have no space, time or knowledge to be doing any work to such a vehicle. Chapeaux to those who do.
Perhaps if I attain that as yet elusive lotto win I shall buy a pimped example…and some land to use it on.

Thanks, fellas. That’s me convinced now…I think.
If for no other reasons than the experience and to scratch an itch, I may try hiring one for a weekend and negotiating the country roads of east Lothian and the car parks of the local retail parks.
An informed opinion will be shared here shortly thereafter.

So, for clarification then, is the reason there are so many used ones available for purchase because they are (arguably) built to last, or because original owners regret their decision and want shot of them?
Or, just having read the immediate posts above, is it ‘cos they’ve been nicked and are being fenced?

MikeWsmith – I live in Edinburgh, and they don’t seem so out of place here as they might in central London. Perhaps because we’re not far from hills and farmland, or maybe the more landed gentry/weekend home on country estate types are more visible due to smaller population.

Anyway, so far so impressed. Thanks. Keep talking.

Wilko…not fair. Why did you do that?

Actually, thanks for doing that. When I see a Defender on sale for £84K, I see sense, as it were.

Oh yeah…that’s it…right there, yeah
Keep ’em coming.

No. Not driven one – yet. Mrs T23 suggests arranging a test drive just to answer that love/hate question. I’m scared I might like it!

I spend no time at all in the extreme environments mentioned above, but the appeal comes more from its iconic look than the need for its abilities. Our annual mileage is very low – say 5K tops – so maybe the fuel efficiency isn’t such a huge concern.

Maybe I’ve watched too much of The Walking Dead and I’m mentally preparing for some kind of ‘end of days’ scenario where I can spot-weld some cuts of Heras fencing over the windows and plough through herds of zombie types to safety…

BBSB – me too! Actually, I used to serve him drinks, but I am acquainted with him. Our sisters were pals at school.

How about stem issues?

I read that Jones himself recommends a shorter stem as the bars offer that forward reach (if needed) by their design. Anyone going ‘out there’ with a longer one?

If you’re gonna be working in the city centre with 1am finishes, sounds like you might like the occasional walk home to clear your head.

I used to be in the hospitality industry in the city centre, and I lived in the Yorkhill/Kelvingrove area. Walking home at that time was safe enough if you knew how to read the route ahead, and could be done in 30-45 mins.

Meeting new people should not be difficult. It’s a city with a reputation (not THAT one) for friendliness. If you’re in hospitality then there’s a likelihood drink will be involved. That’ll help.

Three universities in the city, each with their share of foreign students, so a far more cosmopolitan place than it was as I grew up there. Lots of cultural distractions too.

Despite what others say, it doesn’t rain all the time. Being on the west coast, it rains more than it does here in Edinburgh, but even then…

You don’t have to drive or travel for too long before you get away from the urban sprawl, that’s true. Coast, mountain, desert, grassy plain – we’ve got them all!

See if you can force a weekend away there out of your employers as a research trip before you make any rash decision. if they say yes, enjoy it.

Thanks for the offer, Gotama. If I end up getting the bike I’ll give you a shout to see if you still have it, but I may opt for 710s from the get-go. Better to have the width and not need it than need it and not have it!

In fact, thanks to all so far.

My style of riding, I have to admit, is pretty low-speed. Plus, I’m making the consideration to get the bars for a rigid 29er I have an option on acquiring. So, from what has generally been said, I may have seen my future!

Thanks, Gotama. I reckon I would be dealing with longish sections of road or path, and the option for a bit of aero-style would be welcome for variety/rest.
How long did you use them for, and any idea when 710s will come to the UK?

To be more specific, is there positive experience of the ‘Loop’ model of the H bars?

Actually, what could I replace the big ring on the front with? The spec one is really quite ugly.

Right you are then. Thanks lads.

Sound advice from all. Thank you.

Thank you gents.

http://www.couchtuner.eu

This is where I have found I can watch it for free here the evening after broadcast in the states, and ad-free too in my experience.

I was ticking it off as ‘more of the same’ as well, but I got the sense that something was developing plot-wise, especially after the last couple of minutes.

Strangely, or perhaps not so, I have started to think about my daily/familiar surroundings differently since watching that show.

+1 for The Road

Hi Deadkenny

I had similar thoughts on the wording and delivery, but considered the contact name he gave and was willing to forgive on the grounds that English may not be his first language.

The serial number idea is sound, but I don’t think I’ll be hearing from him – directly, at least – to ask. Plus, as you said, I agree that request of a text would be enough to get a number.

Yup. Alarm bells. I’ll contact my phone network provider and ask them to keep an eye open for usage different to my usual pattern.

Cheers

Quite incredible!

Great post. Thanks.

Discomfort, knife.

I wear those shorts with the padded chamois insert too, but still get uncomfortable and a bit numb in the sitting area.

The shoes are in good nick as well. They only get worn whilst out on that bike.

What I could do is try changing the pedals and the shoes to a cleated combo, as I have them to hand. I’ll see how that works out.

Thanks all.

Thanks for the responses so far, folks.

Putting to one side the hilarious humour and secret fantasies of Crikey, there have been no alterations made to the bike, the seat height or the usual riding position. It’s about as good a set-up as I can get.

The pedals are DMR V8s, and my usual riding shoes are flat-soled skateboarding type shoes…in my size. The socks are my size too.

Any further ideas based on that info?

I just don’t ‘get’ them. How can it possibly work?

‘Tis the work of the Devil, if you ask me.

Thanks Jim. I know…its coolness is inflential in drawing me to it, hence my original question. Is it me falling for style over substance?

Thanks Garry. No, I have an MTB already. The state of the roads around here is not great – lumpy, bumpy and riven with divots and hastily-patched holes. Given the harsher ride of an aluminium frame/fork, my thoughts turned to options for a slightly more comfortable ride in the conditions available.

I’ve been using Lorimar & Finlay/Prestige to service my Audis for fourteen years now. They are down in Whiteinch, just off South Street, and have always been up front about any issues they have found, and well-connected enough to ask other specialists about things they cannae quite determine the cause of.
Hope that helps.

Kill
Me

Now

Well, that seemed painless enough! I’ve to take it in to the bodyshop for a wee look tomorrow, and no mention made of annual inspection history…yet.
Cheers chaps.

Okay. Thanks for that. I shall call the dealership and see what they say.

och, you’re kidding….

Okay JW. Sounds plausible. I can accept that. Thank you.

I will once I’ve deflated yours, bawbag!

Headfirst

loving the edit link! A bit pricey, but I think she’s worth it… 😛

PS – Big Dummy, when one has read as many threads on here as I have over the years, one learns to add a wee disclaimer on topics that have even the remotest chance of being twisted into something dark and sinister by the forces of evil who lurk on here! Even then it doesn’t always work, as I’m sure you’ll have seen already… 😕

Oooooh – the pain of a post pub quiz hangover and then reading these responses……
Some quality info here, folks. Thank you.
Not sure about the assumptions of ‘gold digging, bunny boiling’ traits, so we’ll put them to one side. Nor about the online profile assumption – this was a real-world introduction, with face-to-face chat and handshakes and everything!
If I got it wrong about the koala not being an official ‘bear’ then I apologise.
Stinking-wet and disease-ridden hairy arses hold little appeal, so I may resist the flight ticket purchase for now and advise the lady accordingly.
Must go back to bed and sleep. Ciao for now.

Feel the love, people; feel the love.

I have two!
One ‘Pro’ from 2004, and last year’s frame built up with Pro components from a Five – the frame of which I sold as it was too much bike for my style and irregularity of riding.

I thought I liked the 2004 one, except for it feeling a tad short in the cockpit. It’s kept up at the heilan’ hame now, for dotting about the countryside, and is light enough for the tasks I ask of it.

I LOVE the newer one though. It feels just right, and with 140mm forks up front coupled with steely-springiness at the back it’s just the job for me. I ain’t no racer boy, so I don’t need ultra-lightness of being.

If I were you, Danno, I’d bid on it.
Join us!

dmiller – you’re not alone in that. We showed a prospective tenant around a couple of weeks ago – he wanted to use the height offered by the tower for an indoor climbing wall, and the rest of the floorspace for other stuff, like skateboard park and so on.
There’s a LOT of work needs done to strip the inners out and get it back to a raw state from where it can be made more adaptable, and it seems the owners aren’t keen to spend the cash right now.
When next I see them, I’ll mention your indoor paintball idea if you like.

Plus, that closed road…is it the one over the canal that you’re referring to? You’re right, if so. PITA, especially as it offered a good wee short cut to the back road if that M80 is being rammed wi’ traffic. What are they daein’ tae it?

I’m here tomorrow:

http://www.28dayslater.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=28945&highlight=Cumbernauld

…as I am every week.
Being the only keyholder at the moment, I have to do a walkround once a week for insurance reasons.
It can be reet spooky when you’re in by yourself. Plus, it’s colder inside than it is outside. Not my highlight of the day.

…and that picture of geoff’s must’ve been taken and modified by a dirty hun!

Well, I did ask for ‘expert’ knowledge….

…but thanks to DD and Grips anyway! 😕