Drooper

I've placed a deposit on a Cube Attempt road bike (compact chainset). The bike won best 2011 bike for under £1K (albeit by a penny) in Cycling Plus magazine. My missus isn't best thrilled and I'm still trying to negotiate this one TBH. I wonder if her ire is more based on the fact that I'm getting more and more into this road biking malarky and I'm therefore more likely to come to a nasty end before my time. Alternatively, she might just think I'm being a greedy, unreasonable cunt. I'd like to think it is the former, but my head tells me it is the latter. Anyhoo.... I've registered for the Glasgow 100, opting for the miles route. I still intend to do the ride on my late father-in-law's Flying Scot, but the Cube would make training so much more enjoyable as the Scot is on the large side for me. I did consider a full carbon framed bike (Dolan Mythos), but I think this is more a case of all the gear, and no idea, than any considered deliberation as to what is the best option.

FFS, man up! You know you want to If your missus has given you the green light, you're either a very lucky man, or you have a very decent life insurance policy. I'm trying to work on my other half with a view to getting a new road bike, but she isn't taking me on just now. I suspect she reckons I'll kill myself within 6 months, but the expense might be the deal breaker

Worryingly, St Mirren are being liked with a move for Burton O'Brien. It seems he's on daft money at Falkirk, but is he really as ineffectual as I'm led to believe?

You'll get the benefit of the hybrid in the shittier weather - especially if you buy a road bike that won't take mudguards. The other consideration is that, if you do ultimately neglect the crosstrail, you could always punt it and have a few bob to spend on sexing up your new steed The Scot is a great bike, but it is only a loan to be honest. The frame is also a bit on the large side for me. It's well equipped, though, and goes like stink - even with an old dobber like me on it

If you are averaging 16 mph on a hybrid, you're doing very well indeed and will probably be entering racing snake territory if you get a road bike. I suppose a lot depends on the terrain you routinely cycle, and the type of roaf bike you opt for. I'm new to road biking myself, having decided to give it a bash on my late father-in-law's Flying Scot to see how it went. It was all a bit speculative, but I have to say that I'm enjoying it hugely. I now hope to get myself a new road bike as I'm well and truly hooked. Seriously mate, dip your toe in the water and I can guarantee that you won't look back - well....at least not unless you're turning right into a junction The temptation is to go for something racey as opposed to a drop bar bike equipped with bosses for guards and racks etc., and if you already have a decent thrashing/commute machine (as do I - my modified MTB) then I'd say go for it.

I nearly got caught out with a couple of cross-winds today. Otherwise, it was a cracking morning to get out. En route, an old arsehole in an Audi coming in the other direction sounded his horn and gesticulated at the foot/cycle path that runs adjacent to the road, obviously suggesting that I should be using that as opposed to inconveniencing him and his fellow motorists. Aside from the fact that the path is strewn with debris and gravel that passing cars cast up, I don't fancy the interface of road bike doing speeds of up to 40 mph, and couple out strolling with kiddie in buggy, or on a bike with stabilisers. Fucking bellend, but there is always (at least) one

Back in the day, I managed to get 2/3 of the way up Ben Venue on the MTB, then chucked it as the path faded to nothing. On the way back down I hit a drainage trough having attempted to pull of a shite bunny hop at speed and my back tyre blew. I had to stop to change the tube and was eaten alive by midges. We're talking about a black cloud of the little bastards descending on me, and they got me everywhere - inside my mouth, eyelids, knickers and all sorts. I'm still suffering from PTSD, and alternate my flashbacks of this day with those of the CIS cup final last March

Negotiated my first (and second!) cattle grid on a skinny-tyred road bike at reasonable pace today. I have to say that the feat was accomplished with some aplomb, though, for a brief moment, I was convinved that a fucker in a people carrier behind me intended to traverse the thing at the same time I've booked an appointment to see my dentist first thing tomorrow morning

That's my thinking. The pre-registered option looks the best bet. I suppose it's then down to choice. That is one thing that AC has in it's favour, to some extent. I used to labour under the misapprehension that you had to service your car at a main dealership in order to ensure that your warranty remains valid. now that I know that this is nonsense, I won't get fooled again.

There is that. I'll go for nearly new most likely. I suppose if it still has the lion's share of the warranty then it won't matter a huge deal where I buy it from....maybe

Daft question perhaps, but who comes recommended for their sales and after sales service? I'm changing car this year - swithering between new and nearly new - and would like an option other than AC. I've had no major issues with them, but I like shopping around. Any suggestions? I'm thinking a Golf, Civic, or possibly a Mazda3 Cheers I stay close to Glasgow would would travel for decent service and the right car.

I'm the "well known Scottish football personality"........

Did you get bail meantime?

Good man.

She'll be so proud. I'll be so dead

I won't let my wife forget her observation that Stephen Hawking was clearly from the US, based on his accent

When I bought my 'proper' mountain bike, I started to pimp it within a few months. It started with the saddle and pedals, but soon it was the cranks and forks etc. I decided to calm it down a bit when my wife pointed out - with some justification - that, based on the mileage I had covered on the bike against the money invested, I'd have been cheaper flying by Concorde Ah, yes.... bike porn - all the gear and no idea Preparing for the commute home on my steed as I type this. I invested in a set of mudguards for the MTB last week given the changing weather. The big test for us budding Armstrongs and Hoys will, as always, be when the weather turns to shit again. The thought of a turbo-trainer depresses me TBH. Pretty much like going to the gym minus the posing wallopers in the free-weight section

Good stuff. Just remember to anticipate when you might have to slow down and stop. I've been using Spuds for years now, and still get caught out from time to time On saddles, I'm not at all convinced by these gel-filled cushioned affairs. I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that they can actually be more damaging to the danglies. I can't fault WTB Pure saddles: WTB Pure V Race It seems they are classed as MTB saddles, but I use one for commuting, and find it does the job very well. The best bet is to try before you buy. Go into a big bike store like Dales and explain that you're looking to try out various saddles. You'll never get a proper sense of how it will feel on the road/trail, but it is far better than going by a picture on the net.

SPD pedals, or 'spuds' make a genuine difference once you get the hang of them. Be careful if you start to use them when cycling on the roads though. It's not so bad when tootling along a tow path, or forest track as there are far fewer distractions. On the roads, your busy looking around you and anticipating what motorists might do etc. The trick is to disengage from one of the pedals well in advance of when you're likely to need to slow down or stop. I've fallen foul of approaching a junction, thinking I've got a clear run, having to stop quite suddenly, and forgetting how the fuck to get me feet off the pedals - not good! This is even after using spuds for years. They are worth the effort, but take your time getting used to them, and try and do this on quite roads, or, better still, off-road. One more tip, start off with a loose spring tension. Best of luck with them - you won't look back!

I take it you've undertaken exhaustive research in this regard? It's not my experience, thought there are a good few of them out there. Generally speaking, I've not encountered many arrogant arseholes on bikes as a motorist, or as a cyclist. I complete a 12 mile daily commute on the bike (most days, and certainly whenever I can), and I also drive around 10,000K miles per years, so I reckon I'm qualified to hold this view. I can say that, in my experience, there are many, many more arrogant motorists, van drivers, bus drivers etc., but, even then, this is not a majority. Cyclists who commonly use the same route (eg: commuters) become known to a lot of drivers, so courtesy can go a long way. I don't cycle through red lights, very seldon use the pavement (and only when there is little, safe alternative), and try to acknowledge when motorists are considerate towards me. I rekindled my love of cycling a few months ago, having previously pretty much chucked it due to lack of opportunities to get properly off-road (family commitments etc.). The best option seemed to be to cycle to work. i now hate when I'm stuck with the car. I've lost a stone and a half, feel much fitter, and really enjoy clearing my head at either end of my working day. I'm not saying this to be smug, BTW, I would genuinely love it if more people could share the great things about getting in the saddle. I serviced my Gary Fisher this week, and it's running like a dream