Think I’ve found it. £4.50. Maybe not such a must have item, I’d lose it on the first ride 🙂

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Presta-Valve-Core-Remover-Tool-/331807711857?hash=item4d4147e271:g:pGAAAOSwAYtWInfW

Yep, screw on chuck. Tried spitting on it etc to reduce the friction, didn’t work (fnar).

Just read the Lezyne instructions, and now realise what ABS stands for (air bleed system). You use this with the presta to release any build up of pressure, which will presumably make it easier to unscrew?

Regarding the tool, I slipped it onto the valve (ie wide opening first).

The ‘faces’ (correct word?) of the tool were inside if that helps. Can’t help thinking it’s a niche tool. Want one more than ever!

You should definitely buy one.

Mines been laid up a couple of months during the worst of the weather (still precious about it).

Rode it yesterday. Awesome. As I’ve said before, it can handle everything from CX to downhill. What’s not to like?

And the customer service is becoming legendary (the Bird level of service should should be standard really, but of course isn’t!).

Sorry, I should have been more specific.

I was thinking of the SQR version on the Super C series (Slim or Tour).

It sounds like the SQR version is more stable and might be ok for MTB duties?

An update on what’s happened since I last posted…

The drivers insurance company (Aviva) got in touch and accepted full liability for the accident.

They’ve agreed to pay for the bike repairs after getting a quote and photos from the bike shop. We are in discussions about my damaged jeans (jacket turned out to be ok) and a replacement helmet as I have no idea if I banged my head or not.

As for the injury, I went to A&E. An x-ray confirmed nothing was broken, so it appears to be soft tissue damage only.

I made a personal injury claim with Aviva. A physio phoned me up and asked some questions about the injury. I got a call from Aviva the next day who made me an offer I was happy to accept. They’ll provide physio if I need it after the swelling goes down.

The council pulled the taxi driver in (he hadn’t reported the accident – a requirement of his licence). The damage to his car made it unsafe to other road users (sharp edges) so they ordered it off the road until repaired.

The police aren’t pursuing the matter with the driver, which I’m considering challenging (the outcome could easily have been more serious).

Appreciate all the advice and support.

Thanks again for all the feedback and thoughts.

I’ve taken the bike to the LBS and their estimate is £400+ – new wheel, new forks, new headset, new disc, new disc brakes, new mudguard, new front light (got smashed off) and a shiny new bell.

Phoned the taxi driver and asked him to sit down. When I told him the amount he said he wanted to do it through his insurance and gave me the details. Fair enough.

He then started to imply it might have been my fault (unbelievably there were no first hand witnesses, busy part of town). I didn’t bite and we agreed to let the insurance company sort it out. I’ve phoned the CTC helpline and I’m waiting for a call back.

What’s annoying me now is that I’m without a commuter bike and don’t have anything else suitable. Is there a scheme for loan bikes like when you prang your car???

Now debating whether I should head down to A&E for an assessment, sounds like I should.

Thanks for the advice.

I reported it to the police as I had to walk past the police station on the way home.

I’m a CTC member, so I’ll give them a call.

I can see the cost soon mounting up. £100 for a front wheel. If the frame and fork are knackered, then add another few hundred. I’ve noticed that my jacket is also scuffed. 🙁

Thanks. That’s what I thought, but wanted to check. 🙂

A friend has these, uses them in London, and rates them…
Aviator & Afterburner Combo Pack

I have some 10w 40 semi synthetic oil left over from an oil change. Any reason it won’t work as a chain lube?

Will one of these be suitable for inflating tubeless tyres?

I’d be tempted to try a new cable first to see if that helps.

I’ve got a strip, dunk in ATF and rebuild down to about 30 mins. It’s relatively straightforward, just one of those tasks that seems scary until you’ve actually done it. Hardest part is adjusting the bearings at the end!

If you’re not mechanically inclined, it’s worth popping into a shop. £25 would seem a fair price.

This site always gets my juices flowing…

http://www.pbase.com/canyonlands/fullyloaded

Time Atacs on all my bikes, including the audax. Plenty of 100+ mile rides.

Yet to be convinced I need road specific shoe/pedals/cleats (although the Speedplay pedals are quite tempting).

I’ve got an Aeris and it’s a great all rounder IMO. It does well at everything from cross country to the downhill at Hamsterley.

I finally went Aeris because they’re UK based and have great customer care.

The main reason I went with Bird is their customer service.

+1

Customer service has been great, long may it last. Other companies need to take a leaf out of Bird’s book.

Top tip bikeneil. If they don’t stop, that’s my plan.

I’ll also block them as well just in case.

Sorted.

Tried GPS Tracker last night (even though mate with matchstick ribs was with me).

It worked a treat. The mrs tracked my progress and had tea waiting for me as I got home*.

*The last bit about my tea is a bit of a lie, I just happened to get home at the right time.

I’ve been following v666ern’s approach, the only problem is that I could be in several locations as the road ride involves lots of route options in the middle of the deepest countryside (Yorkshire Wolds for example).

I also carry my Donor Card – not sure that’s necessary these days?

The M8000 model?

I found my rear lever was firming up significantly under braking. I’ve assumed it’s air in the system, so just waiting for the Epic Bleed kit to arrive.

Afan was fine this weekend just gone, despite lashings of rain. Worth a trip.

Thanks for all the suggestions, good to see there are plenty of options.

Just tried GPS Tracker and it’s confirmed I’m sat on the sofa. Happy with that as a starting point! I’ll have a go at some of the others to see which works best…

Ogden – I’m in York. Feel free to PM me and lets see if we can sort something out. I did a test ride when Bird were visiting an Enduro event at Hamsterley. I’ve gone 160 mm front and 1 x 11 XT.

@benpinnick – Ditto the commission (a new back tyre will do! :-))

Thanks for your thoughts, I’ll give your suggested approach a go over the weekend.

I was in a similar position recently (a life time of hard tail).

I went for the Aeris and don’t have a single regret. It’s light enough for cross country, a killer for enduro and can also handle downhill (I rode Hamsterley Descend at the weekend).

I was interested in the Capra, but decided I couldn’t face the potential down-time involved; send duff part to Germany, duff part gets sent to whichever supplier, which gets sent back to Germany and then back to me! No thanks.

So far customer service has been great. And the bike has taken my riding to the next level.

I’ve got the 6400, which we got in January (first flat screen after a life time of CRT).

It’s a great TV and the picture quality is spot on IMO (not that I’ve actually compared it with anything else!). As with all flat screens, the sound can be a bit ‘thin’ at times, but it largely depends on what you’re watching and the quality of the broadcast in my experience.

As a keen user of iPlayer and Netflix, I love the ‘smart’ feature. I’m not sure you need this though if you have other sources. Then again, it’s convenient having it all on the one device…

40″ was big enough for our space. I can see the attraction in getting something bigger, but after coming from 28″ CRT, 40″ was a significant improvement (and was the largest that would fit in the allocated space).

I think it’s worth the extra £120 (of your money).

EHO here.

As you’d expect, we get calls about this all the time. People often assume it’s the last place they ate out that caused the illness. But most food poisoning is caused in the home.

The Chinese could be the cause. The usual suspects are bacillus cereus (from the rice) or salmonella/campylobacter (most likely cross contamination from chicken/eggs rather than being under cooked).

This time of year it could also be viral (Norovirus/winter vomiting virus), which has a quick onset period and is highly contagious eg you can contract it from door handles.

Suggest you contact your local environmental health department to see if they’re interested (cut backs due to austerity might mean they’re not). I should point out it’s very difficult to prove the source of food poisoning unless you have an outbreak.

Finally, what is the Hygiene Rating of the business? Always worth checking!

http://ratings.food.gov.uk/

Is that enough info, or should I get my coat??? 🙂

Thanks for the accommiodation suggestions.

The places suggested are fully booked already (weekend of 20/21 Nov).

Are there any other suggestions for places to stay please. I have googled but without much success… 🙁

Great news about the trails.

So the next question. We’re looking for a pub with accommodation that provides evening meals and breakfast. Bike friendly would be a bonus. Any suggestions please?

Mark rich – like you’re thinking! 🙂

I’m thinking large. 6 ft 1.

Longish legs but not very flexible so prefer a more upright position.

Ben – that’s close enough for me! And one of my intended destinations once I finally make a purchase.

Have you got any details/a linky as I’d like to book a slot for the Sunday if that’s possible. Or is it just a case of turn up and have a spin?

You are right mikewsmith, how a bike rides is also very important.

My logic is that if I can’t decide between the two, then go for the one with better customer service…

I’ve had a ride on a YT Wicked which I understand to be very similar to the Capra. Unfortunately my mate with the Aeris lives in London and I’m in York.

If there are any Aeris owners within an hour or so of York and you would be willing to let me have a ride, please get in touch!!!

Thanks for the feedback and thoughts.

I’m starting to think that the Aeris is the right bike. Customer service is everything, so if there’s any doubt about YT then that puts me off. Also the faff factor of sending things off to Germany, no thanks.

Ben – I’ll be in touch about pricing up a spec. I can’t quite stretch to Stuart’s lovely machine, but something along those lines is what I’m after.

Thanks for the feedback and thoughts.

I’ve been running a Thomson seatpost and I reckon there’s about 200mm inserted in the frame.

I’ll drop Jungle an email to see what they think re HAZ.

Unfortunately I’m not the original owner.

I’ll get in touch with Jungle anyway just in case they’re feeling generous. 🙂

This conveniently orients the end of the cable outer to be pointing upwards….. Wet and grime dribbles straight down the inside of the cable outer nicely helping to corrode the cable and get bunged with grit.

That issue did cross my mind. 🙁

Darn it. Now I can’t decide.

Thanks for the responses.

I also have a set of XT fitted to my MTB which are over 2 years old and have so far been faultless, so it could be bad luck.

I did wonder if salt/grime might be a contributing factor. The bike gets ridden everyday so is exposed to the worst of the weather/road salt. I don’t have the time or inclination to wash it too often, which is why I chose a hub and disc brakes. 🙂

I’m going to have a go with mechanical brakes and keep my fingers crossed.

I always thought one of the advantages of hydraulic brakes was the low maintenance.

What type of maintenance could I have carried out that would have prevented the pistons leaking?

I’ve just fitted a Bushnell EBB to my Chameleon, it’s a gorgeous bit of kit.

I got mine from Charlie the Bike Monger for £99.

http://www.charliethebikemonger.com/2014-bushnell-featherweight-eccentric-jeff-jones-4289-p.asp

A lot more than the Santa Cruz version, but way, way better. I don’t anticipate any problems or need to replace it any time soon.