GilesWeaver.co.uk

This is my bicycle, a Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc 2007.

It has the following features:

• Disc brakes (cable operated)
• 4″ travel RST front suspension
• Relatively lightweight frame
• 24 speed Shimano dérailleur gears

I bought it for recreation, hence the choice of a mountain bike. Fortunately it’s still suitable for my commute, most of which is off road. I chose it because it has disc brakes, front suspension and because it was cheap (~£300). I’m very pleased with the brakes, but disappointed that dérailleur gears haven’t really moved on compared to my 1990 Trek 820. They are still rubbish! If I ride enough to justify it, I will get hydraulic gears.

The overall quality of the bike seems good, but the frame isn’t quite straight. The bike pulls to the left slightly, though it can still be ridden no hands with a bit of concentration. The top tube is also quite high, giving perilously little clearance between it and ones family jewels, despite my height being towards the upper end of the range suggested for the frame size. Apparently this is a common design flaw on mountain bikes with front suspension, so you have been warned!

All in all, I’m happy with the bike, though I think I’ll have a good look at some British bikes (some are listed here) next time I come to buy.

Restorers’ plea for funds to keep XH558, an integral part of Britain’s nuclear deterrent in the Cold War era, in the air.

By Paul Hudson

In 2007 Vulcan XH558 took to the skies for the first time in 15 years, following a complex restoration costing £7 million. Last year she was the star of airshows throughout the UK, delighting more than 1.5 million spectators.

However, the ‘Vulcan to the Sky’ project requires an additional £1 million to in order to plan a full display programme this year, threatening to scupper the long-term ambition to keep this relic of the Cold War in the skies, in much the same way as the Battle Of Britain Memorial Flight’s Avro Lancaster bomber from the Second World War pays tribute to the men and women of RAF Bomber Command.

Pledges can be made at www.vulcantothesky.com or calling 0116 2478145.

full story at: Help keep the world’s last airworthy Vulcan flying – Telegraph.

After 11 years, 2 owners and 1 trackday, my Rover finally hits 100k miles:)

Broom Broom!

Those among you who feel strongly that the government should intervene to save Bletchley Park for the nation are invited to sign an e-petition aimed at prompting just such action.

The petition states: “Please do not allow this crucial piece of both British and World culture to disappear. If ever an example were needed of Britain leading the world, this surely would be it. To allow it to fall into the hands of developers would be simply unconscionable.”

Source: Click here to save Bletchley Park | The Register.

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