What about Ikon rear and something like ardent race up front? I live near part of KAW and use that combo

I bought one in January.  It was certainly purchase made with the heart and not the head but I have no regrets. There are better value bikes for sure, like the Big Trail 700, but I can’t see myself ever changing it. As mentioned some components are low spec and I upgraded cranks, bars and brakes almost immediately.  I will upgrade gears and wheels in due course. It is hefty, but makes more sense as it gets steeper. I’m really enjoying it.

Brecon Tap did good beer and pies, although I haven’t been for a couple of years.

Update: mech hanger was slightly out and now straightened. Shifting is now better but not perfect. It is fine across most of the cassette but in one sprocket it seems to catch on the next one up as if a tooth is bent, although visual inspection reveals nothing. I’ll ride it as is and see how it goes.

Thanks for all of the advice.

Got a alignment tool on the way, but thanks for offer. Cable all correct. Thanks for all the tips

Chain is maybe a bit short, will try to borrow a mech alignment tool

Yes, all pretty much new. Mech moving fine. Will keep trying

I’ve ordered a p7 29er! A completely irrational decision but it has made me happy.  Very excited and glad to get an Orange in case it is my last chance. 

When we cycled down, we ate at the Churchillian pub on top of Portsdown hill and then rolled down to the ferry. Not super special, but you can sit in the garden and keep an eye on the bike.

Thanks all. Anyone tried the alloy Air 9?

I’ve been resurrecting my O Level French by doing Duolingo for 10-15 mins every day. This has replaced quite a bit of my time wasting on the internet and I feel like I’m doing something beneficial for my old brain.

Another fan of decathlon wellies here.

Maiden for me too. So many good songs. Currently at my desk with Senjutsu on the turntable.

I’m still riding a 2014 Whyte M109-s which is a 100mm FS marathon bike, but looking at replacing it and so following this with interest. I don’t race, but have done an occasional marathon or duathlon so don’t want a XC race bike. I’m tempted by the Epic Evo, Scalpel SE, Oiz Tr or even a Spearfish, but the price of new bikes is terrifying.

Now sorted. Thanks thepurist but ok now.

KTM 390 Adventure is often mentioned a an alternative.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/fabric-handlebar-bottle-cage/_/R-p-168751?mc=8487122&c=BLACK
Got to be worth a try at 4.99

I also run an ardent race on the front and ikon rear.

Decathlon ones are pretty good

Go full STW and get the Rapha Explore jacket!

He looks amazing. We got a rottie / american bulldog cross from Battersea about 8 years ago and she is still going strong. Not quite as big as your lad though. She has been the most gentle, friendly and reliable dog. However, she is not really a trail hound. She did come running with me when she was younger, but a real plodder. We also have a lab, who is much more active and better suited to running and biking.

I’ve got some yksion pro II in 25mm going cheap, if you want to try them.

Salsa Vaya?

Thanks, that’s great

I’ve had to leave bikes on a rear bike rack overnight before, I’ve taken off the wheels, run a long chain through the towing eye and frames of bikes and reversed right up to a wall so that you can’t access bikes or lift them off the rack.

However, if possible I put them in the car.

anagallis – true, sorry for the oversight. Thanks for giving up your half-term to support children!

The reason not to go back early is that teachers and their unions will not do it and quite rightly in my view. Most have worked over Easter preparing remote learning and have been working hard delivering lessons remotely this term. Furthermore, lots of primary teachers have been in school with children of key workers.

I think the reason for getting primary age pupils in is that parents can then get back to work and get the economy moving. If you have primary age children, working at home is not easy! Teenagers can be left to get on with things more easily (?)

Well done Ewan. I’m also local, so appreciate your efforts to get this investigated properly.

Salsa Pistola that’s been to France, Italy and all over UK. What do I need to do to post pic?
https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipOEy_PokTK1KSHEDVkdWJKCVg2X4Naj1dMwa21S/photo/AF1QipOjGXuP9oBAL0lzgbbqXm2p0E_h2-pS5G_xbiEM

If you need a new home for your ultegra cranks, I’m after some 50/34 175mm.

Any of the cheap speed and cadence sensors on eBay any good?

If you are interested, I’ve got a Dawes Double Edge that has been gathering dust for a few years. Would let it go cheap.

The breed is certainly one which is harder to train to recall.
Whenever she comes back first time, reward with a high value treat. I suggest a small cube of cheese, but some dogs love the stinky fish based treats. They worked brilliantly for my dog:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fish-Super-Stars-Training-Treats/dp/B00SRGPHKW

I find entering an event or planning a trip helps get me off the sofa so how about these ideas>
1. Try something new, maybe enter a triathlon or off-road duathlon. Swim or run sessions tend to be shorter and easier to fit in than a long ride, so you can fit them in more easily.
2. What about the Scott MTB marathon series?
3. Book a touring holiday in France or similar. Easy to get to and lovely for cycling. I did this last year and it helped me get motivated as I wanted to get fit and enjoy the trip.
Good luck.

You’ve got it right, lovely stuff but expensive. I don’t find it comes up large – use their size guide.
https://www.fjallraven.co.uk/customer-service/size-chart/

You could have my orange p7 29 size L for 600. Fox rhythm forks, mavic wheeks, shimami 1×10 etc. Located in Hampshire

Thanks for the replies.
Conclusion seems to be that the new ones clamp at the lever, but you can get it to work the other way.

I think it is a send away service as the sagging is probably due to air in the cartridge, so I’m looking at about £80

Got back yesterday from a fantastic trip based around your routes Bez. Had a great time and enjoyed the empty roads, so thanks very much for all your help.

In summary, we cycled to Portsmouth (about 45 miles from where we live) and got the overnight ferry to St Malo. Three 75 mile days using your extended 2 day route with a few deviations and then overnight back to Portsmouth from Caen and then home.

Have a look at
Crazyguyonabike.com
Lots of touring info from all over the place. Not easy to navigate but a search for Hi Chi Minh throws up quite a lot