I have tried a product very similar to Durafix to attempt to repair a crack in an aluminium bumper for a classic car. Even with lots of practice first the results were pretty poor. It was like kind of like soldering, but the area I was trying to fix was flat, I couldn't see your pictures but if the crack was where two tubes joined, then the Durafix might fill a bit better, but I wouldn't be convinced that it would be strong enough.

My friend fixed a carbon road frame that had a damaged seat tube, by bonding in an aluminium insert.

My petrol turbo engine has dropped about 10% in the winter, I assume because I am using lights, heated seats etc. also takes longer for the engine to warm up.
The fuel economy was almost acceptable in the summer, but its now mid 20's, so looks like a new car might be on the cards.

Doug

Just realised the topic was for diesel engines, same applies I guess

I use an inline 2-Fish style mount on my helmet and it works fine, the Velcro straps are slightly too long, but they just overlap. I used to use a 90 degree 2-Fish mount but it was a bit tight mounting to the helmet, I guess it depends on what helmet you are using.
I have tried to use a 2-Fish mount on the handlebars offroad and it just waggles around and is no use. I do use it on my road bike handlebars, but I find that when I get out the saddle I bash my knee on the torch.
I guess its a compromise as its not designed as a bike light, but for the money it can't be faulted.

I bought my 3 year old the Micro version for Xmas last year, and it lasted about 1 week, would have bought the full size version if I had the space.

35 – Senior Software Engineer (another one) for a Defence Company

I was interested to hear how the Army Surplus Goretext size up? They are designed to be worn as overtrousers so does that mean they tend to be baggy and big round the waist?
I am a 34" waist and was planning on wearing them over the top of lycra longs, the closest size I seem to be able to find is 88cm, which is closer to 35" are they going to be too baggy?
Also saw some German Army Goretex trousers, they were a bit more expensive but were a bib style, so though that might keep them from riding down and also keep your kidneys dry/warm, anyone used them?
Had planned to cut them down to shorts, what length should they be, I was thinking of making them 3/4s?

Have been snowboarding for about 17 years, I am 6ft and 85kg and have ridden boards from 149cm up to 169cm. As I have got older the boards I have ridden have got longer, probably as I used to do a lot of jumps and spins, but now I like to Freeride and ride Powder.
Small boards are easy to manouever but twitchy at speed, where long boards are a bit slower but a lot more stable.
I reckon something about 160cm would be best, also if your feet are big I would consider something a bit wider as there is nothing worse than trying to decend a steep icy clope, and catching your toes/heels. Although a wide board will feel a lot less manoueverable at slow speeds.
The other thing I like in a board is for it to be quite stiff, as this makes it more stable and gives you more control where you are riding through crud.

"we have a SAAB 93 Aero with 250bhp and the BMW will run circles round it."

"That's not much of a comparison though is it? Wheelspin and under-steer are a Saab speciality."

I know its not a direct comparison, but I am comparing a top of the range FWD SAAB, with a bottom of the range RWD BMW.

I have a E90 320D touring the 177bhp version, previous to that had an E46 320D Touring for 4 years. Tried equivalent Audi but the BMW is quiter and smoother to drive, also RWD gives a better driving experience.
The fuel economy is still not great we average about 42mpg doing 20000 miles a year, but that is with bike racks on the roof.
It is not a big car inside but neither is the A4, its great for towing I have a track car which it tows with ease.
The 318D is a 2.0litre engine BTW.
If you can hang off there is an Efficient Dynamics 320D coming out with an average combined 68mpg.
Like JonEdwards says "Handling is simply stunning", we have a SAAB 93 Aero with 250bhp and the BMW will run circles round it.

Doug

You can secure the Raceblades to the bolt that holds your brakes by drilling a small hole and using a cable tie like the way the Crudguards attach, and that makes them absolutely solid.
The Raceblades aren't as long as the Crudguards, but by the time the Crudguard extension pieces fall off they end up the same length.

Doug

I am using a 10 speed Shimano Chain with everything else 10 speed Campag (FSA cranks), all works fine.

Doug

You can get "Action Man" full fingered gloves for kids in Halfords, going to Decathlon this weekend so wil try and get something a bit more girly.

Back in the late eighties Muddy Fox were one of the makes to have, quite a few of my mates had them, then they went bust, and now it just a crap name.
The same goes for Saracen, Diamond Back, any others?

Ridgeback MX16/Melody, my 3.5 and 5.5 year olds ride these, I wouldn't look at a 20" wheel until the are at least six.

There is someone selling these on Ebay http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130343707735&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
They are Tektro CR-520 branded as Colorado but at £28 the pair are pretty good value.

Doug

I have used the following: Avid Shorty 6 (old style), Avid Shorty 6 (new style), Tektro Mini V's, and Avid BB7, and I am still not happy with the braking on my CX bike.
The only effective brakes I have tried are the Avid V's on my Single Speed CX bike, which meant I could run V-brake drop levers.
I have a set of Travel Agents, which I am going to try with some Vs and Campag STIs, has anyone had any experience with them?

Tuesday night was pretty minging at GT.
None of my mates turned up and I had to do the Red on my own in the dark.
The scariest bit was going through the Pie Run when some Forestry Machinery started up in the woods next to me, which seemed strange as it was 8.00pm. It might have been a UFO but I didn't hang around to find out.
I guess GT is going to be even muddier after the rain and flooding we had last night.

Doug

Teetosugars – Did I say the Crud Guards were crap?

I think I said the spacer I made was crap "I then tried making a spacer but that was pretty crap", yes the mudguards aren't designed for cross bikes, but they looked a good product so I thought I would try them.

I switched back to SPDs.
You can't adjust the tension in the Egg Beaters, which meant I would occasionally unclip when jumping or leaning hard on corners.
The cleats also wear out quickly.
They also fell apart 10 miles from home.
The only advantage is you can still clip in easily when your cleats are full of snow or mud.

Doug

I have attempted to fit these mudguards to a cross bike with Cantis, the problem is there is no brake bolt to hang the mudguard from, I tried mounting them to the crown of the fork/frame but the distance was too large and they rubbed on the tyre at the rear. I then tried making a spacer but that was pretty crap.
I ended up putting my SKS Race Blades back on with a cable tie to attach them to the crown of the fork/frame.
The Crud guards are also pretty flimsy, I know they are designed to break if they get caught in your machinery, but they don't look like they will last long. I am sticking with the SKS Race Blades.

Doug

Having used my 5 mode DX torch for the first time last night, I also wish I had bought a 3 mode or just an On/Off, as its a pain having to cycle through the different modes.

And don't let the wife put them in the Tumble Drier either.

I still have my circa 1989 Trekker Comp in my mum and dads shed, the U-brakes have been replaced with DiaComp Rollcams, and it still has the Deore II groupset, I might have to resurrect it one day.

I have done the Corrieyairack Challenge on Panaracer Mach SS before pumped up to 60 PSI, I have also used them at Glentress and Innerleithen and they are very good tyres. The only time they were lacking in grip was when braking in mud, but as soon as you turned into a corner the shoulders would grip as well as a Fire XC Pro.

Doug

The 32mm Conti Twister 32mm are pretty narrow, I use Ritchey 32mm Cross tyres on mine and my mate has 35mm Conti Twisters on his and they work out to be the same width.
There isn't much clearance at the chain stays, and I have yet to ride it in really muddy conditions, so only time will tell.
BTW I have given my Kaffenback a really hard time and it is standing up really well to the abuse.

Doug

I have had similar problems, currently my rear inner brake cable is dragging on my crosstops, I need to strip the handlebar tape and cables to fix, so is not a five minute job.

Doug

I have just bought a Tocco Lite, seems to work well enough for me, my only gripe is that the case and screen scratch really easily.

Doug

I am using the Tektro V-brake Drop Bar Levers on the cross, and they work great, also cheaper than the DiaCompe.

Doug

Never had much success with Cantis or Mini-V's, converted my cross to V's and the are significantly better, I am running it singlespeed with V drop levers.
On my geared cross, I have a Disc on the front and an Avid Shorty 6 (latest design) on the rear, and the Canti just isn't up to the job. I am thinking of putting a V on there, but will have to use a Travelagent as I have STIs fitted.

Doug

When I bought my bike from Halfrauds this year, they let me spend £700 on the bike and £400 on accessories. The accessories were for another bike e.g. Disc Brakes, Pedals, etc.

Doug

You can buy new springs for the Pawls.
I rebuilt an XC Hub recently with cheap bearings, all seemed good on the bench, however when the wheel was bolted into the bike, everything tightened up and the freewheel wouldn't freewheel.
I haven't rebuilt it with quality bearings as its an old wheel I keep as a spare.
The only other time I rebuilt the hub was using Hope bearings and it all worked a treat.
I did replace the axle as well, maybe it hadn't been machined correctly?

Doug

I went 1×9 about 8 months ago, and 99% of the time it is perfect, I have never had a chain come off, and I have only wanted a lower gear on a handleful of occasions.
I need to fit a beefier chain guard as I keep bending the minimal one that I have fitted.

Doug

I have just converted a set of Panaracer Fire XC Pro to Ghetto Tubeless. I can't say I noticed them rolling faster, but they are lighter, so they must be faster. One thing I noticed was how much more flexible the tyre wall is, so having to run them at 40PSI (was 37PSI)to stop the tyres feeling like they are rolling off the rim. I have hit a few rock edges which normally would have caused a snake bite, and they seem to be holding air just fine. The other problem I have found was that one of the valves got clogged up with latex which had set.
Going to stick with them and see how they feel longer term.

Doug

Last year I got a decent spec Viner Gladius from Halfords, they were retailing for £1350 and got it for £999, it took 8 weeks to arrive from Italy though, but was worth the wait.
This year I wanted a CX/Winter Bike, and the choice was very limited, I must have asked for about 8 different bikes e.g. Focus Mares, Trek Portland, Cotic Roadrat, Genesis Croix De Fer, many brands that they are meant to be stockists for. I eventually got a Voodoo Limba reduced to £699, although I swapped a lot of bits off my old bike.
With the balance of £400 I ordered Disc brakes for my MTB, pedals, and a Mech Disc Brake for my Voodoo, however the service was terrible and in the end I never got the Mech disc.

If you go to another bike shop that accepts the Halfords vouchers, you won't get the extra 10% as that is only available to bikes purchased from Halfords.

Doug

My Ritchey drop bars do have the bump on the drops, but I wouldn't mind a pair of Salsa Bell Lap as the flares on the drops sound good too.
Are there any other Cyclocrossers who would want to meet up at GT for a ride some time?

Doug

In order of ownership since 1992.

Ford Mk2 Cortina 1600E 1970
Ford Mk2 Cortina 1600E 1967
AKS Continental (Ford Special) 1959
Ford Fiesta Supersport 1981
Vauxhall Firenza 1972
MG Metro Turbo 1985
Peugeot 106 XS 1994
Cavalier 4×4 1992
Peugeot 306 D Turbo 1999
Clan Crusader 1973
TVR Vixen 1969 (Still own)
Lotus Elite 1976
205 GTI Mi16 Track Car 1989
Mercedes A-class 2002
Renault Megane 2003
Sylva Phoenix Track Car 1998 (Still own)
Saab 9-3 Aero 2003 (Still own)

Doug

I must really go to Cragganmore Ditillery next week, as we have a holiday house 500m along the road, and we are heading up for 9 nights.

Doug

I used my new Cyclocross Bike around the Glentress Red route on Tuesday night, its a lot quicker ascending, and I was just losing contact with my mates on their full sus MTBs on the decents. It was really wet which didn't help my confidence, and my hands kept sliding down the drops. Thinking of heading down to Glentress at the weekend to go Freerider baiting.
I plan to use my CX bike as a winter road bike with road tyres and mudguards.
One thing to consider is the toe overlap on a CX bike i.e. the amount your toe overhangs the front wheel, as its not much fun catching the studs on the front of the MTB shoes on a nobbly tyre. My bike isn't too bad (Voodoo Limba), but other friends have had issues (Genesis Croix De Fer) with their bikes.

Doug

How about a Wiesel?

http://westfield-world.com/pics_paulr.html

Doug

I have an insulated plastic cup that has an integrated coffee plunger, works well, I think it was from Lakeland.

Doug