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Jeez. That took guts. I worry about falling 6 foot off a normal bike. Amazing.

I think the Big Bang Theory has taken over in relation to defining the word 'replica'.

Do be very careful of the position of that word on Ebay. ' Rapha Replica Team Sky jersey' might be genuine Rapha. 'Replica Rapha Team Sky jersey' will be something made out of cheap Lycra in China.

As for wearing black? Well. When not in my garish and vulgar club kit I pretend to be Kristian House in RCS black. Having met Mr House I have to admit his upper arm is like my wrist so we might not wear the same size. On TV he looked the same size as me...

Sora with a Tarmac frame just seems like a strange mismatch to me.

I'm sure Specialized know what they're doing, but is there really a market for a bike like this? A buyer who insists on carbon, but is happy to take Shimano's lowest end groupset.

Tried on a pair of Fizik at the weekend and comfort was astonishing, I have a small but wide foot with a huge arch and these were supportive and super comfy........ Now saving for a set of R3's. Sizes seemed to come up small though

This is just the 'cycle' part of the kit list...overshoes? In July?

Cycle helmet - Compulsory
Cycling shoes / trainers - Make sure you train in them and they are comfortable. Stiff sole recommended for increased power transfer between foot and pedal
Cycling socks (2 or 3 pairs) - No need for a clean pair per day but enough to have dry socks each morning
Cycling gloves (fingerless) - Essential for comfort and grip – gel padding reduces road vibration; thin full- fingered gloves may be useful on cold mornings
Padded cycling shorts x 2 - Lycra with chamois insert better than ‘baggies’ for full days on the bike
Cycling leggings - For cooler days or to put on over shorts at lunch-stops
Cycling tops / T-shirts x 2 - Traditional cycling jerseys have useful pockets at the back and usually wick moisture well; tops made from cotton absorb sweat - not recommended
Wicking base layer - Recommended if cycling tops do not wick moisture well enough
Thermal jacket / warm top - For cooler days / lunch-stops
Waterproof windproof jacket - Good quality (eg gore-tex) essential; material should be highly breathable and have good wind resistance to prevent cold air reaching your chest
Hat / cap - For sun protection off bike
Sunglasses - Must fit well so stay in position when looking down; wraparound style useful
Overshoes - Optional – keep feet warm and dry in wet conditions
Hi-viz vest compulsory! - With BS EN471 class 2 standard label to wear in bad weather conditions

I've bought a pair of shorts. I'll report back once they've had use. Initial impressions? Build quality seems high. Not fully seamless, obviously- noticeably, there's a flat seam on the inside leg but other than that and the pad the legs and main body are seamless. Wizardry, given that there's noticeable "panels" of thinner material.

The material has a matt finish, thanks to be knitted, rather than the usual shiny woven lycra. Gives them a bit of an old school look I suppose, no bad thing. Entirely black (good) barring a small logo on the left leg hem in dark blue and a tag on the bib straps. Nice and simple.

I commute to work with a little rucksack, with one of those hi-viz HUMP covers on it. I recently also got a hi viz altura night vision jacket. Don't think it really makes much difference in bright daylight (women driver still try to kill me on roundabouts, going on recent experience) but when it's dark enough to need lights, the extra hi viz gear makes cars give you a bit more room.

Got to be said, I have no idea! Could try halfords maybe or failing that B&Q? builders style. Just out of interest what are the other required kit

And I have some Shimano carbon rim brake pads too., that I will throw in too.

Its down to Wiggo to perform on the climbs. He has the support to keep his rivals in check. Good luck to the boys.

I am doing the London - Paris this year and one compulsory piece of kit is as follows...

Hi-viz vest compulsory!
With BS EN471 class 2 standard label to wear in bad weather conditions

Now I have two questions...where the heck do I buy one and why would the French be interested in a BS item?!!