Sell the five, keep the Rocky Ridge and buy an Orange R8!

Thanks to everyone

I help to run a DofE programme which offers Bronze, Silver and Gold. We ask applicants to fill in a form but rarely turn anyone away. It’s only happened when we are massively oversubsribed of if we feel someone doesn’t want to do it but is being pushed into it by a parent etc. We mainly use it to get them to think about what they are signing up for.
Of course, your daughter’s group may be different, but the advice offered above is all good. She should write about what attributes she can bring to a group (teamwork, organisation etc) and what she hopes to learn and get out of it (confidence, meeting new people, challenging herself, helping others). She should be honest but don’t forget that it is not just about the expeditions, there is a requirement for regular physical activity, volunteering and developing a skill.

Thorn do quite a few 26″ tourers. Also the Surly Long Haul Trucker is now available in all sizes with 26″ wheels.

More good replies, thanks everyone.

Thanks for info

I've got a Salsa la raza (54cm) which I'm looking to shift. It's platinum ox tubing, ultegra / 105 9 speed, with a triple. Let me know if this is interesting.

It is much improved, but I would be looking to live outside and commute. As suggested Chichester is quite nice, but there are lots of nice villages within reach.

I've got a five and one of the 2007 clockworks, which I use for local XC. Why not look at the R8 as a real contrast to your five?

Thanks, I do the bearings first.

Thanks z1ppy. Is the play likely to be in the bearings or bushings?

I've got two tandems which I was going to put up for sale over Easter.

One is a Dawes Double Edge which would fit you. The other is a Thorn Voyager child back if anyone is interested. The Dawes would be in your budget.

I can do pics etc, but am very busy at the moment and don't have a day off for a couple of weeks. Mail me if you are interested.

I'm located near Basingstoke.

No they need a special hub, but will fit a std QR fork. Some hubs can be converted, but not an XT I suspect. Not worth getting a new hub for I would say.

Michelin krylion from CRC. Excellent combination of speed, durability and cost.

I would drop the disc brake idea and get a Salsa Casseroll.

No not linked, took it easy at first and problems went as soon as I changed shoes. I've got flat feet and so needed something suitable.

£70 or so may seem like a lot for a pair of shoes, but compared to the money I spend on bikes…..

As the capt says, go to a proper running shop and get them to have a look at you. About 15 years ago I started to run and had terrible problems. Got some new shoes following their advice and have always got the same type of shoes since.

Also, don't do too much too soon.

I would second mountain-trax, but the workshop gets busy so give them a call.

Also East St Cycles in Farnham are good.

Working cockers will run all day.

I would also vote for a flat-coated retriever. They have a lovely nature and are great all round dogs. We've a flat-coat / setter cross and she has been great, but is now 12 and sadly lost her sight over Christmas, so running on my own now.

I also had a decayed wisdom tooth pulled out on Friday. I've not got any pain now and haven't had to take pain killers since Fri afternoon, so maybe you need to talk to your dentist!

Have a look at Anglo-Irish. They did have some good rates with quick access.

What about Magura Louise? Great reliability.

It depends where you are coming from, but I always park on the street by the church in Bagshot and enter the south end of the forest.

Fox vanillas aren't that expensive when compared to revelations / pikes and are pretty good.

Excellent so far, just the type of answers I expected! :-)

Agree about the 5, but surely the original Jekyll was the first 'do it all' bike, although it didn't quite have 5" of travel, (only 115mm at rear if I remember).

Surely the P7, deserves a mention too.

6 foot and 18 inch here. I need a long seat post, but it is long enough in the top tube

Michelin krylion carbon. £20 each at CRC at the moment. Quick, grippy, robust and cheap.

I find michelin krilion carbon a good mix of grip, puncture resistance, speed and price. They are currently £20 each on CRC.

Forgot about the wheel upgrade, typing too fast!

It's fine, but I would be tempted to pay the £102 for an upgrade to a Fox float R fork or, even better, £132 for the Float R QR15 fork. Surely there is room for a bit of haggling?

zafira for that money

Thanks, I'll try with the 113 that I have

Anyone?

I've just replaced an E2 with an Athlon and it is very similar. If you liked the E2, the Athlon is a safe bet.

Fox vanilla r can be had for about 330. Very nice fork.

Does anyone know what the bit of the three castles path is like between Tunworth and Winslade? Is it very overgrown?
thanks

Lovely, thanks jfeb!

I ride Swinley quite often, but have no idea about the names. Can someone tell me where Labyrinth and the tank traps are?

Thanks

Great, thanks. I’ve found some bits, but an sure there are some hidden gems.