I can’t be the only one to open this thread expecting the answer to be “Gnusmas”……..

Thread of the year. In a world where there seems to be more angst and intolerance than I can ever remember, this thread – and the contributers in particulat – are like a breath of fresh air. There are some very good people out there. Hats off to you, gentlemen. Chapeau.

To clarify for BoardinBob, my TomTom only registers some of the many speeding camera gantries on the Newport section of the M4, not all of them, and, rather cleverly I think, often flags up mobile units on the dual from Usk to Ross (not always correct, but when it registers a false alarm will usually ask if the camera’s still there). I don’t know how it does it, or if it’s accurate, but there’s some kind of voodoo shenanigans going on there.

According to the “Live traffic” thingumybob on my TomTom, some of the cameras are on but not all

Slight detract – apparently it’s possible to move a vehicle by placing a McDonalds tray under each wheel (jack up, tray under wheel, jack back down). It’s supposedly relatively easy to push the vehicle in any direction with no harm to the vehicle. Not that I’m suggesting you do that without permission, just an interesting observation. If I had the time to waste, I’d be tempted to try it on my own car one day to see if it’s really true or just an urban myth.

We have a Tronsmart 5xUSB charger bought from Amazon and it’s been one of the best buys ever. It apparently knows what’s plugged into it and charge accordingly. We use it for phones, tablets, lights, camera, batteries etc. A godsend. Useful to take on holidays too because you effectively get 5x USB port charging from one plug (using only 1 plug adapter if abroad). Fab bit of kit. Been using for 2+yrs and flawless. Recommended.

I returned home to a lovely organic free range chicken that my wife cooked this afternoon (stay with me – it gets worse). The cupboards are creaking with wholesome options to go with it. So I’ve gone down the chip shop for a large bag of salty, vinegary chips and 2 cartons of curry sauce. I’ve torn the chicken apart, mixed the bits with curry sauce and devouring them with the chips and a hot mug of builders tea.

Shoot me now.

My wife has been using the aluminium Brydge one for about 2yrs on an iPad mini. Faultless and very good quality. It feels like it’s made out of aluminium (if not, it’s some sort of metal, not plastic). It’s light and very high quality. In fact, it feels like an Apple OEM product in feel, quality and design. You’d have to check prices to see if it represents good VFM for you but I’d have no hesitation in recommending. I don’t know if they do an iPhone product though

(Only downside to fitting new rear gas struts on XC90 is that new ones are so powerful, you have to watch you don’t give yourself an uppercut every time you open the boot and it flies open 😉)

Footflaps – Gonna have to call bull**** on the Volvo XC90 claim above (your colleague’s account, not yours). An XC90 was one of the cars I did several yrs ago (Mk1 model). I did bonnet and rear hatch at same time. Local Volvo dealer quoted nowhere near £600 to do it, but I still did it myself all the same for buttons. Presumably the colleague’s talking about the new XC90? (but if so, surely still under warranty?)

For added reassurance, I’ve used SGS twice. Easy replacement (I’m no mechanical wizard) as others have said. On the first occasion, I ordered struts for the correct model but wrong model year. They were exchanged promptly and without fuss.

As a matter of interest, I used to occasionally squirt a bit of teflon spray onto the struts when checking fluids but was told that this isn’t necessary and could lead to premature failure due to damage to the seals on the gas strut. I’m not suggesting anyone’s as dumb as I am, but may be worth bearing in mind if you do the same (I’ve no idea if it’s true but sounds plausible)

Sucking the flavour/colour from an ice lolly to leave a crumbly, clear block of ice. I’ve just done it and it’s taken me back years!

Sadly this is not new. I remember a similar incident to MTB-idle’s above whilst out on a club ride 30yrs ago. Unfortunately for the driver in question, the club “hothead” was targeted. End result was that the car was reeled in at the next set of lights, and a loud bang as cyclist rides past. Driver drives off, possibly unaware that a screwdriver had been rammed through the roof and disappered into the distance with the handle sticking vertically from the roof and the shaft going straight through. I remember feeling shocked at the behaviour of both at the time. Hopefully, with headcams, recording and reporting will result in a more mature retribution. I’d be interested to hear what outcome prevailed in MTB-idle’s case. Hopefully, the perpetrator received more than a dressing down.

Numbness comes on within 30 mins. Both hands. Which reminds me, going to try longer stem before popping back to shop next weekend to see if fit needs tweaking again.

I did wonder if it was anything to do with my neck because 2 hours in, my neck starts to ache and it’s been through a few injuries in the past, although I’m getting blisters on the heel of my palm too (for the first time ever) so I think gloves/bar tape may be partly to blame.

Slightly off topic, but isn’t Prosecco the new name for Asti Spumante? (In the same way that sardines are the new mackerel?). Couldn’t give it away when it was Asti Spumante.

That’s an interesting comment, Kilo (and I’m not disputing what you say) but the exact opposite of what I was told when I was fitted up. I had the stem changed to a shorter one because it was felt that I was leaning forward too much with a longer stem and it was making me put more weight on my hands. A more upright riding position was felt to take the pressure off the wrists and help (but does make the handling a bit more “twitchy” I think).

I have a longer stem here and may just fit that to see if it helps. I was fitted up when I got it (some time ago) but may go back if reverting to longer stem doesn’t help.

Thanks for all the comments. Please keep any further recommendations about fingerle…..track mitts, coming 😃👍

Thanks theotherjonv, that’s very interesting. Based on your calculations, I figure I could go a lot lower psi. I’m 74kg and BMI in the 20-25 range. Tyres are 25mm. Is there an algorithm you use to work that out or is it educated guesswork? Lots of hills in Wales and my only concern would be running the tyre off the rim coming downhill or giving the rims a serious ding (done the latter before).

Thanks for all the replies so far. Going to hunt them out to look in more detail (was hoping there may be a standalone consensus “Yeah, Bontralized Silky Aerogrippers” type of reply, but quite varied so far).

Positioning looked at and shorter stem fitted for more upright stance. I’ve thought about bar tape too (good suggestion, thanks 👍).

Define “A sensible tyre pressure”. Intrigued. I’m using Grand Prix 4000s at a calibrated 100psi. How low would you suggest? (Genuine question and not one to which I already have an answer).

I’m so shallow, that asymmetric number plate is all that stops me getting a Disco. Very able car but the rear end is a non-starter for me. I’m not alone and JLR know this and it’s only a mattaer of time before symmetry and aesthetics are restored and, yes, used fugly residuals will plummet. JLR’s “Scorpio” moment. It’s amazing that cumulative depth of engineering talent can be pipped at the post by a moment of madness in design sign off.

Bulk purchase a load of cheap Chinese music streaming devices. Give them away to as many friends as possible and ask them in return to plug in to mains, set to mute, and play your album on spotify on endless repeat loop, 24/7, 365 days a year…….

In the summer when my head’s shaved, I add another step before the final cologne spritz down. MrsT works on the head with a modified random orbital sander and a drop of Oil of Ulay.

After reading the car detailing thread, I now adopt a more thorough approach.

My wife rinses me down in the yard using the powerwasher to get the worst of the grit off. Then into a shower using a pH balanced soap (NEVER washing up liquid because it strips all the essential oils). I always soap down starting from head to foot to avoid transferring grit to my eyes. Rinse. Then out and just shake the worst of the droplets off (never rub with a harsh towel). Then into steam room to open the pores. Then into powershower set on cold for a proper scrub.  Then pat myself dry with a microfibre cloth before working on the undernail area with a splinter free wooden toothpick. Finally rub a good quality moisturiser all over then the gentlest of misting with cologne.

i’ve got rampant dermatitis but I’m clean as a whistle.

Brains beer, specifically SA, is what non-Welsh people think that Welsh people like (“Oohh, you’re in luck, they’ve got SA on tap”). It’s gross.

I was going to say Butty Bach and suggest that would be the end of the thread, but our friend above has revealed a devastating but of information about its heritage that has, frankly, ruined my evening.

If you’re near Cardiff, just go to the Gwaelod Inn and drink your way across the pumps. If you’re in the centre on a Saturday, Pipes brewery have a kind of open air bar in Kings Road (with artisanal coffee across the yard as well, you’ll think you’ve died and gone to heaven). If you’re super lucky, you’ll even catch one of their street food nights.

The Mochyn Du (they’ve called it something else now, but to locals, it’ll always be the Mochyn Du) next to Sophia gardens brew their own beer on site. Brace yourself for a long wait to be served, though.

We’re better than we were at making beer, but if I’m honest, I’ve had more good pints travelling around the West Country and Kent over the years.

Linoleum. Grease it well with putoline. Remove all handrails and ballustrades. They’ll be crabbing up on all fours so gingerly, you’ll not hear a thing, apart from the occasional distant splat if they get it wrong.

Failing that, you’re probably going to need to invest in good quality thick underlay. Thick, hardwearing, cheap – choose any two.

On trips to Provence, we’ve stopped at Chatillon-sur-seine before. Originally suggested by someone on here. Hotel Sylvia is clean, full of character, cheap and secure offroad parking. It’s a smallish country town with a few hotels, bars and restaurants. It’s quiet enough that you’re not going to get clogged up in heavy traffic and more or less en-route to Provence. We had a fantastic evening meal in a local restaurant and superb breakfast at the Sylvia – local farm made yoghurt etc. not chain establishment packaged food.

In the city centre, Citta in Church St is superb (if you can get in), a short walk away is CasaNova near the stadium and Elgano on Cathedral Rd – all three are Italian. Elganos has a better atmosphere at night but food and service is second to none. Bar44 is great for Tapas. Like any city, avoid the chains. Two of the best places to eat in the whole city are Bullys and Arbennig. Both are worth the short walk up Cathedral Rd to Pontcanna. I’m surprised at the suggestion of The Conway (for food) because there are way better places to eat and it wouldn’t be on my list – good pub though. Summer Palace in Llandaff for Chinese is also a good shout. Potted Pig on St Mary St is good – have eaten there many times. It’s downstairs in an old bank vault, so no views and a bit of an echo/noisy if you’re talking/listening as much as eating. The owners have recently opened Milkwood (again in Pontcanna) and it gets good reviews, but I haven’t eaten there personally. Can be pricy too. All of these suggestions are for privately owned astablishments with someone in the kitchen who can cook as opposed to warming food. Arbennig is closed Mon/Tues/Wed night. You won’t go wrong with any of these suggestions, trust me. Enjoy. Cardiff is a fab city. If your trip coincides with the warm continental air and better weather, you’re in for a treat.

“I want to bid on an arborist’s catapult on eBay”

I didn’t notice the poster, but the instant I read that I thought “McMoonter!”

“otherwise I can’t see the wood for the shrubbery.”

Graham – pubic hair falls out when it is 1 inch long. In other words, it reaches a length of 1 inch then falls out, so is never longer. One. Inch. Yes. One inch. You might want to go back and edit that reply… You’re welcome. #JustSayin 😉

I’ve never met one (or gone to see one), but please tell me that there’s a Helena Handcart. Somewhere.

Rickon, how about a Vespa? Hang on, hang on, hear me out. I used to have one and it handled muddy farm tracks well and if you get the right waterproof gear, you’re no more wet than sitting in a regular saloon. Also – 100mpg, so you get a bit of spare cash to put snowchains on it for winter. Win, win!

(I love these threads where someone asks a specific question and by reply #3, someone suggests exactly what he *doesn’t* want. Yes, I’m looking at you, newrobdob, soft lad :-) Made me LOL (in the nicest sense)

Can’t go wrong with a Yamaha FG. No brainer. There’s a reason why they’ve developed a cult following. Really really good value for money. Many people (myself included) rate the sound of the matt finish models over the gloss but it’s a matter of opinion. Whatever you go for, try in shop. I’ve got big hands, so struggle a bit with smaller 3/4 guitars but I have to give a shout out for the Baby Taylors. Lovely neck and a truly fantastic sound for such a small guitar (much richer than FG but hard to compare because smaller and different tone as a result, but there’s more complexity to the sound, if you know what I mean). A bit over budget, but not an expensive guitar. The only downside to the Yamaha FG is that it can sound a bit thin compared to more expensive solid wood guitars, but you’re comparing apples with pears really with that comparison and won’t get better for the money. Try one first, though.

There is nothing better than sitting on the sofa (or in the garden, under the shade of a tree, on an early summer, clear blue sky day) with a cold beer, noodling away on an acoustic guitar. Bliss.

I was a Surrey Hills rider

You’ll be wanting the Taff Trail then. Mostly non porous, fairly grippy with good run off of water, an uphill slog going through Coopers Fields with a tricky bit of chicane to test the mettle going under Western Ave underpass by Tescos. Doesn’t get too technical until you get to the hell that is the Cardiff Bay section. Fully tooled up, long travel full suss pretty much obligatory (unless you’re a local, in which case, a Pashley is all you need)…. :wink:

Well, what a pile of rubbish. After an hour or two updating, I was left unable to connect to the internet either wirelessly or using ethernet. Looked in device manager and there’s a yellow triangular exclamation mark next to all of the network devices. Unable to update drivers because not connected and troubleshooter solving nothing. I’ve just reverted to Windows 7! Anyone else get this? Tried updating driver when back in W7 but it says that I have the most up to date driver. Grrrr!!

If you want to use this “assistive technology” download, you’ll need to act quickly. It runs out on January 16 2018.

Well, if anyone’s interested, I had two iPhone 6 models done last week. A 2yr contract expired some time ago so must be 2.5 to 3yrs old. Both running slow since last but one update. Both lasting from 8am until early evening on fairly intermittent but regular use through the day. Both charged every night using the phone (not iPad) charger. Booking was painless and offered a midweek slot within 4 days. Apple tested them beforehand to see if they needed doing. First showed 92% on their test, second phone showed 87% (whatever that means). Was told that they don’t “need” doing but “might as well seeing as the offer’s on”. I did them both in the hope it would help longevity. Apple’s test showed no other problems with the phones. Done in 2hours and collected later. It may not be scoentific but both definitely quicker, or rather, back to normal rather than slow and unresponsive (especially firing up the camera and typing texts – no long pauses). However, the unknown here is that there was another update when we had them done. So whether due to new batteries or subsequent update, I dunno but certainly no reason to upgrade these two now, that’s for sure.

(Phil Wright – for those not into their drumming)

That’s the good thing about music. It takes all sorts.
One man’s Ringo is another man’s Phil Wright.

Mattsscm – Don’t ask me how I know this, but you’ve been taken out all day, shopping in the sales with the Mrs, haven’t you? There’s a certain je ne sais quoi to that first post that hints at “one of those days”.
Take off your boots, pour yourself a beer and settle down by the fire. You’ve earned it :wink:

He threw away the rulebook with this one.

Jasper was right :wink:

(Which – at a stroke – offsets my lighthearted theme! Ho hum. Back to the drawing board)