It’s all about the afternoon and evening for me, never been a fan of morning rides.

When I used to drive HGV’s there were ‘truckers’ and ‘people who drive trucks’.

‘Truckers’ used to read all the magazines, know all the latest industry gossip, talk about parts / upgrades / paint-jobs and spend a lot of time on forums!

‘People who drive trucks’ shut the cab door at the end of the day and don’t give it another thought.

I was never a trucker but I proudly put my hand up to being a cyclist :-)

Personally, my knees notice the difference and I always run 170mm now (MTB and road). I’m 5’11 with 32″ inside leg if that’s any help for reference.

Looks like a whole lot of fun :-)

I spent many seasons working in BTCC / BSB and for watching the action on track, Oulton Park and Brands Hatch (plus Cadwell Park for BSB) were always very good and offer decent spectator facilities. Plenty of trees to hide under at Oulton Park if the weather’s not behaving. Thruxton is a very fast circuit and a lot of the action happens at the Club Chicane (the final section before the start/finish straight) so worth getting a spot there for at least one race.

My next road bike will definitely have disk brakes, my current road bike has them and I wouldn’t want to be without them now!

I used Parcel Force a couple of times for posting a hardtail frame and then a pair of 29er wheels from the Isle of Man to the UK. Good price, good service and I’d use them again.

I prefer flats on the MTB and most rides provide at least one ‘glad I wasn’t clipped in moment’! I’ve yet to have a ‘wish I was clipped in’ moment.

Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated and what I was hoping to hear!

It’s the cream one that I’m looking at so it comes with the Surly Nate tyres (but the slightly taller gearing!).

I’ll report back if the deal is done :-)

Cheers binners, I had a brief spin on one and my face hurt from grinning! Will probably go for it :-)

Nice one, thanks :-)

Overshoes solved the problem for me (put them on before you put your shoes on – makes it a lot easier!). Duct-tape over any vents on your shoes too.

I’ve used BB7 Road, TRP Hy/Rd and Spyre SLC in the last 18 months and I’d vote for the Spyres for great performance, as well as being a doddle to set up and get the lever / bite point exactly where you want it.

Enjoyed the show and I’m feeling particularly proud to see a couple of my Dads paintings on display in the background at Guys house :-)

The Whyte Cornwall[/url] can take full-length mudguards.

Felt Z4 Disk looks nice.

I can personally recommend McGhie’s[/url], I did a guided ride through Red Rock Canyon and they were very good.

Erin Bike Hut[/url] have a 2014 M-109 (medium) currently in stock if that’s any help?

I rode up from Bedoin last July, the sun was relentless with the temperature in the mid 30’s at the bottom but it dropped as the altitude increased. The shade of the forest was welcome and it’s spectacular when you rise above the tree line into the ‘moonscape’.

Chalet-Reynard near(ish) the summit will refill your bidons for you if you’re running low and give Tom Simpson a nod as you pass by his memorial.

Enjoy! :D

I’m another road-disk convert. Like others have said above, it’s not about outright power but dependable, controllable and predictable braking in all conditions.

I’ve also found that most road-disks critics I’ve spoked to have never actually used them!

I wouldn’t worry about the ‘powerful brakes / small contact patch / greasy roads’ scenario.

Road-disk brakes aren’t just about outright power and in my experience, the improved feel and control (in all conditions) is the real benefit. I’ve had far less lock-ups with disk brakes then I had with rim brakes.

Any good to you? Shameless link to my classified post

Bit late to the party (sorry I’ve been working and riding bikes!) but check out the Whyte 629.

Very worthy of a mention at the £1k mark. Looks the business too!

Great bike, the 2015 model’s been upgraded with an air fork too.

Equilibrium Disk Limited Edition ordered and my Whyte 29-C build is 99% finished, good times :D

What sillyoldman said, I used 2mm spacers and some 8.5mm chainring bolts as the original XT bolts only just threaded together.

Out in the Manx hills…

The 2015 road range looks good and at £1799 for carbon and hydraulic brakes the Cornwall looks like a great package.

Here’s my ‘bikes and cars’ shot from yesterday…

I’ll be heading to my LBS at the end of the week to pick up the final parts for my Whyte 29-C build, can’t wait to get started :D

I’ve got few pairs of Funkier padded shorts / thermal bib-tights and they’ve served me well. Would be happy to recommend them.

That Volagi is gorgeous :-)

Find your nearest hyperbaric chamber, a lot of the motorcycle racing guys I know use them to speed up the healing process.

I’m a big fan of disk brakes on road bikes. For me, it’s not about outright braking power, it’s more about the vastly improved feel and control disks offer over rim brakes in both wet and dry conditions.

Like reggiegasket said…

I’d never go back to rim brakes. It’s not even close.

If you’re parking a vehicle in Liverpool and sailing over as a foot-passenger this might be useful:

The Q-Park Liverpool ONE car park is ideally situated just minutes away from the port and in the heart of Liverpool ONE. Click here and secure your discount at Q-Park by simply booking online and entering the promotion code “Steam” which will give you a 10% discount.

Also available here[/url] (SPRE ST4600)

Whyte 29 C Team? Slacker HA and very long TT. I’m thinking of one myself.

Just about to start my Whyte 29-C build, according to the workshop scales the frame weighs 1.2kg

Now have most of the parts for my 29-C build, going to be 1 x 10 with a Hope T-Rex sprocket…

2013 was my 3rd End2End and I’m looking forward to riding it again this year.

The approx 40 mile route takes you through some spectacular Manx scenery over a variety of terrain.

It’s a big event for the island and the locals come out in force to cheer on the riders.

Great atmosphere, good fun, highly recommended :-)

I use this and I’d happily recommend it: White Lightning Clean Streak

I used Time RXS pedals, switched to Speedplay Zero’s but didn’t get on with them so I’ve now switched back to my trusty Time RXS’s.