Drooper

Aye, I'm not holding my breath. I think I mentioned earlier in the thread that I've found over the last year that I can't hack the cold nearly as much as I used to. I'm putting it down to age, though it seemed a pretty sudden change. I'm okay down to around 4oC, but much colder and it pretty much kills my enjoyment. Pussy? Perhaps, but I tend to go out on the bike in order to enjoy the experience. I can force myself on the odd occasion when not in the mood, but when my hands get so cold and painful that I feel physically sick, I start to wonder what the point is.

The higher price and spec bikes that Halfords sell (Carrera and Boardman) are decent bikes for the most part, but I wouldn't go near them for maintenance. I can't think of any major reason not to consider buying a bike from them, then using my local shop for repairs (or, even better, attempting them myself in the first instance). The bike should be reasonably well set up out the poke, or require only minor tweaking that a half-way knowledgeable rider or more experienced mate should be up to. I've had another imposed lay-off due to the recurrence of a herniated disc in my back. Absolutely brutal, so it was. A real sickener, too, just as I was in the right place mentally to get back (no pun intended) into it. The back has cleared up a bit, though, so I'm looking to get out next week some time (couple of commutes and a weekend ride, hopefully). It would be a bonus if the average temperatures can rise above 4oC, right enough.

They do seem to offer a good all round package. Versatility is important if you like to try out different surfaces and terrains in one ride, or can't afford an entire stable full of bikes. I've found I struggle to return to my MTB now. Aside from the squeeling disc brakes that I've tried everything in my power (and limited comprehension) to resolve, it is like a bloody tractor after a few thousand miles on the road bike. I would like to go off-road on occasion, though, and a cross is an option. That said, I've only just posted that I'm not intending to let myself get caught up in obssessing over my next purchase, and instead, just get out and ride a bit more. That remains the plan. I will still lust over titanium steeds from time to time, and just might stretch to one in the next couple of years, but a cheap cross bike for thrashing about might have to figure in there somewhere too. So many possibilities....

What about a cross bike? Clearance for bigger tyres, a sturdier frame, but many of the benefits of a road bike, and some come with disc brakes. If I had a spare few quid, I might look at this option. On road bikes, it seems there is now a fashion for fitting them with 25mm tyres. They certainly absorb more of the bumps, but apparently don't sacrifice too much in the way of speed. My next set will be 25s. I've got a set on some spare wheels (Gatorskins), but the Schwalbe Luganos currently fitted to the bike are holding up really well, so they'll be staying put meantime. Very cheap, but do a great job for all that - I can't recommend them highly enough.

I've been having knee problems, too. I was going to book a physio appointment, but will have to take a good look at my bike and cleat/pedal set-up first, as this is something relatively new. I'm wondering if my seatpost has inched down a wee bit over the months, so one option is to raise it by a cm or two. It'll then be a case of checking the allignment of my cleats, and tinkering if necessary. Don't assume your knees aren't up to the job. It's always a good idea to have a think about when and how you experience the pain, and whether it might be to do with your equipment (MISSUS!) and set up. In other news, I cycled into work this morning, and felt the benefit of having been out on Friday for a decent spin. It doesn't take long to get back into it once the initial apathy has been shaken off. My intention is now to commute by bike at least twice each week during the Spring, increasing to four or five times in the summer. Sometimes life gets in the way (kids, usually), but I'm determined to get back into. It is good for my mental wellbeing as much as anything else.

Great, isn't it!

Didn't get out earlier in the week as planned, but just back in from a ride over the lanes to Croftamie, then along the Gartness Rd before a pitstop for coffee in Drymen. Then back home. Not a long way, and hardly a blistering pace, but it just felt good getting out again. As others have said, we've been spoiled with the weather this week. Absolutely stunning for the end of February. ETA: a wee snap I took while out.

Aye, me too. I'll be taking it easy or it it'll be a case of blowing out my hin' end after half an hour, though. For the guys struggling to get motivated, why not get the bike out and give it a clean and some general TLC. I often find that spurs me on to get back out, even just for an hour or so.

Sorry to hear that chaps. I haven't been out for a decent ride since the the Autumn of last year. A couple of commutes to work and that's about it. I've really started to feel the cold - particularly in my extremities (MISSUS!) - and this has put me off. I also experienced some knee pain the last time I was out for a longer ride. All that said, I'm on leave this week, and the weather is cracking, so I'm going to venture out tomorrow. About summer-time last year I had a realisation that I'm never going to be anything other than a trundling diddy when it comes to cycling. I think it hit me when I discovered that I'd pretty much missed all the scenery on a cracking day out because I'd been riding with my head down, worrying about my time and my average MPH. I was kidding myself on. It is great to push yourself from time to time, but not at the expense of enjoying getting out. I found I was missing out, and, from now on, I'll be looking to soak in what is going on around me as opposed to worrying about how I'm 'performing' during a ride (MATRON!). That takes the pressure off, and I reckon I'll get more out of my cycling. I'm not the competitive type....never have been. I think I let myself be carried away like a daft wee boy with all the shiny stuff in the magazines. I won't be renewing my subs to Cycling Plus meantime, either. Time for a bit of perspective. FFS, I was even slabbering over the notion of purchasing a titanium bike this year. Time to reel it in a bit and just enjoy getting out from time to time. Hope you guys get sorted out soon. Sometimes its just a case of getting that first ride for a while under your belt, and then you realise what you've been missing.

Great news. Congratulations!

I've enjoyed a wee ten minutes reading this thread. All the very best to those of you who are expectant parents, and others who have just become proud mummies and daddies. It certainly takes me back a bit. My youngest is now a matter of 3 weeks off turning 15. Her big sister started uni last year. They grow up in a blink of an eye, so try to be there as much as you can be. I remember when my brother-in-law was giving me a lift over to the RAH in Paisley to see our firstborn the day after she was delivered. He was already a dad, and commented how it was probably the biggest change in your life you'll ever experience - simply based on the fact that there is now someone who is more important than you. That has always stayed with me, as he was spot-on. Having children is a privilege (albeit a pain in the arse, on occasion). Even in your darkest times, you have the comfort of knowing that you've done something special. Try to do your best to get it right by them, and you'll do fine. Don't worry if you get it wrong from time to time, Children are more resilient than we give them credit for, and probably more forgiving than we deserve them to be. One last thing....remember, it is you who should be making them proud.

A colleague of mine bought a Carrera MTB from Halfords last year. I think it was around your budget. Very good spec and reviews, IIRC. Halfords are poor for after-sales, but you can shop around for servicing etc. if needs be. ETA: pretty sure this is the one:http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/mountain/product/review-carrera-vulcan-12-45673

I'm not sure I get what you mean, but tubes tend to cover a range of tyre sizes. It sounds like your tube will cover a tyre size fram 1.9 up to 2.125. To be honest, that's not much of a range for a tube. MTB tubes will often be compatible for tyres from, say 1.5 - 2.25. I'm guessing your tube should be okay as long as your tyre is sized between 1.9 and 2.125.

Cheers. Aye, I took the road bike. The tyres had a lost a wee bit of air so I left them a bit softer than I normally would, and, having checked out the road as I drive to and from work, I had a good idea where the hazards were. For all I'm a bit shagged physically, pyschologically it feels great to have got back out there. I find that if I have a longish lay-off, my road confidence wanes a bit, too, so getting out on the road again will have had more than just some physical benefit hopefully. It seems that 25mm tyres are the new 23mm tyres, incidentally Definitely feels good to get back out. Lighter nights, and a wee spell of more clement weather should do the trick. We'll soon be scheduling another Team P&B ride! You guys up for a Spring meet? Good shout. I've only heard good things about them.

First venture out of the year this morning, it shames me to say. Again, I was blowing out my hin' end on the commute - a route that shouldn't even leave me feeling as though as I've swung a leg over the bike by the time I arrive at work. That said, I feel better for getting back out, and though it is a relatively short commute (albeit hilly - especially homeward bound), I reckon it might be the kick-start to the year I needed. The bike still riding really well considering it has been neglected for a good few weeks, so that's a plus. No excuses now, my season starts in earnest!

I think this might be a scam to try to scare the vulnerable into installing expensive (and shite) anti malware/virus programmes on their PCs. I'd be hanging up straight away if they call.

Buying clothes to wear at work - and only at work. I'm heading out during my lunch break to look for new shoes for work. I resent this deeply. My boss should be buying my shoes. Tight-arse get that she is!

There are now 3 (at last count) closed road events. To be honest, I'm not sure that the closed road element is that attractive in any event. If you ride the road, you learn to live with the traffic. Closing off rural roads has served to piss off locals to the extent that they have sabotaged the rides in the past. I'm not claiming that this is an any way justified, but it can cause friction when we, as a community (cyclists) could do without it. I like the idea of closed roads, but not at the expense of excluding people who can't afford the premium entry fee. Don't get me wrong, I quite fancy the ride, and this is why I registered my interest, but paying £70 is not justifiable for me personally. I've spoken to a few folk who have taken part, and it seems that there can be some animosity between the riders when the more serious types take exception to being 'held back' or obstructed by the diddies (I very much count myself in the latter group). I ain't going to fork out £70 for some lycra-clad fanny to shout abuse at me. FFS, I could look in the mirror before a weekend ride and experience that for nowt.

I've got a good site bookmarked at home, so will post that when I get up the road.

I used to use MyTracks. I've changed my phone recently and haven't looked to download it as yet, so not sure if it is still available. I always found it very user-friendly and the features were spot-on.

A few weeks ago I received my early entrance notification for the Etape Caledonia. I'd registered my interest last yer. I fully intended to sign on until I clocked the price - something in the region of £68. Now, I don't consider myself a tight-arse, but even for a large scale closed road event, that's just daft money. Sportives are a good way of keeping focussed throughout the year and provide a goal for training, but some of the organisations are taking the piss with the fees they charge. I noticed Evans are doing a ride from Callander (in late March, I think it is). Both the medium and long routes (60 and 100 miles) take in the Duke's Pass twice. THis sounds like a decent challenge. The entrance fee? £15 (or possibly £17, I can't remember). In any event, that is more like it for an organised cycle ride. These events should be as inclusive as possible, and while you will always get the moans from the hard-core element regarding novice riders cluttering up the course etc. (a common whine regarding the Etape, by all accounts), they can do their thing with their club runs and races, and leave the rest of us diddies to enjoy a day out with like-minded types. I'll be signing up for the Scottish Bike Show sportive again this year. It was ideal for me as I could actually cycle to the start, then ride home after if finishes. I opted for the 60 mile route last time (takes in the Duke's Pass - though only once this time), and reckon I'll do likewise this year as it comes quite early in the year, and if my level of fitness as evident from cycling into work this morning is anything to go by, I'll need a bit longer to get in shape for a tougher challenge. This ride comes in at about £28. I'd thoroughly recommend the Skye Mor (or Beag if you fancy a more sedate ride). The scenery is stunning, roads pretty quiet, and the atmosphere the best I've expereinced on an organised ride. For some reason, it is being held later in the year in 2013. I intend to sign up for the shorter route this time so I can tackle it at a quicker pace, then hit the pub earlier. This ride costs around the £40 mark - which is the most I'm willing to pay for a single day sportive on native soil.

Oh Christ..... where to start. Pro teams will tend to focus on the strengths of their star riders. When Cav was an HTC rider, he was the highest profile rider who was likely to win stages and a jersey. That said,he could never have featured in the general classification (ie- what it takes to win overall) as he is a dedicated sprinter, and couldn't compete in the mountain stages or time trials. In very crude terms think, of the yellow jersey winner as a jack of all trades. Over the course, he'll spread his talent and his team will protect him and give him the support he needs to endure - protecting him from the wind, breakaways from other teams, and literally carrying water etc. Guys like Cav will excel in some areas, but don't have the all-round ability to win outright. I'm still getting my head round how it works, and that is part of the appeal.

10 year old Aberlour is arguably the best place start. You'll get it for about £25 a bottle, but it tastes more expensive and is very easy to drink. In fact, this is what is sitting by my side as I type this post.

Best wishes to all those who, for whatever reason, might struggle more over the festive period than most. There is a lot of good stuff on here, and a lot of good people who seem willing to support others going through a tough time. The main thing is to keep talking and try to be strong.

I was tempted to crack open a new bottle last night to toast Wiggo taking SPOTY, but, like you, I'm holding off till the holiday arrives proper.