Recent comments

Some how it does remind me of my Regal saddle:
http://innercitymobility.blogspot.de/2011/12/swiss-special-bike-test.html

Maybe I'm missing the point, as I picked up a (leather) Swift at 85 € from my dealer.

Ok I should apologise , got a few things going on in my life and re reading my post I definitely came across as ranting which although wasn't intended

Plenty of 20mph speed limits in Brighton now. The people who stuck to the limit and drove sensibly who were never a problem now are penalised and the people who carelessly drove at 40-50mph continue to do so

@Chiv30,

In this situation, it's good to get reassurance from other bike owners, sure,

But you miss my point completely

the point I was making, as T'intetnet Tim appreciates in his reply, is that seeing a bike in the flesh, inspecting it on collection, and being able to go back to LBS with any teething issues (not to mention the free service!) gives great peace of mind and of course is not possible (or at least very difficult) with retailers like Canyon..

Nothing against Canyon at all. I've heard they're very good. They may go the way of Focus, for example,.which started out as great value internet -only bikes for the UK market but are now stocked by actual bike shops here in the UK, making them even better!

The second video in this previous article shows they can take an awful lot of abuse and stay true. They apparently don't ever need truing, and there's no way to true them.
http://road.cc/content/news/84841-mad-fiber-wheels-get-new-uk-distributor

not just the bc riders, what about the ctc riders?

Wish this new found enthusiasm translated into better driving, but it doesn't seem to be the case!!!

If nothing else he surely must end up in a break one day even if he drops out of GC contention, and yes, I agree, he seems to coming into form but 9.2 credits is a lot for a 'possible break guy' if that's what he ends up being.

Froome on Wiggins on the BBC today:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cycling/22957697

I understand your comments 700c as this was my thoughts when I first saw the frame.
I also had the same thoughts that if you had a showroom full of bikes with unusual appearance surface finish would it effect their sales. My mild OCD where things have to look just right would make me think twice (well, until I had ridden one then that would be out of the window

However, I think the finish was exacerbated as we only initially viewed it under artificial light and as Chiv and others has stated the finish is intended to look like this due to coating methods and I think it is to keep weight down further (helps them produce 7kg bikes).

If my mate was to return his bike (and believe me he isn't going to as he is SO happy with it) there is a very strong possibility that a replacement would be similar.

I haven't heard a Canyon owner do anything but praise their bike and it would appear those who replied actually like the appearance.

I have a team of Cav's and Sagan and 7 bargain types, but I am sure my thinking will change before the off.

Good cause Gkam, good luck and I hope you raise a bucket load. I am sure you are right about bids picking up at the days count down.

Not sure if you posted an update on how you got on with getting the young lad cycling (apologies but I have forgotten his name). Hope you managed to raise enough and reach your target with the other auction items to get him out on his own bike.
If so, spill the beans, which of the celebrity items fetched the most, my bet was on the Dani King signed stuff as she is becoming a bit of a star.

Good luck again

Maybe the dossier has been 'sexed up' and Pat is totally blameless.