Wondering if there's sufficient interest on here to keep a thread going on what wildlife we've come across during the day, out on the bike, in the garden, from work, whatever.Recent encounters for me were a ladybird on Sunday and a sparrowhawk on my way to work yesterday.

My banana stop today.

Went round a mate's a while ago who's lucky enough to have a small home gym. Amongst his modest but effective ensemble were found a set of gym rings, which of course had to be abused.. Some research later I was sold on their accessibility and value for body weight exercises; as they allow a lot of movements you can't achieve with free-weights alone.A bit more research later I had some in my possession; lashed over a beam at the homestead. Yesterday I dangled and rowed to my...Read more

For those who have migrated from the Bkool platform to Zwift. Feel free to drop onto bkool chat just remind those what they might be missing out on . Only good mannered banter

Hi folks,I’m brand new to road cycling and trying to choose my first bike through my employer's Cycle2Work scheme. I live in the Welsh Valleys with the Afan Valley roads just over the hill (a very steep one), so I need something that won’t give up halfway up the first climb — ideally before I do. My shortlist so far:Boardman SLR 9.0 Carbon 105 - SLR 9.0Boardman SLR 8.9 Carbon - SLR 8.9Trek Domane AL 4 Gen 4 - DomaneSpecialized Allez E5 Sport -...Read more

On the commute https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/tales-from-todays-commute.105055/post-7567940I'm sure I saw someone else post one recently. It's been on since the bike was new, 10 years and at a guess 40,000 plus miles but still a bit of a surprise. They don't make them any more I think (5800) but surprisingly managed to score one off Ebay for a princely £80 and even in silver and 175 length (Yes, it's silver under the commuting crud). Probably worth getting a new BB...Read more

Figured there might be a few weird nerds (complementary) on here who know about this sort of thing...I'm sick of subscription services so I'd like to set up a media server to stick my music on and access via my phone, preferably also remotely when I'm out and about although I'd compromise on being able to easily transfer a few albums or playlists at a time onto my phone for the day's listening. I'm also skint so I'd like to do it as cheaply as possible. I did vaguely look into it many...Read more

Seems to be one for films and TV and not one for gigs, comedy or concerts... so I thought I'd start one off... along with the fact I went to see PJ Harvey last night at Brixton Academy...Superb as always... voice like an angel, 10 musicians on stage, excellent sound and the band was tight and spot on...

A thread specially for 'persons of leisure' and independent means, or those with aspirations.How do you while away those lazy days?How do you cope financially?When did you retire?Is retirement what you expected?How long did you take to adjust?Etc.Tell us what you are up to today or what plans you have.Or just have a bit of silliness to while away those lazy hours.I've been busy today. Hilly 15 mile ride in North Devon, took dog for a stroll along Saunton Sands, cut the front lawn...Read more

Vauxhall Viva Convertible 'G' registration (1968) - according to Wikipedia "very rare"

It appears that motorists don't appreciate my Road Tax jersey or at least I had far more close passes today then any other day for a few months. I saw my first 'bent out in the wild. Obviously I've seen them before but this was the first time it belonged to someone I didn't know. Strange design too, very long wheelbase with what looked like a normal headtube over the front wheel, steered from underseat but the front wheel was a long way from the rider. More and more helmet wearers that...Read more

Just been thinking about this when I couldn't sleep....1) carbon bikes2) sti levers3) helmets 4) clipless pedals 5) GPS 6) A headset stems. 7) factory wheels8) wireless shifting 9) breathable jackets10) Disc brakes. Crazy how much invention there has been over this period.

I am replacing my disc pads, I got them out ok, but I can't seem to be able get the new one back in, the piston are pushed in.Any advice would be appreciated