For what you want to do they both seem over the top (though there is always a temptation to buy with the heart rather than the head)- what about a 650 V Strom if you want a taller bike? But I'd avoid a Versys if the one I tested is typical.

The SV has done me well for a decade, well able to carry two with camping gear for a fortnight round Europe, scratch round track days or disappear from big bikes on real roads with corners in 'em.

Treat yourself to a new full susser and still have change left from the £5K+ price difference.

I've never had a problem but wouldn't tighten up the ring. It is normal practice on a trials motorcycle (where tyre creep can occur) to throw the ring away and elongate the hole so that when the tube moves the valve does not get ripped out. This is quite transferrable to a mountainbike, though I wouldn't alter the hole in that case.

Isn't there something at Kingsknowe?

Cirus degreaser Elbow Grease 99p at Semi Chem. Gave up Swarfega and harsh skin years ago and now use any cheap supermarket hand wash for the kitchen which seems to remove oil alright and kind to the skin. I try to wear gloves for the worst jobs but still seem to end up black handed.

Reminds me of the induction course I went on years ago when the head of personnel (it was that long ago) gave a talk on the problems of the post citing a situation where people refused to go in a car with someone due to the BO, how delicacy was required, and how would we handle that. One attendee chimed in with "Naw that widnae happen, his mates would just say hey pal you're honkin'" The HoP's face was a picture.

Make sure the last bit of tyre is that adjacent to the valve so that the tyre bead can sit right down in to the well of the rim round the circumference.

Just beware – if they do get seized in you will have a heck of a job drilling them out compared to the mild steel ones.

I think it already exists in the form of a phone number for the Ranger Service – see the 7 Stanes website.

I had this problem on the hub geared ride to work bike, which has a very poor chainline, and cured it by running the chain a bit slacker than I felt ideal. I suppose it allows any misalignment to be taken up in the chain without actually pulling it to the side ie a bit more flexibility.

My local Morrison has a box for you to put cat food in as soon as you have bought it. Does Asda have one of these in the car park…………………

From a distance the Pents are looking a lot better today?

Somewhat surprised to see that Kaliber is still on the go. I drank it occasionally years ago and it was the worst of both world's – tasted like squirrel's p**h and left you with a hell of a head the next morning. Dread to think what's in it.

Convert to foot pounds then use a spring balance at 1 foot from the bend in the key (slip a ring spanner or something tubular over it) – can prorata the force to the length of what you have available.

Assuming this means Saturday then I will be on (whisper it) a road run, assuming weather like today, but would still be interested in a Monday run on the rough.

I was hoping to get out at some point this holiday weekend – can get another two with bikes in the car.

For boots it has to be Altberg – they will tweak sizes etc to suit and rebuild them when the time comes. So warm I had to stop wearing thick socks and they are as waterproof as you will get. See their website.

The Wheels of Chance – best description of an "off" I have seen and captures the era very well.

http://www.online-literature.com/wellshg/wheelsofchance/37/

Berlingo Multispace, 5 mins to remove one rear seat – takes three bikes intact and upright with three people. I would guess Doblo etc the same.

Should just about be garden equipment time at Lidl and Aldi (bike stuff today at Lidl)which means well priced stainless spades if memory serves.

Given that this is essentially how motorcycle wheels have been secured for decades the principle is entirely sound. But use a decent bit steel, not just a rubbish bolt.

If I thought you had access to a lathe I would say get a spindle from a motorcycle breaker and machine it to size.