Just all dreadfully sad – so many lives ruined in all three families Bulger, Venables and Thompson. My little boy is 2 now and I get exactly the same feeling as those above, just need to check he's safe and give him a cuddle.

I borrowed a Yamaha TDM (Tedium). Very capable commuter and pretty dull. What we'd all be riding if we bought bikes with our heads not with our hearts.

Definitely worth a look as a commuter

I've just gone to First Direct as well after getting hacked off with Halifax. Great experience so far.

We also did Bluestone[/url] in Wales. Pretty nice as well but a long way from anywhere.

We've done Forest Holidays [/url]a few times. Not the same amount of activities there as CPs but not as many chavs either ;-)

We bought Miele on the strength of the 10 yr guarantee they were offering at the time. Expensive but it's not put a foot wrong in 3 years.

I'm about 5'10" and ride a medium Soul. Got magura phaons on mine which I twiddle with occasionally but mostly run at 120ish mm. Would be interested in forks with maxle but not a priority at moment

Sure this could happen with any tdi but a mate of mine had turbo on his pack in which was over a grand to sort

I've got Northwave Celcius and they're great. Though bought a euro size bigger. The top tip with winter boots is buy 'em in the summer when no one else wants them. Got mine last summer from Evans for £65

I did a great days course with Circuit Based Training. Emergency stops from 70,80,90mph were interesting exercises. Emergency/hard braking whilst going fast cornering around Gerrards was also excellent.

The instructors mentioned that the bikes that always did best in these exercises had ABS – no skill required, just grab a big handful and let the bike sort itself out.

My Soul is a bitsa.

Magura Phaons
mavic 71somethings on hope hubs
hope mono mini brakes
big wide Salsa moto bar
thomson stem
Easton post
spec BG seat
LX ht2 chainset
SRAM rear mech, lx front
complete mongrel which deserves a nicer build but it rides great.

My only MTB so gets used for everything off road

To be honest it was the ski jumping that prompted this thread. I don't profess to understand the subtleties of ski jumping but was pretty surprised to find it isn't just the fella that jumps the furthest distance that gets the gold medal

Stuartie_c. Is the pic of a camera a GRD iii? If so how do you find it? I'm keen on getting one but am still at the research stage

That does look very nice and all in incredible condition. Enjoy it.

So what's the executive summary with Lumilite? They buy DX lights and sell them to punters who know no better for 60% more using a shonky website? Is that the business model?

(Bgger! – wish I'd thought of that – :( No need to buy in bulk as DX have improved their delivery, operate a bit of a kanban system and order a few more when you are down to your last couple – money for old rope)

Have a look on hotukdeals. 2 x 2gb should only be pennies anyway I would have thought?

Get rid of the TV then keep one small area of a table in your lounge dust free. Great entertainment when the chap from the Corporation comes around!

Attaching to PC normally sorts mine. From memory there's a 'button dance' which puts it back to factory. Might be worth trying to google for it

Winter boots (and with apologies to Simon), Lycra tights

warm feet and knees are a revelation

Where do you live? Wasn't that once beautiful land?

I think MF was implying that at some point in the past there was a green patch where your abode now stands

65Litres is way too big. My 40litre is also too big and my carrying 2 or 3st in it is also silly. Buy a small bag and don't carry so much stuff.

Get one of the regular ones and if you can run to it get a Fibre Flare[/url].

Very impressive it its own right, gets a bonus driver noticing WTF factor and gives 360 degree visability.

I feel happier on my commute for having got one.

If you do want to send flowers now or at some other point in the future – then Imogen Stone are great. I think I normally click through Quidco or some other site and get cashback.

When did you leave? Early Doors, the office, phoenix nights, peep show all worth a watch

American but Curb your enthusiasm does it for me too

Not disputing that you are £50 light but that's a strange 'theft' – I can't imagine the thought whereby you pay ~96% or whatever the percentage is and deduct a liitle bit. Why wouldn't you either pay the full amount or pay nothing. Very odd

or some strange exchange rate thing between pound and euro?

If you can afford it and you're not affecting anyone else negatively then go for it. A nice watch is a real pleasure that lasts. I got a Breitling and have never regretted it – one of my favorite possessions. Watch haters will be along shortly, but each to their own – if you don't get it, then you don't appreciate it

Obviously also post 'those pics' up and we'll give you a more informed and considered view

More time for riding!

When I used to tour I used to work on 15-16 mph. Rigid mtb with slicks and rear panniers.

Another vote for the flat barred roadrat

I use a Berghaus climbing sack and carry more than is really sensible. Works ok and I rationalise it as 'training'

Tools – options – privacy settings – location bar at the bottom of the box . You got that set to suggest nothing???

Mate has this place. Holiday barns. Stayed a few times. Not sure of rate but the perfect biking base

Our little lad had his Isla for his Christmas present. Had maiden trip on it last weekend and got on really well. Going to get him out on it again today.

Malvern Hills Conservator in disguise? Do they still have the busy bodies telling you not to ride on the ridge?

I appreciate that there are turrists that would do us harm and that the likelihood of them getting their act together to do something increases and decreases. Harry, Ros and Lucas need to know this so they can protect us from them but why do the rest of us great unwashed need to know? Will anyone really be more vigilant or do anything different because of this? I think it's partially linked to election and also a bit of PR perhaps to accompany GB and TB's visits to Mr Chilcott's office to get the slipper for being naughty.

Get one of those eccentricker? Kits and keep the clean lines. Tensioners always look gash

My wife got a Honda Jazz – the design of the interior if fantastic. Old person's car image but we've not had a single problem with it in the last 18 months

Soul in the snow