Thanks all. I’ll get my diary and sort something out. Cheers for the replies.

Don Henley, Boys of summer for sure. Also Sweet Home Alabama.

Oh dear God please someone tell me this post isn’t serious. Never thought I’d see ‘Oh poo’ described as an expletive. Words fail me.

Failing that, some really cheap mechs have a shim that bolts through from the other side – bit likethe rear part of a chainring bolt. Drill the knackered thread out slightly and it’ll fit. Did this on a bike years ago that didn’t have a replaceable hanger. Worked fine for years.

Thought Dirt was terrible to be honest.

Bought an Altura Night Vision (not the evo as it’s £30 cheaper. Although not warm, I’ve been riding with a short sleeve base layer and a long sleeve base layer (both very thin) in temps of -5 with quite a fierce wind and was not cold at all. I would highly recommend it. Lightweight, not bulky, packs up quire small and for me it’s a really good fit. Really happy with it. Up until now I’ve always gone for something thicker and once 30 mins into the ride have found myself too hot.

Well worth a look if you ask me.

Agree – really quite good. That boy can sing alright. Makes you wonder why he needs Xfactor at all.

Flip, I felt great like you. Couldn’t see what all the fuss was about. Fastforward 6 days and my left nut became swollen. I new something was up when it was shiny and the size of a small orange. Pain was horrendous to be honest. Turns out I’d picked up a ‘rare’ infection – apparently a 1 in 50 probability. Took a good 5 weeks until it was normal. Went for a ride after about 6 weeks. Sorry to put that element of potential worry in your mind.

A hottie?! You must be joking right? Not even funny. I worry about some people on here.

Stick at it mboy. I swapped a desk for the service 3 years ago. Best thing I ever did. Down in Surrey myself. Joined when I was 36 so don’t worry about the age thing. Don’t think we’re recruiting at the mo though. When I applied there were 1500 going for 10 jobs so it can be tough. A lot of the job is now about community fire safety and prevention so worth knowing that angle for the interview. Also pop in to a local station and ask what their latest fire safety plan covers etc. It will all count in the interview. Good luck chap.

It’s the shift change that will allow further cuts to night cover that has not yet been made public but is common knowledge within the service and the union. This will involve closure of stations and less cover at night. The Bonfire night date is a crafty move by the union to stir it up. I have friends in that brigade who are not happy about the date either but cannot do anything about it now.

As a serving firefighter in Surrey I find many of the comments posted on here somewhat misguided, ignorant, offensive and somewhat disappointing to say the least. This strike is not about money or interfering with second jobs etc etc. Believe everything you read in the papers by all means but don’t be surprised when people respond with the facts. There are some really ignorant people on here.

PE teacher: ‘Remember if ever you need to run faster but don’t think you can, just move your arms faster and your legs have to keep up’

I remembered this a few years ago while being chased by some dodgy yoof in London who was threatening to kick my head in.

Thank you Mr Richardson.

Anyone else got an idea?

I’d rather not. It’s got bids on it and about 150 people watching it. Don’t really want to mess them about.

No, it allows me to add other UK postage options like 24Hr, or express, etc but on the international section I just get this ‘International postage. No international postage. Your item will appear only on eBay UK’

Doesn’t give me the option to change it. Have emailed ebay, but by the time they get back to me the thing will be sold. Problem is I’ve got international buyers who are telling me they cannot bid on it?

Arse.

This is all nonsense. When the day comes that a bicycle relies on batteries to simply work, we should all hang our heads in shame. The only shifting problems I have ever had were due loads of mud in my cassette. This will not change anything.

Quite glad I didn’t have to go through all that! Good to know for future though.

Success! 4ft scaffold pole did it. Turns out it wasn’t the cups that were stuck in the frame, but the bb unit itself welded to both cups. Thanks for all the tips guys. Time for a brew.

Thanks all. The tool itself is not slipping out. I have completely bent my vice with the tool in it. It is soaking at the moment. I guess I’ll just persevere.

Thanks all. The tool itself is not slipping out. I have completely bent my vice with the tool in it. It is soaking at the moment. I guess I’ll just persevere.

Square taper unfortunately.

Cool. I’ll give the coke a try. 19″ btw.

Yep – def turning the right way. Was hoping to sell the frame, but it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen at the mo. Thought it would be a quick strip down, clean and polish.

I was so wrong.

Drove the fire engine into a ditch enroute to an emergency call. Not my greatest moment.

Spent the day sorting the bodywork on the van. After the most awful trip to Halfords, it has worked out beautifully. Looks as good as new. Riding tomorrow instead.

Seeing as I don't ride in Cambodia I reckon I should be fine. I have only ever replaced the pads on my discs. Better in mud. Rims don't wear out. A buckle in the wheel doesn't affect the brakes. They work better in the wet. They don't make that horrible scraping sound when it's muddy. I don't need to lube cables. Do I need to go on? Sorry ro, but you are talking bollocks.

Trek fuel ex8. Rode a mate's demo bike last week. Very impressed.

Thanks guys. Sound advice. It's got bars fitted on the inside of the rear window and a bulkhead, so I guess I'll leave them clear. I must say, it makes bike trips a breeze compared to all that arsing about with bike racks. Should have got one years ago.

I wear a helmet religiously irrespective of how hot it is. Had a serious crash years ago – regained conciousness in hospital totally blind and paralysed down one side of my body. That lasted for about 6 hours. Had migraines daily for 2 years afterwards and had no recollection of the accident for 6 months. I'll be sticking with my lid.

Breeze & Angel Hite-Rite

Good point Mr Woppit. Think I agree with you.

Soup Jnr is a tall 9yr old and rides a Trek 220 24" wheel. Picked it up on ebay for around 70quid. Great bike, pretty good weight and seems to be well balanced and highly adjustable. Regular 20 milers off road are no problem for him and he's progressed really well. The way I see it is that when I sell it eventually I will get at least 50% back. 35 quid for 3 years' use can't be bad.

Barrier cream is your friend

That sounds exactly like it. Did it naturally go after a while? Any idea what causes it? I haven't been dping anything out of the ordinary.

Oh, and take the front mech set-up sticker off. Stunning looking machine though.

Amazing! Those boys are way too extreme for me. Maximum respect to the Dickhead and Shovel Crew. Nobs the lot of them.

A tasty beast indeed. Enjoy.

I must say ro, you come across as a particularly cynical, unsympathetic and obnoxious person.

You never need to justify a new bike. Welcome back.