I really used to lust after this, after I first saw it in a Freewheel catalogue (but in black):

Some young lad on my estate had one, and I knew it was stolen, as they were well over £2000, even back then. ****. Mind, he ended up doing a fair amount of time (for being a ****, mainly), so Karma was served.

Also liked the original Pace as above, and a Klein Adroit, which was like the Attitude above, but lighter.

Always wanted a Cannondale, because of the fatness of the tubes, and eventually got one. Plus a Lefty fork, just because, and got one.

Have to say, money no object, there is actually nothing I really lust after any more. They’re just bikes, now.

But imagine, BD; really cute little discs and calipers, all shiny and nice…

I want them.

I am going to have them.

But there is an increasing number of hybrid and 700c ‘sports’ bikes that are coming equipped with discs, and surely discs are what you’d want, on a CX bike? (Can we see a pic of your bike again, please, druidh?)

No, I’d say it’s pretty obvious that the only reason we are not seeing little discs on ‘racing bikes’ (remember when all bikes with drop handlebars were ‘racers’?): UCI regulations. As to why they aren’t on lower end non ‘professional’ ‘racing’ bikes, is that people want something that resembles what the TDF guys have.

So, the main REAL reasons: Banned by UCI and fashion.

Thanks for the valiant attempts at answering the question, though, guys!

BD: Small things, and all that. I am easily amused, I must say. I nearly messed meself earlier, because some woman on the radio was talking a bout a mouse that stole a Malteser from her bag. It doesn’t take a lot, I tell you.

Hairychested- yes, I have my passport and inoculations all in order, and my carer is coming to pick me up at 8.30.

I might have a little kip in the van, actually.

Or, has it more to do with UCI regulations, which ban the use of discs on road bikes?

Eh? Eh?

Got to love all you armchair experts, though. Keep it up, people, you’re amusing!

Can’t see why not. Headset designs/sizes have changed a fair bit over the last 10-20 years, so why not integrate disc mounts?

Since no-one has actually come up with a good reason NOT to have little discs on road bikes, I’ll assume that there is none.

Why can’t the kids come? It won’t be too demanding for kids of that age. And if they’re with their dad, they can always cut out early, if it’s too tough.

As for the language, well, I’m sure people can moderate their language (I mean, as there will be ladies present, I will of course be minding my Ps and Qs). anyway, it’s a cruel, harsh World out there; no point sheltering them from it. At that age, they probably know more swear words than their parents, anyway…

I think it’s just because people don’t want to be shown up by youngsters…

yes, for all the reasons just given

Which were?

‘Too powerful’ – use smaller diameter discs, reducing the power compared to a MTB disc.
‘Lock the wheels’ – all brakes will, if applied strongly enough. Relatively easy to design more modulation into the lever.

So, the advantages (again):

Less material at rim = lower mass = less rotating weight = greater acceleration + increased braking efficiency.
Better in foul wet weather.
Rim brakes rely on very true rims, to be fully efficient. Discs do away with this issue. Dent a rim/snap a spoke on a 100 mile ride, no worries.

You could probably design little discs and caliper systems that would weigh as much, if not less, than rim brakes. imagine; really cute little mini caliper systems. Maybe even little carbon caliper housings! More bling! You could even house the caliper in the fork leg!!!!

See? Makes perfect sense, and youse all know it.

Any manufacturers out there; this is my concept, so don’t nick it, or I will want loads of money.

Happy happy joy joy!

Yes- carbon rims that have to be built tough, to withstand braking forces, and weigh as much as alloy rims. thus negating the benefits of using a lighter material.

No good reason why no road discs, though, is there? Let’s be honest.

I’ve had a revelation, with some silk liner gloves, from Decathlon, for £4.95. Use with standard Autumn/Spring gloves, and it is the most effective solution I’ve tried.

But I think there may be advantages.

What about tiny little discs, for road bikes? 100,120 or 140mm? Think of long, steep, alpine descents, in the rain. Plus, you’d be able to produce lighter rims (use of disc brakes has led to lighter rims in MTBs), less rotating weight, therefore greater acceleration and more efficient braking. Then, you could have ultra-light carbon rims.

Makes a lot of sense, to me.

I think it’s because roadies are snobby bastards, who wouldn’t want to be seen following MTB technology; that’s really what it is.

(or buy some nail varnish)

What, and put on some make-up, a short skirt, fishnet tights and go on the game?

That’s a bit much, isn’t it? Over a couple of scratches?

Sheesh, I know, Credit Crunch and all that, but to be forced into prostitution, because of a blemished frame, really, it’s too much.

Somehow, I suspect he’s not the full ticket, that bloke.

That was **** mental, though. That’s death, if it goes wrong.

**** fruitloop.

Aw, go on! You’ll enjoy it, once you get going.

Got any spare computer mouses at your work? Pinch one for me; I keep smashing them up. 4 gone, recently.

Oh, and a plug-in phone would be useful, too. They don’t last long with me, either.

Ta. XX

No worries, psychle. But I’m sure there will be future trips, and the van idea means it’s less hassle loading up and stuff, plus we can take plenty of spare clothes, tools, etc.

…you’d probably end up wearing the cup of tea

Nothing’s gonna change my love for you
You ought know by now how much I love you
One thing you can be sure of
I’ll never ask for more than your love…

(Goes off to practice smoochy dance moves, ready for Saturday…)

The 2.25s should be fine, as it’s not rained for a bit, and should be fairly dry. Not too much mud round Swinley.

He did a ‘What tyres for…’ thread… 😯

BLASPHEMER!

BURN HIM!!!!!!!!

I wouldnít interview you full stop!

(runs away sobbing) 😥

Heartless woman.

Truth is, you know I’d take your job, innit?

No point denying it, love.

I’d let you stay on as my secretary though. I’d let you make me tea. 😉

(Runs away as fast as possible, before Aleigh can find a heavy or sharp object…)

The first thing that was said to him was “Morning mate, where’d you park your bus?”

Yeah, but he could have responded by saying ‘in your mum’s crack’, and they could have had a proper vicious fight, using sharp office equipment, and it might have resulted in some quite serious injuries.

But you’d guarantee, no-one would ever be an arse over someone else’s dress sense, again.

Aleigh, would you give me the job, if I wore my….

….Birthday Suit?

Ah, got to love this country, with it’s anachronistic customs…

Personally, I wouldn’t risk not wearing a suit, or at least a shirt, tie, jacket and smart trousers and shoes. It’s almost the law, really, for most jobs. The only interview I’ve ever gone for, casual, was for a retail position, and i’d already had a good chat with the boss, so virtually had the job anyway. Wore just a short-sleeved shirt, casual trousers and sandals. It was middle of summer, and 90+ degrees. The boss was wearing t-shirt, shorts and flip-flops! I think only in scorching heat, could you be excused a jacket, reallly.

Silly, though, isn’t it? that most people wouldn’tgive a toss whether you wore a ‘suit’ or not, yet it’s still not a good idea not to.

‘Making the effort’ is the key, really, and wearing the ‘uniform’ displays that.

(and not on my own good looks)

given the copious evidence that’s just as well…

Miiiieeeeaaaaoooooowwww!

Ooh, get her!

Oh, right, cricket…

(wanders off again)

I remember the ‘tough’ kids, on their BMXs or skateboards, being able to jump off things. I also remember the amount of injuries they suffered. I know people with bits of metal in them. And now they are approaching middle age, have problems with movement in some joints, etc.

i have been out biking, and seen people clear big jumps, and do stuff I have no intention of doing. I admire their skill and dedication, but see no reason why I should take such risks.

Mountain biking is a sport which sells the image of being ‘extreme’. Indeed, most of these ‘all mountain’ and ‘freeride’ bikes are sold prcisely because of marketing hype, not because you ‘need’ one to enjoy the sport. Granted, they may enable you to feel confident tackling ‘gnarlier’ stuff than you might otherwise, but they don’t actually make you any ‘sexier’, which is what it all comes down to, really, isn’t it? Males vying for female attention, challenging for Alpha Male status, let’s be honest.

Nothing wrong with that; at least biking is a healthier activity than fighting in pubs.

But biking is a sport that allows the ‘ordinary’ individual to compensate for their ‘inadequacies’, by buying fancy bikes.

I used to watch mtb vids, of people like Peaty and them, and think, ‘ooh, I’d like to be able to do that, but I can’t, oh, it must be because they’ve got better bikes than me’. Well, thankfully, I have matured a bit, and recognised that it’s talent, and a lower fear of pain and death than I possess, that enables these guys to do what they do.

So, I realise what my own limitations are. Ok, so I may get a bit frustrated with that, and want to ‘push myself’ beyond my ‘limits’ (I’m sure that adjusting the travel on my fork from 100 to 115mm will make me mare ‘rad’). And occasionally, I may come a cropper, and come back to the knowledge that I’m just an ordinary bod, who just likes biking.

I’ll still buy shiny bits, to help delude myself a little bit more, though…

I’m not bothered, as long as it has Fleetwood Mac’s ‘The Chain’ at the start of the program. Hearing that used to give me goosebumps, back in the Mansell/Senna/Prost/Piquet days. Pity Murray won’t be coming back.

As for the lack of ads during the race, Hallelujah. There was a race a few years back, where Alonso was trying to hold Schumacher from overtaking for the lead. A proper battle. Then, with just 3 or so laps to go, it cut to an ad break. Probably one of the worst bits of TV direction I’ve ever seen. ITV were obliged to cut to an ad break at some point, as the companies involved had contracts (worth millions), but it just highlighted how much corporate interests had swallowed up sport.

No, it’s like ‘all of teh awsum’, what you get with geeky kids on tinternet. Nowt to do with Mleh.

Actually, I don’t have the links to the instructions! Peter sent me the Reba instructions as a Word doc. I think. But there are other bits on Tunnel Hill Trolls site, I think.

I just thought the instructions were very clearly laid out, the photos were excellent for illustrating the points, and it was very simple and easy to follow. Hats off to PP, for going to the trouble of producing such guides, for the benefit of other people. Think that deserves respect.

As for the mess, well, just a bit of oil comes out when you take the lowers off, but it’s no big deal.

PPs guide to converting the Poploc thing to the adjuster knob was so clear and concise, I swear I could do it without looking at the guide, as the procedure is fixed in my head.

I agree that it’s not difficult, but until you’ve done something, you don’t know that.

Ah, psychle- shame. We had a space reserved in the van for you, if you’d wanted it.

For future reference; My carer lives just up the road from you, in Stoke Newington, and I’m over East, and we’re trying out the idea of renting vans out, as he’s thinking of selling his car (he only really uses it when we go biking, anyway, so it’ll be cheaper to rent, over a year). So, you’d be more than welcome to jump in the van with us, on future trips.

Wasn’t there a right ding-dong over Rapha gear, a little while back, on the old forum? I remember someone calling it ‘chavvy’. That made me laugh. Quite the opposite, I would have thought.

Nice stuff, too bloody expensive, for most people, I’d imagine. I’d love the Fixed jacket, though.

Nice to see a firm making functional cycling gear that is quite stylish, too. Problem with a lot of gear is, if you’re going out, and don’t want to look like you’ve just stepped off the bike, your choice is quite limited.

If someone could make gear that is a bit nice, like Rapha, with similar well-functioning design and materials, but for half the price, they’d have a winner. Seeing as most cyclists actually cycle in urban environments, I cant see why more cycling gear can’t reflect that, and be a little less ‘outdoorsy’.

Mind, we’ve come a long way from purple and fluoro yellow tops, and that proper gopping Been Bag stuff. Anyone remember that? By God it was awful.

£15million for Jermaine Defoe? Blimey. Good bit of business for Portsmouth.

Really? Well, I apologise, in that case. Just had a whiff of selfish nastiness. My mistake.

Personally, I’m more concerned with the needless deaths of innocent people, than my gas supply, as I can always burn something else to keep warm, or move to warmer climes.

But that’s just me.

(Although I’m with you on the passenger + luggage gross weight thing!)

To be brutally honest, I actually don’t care that much

We know, Adam.

Flashfart; I thought that was a given!

Yes, Scandanavian ladies are very nice…. 😉

I’m with rudeboy. Although the dirty unwashed feckless student thing is a bit far.

It’s true, though. Students are often dirty, unwashed and feckless.

I was never a big fan of pound-a-pint ‘Slappers Delight’ nights down the union. Just struck me as a bit sad, people getting off with others they neither fancied nor respected. I was particularly disgusted when I hear 3 blokes comparing notes on the same lass. Come on, man, have fun, but it just struck me as desperate loneliness, really.

And sad, when you see someone who actually liked the other person, have to watch as that person got off with someone else.

Still, most people grow out of it.

No trials at BBB? I was hoping for some; I’ve even sent me wig and gown off to be cleaned.

‘And we, of the STW Massive, hereby sentence you to death, for the heinous crime of riding a fixie with stupid short handlebars’.

‘But M’Lud, the defendant is surely innocent, as his freehub had seized’

‘Not in my book he’s not; I don’t like his face. Take him to the place of execution, whereupon he shall be battered with chains and Bombers until he be dead.’

I thought you meant you were going to solve an office argument by playing Solitaire. I was wondering how that would work. I thought that a fight using little stabbing knives would be more effective, and a greater spectator sport.

I was joking!

Not been to Stockholm, but I understand Oslo is very similar in temperature and that, throughout the year.

I’ll never forget being in a little rowing boat, on a lake in Norway, years ago. At about 2 am, there was quite a bit of light in the sky, then the sun started rising again. Fantastic.

Been in late December, too. Sun was up from about 10 am til 2 pm. And it was proper bastard cold.

Just heard on the radio, about the sudden spate of Anti-Semitic ‘incidents’ that have occurred in London, over the last week. Apparently, a Jewish cemetery has been desecrated, and a gang were shouting Anti-Semitic slogans.

A reaction to recent events? Guaranteed. Justified? No. Hateful and Xenophobic? Definitely. Provoked by Jewish people here? No way.

I have several Jewish friends. I would hate to think their freedom and safety is in any danger.

This is not just a problem isolated to Palestine.

Warmer than here!

Is it b0llocks. People moan about the cold in this country, they have no idea. They simply don’t dress properly, the idiots. Scandinavia is covered in snow and ice for 11 months of the year, and has no sunlight for most of that time, yet the people there cope fine.

WCA, unless you’ve ever been anywhere like that, it will be colder than you can imagine. I had to get off a plane in Oslo once, onto the tarmac, as the accordion thing wouldn’t fit. Christ on a bike, it was stupidly cold. I tried to get back on the plane, but they shooed me off with a broom. I then spent the next week wrapped in virtually every item of clothing I had.

Nice, though. Very quiet, and pretty.

And booze is silly money. Just buy some meths, and stay in the hotel.

Cold.

Very, very cold.