Recent comments

Just the reply I needed, I now have proof to convince the missus I need a new Campag Corus chainset to match the rest of the groupset!! happy days

Great report and vid!

(Looks warm too!)

could i change the subject a little by asking you all to visit www.parrabuddy.blogspot.com and follow www.twitter.com/skippydetour as i am "looking for help" to find "disabled riders and volunteers to join in riding routes of 2010 tour de france in july.

most of you will know the people who i should be asking to participate if you are unable to find the time yourself
feel free to offer assistance!

Oxford is a place where theives go equipped to remove anything not nailed to the pavement! As you move around the inner city you will see the same bikes locked to railings where they were stripped by the opportunists and the owner has given up and left the remainder!
Outside westgate and the rail station you will see an accumulation of undesirable two wheeled items and yet these also get regularly pilfered!
When even a disreputable item can be left alone then there may be light at the end of the tunnel!
parking on bike lanes is regarded as normal so riding at a snails pace is the safest possibility!
Buses get their nose a mm in front of you and then either you stop or they shoulder you onto the pavement!
reporting the matter to a bus inspecter or the police results in a demand for witnesses who do not even help you up!
Oxford is a lovelly city to ride in as long as you are able to go faster than the infuriated driver who sees you as a challenge to their sovereignty! getting from long wall to the plain in front of a bus is a challenge but the only way to survive as once into cowley or iffley road only then you can relax!
Oxford can never be rebuilt but the drivers could be re educated to help cyclists survive!

I had the same problem on a Truvativ GXP MTB crankset. I think the interface is a similar piece of engineering. I have a nasty feeling that once the interface splines get worn by pedalling it when it is loose, then it never goes back together properly. I feel your pain!

I fixed it by replacing the crankset with a Shimano one.

I don't see how you can effectively use a turbo trainer WITHOUT a fan. Even in the depths of winter, in my unheated garage I use a 12" fan to turbo

Let's examine the rest of your shopping list

1) GPS mount kit. Get rid of the satnav and learn to read a map. Buy 2 cheap UK road atlases. Cut one up and use the other for reference

2) Merino vests. Aldi and Lidl do these. Watch out for the special offer stuff

3) Shorts. Yes you need good shorts. Get Assos if you must. Top of the range Endura (fs260 pro) are half the price

4) Helmet. If your helmet is knackered then again, Lidl and Aldi have them

5) Rollers. No, stop being silly and get out in the rain

6) Shoes. The shoes have to be comfortable. If you have to get more shoes get comfortable ones.

7) Shades. If you want to spend money on them then fair play. Or you could just give the difference to BST and visit Aldi/Lidl

8) Tyres. Yes you will need a fresh pair of tyres immediately before TRAT. Michellin Pro Race after using Gatorskins will feel like you've fitted an engine

9) Nutritional stuff. Try it out first. I could write a whole 10000 words on the various types of stuff I've tried. I recommend Nuun tablets.

10) Servicing. Yes good idea. Do it a reasonable time before so there is no rush to get new parts.

sorry to Hijack but I actually have one for sale - its in mint condition and only used twice to help a friend emmigrate.
its one of these- http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Roof_Box_Bike_Safe_Bike_Box/5300002583/
it has an internal frame to hold everything in place and ensures things dont shift or scratch during transit- lockable, trolley wheels, very strong.
£100+ postage?

Why do they do them one way round but not the other?

I have a little waterproof 'purse' that Mrs B got somewhere. Can get in my id, cash, key for mini bike lock and mobile at a squeeze. Nice to have stuff in one place and poundland type places do have suitable items.

Cool looking bike that. Just glad I have enough!

Flying back from the Alps that day, maybe next year.

Seat pack much nicer. Tiny little Spesh one for mke (but could just have been a Lezyne one), winched up super tight so it doesn't wobble or rattle.

That leaves mobile phone, credit card and house keys for the jersey pocket.

But £8 isn't outrageous, even in the weird world of cycling, where £40 carbon fibre bottle cages are an "essential" purchase...