The factory fitted bolts took some real effort to get off actually, which I guess should be a warning. At least XTR bolts are Torx both sides, much easier to get decent purchase.

I always normally do these sort of things on 'feel' this time I thought I'd try and do if 'properly' oh well, I'll se how I get on. If I post a picture of me with half a carbon handlebar sticking out my head you'll know it's not gone well…. Seems like a sound investment that torque key

Bolts are pretty dry tbh and I'm not completely convinced I've written it off. I'm just being super cautious because it's carbon. As I say I can't see any significant damage, but again carbon doesn't always show damage before it fails. The torque wench was set to 5nm but I didn't realise it's not effective until 10 – stupid mistake i know! not sure whether this is enough to crack a decent quality bar?? I didn't even get to the click because I was suspicious…

Be really careful with this diversion!

http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/southdowns/uploads/Meon%20Valley%20Feb2009.pdf

Both routes are still signposted the SDW. We went left at the cross roads instead of straight on. As you can see from the map you basically do a 13 mile loop and end up where you started! Not particuarly funny at the time!

I use a roof mounted system which works really well and is much cheaper/less hassle than having to fit a tow bar, rack and lighting board. I also reckon Atera stuff is well worth a look as an alternative to Thule. The Giro roof mounted carriers are superb.

http://www.roofbox.co.uk/bike-carriers/bike-carrier-package-deals.php

Check out the website above. Package deal for two Atera Giro's and bars £200.

Bought a couple of things from Yan_Kelly (China) on ebay – including a Giant Anthem frame and have never been charged and import duty or VAT. Shouldnt have said that really! I've got another Anthem frame on the way – First time for everyhing and all that! Anyway I've done the maths and I'd still be quids in. With the exchange rate I got it for £700 brand new. Import duty is 3.5% plus VAT at 17.5% so potentially about £860 plus £35 postage. Even if I could get one in large in the country, which I can't anywhere, best I can find them for is £895 plus postage. They declare everything as low value gifts. How a bike frame sneaks through I'll never know.

Another vote for M&S. Covers individual items up to £4k each without them having to be named on the policy, which saves you whole heap of money! Unless of course you've got a £7k Scott Scale

I know a couple of people who've had bikes nicked and M&S pay out promptly and with little fuss.

If the cable wasn't routed properly it probably wouldn't work at all so I think that's unlikely.

You dont want the adjuster to come out completely, but if it does just wind it back in a couple of turns.

Yes you need to use the front shifter adjustment on the left hand shifter only the rear shifter is irrelevant for this adjustment You also need to be in the middle chainring. If the inside plate of the front mech is too far to the left of the chain wind on some tension until you get the correct clearenace and visa versa. You should see the cage move across as you wind the adjuster. Look down on the mech over the chainring as you adjust it.

The only other thing that could be stopping this working is the height of the front mech on the seat tube. if it's too low the cage will foul on the middle chainring as it tries to move across to the bid ring. Have a visual check that this is not happening and move it up if it is.

Otherwise, I can't think of any other reason this shouldn't work.

Only the newer stuff at Afan is worth bothering with really. White's level is still one of the best man made trails in Wales imho. Brechfa is also superb rode it when it was bone dry for the first time in June but I can imagine some of it's a bitch when it's wet.

Much Love for the Marin Trail and Penmachno as well tho!

Couple of things to check here.

1. That all the cables are new. Old cables will often never index correctly regardless how much you try and tweak the tension.
2. As it's square taper there's no issue with spacing on the BB.

Other than that, you've missed one key stage in the front mech adjustment on your list above, which ensures that the cable tension is correct. Shift into the middle ring and the largest cog on the cassette. The chain should clear the front mech inner plate by 0.5mm – any more of less and the tension is wrong and you wont be able to shift properly. You almost want the chain just brushing the mech. If you find there's not enough adjustment in the barrell adjuster there is too much tension in your cable. Disconnect the cable completely from the mech and wind out the barrell adjuster on the shifter as far as it will go then back in two turns. Re connect the cable ensuring it is taught but not over tight. Repeat the above steps until your clearances are correct and you can shift in all rings. Front mech set up is always trial and error but you should be ok if you stick with it!

Good luck!

"his purchase history doesn't exactly match someone who has a passion for retro bikes, nor does the item description."

That's exactly what I thought! Something doesn't seem right..

This is a classic and my personal favourite..

http://www.mountainbikerides.co.uk/routes/1-the-peak-district/15-jacobs-ladder.html

This has been featured loads of places and always starts a healthly debate on which is the best way to ride it! Personally I agree with the way it's described here – climbing from Edale and finishing with the Jacobs Ladder descent.

That's where the sealant Pixie's live..

I've only ridden Dalby once, before all the World Cup course was built, but I wasn't that impressed tbh. The red route is way too long and pretty repetitive.

As for the Black Route, I wouldn't go anywhere near the woodwoork sections if it's wet – They're absolutely leathal!

From experience I'd recommend taking lights, assuming you weren't already! We ran out of light just outside of Jevington, which is about 4 miles from Eastbourne we had to bail with only the light from an Iphone to guide us!

We did it in 14 hours, 3 of which were stops – lesson learnt!

I moved my home insurance to M&S after a number of recommendations from cycling mates. They cover unamed items up to £4k each, including bikes. I can't find aything to match this. On my last home insurance I had to name each bike on the policy which really hiked the premium up. I also found that bike specific insurance is way too expensive and imposes a number of impractical T's & C's.