I was there a year ago – the people that go through the pain of hunting a job out are much happier at this moment in time 😉

My view is that it is un-responsible to constantly consume in excess, but the way that human society works seems to mean that it will continue until the laziness/greed literally can't be sustained. I try to be conservative but I don't think enought people are on board.

As for global warming, I believe it happens naturally but humans are accelerating it, which means the environment will change far too quickly for many species (including us) to adapt to it. But it wouldn't be the first time – survival of the fittest/smartest/richest…

Thanks for those – I didn't know about the MOT database, I'll look into that too.

Make sure you have booked a place on the train for your bike – its free but must be reserved. Lock it or keep it in view – try to put a cable through the rack if it's stored in the guards van to prevent opportunists.

My sympathy fella, these people don't deserve basic human rights.

@manwells – I hope I get the chance to comfort you some time.

Classifieds in stages. Ebay after 5 failed attempts!

IMO you would be better getting a dedicated commmuter – the ideal would be discs, not because you need the power, but they are more reliable and cheaper to run (less wear on pads and rims). You could also look for a hub gear for even less maintenence. As for tyres, the wider tyres will resist pinch flats and obviously have more grip in winter. I'd still go for 700c wheels.

IMO white rims will look good, but only like the other trendy bikes thats are following suit, and the novelty will soon wear off. I think they look cheap after looking at them at work so much… (bike shop of course!)

Hi

I have worked in a Giant dealer selling these bikes, so here's my 5p:

Both bikes pedal very well. The anthem is quick going up-hill and in the right hands will come down quickly too (but slightly slower than the trance in the same hands). If you intend to do XC and trail centres, and have decent skill, I'd say get the Anthem X.

One point to note: the Anthem (90mm travel) is a bit snappier than the Anthem X (100mm travel) – the X is no heavier and has gemoetry slightly more suited to trail centres. You dont NEED more travel, the geometry is arguably more important. If you want to progress to more aggressive riding, slacker angles and more travel would be good, but then you would do well to look at Specialized Stumpjumpers with 120mm travel.

And my final point: if you do get a trance, there's no point getting a 100mm travel one, as the X is more capable yet weight the same or less depending on the year. The Giant rep actually said that, hence they dropped the standard Trance the following year.

Hope some of that helps, email in profile if I can help any more 🙂

Oh and it may be wise to wait for more frames to come up for sale if people get good Xmas presents! I wouldn't pay 650 for the second hand Trance frame unless it and the shock are MINT.

I was thinking about an alternative, perhaps some sort of chemical / specific lube?

I'll have to find something to put over the adjustable tomorrow… we used a downtube cut out from an old marin in the shop I used to work in (no, not dedicated mechanic!)

thanks for replies 🙂

Whats it for?

I prefer riding in a group, and since I broke my leg over summer when riding alone I'm not going out alone again. I think people should think strongly about going alone unless you know there are plenty of people around/phone signal…

Goodridge hoses should improve power in theory, as the hose is stronger so the force from the lever is more efficiently transferred to the caliper, not waster expanding the hose. As for rotors, I doubt there is much in it unless you get some of hope's vented rotors that come with their big brake (the Moto I think).

Very smart and considerate for your loved ones – be strong!!!

Very nice 🙂

This is 3 years too late! In my 1st year at Uni I rode my Stumpjumper FSR around a Llyods bar in Newcastle, including up a couple of stairs onto the dancefloor, on my way home every night 😀

They have given myself/my family consistently bad service when it comes to cycling… and I've seen their poor handy-work come into our local bike shop to be rectified many times… thats over two seperate cities too.

Lower pressure will spread your weight over more tyre = less wear down the center (but more drag)

Don't risk it – sometimes the smallest accident results in broken limbs… or skulls… or windscreens…

I'd be worried only if the carbon is damaged, 0.5mm sounds to shallow to get to the structural carbon – but a LBS should be of help, or a photo to the manufacturer as mentioned above

Exercise! Force yourself out on the bike 🙂

I don't fancy the bonded on top of a tube head… I've seen them fail, and it seems like designs like Thomson's get rid of such a weakness

I still wear it if its a big ride or if I'm commuting a big distance (>10miles) – function over form!

Can't speak for King, but my Red Hope has been on 3 frames over 4 years and is still smooth 🙂

Because it handles so well, weights so little and would be the bike I'd have if I could only have 1!

Water/wind proof overshoes (altura are great) make all the difference IMO 🙂

I think it was the best for a long while – it think they have balanced the silliness (spelling mistake? oh well) for kids/sterotype females well with the car nut material… and Chris Evans was the best guest since Jay whoever (america chat show host)

Not sure of the travel of Pikes on it, but consider the Orange ST4?

I doubt anybody would buy 2nd hand for £100 less than new – I bet he'll drop the price when he doesn't sell it! It's only worth what people are willing to pay…

+1 Pistonheads & Autotrader combination

Thanks for the comments and compliment, and the pictures from pinches 😀 that was the first frame that was hit by a transit…

@boxelder – I got it lol. Its my girlfriend's shared garden (8 flats) until she moves to Newcastle with me in January, and I love it – because it's wild and I've put a cool (wagon) tyre swing up 😀 you're right about looking at a new bike you can't ride…

@Radioman – glad to hear other people have bounced back from such injuried, thanks 🙂

Thanks fellas 🙂

@GSI-MAN – I used grades of wet'n'dry sanding paper (as wet) starting at grade 300 and working through 5 higher grades, then finally polished with metal polish – it took about 7 hours all in, but being off sick gives you plenty of time! More pics here.[/url]

My leg is broken quite badly (tibia, just above ankle) and fibia (not so bad, below knee). Muscles/tendons are still sore after 3 months, which were probably a little worse because my leg was flopping around whilst riding with the other leg, but I held it quite well most of the time so it won't gave affected it much…

Awesome light-hearted entertainment 🙂

They do just pull apart, but shouldn't fall apart… Maybe check hope's exploded diagram? http://www.hope.gb

Shop him.

Thanks for the replies so far – I'm getting some good ideas, especially those wooden mudguards in acjim's reply 😉

Just do it. I have – and if you have some decent XC shoes the sole will be stiff enough to prevent the smaller pedals causing 'heat spots'

I'm 5'10" and I rid a 56 cannondale. The top tube length is the most important measurement, you need to look for 54-56cm. Go to a reputable shop that does some decent road stuff and take a good test ride, and listen to their advice – the right size won't necessarily feel 'right' if you havn't rode a road bike before!

I've had some Hope 2-LED lights for a couple of years, and they are fine for all but te fastest descents – I've seen them for £160. Oh and Hope have been unreal – they repaired them for free at 2 years old!