I’ve got a Salsa Pistola, which I’ve had for a few years and I love it. It has been over Col d’Iseran, Stelvio, Gavia, Agnello etc and certainly is not heavy (OX platinum tubes, ultegra 6700, hope on open pro). However, it can get a bit of a speed wobble descending (probably my poor technique).

It is no longer made so if I was buying now I would get a Ritchey mainly as I like the look of steel bikes. BUT I suspect that the ride quality of a good aluminium bike (CAAD 10) is comparable and would be cheaper and lighter.

Whyte m109 2014 in cycle surgery sale

Cycle surgery has some whytes. on offer so you could convert to 3×10 within budget

This?
http://www.cyclesurgery.com/pws/UniqueProductKey.ice?ProductID=CWHY0187EW

Didcot?

Maybe better for the getaway to Somerset.

I’m not a terrier owner so have no axe to grind….

Patterdales are a proper, working terrier. You just have to decide if that is for you.

A soft-coated wheaten terrier may be a more laid back house dog (but more grooming required).

Or ignore the bad press and get a Staff, I’ve never met a bad one.

Thanks everyone, very useful.

Saw the 31.6 on classifieds, but need a 30.9mm

Cheers guys, probably just worrying without any need to.

Anyone damaged a frame by shimming?

I’ve got some Maxxis Ikon 2.2 tyres that I’ve just taken off a new bike. Interested?
Used a couple of times.

I’ve done a few over the years. They are generally very friendly events and really good fun.
Worth doing some brick sessions in training, so you get used to running off the bike.

I had a similar decision for my 40th. My advice is get a good bike fitting and if you are of normal proportions an off the peg bike or frame might do. Custom is an expensive option so if you can get a production frame/bike that fits and does what you want, custom my not be good value. There are some nice frames available e.g. Gunnar.
I ended up with a production road frame (Salsa Pistola), built up with a range of nice bits.

By Bagshot church on the south side.

I’ve also got a gravity dropper which I would consider selling. 27.2mm, LH remote with two drop positions.
Email in profile.

I would suggest this, but it seems to be out of stock everywhere.
http://www.charliethebikemonger.com/pdw-portland-design-works-takeout-basketrack–bag-1245-p.asp
However, it would be worth emailing charlie for an ETA.

This one?
http://www.cyclesurgery.com/whyte-29-c-2014/whyte/bikes-components-bikewear/fcp-product/52442?listing=true

Yes, got them in store for £30 for the pair. Pretty pleased.

Update: BOGOF on Specialized tyres at cycle surgery, so trying a Purgatory 2.3 on front and Ground Control 2.1 at the back.

Cheers guys.

The Whyte came with their own brand carbon rims, which seem pretty good.

I should have said, it is a 29er

From the outside, it seems that both before and after the vote the Yes Campaign did itself no favours by being unwilling or unable to understand the motives of no voters.

They have recently been described as:
‘people who will habitually support the status quo at almost any cost’ by Irvine Welsh, scared of change, not scottish or not scottish enough, sefishly protecting their own interests, tricked by the promises of devo-max or duped by a biased media.

Just maybe, they are as forward looking, intelligent and interested in social justice as the yes voters, but decided that the best future lay in the UK rather than an independent Scotland.

Really surprised to hear about the difficult experience with the boxer, as they are usually soppy.

My advice is go to a good rescue centre with a list of specific criteria and stick to it. We wanted a young, female dog that is good with kids and other dogs as we have lots of visitors. After a few visits to the home (Battersea), we were offered a large crossbreed (not what we expected) that met our criteria and decided to take her. They were spot on with their assessment of her character and she has been great.

They are very honest in their assessments of dogs as they want a good match. As your experience shows, there can be a lot of variation in character within a breed.

There will be dancing in the streets in Portsmouth as a yes vote will save the shipyard and ensure that future Royal Navy contracts stay in the south.

Thanks for posting, a really good read and some nice pics.
I had a trip to Italy this year but didn’t get to do the Muro due to thunder storms. Did do the Stelvio in snow and I would recommend that you give it a go sometime. It really is spectacular. Also did the Gavia, which was hard and had a lovely ride round Lake Maggiore too.
Did some of the French climbs last summer including Iseran, Agnello, Izoard and Alpe d’Huez.

“It’s curtains for Karpets!”

CRC had some expensive cannondale ones heavily reduced. I have found them excellent for long road rides.

What about these?
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/road-track-bike/continental-grand-prix-gt-tyre-tube-bundle/conttyrf308

Charlie the bikemonger has some genetic mini Vs which are cheap. I have found them excellent on a tourer, much better than cantis, but would also recommend adjustable noodles.

Yes
English
No vote

Interested to see what happens to the oil revenue if there is a yes vote in most of Scotland but the Shetlands and/or Orkney vote no to independence or have their own referendum to leave a newly independent Scotland.

Usually the crank arm length is etched on the back of the cranks near the hole which the pedals go in. If that makes sense…

Thanks Nutty.
Details please poah.

True, but it’s complicated by fewer opportunities for progression by lower staff turnover (in some cases). I don’t have any particular agenda but just wanted to clarify some of the differences. I trained in the state sector and saw loads of great teaching, life just went in a different direction! I think Gove’s recent comparisons of the two has not been helpful to anyone.
Back to work now. Cheers.

Private school teachers do get longer holidays, but not necessarily more pay. They also may work longer weeks, for example I teach on Saturdays, run sports in afternoons (incl. Sats) and have boarding duties until 10pm. So it isn’t more holidays for exactly the same job.
However, I think that public sector workers, including teachers, do deserve a pay rise and in general do a great job. I would accept a tax rise to fund this. I don’t believe that you can cut back without impacting on services and that scale of potential efficiency savings has been overstated for years.

I would agree with most of the comments. It is great stuff, but expensive and the sizing can be a bit odd. I find things come up big.
The only thing to add is that the customer service is great. I got a pair of boots from TKMaxx and one of the lace hooks came out. I took it into a Rohan shop to ask about a repair and they apologise dprofusely and gave me a new pair of more expensive boots on the spot.

Fizik Aliante is nice on long road rides.
What about the new rubber brooks saddles?

Thanks I’ll look into it.

I’m also 6ft and have a Banshee 200. It is a bit short and due to the slope of the walls, can be a bit of a struggle. I reckon that the blade 200 might be a bit better due to the curved pole. They are slightly heavier, but only £72 quid at go outdoors.

My mountain hardwear nilas is amazing. RRP is very high but I got it at outlet for about £100.

I’m with vodafone on quite a basic deal and they gave me an add on contract for my son (12), which is about £7 a month. Our problem is that he never remembers to charge it up! Maybe your provider has a similar deal.

We’ve used waitrose party food:
http://www.waitrose.com/home/groceries/party_food.html

Thai pork lollipops sound awesome.