@Roverpig I can only discuss my Salary Sacrifice scheme. I have no idea if they are all the same.

I have a 7 month old Audi Q4 eTron Sportback Black Edition. Book value is £67k (with a few upgrades).

No deposit required. Over a 4 year term and 15,000 miles a year.

This is a cost of approx £520 a month. (Difference between my pre car bring home and current bring home)

I installed an EV charger at my girlfriends, cost £1000.

Charging is pennies. Our electricity bill has actually gone down, we’ve moved washing, dish washing to all be at the same time as the car charging. The charger has paid for itself now, my old fuel bill was £60 a week approx.

I don’t have to pay for servicing, insurance or new tyres.

My previous car was a Cupra (Leon model) 2 litre petrol (300 hp, same as the EV). The Cupra was a great car, absolutely loved it. But it was 4 years old and while it had no issues the fuel bill, insurance and tyres added up.  I paid monthly for the car on PCP.

For me, I’m not paying any more than I was previously. At the end of my PCP deal I could have bought the car outright (balloon), but I wanted a shiney new car….

I get I’m fortunate enough to be in this position. I know I could drive a cheaper car, pay more into my pension l, retire earlier…. However, this works for me.

And well said BadlyWiredDog, agree with what you have said.

I can’t see him beating Pogacar or Vingegaard in a 3 week race, or beating Evenpoel in a week race or even Pog and Evenpoel in most classics. And then there are two other very very good one day racers who I wouldn’t see him beating in most classic/monuments.

Its always a strange conundrum, TP is an awesome bike racer, just not quite up there with the very best on the road. Its small margins, but there is a small gap between him and the very best.

My speculation…….

Ineos want a GC contender. TP is not going to fulfil that position with the opposition that he has plus the fact that he wants to focus on other key races (inc MTB).

More speculation. He probably earns an awful lot of money, probably the highest earner in Ineos.  I would summise that Ineos would prefer to spend the wage on a genuine GC contender.

I really like how TP races, but in my view he would be better suited on a French or Belgium team. I don’t think he should focus solely on road.

And my speculation from TP’s perspective, while Ineos have allowed him to race all sorts of different formats, they don’t really come across as being fully supportive of one day races. Possibly also don’t have the overall firepower to support GC rider either.

I quite like the Erebus, I prefer it over the Helm….beauty in the eye of the beholder and all that…..

(With my watch collection its clear I have no idea on what looks good or not!)

Yeah also liking the Timex, I’ve signed up to be notified when it comes into stock.

I like the blue gmt on a rubber strap.

My Q4 has the regen with flappy paddles, don’t really use it though. I set the drive mode to Comfort and B, this does regen at the max setting.

Having issues with my Ohme app though. Every night this week I’ve had a message to say that there was an error with charging, charges to about 78% each time (set to 80%). But I also ask it to pre-heat the car and windows for 20 minutes. It doesn’t seem to do this. Also had one night where it wouldn’t read the car’s battery at all – I had to remove the car and then add it. Don’t suppose anyone has had similar with the cabin pre-heating?

Visible with the naked eye here in Chester. Can’t believe how clear it was.

Thomas Crown Affair, late 1990’s version. As a subscriber to Amazon Prime, Sky Cinema and Netflix it annoys me that certain older films are only available for an additional fee.

I’ve just got a new mortgage…been renting for a few years after a divorce. (my credit rating with Experian is excellent, thats the only credit rating company I had used….I didn’t know at the time but my credit rating with another lender was only average)

Did the comparison sites, got my mortage in principle offer. All looked nice and easy, until they do further checks. When I got divorced in 2021 I left the country for about 18 months. For this period of time I have no electoral role details – I wasn’t living here so I didn’t even think it was something I needed. No mortgage company would offer me a mortgage…..

Called a mortgage broker, explained the situation and within a day I had a new mortgage offer. He new what vendors used the electoral role is an important factor and what didn’t. I also have never had a credit card, my car was purchased on PCP Ballon but paid off, so currently no debt andnever missed or late with a payment)

Anyway, for me in my fairly unique situation, mortgage broker got me the mortgage, with a large mortgage provider and at the same rate as the other providers I had found through the comparison sites. His fee was £380, which I’ll be honest was a bargain. I had been on the phone to banks and mortgage providers for a few days and was getting stressed – I had had an offer accepted and didn’t want to miss out.

My personal opinion is that the frame is beautiful as is the paint job, disc brakes are fine aesthetically and the wheels for that frame are the perfect depth.

The stem though, I understand the rationale behind it, wanting to hide all the cables, but it’s not something I’d have.

I imagine it is an absolute pleasure to ride and hope the owner enjoys it for many years.

I have the white dialled Explorer II, got to admit back in 2001 when I bought it I loved the look of it, but now really not a fan. I don’t think they’ve aged particularly well. (Shockingly bad photo as I was on a booze cruise and that pic is from a very old camera phone)

A good choice Airvent. I have a BB58, I did actually pay full price for that a few years ago when they were a bit more difficult to buy. One of the chaps from this thread had been offered it from his local AD, he in turn let me know it was available and I went down to Eastbourne to collect it. Obviously I’m biased, but I prefer the original version. I’d definitely be happy buying one second hand.

@airvent, I bought my first luxury watch second hand back in about 2002. I had the same dilemma as you.

I now wouldn’t buy shop price. I tend to buy one new luxury watch a year, always used or heavily discounted.

It’s entirely your decision, but I really wouldn’t let the fact that it’s used put you off. My simple logic is that I’m letting someone else pay the brand tax and I get it at the correct value…..(I know even then I’m paying brand tax, but I’ve never lost money on my purchases so it works for me)

What is it that you have your eye on?

I sold my Cupra using WBAC. I wasn’t in a rush to sell, initial estimate was way too low. Over about two months they sent me increased valuations. In the end they were £2k over their initial estimate. The car was low mileage and in great condition, but was 4 years so did have the odd small scratch.
Booked an appointment, they offered me £500 under the online price. I thought this was fair and it was still over what I expected. Was sold within 20 minutes. Very easy experience.

Similar to Nick above, just bought tickets but through ATG who I think are part of Ticketmaster?

Absolute rip off, but just seems that’s what it costs. Billy Joel at Anfield. Two tickets. I watch loads of small local gigs as well, but the missus wanted to go to this.

Tickets
£320.00
Transaction Fee
£2.50
Facility Fee
£5.00
Service Fee
£34.00

Breakfast every morning, porride with a banana and a large coffee….. then regular as clockwork I make room for lunch same time everyday! As soon as I’ve dropped the kids off at the pool I’m hungry again!

Saving up for some new “toys” for myself, so I’m just getting by on Pot Noodle type of things…not the best but they see me through an early evening gym session until 8pm when I have dinner.

Trek Supercalibre or Procalibre depending on budget.
I only ride gravel on a ti framed drop bar bike with 42mm tyres. Miss my XC hardtail. Not quite as quick on easy routes, but overall much more comfy.

It really does make sense.

Ive had loads of fun cars over the years. From a silly 5 litre TVR, AMG Merc, Porsche 911’s….got divorced a good few years ago and downgraded to a modified Cupra which I loved….now driving in a 300hp EV and really missing driving a fun car. The EV is nice, but it’s not fun.

Running costs can be astronomical though on more playful cars, my AMG wasn’t cheap, was pretty harsh to drive on broken roads, but equally was fun on the right road. I’d love an RS6, but not going to happen until kids finish uni!

Pathfinders seem to very popular, I had the slicks in 42mm and found they cut up on dry gravel. Didn’t last long. Loads of others people I know have had much more longevity than I did.

My partner runs G One Bite on hers gravel bike, she also only rides in the dry…as in not raining, but she does ride winter days when it’s not raining….so still wet. Grip appears ok, but that’s pretty much hardpack gravel, green lanes and roads.

I use G One Ultra Bite, slow on road, but I like the fact that the grip is decent through forests all year round. 700×45 for me. I put up with the slightly slower on road to be able to go exploring in all conditions.

Not that many compared to others….

1 x Winter Boots for MTB duties (flats)

1 x Rapha Road shoes (look keo)

1 x Giro gravel shoes (spd)

1 x cheap Bontrager road shoes for indoor turbo use

Not sure if my Converse count, used for summer mucking about rides, pub, popping out for coffees etc. reasonably comfy for small rides where I can’t be bothered swapping pedals on the gravel bike.

Charles Twyritt for me too. Pretty much buy my entire wardrobe from them.

Fortunately we have an outlet store not far away. Very reasonable prices. I stocked up over summer for some of their knitwear at a very good discount.

Ive always found Lewin to be average quality. M&S just use weird materials, collars are too floppy for me.

They are absolutely beautiful!

Better photos would be good when you get the chance…..

I do agree, the mid tier Seiko’s while being good watches and look nice, I would think you would be better to keep saving for the GS. I know if it was me, I don’t think I would feel the same kind of connection with it as I would know its just temporary and is actually slowing down the purchase of the GS.

Regarding lower end Seiko’s, I have two. Save the Ocean Solar Chronograph (SSC701P1) that I really like. No issues with that one, the other is an older Diver that doesn’t get worn very much, but I’ve not noticed any issues with it.

10%….jeez!
Love my Stout, but I’m on a beer free diet…this thread is killing me!

Firstly apologies if I’m mansplaining, just thought that if your new to road some of the words being used may not mean a great deal.  Road fit is actually fairly nuanced, and while your probably going to be fine on a small, its worth a quick read of the below.

Small would probably be about right, some minor differences between bike types and manufacturers. I’m just a smidegen taller than you at 173cm. I ride a 52 or a small, Cannondale SuperSix was a 51, I did test ride a size 53 Supersix and SytemSix but preferred the smaller size (51). My Canyon Aeroad was a small, but that may be too big for you, I could have comfortably rode an XS in the Aeroad.

My Trek Emonda and Madone was a race fit, so they were a small (52) with a longer stem (110mm). My winter bike a Trek Domane is a medium (54).  Trek have different type fits, the H1.5 or H2 is more racey. If this isn’t mentioned then it will be a normal fit.

The numbers represent the effective top tube length. Have a look on bikecad.ca, use the search on the right hand side of the page, enter effective top tube and it will show you what this means. Do the same for Stack and this will give you the diagram representing what Stack and Reach mean.

A lot of manufacturers refer to the effective top tube as the size, not necessarily small medium large etc. 52 is generally considered a small. I think for Canyon a 54 is a small, but I found that I could have comfortably gone to an extra small on their bike. There’s a website called Geometry geeks, if you enter the details for the bikes your interested in it will bring up the measurements and you can compare differences. If you’re having trouble understanding the data, let the chaps on here know and they will be able to help you with explaining what it means.

@the-muffin-man I know how you feel. We have to sleep with the window open all winter – I’m freezing cold and she’s not under the duvet. Finally gone to the doctors to see if HRT works…..fingers crossed for a warm winter! Last night was the first night I felt chilly.

Heating still of though, wouldn’t expect to put it on until October. No heating on and the house is currently a very pleasant 21.5 indoors and 14 outdoors (North Wales).

Yup done it a couple of times. Always Canary Islands for me.

Haven’t done it for the last two years as missus is a driving instructor so can’t take the same amount of time off as me.

We both have our own properties. When we retire the plan will be to sell one and live in that during our summer and live abroad for 3 months over winter (prob Jan to end of March). We did think it might be worth buying abroad, but I’d rather rent and keep the money in savings.

Don’t know if I’d want a month in Egypt. I’ve never been so that’s a bit of an ignorant comment I know. But is it safe outside of the hotel area? For a month I’d want to be somewhere I can get out and about. If it is safe, or if you’re happy staying in a resort then £800 all inclusive for a month seems a bargain!

Your missus prefers the ID3 to the Cupra Born? Maybe time to find a new missus!!

(Just kidding, mine said exactly the same and ended up costing me a load more money persuading me to get an Audi!! I really really wanted the Cupra!)

I did watch quite a lot of videos and the Born did appear to be a better car than the ID3. But it’s probably marginal and more down to personal taste.

I’d pay silly money to see Dire Straits, or  Mark Knopfler.

I watch live music an awful lot and did try to get Oasis tickets. Even at £150 I thought it was over priced but kind of expected these days.

I’m going to a small gig on Saturday to watch The Montagues, local North Wales band, very good. £9 a ticket.

As an Evertonian, Binners can go fu k himself.

Its going to be a long season! And yes, we’re going down!

I’m a an ex XC racer, really annoys me the threads on here that try to willy wave about who is downhill, enduro etc.

My brother used to race downhill, pretty good racer, I was an ok XC racer, CX racer and a second cat roadie. It’s pretty obvious that the main issue with DH is the lack of coverage, or at the least coverage that is worth watching.

Even if I don’t ride the type of riding that the downhill guys and gals do, I can still appreciate. Its a shame that the tv coverage just isn’t good enough. I can still appreciate the DH riding even though I’m more than happy with my long distance XC style.

If there was more readily available content I’d watch it all day. I’m in awe of the skills, it’s just hard to find watchable content.

Kryton:-

£60 a week is £3120 in petrol. That’s being generous as I have one long trip each month that isn’t included.

I was paying £120 a month for electricity for the family of 4. This is now £80 a month including charging the ev. My “fuel” is free.

£1000 a year for tyres. So that’s £4120 that I no longer need to pay. Maybe tyres could be cheaper.

£650 on insurance is £4770.

MOT and servicing takes this to £5000.

Ive had to do the brakes on the Cupra once, that was costly. Well over £1000.

My Cupra was paid off as it was sold. But prior to that it was £250 a month on HP. I put down a large deposit to help pay for it.

Littlest Hobo, put pics up here, you never know there could be a taker. Maybe add the year and info on scratches. I’m sure the more knowledgeable on here may help to ensure you don’t list it too low.

I use eBay a fair bit for selling my watches, even sold a Rolex on eBay.  eBay do take a fairly heft chunk, but it is what it is.

Perchy has it in my view. I sold my Cupra and now drive an Audi Q4 Sportback…..quite a decent spec.
Monthly payments are £950 gross, comes out to about £600 after tax.

I’ve said this quite a lot on the electric car thread….But my fuel bill has gone from £60 a week to £18 for all my electric (family of 4). My insurance was £650 a year, tax £200, new tyres every year about £1000, MOT, servicing and then odd jobs needing doing (brakes etc).  Now I just email someone and they book my car in, no hassle way to motor.

I get that I’m in a very fortunate position to do this. But I haven’t regretted doing it…..the missus who is very thrifty with money agrees that I’m no worse off now than I was with the Cupra, but now I get a new car every 3 years and no worries about expensive repairs or whether insurance goes up.

On the H Samuel site you can sign up and get an additional £32 off. Good deal for under £300.

I get to do one of mine next year, the missus has a big birthday coming up. We’ve booked a bit of a dream holiday, Orient Express through France, Switzerland to Trieste. 4 days around the lakes and then onto a cruise around the med.

I love a scenic train journey so very much looking forward to it: has been a holiday I’ve wanted to do for at least 15 years.

Why would the US government do that though?

It was HP who he has been found innocent of fraud with, not the US govt?

(not that I think the U.S. govt would or could)

well done @mrgrim, thats one content looking dog! Hope you all enjoy many happy years together!

@intheborders we live in the UK, North Wales. On IO. Here’s the costs over the last month:-
15 July-21 July, 11.24 elec 1.32 gas
22 July-28 July – 17.03 elec 1.64 gas
29 July-4 Aug – 17.44 elec 1.80 gas
5 Aug – 11 Aug – 15.69 elec 1.20 gas.

No solar power connected. Two adults and two teenagers. We are not attempting to be thrifty either, thats just general usuage. Looking at the colder weather the electricty usage in April was £74 and gas £11.24, I haven’t got any earlier readings – but I would average that we are paying about £80 a month on average throughout the year for both gas and elec.
I think the only thing we do to save money is use the timer on the dish washer and washing machine. I commute 70 miles a day, not quite 5 days a week every week. The car is topped up everynight. I also do the odd out of cycle top up, for example, when we come home after a long trip and need the car charging again for a few hours later.