As has already been said, sizing between brands is a bit of a lottery. I’m a M/L on Giant, a 56 on Specialized. Just bought a BMC Roadmachine and I’m on a 56 there. When i was looking for the BMC i looked at some Scott road bikes, and i was more a medium in their sizes. (5’10, 34 leg)

Ha ha. Very good Pondo

Coke and Hooker’s?

John Wagner for Dredd

Jo Burt for his minty goodness.

DT Swiss GR1600 can be had secondhand for less than £200 but Merlin have them new in stock. 

Nice bombproof wheelset

My FIL.is 96 and still rides his ebike. (Not in this crappy weather). It’s a bit of freedom for him having given up his license last year.

Still has his faculties, he’s as sharp as most and has more awareness on the road than some folk driving around on phones/heads elsewhere.

He’s an absolute legend. In the article below they got his date of birth wrong!!

https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/17564713.cycling-badminton-keep-tom-tinning-young-age-90/

Been listening to Prefab Sprouts Steve McQueen few times recently, and loads of Beastie Boys early stuff.

Ribble CGR? Decent wheels on the base model

https://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/ribble-cgr-al/

Yup. Bought a new Road Bike in the sales, arrives on Monday. Given the larger shops not buying as much stock in 2024, I don’t think I’ll see the same sort of discounts next year. 

So if you sell a bike for say £1200 and the tax man asked for details, would you be required to provide original receipts? Sorry if I sound a bit dim?

My lbs had a Ritte Snob on display for ages. I think my drool may have caused some corrosion. 😂

Slim's Detailing Dual Action DAS6 Machine Polisher (600w) & Pad Kit

I used to live in Mold. Loads of rides in the Clwydian range, Moel Famau and Cilcain have some nice bits of single-track that you can link together. The Flat Tyres site above is a good place to start.

I used to watch Monkey and The Watermargin as a kid. The remake of Monkey was rubbish.

I had a Madison Roam, it was quite a bulky jacket. The Altura range (Esker) was on a recent PSA https://www.cyclestore.co.uk/altura_esker_packable_waterproof_jacket_mustard-ID_88567?opt=198183&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAnL-sBhBnEiwAJRGigjxNZ6LCt6G2g437fwe2jeWvE-KEf_trAtN_GAwV0jR2v0kgXQDSdBoCUT8QAvD_BwE

So, spent the last few days doing a bit of research, ringing round shops etc. 

Roubaix is now a no. Not sure about the looks, and the future shock on the model I was looking at isn’t able to be locked out. 

Giant. I just can’t. Plus Im not a fan of press fit BB. 

Trek, the Domane would be the model I would look at but just don’t like the looks.

Scott. None in my size or budget. Addict 20 was the model i was looking at. 

Orbea. The Orca, but struggling to find one in my size.

So, narrowed down to two. Merida Scultura and the BMC Roadmachine. I’ve seen both in budget and in my size. 

At 50 (plus) did my first Sportive (and first plus 50 mile road ride).  really enjoyed it and I’ve now got the road bug!! More planned for 2024 too.

Cheers guys, really helpful.

In regards to the Scott and Giant, the Scott bikes just look a bit dull? Giant with their warranty shenanigans would not get a penny out of me I’m afraid.

Cannondale Beast of the East

Felt AR Advanced Ultegra Road Bike – BOXED | Merlin Cycles

If anyone is after a high end Road Bike 

<i>https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-other-routes/reivers-cycle-route</i&gt;

Mostly on road, but it avoids the main roads.

Give you up, run around or desert you.

Done the Llanberis path up, the Rangers/Telegraph down.  We used to do it in March, before the ban came in. And on 90-100mm hardtails BITD. 

Yup, MTB = Mountain bike 

Nella – been through a Divorce about 4 yrs ago. Firstly , as above get some legal advice. With any split involving finances/pensions etc this is where things get messy so a decent solicitor is a must.

Don’t move out, but try to come to some arrangement if you can. maybe a couple of days away at family with the wife doing the same so the kids get care etc.

have you looked at getting mediation? this is something most couples should look at.

Have you got family who can support you?

❤️

Would this scenario not fall  under something similar to a multi car accident. Your bike was hit by another vehicle, which then hit your neighbours car?

Multiple Cars Accidents | Who Is Responsible In Multi Car Accidents? (sds-solicitors.com)

I’m based near the lakes, so I would like to tackle some of the bigger passes (not full on Fred Whitton) but maybe a couple each time.  It seems a shame to not use the Sonder for its intended purpose, but it’s not getting used. 

But a few tweeks and would it become a capable road bike given the geometry (its the V2)?

The gravel bike is 1 x 11

I’m originally from Southport (waves at posh DuncanCallum), but left at 18 and been back to visit a few times. Travelled all over the UK with work, lived in Chester, Anglesey, Norfolk (er no thanks) and currently in Carlisle. My dad lives in Dorset, but that’s never been my home. 

It’s funny but re-visiting all my old childhood haunts (botanic gardens, churchtown) feels more like home than anywhere, but I don’t think I’ll ever move back there.

I looked at the Orbea when I was looking to buy an Emtb. Test rode one at the Whinlatter demo day, but as you say the warranty is/can be an issue. I think there is an issue with the rear triangle de-bonding but that might just be the carbon Orbea Rise

Eventually bought a Turbo Levo SL, better warranty etc. As a buyer its not if the motor will go wrong, but when and will the manufacturer be able to fix the issue.

edit -is it the Orbea or Giant thats FUBAR?

How old is the car?

Trailcross XTs arrived today after 3 cancelled orders and a month of waiting.

Lord BucketHead Obvs.

Lord Buckethead – Wikipedia

Ebikes. 

Seriously, allowing a 50plus with a bad back to ride a bit further and has increased my enjoyment on the MTB. 

Hummvee Chino Trousers – Navy | Endura (endurasport.com)

Endura Chino’s seem to fit your needs.

I still see a few 59 plate XC 60’s around, and apart from some external trim they could pass as 2012/14 models.

I went from a V40, and had the chance to buy the XC. Glad I went to a main dealer, as the indi garage checked it over, and confirmed most of the suspension arms were new. I had a breather pipe issue which split and caused the car to go into limp mode, but it was sorted quickly under warranty.

The interior for a car thats done over 110k is great, no wear on the seats/trim. Could easily pass for 40k car.

I think its quite sad. Not only for all the employees and other business it will effect, but I’m of an age when I can remember the CRC ad’s in the backs of mags when the shop was in Ireland. Cheapest shimano bits, and the ad seemed to hold all of the stock from the shop!!

2016 Plate Volvo XC 60 owner here. D4  R design. Manual. 

Good points – Very very comfortable, well built, mine has been reliable. 47 Mpg which is ok for a big 2.4L motor. Mixture of around town and A roads. Lovely strong engine. I’m in Cumbria and its great in the snow.

Bad Points – test drove the Auto version. Just horrible, the auto box was a mess. Servicing at Main dealer is expensive, I use a great local garage to keep costs down. Mine’s coming up for its first cambelt change (110k) which I am going to take to the main dealer for piece of mind as it’s a faff. Won’t get any change from £800 for that. Prone to suspension issues, but mine was a Volvo Select used, so all of that was done before I bought it. Not massive inside, but the space is ok.  D4 2.4 and D5 are the better engines. 

First car I’m going to keep for a few years as they age quite well. 

That one has been on the market for ages, over 12 months now. When we were looking around Carlisle, one of the big problems is avoiding the flood areas.

You’d see something and think “Why is that so cheap…?” and then you’d realise its near/on a flood area.