Just at the right time of year - cheap down from Uniqlo. Not tried it myself but I believe it's pretty good stuff, given the price. http://www.uniqlo.com/uk/store/list/basic/men/outerwear/ultralightdown/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=28th-ULD-November&media_type=owned&utm_source=email&am...

I'm still a 9 speed luddite To be honest Zippy I've got one bike set up 1 x 10 everything else is either 9sp or SS. My concern with 1 x 10 are all the people flocking to it but then having to stick 30t front rings on or 42t rear cogs, etc. I can't help think that if you're riding 1 x 10 and require...

Still not cheap but you'll get a 42t gear out back

http://www.oneupcomponents.com/

EDIT: if anyone's considering ordering one, quote code: rideoneup at the checkout for a $15 discount.

There's always the option of making your own? I'd suggest a synthetic quilt first as it'll be much easier / cheaper ... there's plenty of on-line instructions and videos.

Here you go ... there's £300 change for some rigid forks too!

http://www.fieldandtrek.com/bigfoot-29e ... ike-932241

I like the look of the cumulus ones, but they look like there designed to go ON rather than OVER the mat? how does that work? Forget about strapping the quilt to your mat ... In reality it just complicates things ;) how do they work in bivi bags like the hunka? i'm struggling to see how they would ...

How do they actually work, i.e. lacing up the back and mats etc? Most have some type of strap set-up underneath that you can tie under your mat ... I very rarely bother to use them unless it's VERY cold. Could i use one with my 3/4 length ccf mat? Yes ... most quilts still have a footbox like a sle...

Bailing if it going to rain too much

I promise faithfully that any rain will be of the type that won't kill you!

If AlpKit have any Delta tents left I'd certainly consider one ... plenty of room for taller folk too.

What mat is 100g Stu?

Multimat 3/4 length foam thing. If I were using a bag rather than a quilt I'd not bother with the mat ... my quilt + mat is lighter than my lightest bag.

Done ... nearly. Just awaiting a new stem.

Looks ideal terrain

http://www.britishpathe.com/video/cyclists-beat-runners

2 up in your Trailstar?

EDIT: Post by IanFitz that went astray ;) I use memorymap on the iPhone. It works on android platform too. You can plan or import routes from PC or just email them to yourself. I've got all of Britain at 50k scale on my phone, which is fine scale wise for mtb. The issues are battery life, but I tend...

Shockcords might be a better idea, elasticity's the answer.

I'm sure there'll be a pic somewhere on here of the ones I made if you have a search about. They worked really well and could be fastened / unfastened in seconds.

I never used the supplied straps. I made some shockcord bungees instead ... much easier / faster than the straps and in my mind, put less stress on the cages.

To answer your question ... can you not just put them in your pocket until required?

Someone called round earler and brought this with them. It had been used at ICI for the engineers to get about on before it was 'rescued'. It sports a 3 speed hub gear, drum brakes and plenty of luggage space :) I'm wondering whether borrowing it might make the basis of a good adventure ... although...

Buy an Inbred frame (or any other) and some bits and I'll give you a day throwing it together.

I suppose there's always the manly art of sulking as a fail-safe fallback

Have you considered just telling her "you're nipping out for a paper"?

My list would look like this for an ITT*:

Quilt - 560g
3/4 mat - 100g
Bivvy bag - 460g

PHD Ultra vest - 180g
Hat - 25g
Waterproof - 280g

Various spares / tools - ?g

Gps on bike, card in pocket and a 750ml bottle.

*It would look quite different for a 'tour'.