So the 2.0 HDI has a DPF? The car I’m looking at is an 06 Citroen C4

Wow timing belts every 40K? That could change things. Anyone with opinions on the HDi engine?

Fell in love with the Audi 2.5 TDI, so smooth.

The BMW is an early car. Maybe it’s best avoided to be safe.

Thanks Dantsw13. Seems like the main line down into Torquay / Newton Abbot where I am now. Soon as the weathers bad, they always close it. I am still keen on the Hastings area. House prices seem sensible still.

The commute in is my biggest concern at the moment. Cost wise I think the train is cheaper than the car. I love living by the coast, but if the train is unreliable then maybe it’s not an option.

Thanks Zippykona. I’m going to keep my options open and look at different areas as well.

Wow, nice! So I’m presuming it’s got some good single track? Or cheeky coast path routes?

Train cost isn’t bad. It’s £13.70 a day return. I was up and around the area last weekend, I did notice bus services south of T.Wells because of line work. I don’t really want to drive as the office doesn’t have any parking.

Thanks Woffle. I didn’t realize the train services were a bit dodgy in the bad weather. Lot’s of thinking to do.

Thanks Dantsw13 / Lemonysam / MoreCashThanDash. I’m just going to rent a room to start with so I can get a feel for the area. Seems like the Old Town is the best place to start looking.

Seems to be like most seaside towns then.

In what way?

Job is right in the centre of Tunbridge Wells, just around the corner from the Train station. So I was thinking just to take the train for now.

Thanks dir, seems like it could be doable.

I loved the episode. But for the basic price of the shell, I wonder if it would be cheap to build that in wood? Looked great at the end though.

Enjoyed reading your trip report. Really want to do one at some point.

Yeah thats right. I want something that I can take through the woods one minute but go out on a road ride as well. I wouldn’t be racing and I don’t have a road bike at present. So it would be a bit of everything.

I was just wondering if I could dial a small size frame in to suit. Maybe with a longer 120mm stem and 20mm layback post for road rides.

The crosscheck had a 58cm top tube. But I always seemed to get a bit of lower backache on longer rides. I always wondered if I was too stretched out?

Seems like I should just stick to a 58.

Bugger! Didn’t see that thread. So if the wheels are heavy will they take a lot of off-road abuse?

Sounds like the 2 maybe a nice option. I do like the Cotic Escapade as well, but the rear dropout is putting me off a bit.

The green is what caught my eye. That and the brakes. Do you find the frame comfy on long rides Stumpy?

Loved my crosscheck, but it was heavy and a bit flexible.

I’d be interested in hearing what the one ring is like up front. If its a bit limiting on the road etc.

Loving the look of it.

I’ve just found that review. Seems like it could be a good option. They really liked the brakes.

I’ve also had back pain for months. Went to the doctors because I have two lumps on my spine appear. I’ve been waiting for an appointment for a scan at the hospital. Not wishing to jump the gun, but is that what they possibly are? Herniated discs? Cheers Tim

Thanks everyone. Looks like there is some great riding around the area.

Sounds like I would have plenty of options.

Cheers Mark. Thanks for the link.

Thanks 5thumbs. I will have to start planning some routes. Cheers.

Have you tried here:- http://web-font.org/font/Latino-Rumba.html

You could check google font’s. https://www.google.com/fonts
They may have something similar in there

Oops! forgot the link:-

Voodoo Bizango

Thanks Thomthumb. Interesting.

We do have an alloy disc big clearance, rack and guard road bike coming in the next couple of months btw…

Any chance of a sneaky picture Brant? I’m on the lookout for something to replace my crosscheck.

Personally I’m not bothered what it’s made of. But please either offer vertical dropouts or paragon sliding dropouts. I’d happily pay more for paragon sliding dropouts. Frame would be perfect for my needs then.

I kind of agree Shep. But I’m just not sure. I’ve got a lot of love for the Surly Straggler. As I liked my Crosscheck and it seems like the best option. But aesthetically the Cotic Escapade looks really nice. On the looks department it’s way better than the Straggler. As many people have said the Escapade has that old school Kona look to it.

I suppose the only other thing that bothers me is to run big tires I’m going to have to run a chain tug. But then I’m I really going to put 46c tires in it?

Same as you Jamie, I’ve also never had a slot dropout frame before. It just doesn’t look as easy as vertical dropouts. I understand you’ve got to take the skewer out and all. But it just seems a bit of a faff. But that’s just my opinion.

Loving the look and design of the frame and fork. It’s the dropouts that are stopping me. It’s between this and the Surly Straggler for me at the moment

I’ve been looking for something to replace my crosscheck. Loving the purple. I like the look of this frame. I’m just not sure about the rear dropouts on the frame. It looks like a faff to get the wheel out.

Any ideas how much offroad abuse this would take?

I’ve got to sit on one yet but how does it compare to a Trek x Caliber? Anyone sat on or ridden both?

Also Trambler, I’m the same height, what’s the stand over clearance like?

I’ve heard the 2.0HDi is more a robust engine? I will have to have a look into the 1.6. Have you camped in yours yet? Is there much space inside? Cheers Tim

You maybe right Hora. I’ve always bought diesels. I’ve never been a fan of french petrol engines. But I’ve not driven one in a while. I was thinking of looking at the 1.6HDi but I’ve heard that isn’t a good engine?

I kind of like the idea of getting a Picasso. Higher driving position, space inside and possible camp in it with the seats out. Also if I get the exclusive it’s got cruise control.