Technically, six out of seven dwarves aren’t happy.

Another legend gone, shame :cry:

Well done. I really fancy doing the Mold 10k this weekend but I think I’m still too heavy, plus I’m only up to about 6.5 treadmill km in 40 min. I don’t fancy stumbling round the second lap in the dark :-)

Manchester Orchestra, in Bristol. I’m going to see them in Manchester on Wednesday.

Nice to be able to help :-)

There look to be loads left here

I bought a light from MTBBatteries too, I’ve found the centre hot spot too bright to use as a bar mounted light, so it’s going on my lid and I’ve bought a MJ-872 for the bars. Carpark testing last night showed the 872 to have a much broader beam spread. Both are excellent lights, way exceeding my old L&M ARC.

Nice !

Haven’t you heard ? bikes are old school, Hora’s next mount is…..

Any type of place where you can ride a bike is mint

I couldn’t agree more :-)

The green route takes in the first third (appx) of the climb then does a loop round the reservoir. Much shorter for young legs.

We hired a car when we were there (17 years ago mind). I wouldn’t bother if I went again, the city is a nightmare to navigate and cabs will be cheaper anyway. I would try to get down Cape Cod though, and you may need a one day hire for that.

I go all the time, a bit later in the day to miss the crowds. It’s a good place to introduce new riders, and it gets better the faster you ride. The coffee is good and Katy is lovely.

No one makes eye contact to say hello,

I do, if I see someone that won’t talk I just think “city folk” and pedal on.

Apparently you can use it one handed, so I guess there’ll be porn available :twisted:

If you don’t want to spend the cash for a SC then the Ibis and Yeti are probably out. I see quite a few people on the Canyons, they are all happy with them – the deal breakers for me were the lack of demo bikes and the lead time (I’d sold my old bike).

getting your gait analyzed and some new trainers is a good way to avoid lots of injuries

This x 10 – especially if you are a bit heavy

I’ve gone from a 10 min trot to a 40 min run three times a week in about two months, I’m convinced that my supportive shoes have helped no end.

Ghost are a German brand, not long in the UK with their mountain bikes. I tried one because Llandegla (my LBS) stock them. They only sell smaller brands so they have a good relationship with their suppliers. The AMR 7500 is their biggest selling bike this year (I suspect the Orange 5 is second). They are very well finished for the money and the bike rode very nicely, but to me it felt more like a good hire bike than something I wanted to own – difficult to put into words, but it didn’t feel like it had any “character” having said that, I’m a lot fitter now and I think the Ghost is a bike that would respond well to a damn good thrashing :-) To be honest I think my heart was set on the ASR-5, but the demo bike (direct from Yeti) was tired and the forks were completely shot, I’d happily have left it by the side of the trail and walked back, very disappointed….I have talked to a couple of other people who feel the same, so try one before you order one for sure.
In comparison, when I tested the Nickel I grinned all the way round. I do have feel a bit of an affinity to SC though as I’ve previously owned and loved a Blur and have been round the factory in California.

I was in a similar position to you a few months ago – I tested a Ghost AMR (quite nice, but not “special”), a Niner FS thingy (fast and fun, but not worth the money in my eyes), a Yeti ASR-5 (I wanted to love this, waited a ages for a test ride and absolutely hated it) and a Santa Cruz Nickel. I bought the Nickel – the most fun, climbs well and comfortable.

I’m not doing it, but some roadie colleagues are. There’s a lot of climbing, and the weather could make it a horrible day if it goes against you. I guess at the end of the day it’s all about how much you like suffering.

8O

Well I spoke to Lumicycle and they think their lamps will fit. £80 mind….here

Looks like the heaviest bit of him’s his…..never mind…

Was broken when it arrived, then broke again after factory repair, now the bulb has fallen apart.

To be honest mine’s been nothing but trouble since I bought it, but if I can get it going it will be a good spare.

Cheers Jam bo, last time I trawled that thread it was dated but I’ll have another read.

Mrs RD has had quite a bit of stuff from minx[/url] – good products and good service. Recommended. Used to do loads of gym / running / yoga stuff but can’t see anything immediately…have a look though.

Well I’d be at my local branch first thing in the morning with some ID and a stern expression if it was me…

I didn’t know the Primera had the same engine as the Laguna – I withdraw the suggestion :oops:

Lagunas are terribly unreliable.What about a Primera ?

People who sit on gym equipment, playing with their mobile phones for 20 minutes at a time and doing do exercise at all..

is she the most attractive woman to have ever lived?

Well, if she isn’t, she’s certainly on a very short list… 8)

I like Harry, i think he comes across as sound and quite genuine.

I agree. I haven’t really paid the princes much attention over the years, but they do seem to have grown up to be pretty decent people.

Woody, what’s your point ? All I said in my first post was “these are the benefits I get at 5, 10 & 20 years”, and contrasted our different pension schemes. I then congratulated and thanked him. In my last post I made this clear, explaining that I was merely illustrating the position I am in vs the position the Op is in. I also explained that I would, given my time again, like to be in the position he is. At no point have I said that his job is easy, or that he should be entitled to anything less that that which he hopefully enjoy in terms of benefits. For what it’s worth if I am off sick more than twice in any rolling twelve month period I will get a final written warning, if I’m off four times I will almost certainly be sacked. This rule would, I’m told, apply even if I were 65 and suffering from a debilitating or terminal condition.

You know what Woody, you’re right, and I stand corrected. What I should have said was I have no guaranteed pension, and was not bright / lucky enough to commit to a career that would allow me to retire after 30 years of service. I wish I had. I do, do course, have a Company pension, to which I contribute 5% and my employer adds another 8%. I think I’m correct in saying that fire service employees contribute 11% for their final salary scheme. Again, I wasn’t having a pop at the OP as such, just pointing out that actually there are many of us who wish we were in a similar position.

Apparently after five years with my employer I get a pen – after ten I get some whisky glasses, and after 20 years a decanter (why anyone would want any of these as a long service gift I can’t imagine). What I don’t get is time to run a business on the side like most firemen I know. Oh, I don’t get a pension either. Nice medal – thanks, and well done.

Go on then, tell me why this is a “flaming” and why I deserve to die in a flaming building ? I’ve stated nothing that isn’t absolutely factual, and I said thanks and well done. My conclusion, Bruneep, is that you have a huge chip on your shoulder.

Apparently after five years with my employer I get a pen – after ten I get some whisky glasses, and after 20 years a decanter (why anyone would want any of these as a long service gift I can’t imagine). What I don’t get is time to run a business on the side like most firemen I know. Oh, I don’t get a pension either. Nice medal – thanks, and well done.

Some lovely cars on this thread, here’s a wild card for you

Have a great time Emsz, apparently they’re belting live.

Only gig lined up is The Manchester Orchestra, at the Manchester Academy. I’m cutting down on my spending :-( Looking forward to seeing them though. listen here

Tell your manager you would rather not get the bonus then – explain why, I’m sure they will either find a way to make a more tax efficient payment to you or split it amongst themselves.