I tend to avoid it as there's much better riding up on the downs, but I've ridden bits of the Tunbridge/forest row/crawley stuff in the past. I'll try and remember to have a look at the routes I've used and let you know what's good- there are some quite pretty bits around there. Some of the flat gro...

Bought the OH the trail42 for Christmas, she has been using it in a bottle cage succesfully (although some of the paint is scraping off ). She also likes it enough she's started taking it with her when travelling for work.

I'm jealous, I may buy one....

Camelbak mule for me most of the time, so, 6? It's not a massive bag by any means. I think it's mostly familiarity and convenience, I've been using it for years. From long experience I know it's just big enough to carry enough spares to lead a group in France (and a baguette), has room for a spare s...

The nature of the landscale means courses will be a bit 'squiggly'.

Oh, the course looks great, I just couldn't guarantee that late in the evening, when tired, cold and wet I wouldn't get a bit 'emotional', but I'm weak

If there were no hills, it wouldn't be a challenge. :grin: Absolutely, just some of the bits that look like loops up into the hills and back down to the same valleys half a mile on have the whiff of sadism about them! I don't know if I'll be able to make it down, that time of year can be pretty bus...

A quick wander round the map suggests that the westward leg is fairly evil, with lots of criss crossing of valley bottoms- I don't have have much experience of that part of the world but what I do is hilly!

Nice new Spesh gore tex jacket. 90 something quid from JE James. Moment of weakness on seeing one over the weekend. And a frighteningly expensive set of suspension bearings for both mine and the OHs bikes.

Turns out they're good for something, then.

Interesting, I like them as tyre levers- I think because they're a but flexy they force you to work properly. Given some of the more brute options I tend to fail to exercise restraint and end up scratching rims and things

https://flic.kr/p/vm2PcQ https://flic.kr/p/vmaNUa Snapped seatstay on a club ride, repaired with cable ties and tyre levers. Made it the mile and a bit back to where his wife had been called to pick him up in the belief we couldn't get it 'fixed'! I think it could have got home.... Also using ties,...

Right, apologies for the delay, finally measured it properly. Looks like it'll be a bit too big I'm afraid. One bike could probably take it, just, but the rest it would be a bit too squashed.

Thanks for your help though!

I haven't had a chance to check it properly this weekend I'm afraid and I don't think I will for the next few days so hopefully I'll get back to you in a bit! Cheers

I currently using a pair or specialized rimes, which have a vibram sole, and just about the right combination of flex/stiffness. They're more comfortable to walk in than my Shimano MW81 winter boots, and have more grip on rock/non muddy surfaces. The Rimes I have are the older design with the Boa c...

Technically the postman didn't bring it, but tonight I have been playing around with a revo and dynamo borrowed from a friend to try out. It's quite exciting and there may be a fair amount of mad scientist-esque 'power, limitless power*' cackling going on...

*until my legs get tired

Hmmm, after a quick wave of a ruler at a couple of bikes it looks like it might be a bit of a snug fit. I think I'll have to make up some sort of template for a proper check. Don't suppose you could tell me how far along the the long side the tallest bit of the bag is could you? It looks about 1/3rd...

I might have this, I'll need to go and check sizes though.

Been meaning to buy a cap for ages, a bb one seems a better idea than most!

I would really like a ti option. With a second set of bottle mounts. Less weight and more water would basically fix the only things about the bike I have a problem with

Not jumping on a trend or anything but... https://flic.kr/p/nNR65B (Sorry, can't get the photo to embed from flickr on my phone) 1x10, 100mm forks, wideish bars. I always want to stick big tyres on it because it makes it great for monster trucking but I find it loses a bit of nimbleness that you don...

Aeron race (I think it's the race, not the top one but the one below it) is a considerable step up over the standard aeron in my experience. The pad is much more substantial and the Lycra seems sturdier and holds its position on you better. Well with the extra money to me

11speed shimano road and Mtb cable pulls are a fair bit apart. Arts cyclery have a pretty comprehensive list here- http://blog.artscyclery.com/science-behind-the-magic/science-behind-the-magic-drivetrain-compatibility/ Interestingly I think 11speed road shifters could possibly be persuaded to mate u...

Perhaps I should have qualified that as 'can't really go wrong with v brakes at that price'. Personally I think I'd give up pretty much any other mod con/luxury on a mountain bike before discs but at that price the option isn't really there.

Those cheap decathlon bikes are surprisingly useable. We used to run a fleet of them out in france when I led and spannered for a holiday group in my uni holidays. Fire road stuff mostly but I used to go trail hunting on my day off. Handlebars had a nice sweep, gears were cheap gripshift and general...

After a couple of years where getting out (lightweight) camping has, barring a bothy trip on Skye and a few days in Normandy last summer, not happened, I am really enjoying sitting on the north downs after spending the night out! https://flic.kr/p/uXYkAi Had no plans last night, thought screw it let...

The hug is fine while where's the path isn't working. Aerial and os side by side is luxury.

Ian wrote:Have you considered singlespeed....?

The singlespeed is mechanically ill-disposed at present!