Safe Speed Forums

After saying I wouldn't buy another cycle, because of all the light-fingered buggers out there, I am most tempted to buy one I have seen but like everything I seem to buy it usually comes on special offer a month or so after. So I'm wondering if anyone knows where I can get a Specialized Tricross Comp at a bargain price?

I want the Comp model but they seem to be price fixed everywhere at £1200 for both the 2007 and 2008 models. The best I have managed, after some haggling, was £1100 but the sales lady told me they haven't got my size in stock so it would have to go on back order.

The first time I heard the phrase 'back order' was back in the late 1970s when I was trying to get a part for my motorbike and I soon began to realise it's a euphemism for you'll get it when hell freezes over. She would like a deposit too but I don't know if I could get it back after yonks of waiting so I haven't committed myself yet.

For such a high spec bike it has really cheap looking plastic pedals, which I don't like, but I'm not going to get the clip-in pedals and special shoes because everyone I know who's had them has fallen over coming to a halt at some time or other. Knowing my luck I'd fall over at traffic lights and a bus will roll over my head, so I'll stick with a conventional foot cage and pull the strap tight. I've usually been able to wrench my foot out, (the power of adrenaline in a panic moment )

Anyone know any dealers who have them or a place with a deal on a 2007 model? I need a 58cm frame according to a chart.

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The views expressed in this post are personal opinions and do not necessarily represent the views of Safe Speed.
You will be branded a threat to society by going over a speed limit where it is safe to do so, and suffer the consequences of your actions in a way criminals do not, more so than someone who is a real threat to our society.

I like to help if I can. Have you tried e-bay for second hand.. or the classifieds in all cycling rags?

Try USA sites. I think my cousin Andreas managed to purchase something he really wanted at price he wanted to pay that way

It just a thought. I buy from decent local shoppe.

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Nicht ganz im Lot!
Ich setze mich immer wieder in die Nesseln! Der Mad Doc ist mein Mann! Und ich benutzte seinen PC!

UND OUR SMILEYS? Smile ... und the the world smiles with you.
Smiley guy seen when you read
Fine me for Safe Speed
(& other good causes..)

Greatest love & Greatest Achievements Require Greatest Risk
But if you lose the driving plan - don't lose the COAST lesson.
Me?
Je ne regrette rien!

I dont know if it's common practice, but if you come up to Wheelbase in Staveley, they'll let you ride them around the yard until you find one you like!

Then if you buy one, you can zip off up Kentmere and Garburn Pass to give it a thorough work out before you drive home

Oh, and there is a brewery and superb bakery in the yard too! Better get the other half to drive home though

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Time to take responsibility for our actions.. and don't be afraid of speaking out!

Think the Swiss guy called Siegli buys his bikes on-line from a French company. Lot of bike sellers also on-line - so perhaps worth a google at these.


However, all bike specialists worth their cadence power should allow you to have a test ride around the car park - so I would try to ensure a test ride. Some rural/out of town outlets like Ern's Wheelbase are excelent places to test out a number of models before making final decision in any case

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Take with a chuckle or a grain of salt
Drive without COAST and it's all your own fault!

A SMILE is a curve that sets everything straight (P Diller).

A Smiley Per post
FINES USfor our COAST!

Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon - but driving with a smile and a COAST calm mind.

Just dont undo all your good work by spending too long in the brewery or the bakery!!

_________________
Time to take responsibility for our actions.. and don't be afraid of speaking out!

Thanks to all for your advice and info. I tried eBay too but like I say, there seems to be price matching on them - well on everything these days.

I've lost count of how many times I've been in different stores only to find they're all owned by the same damn company, so there's often little point shopping around. It happened to me earlier this year in fact when I was trying to get an air conditioner, thinking July 2008 would be like the previous year (yeah right). I found out that Comet and Homebase were the same people. They even have two massive stores side by side where I live. I don't know why they don't just amalgamate and call themselves CometBase or something. Anyway...

These days it seems the best you can do is haggle with the manger, which I did over my bike and got £100 off the 2008 model - if I ever get it that is.

I did get some good news on Saturday though, I think. The back order thing has now become "we'll have one for you by Tuesday". That's tomorrow!

Because of my past experiences I won't hold my breath but like Wildy said it's nice to go locally if possible so I'll see if they keep to their word before I move on. With the weather we've had this year I wasn't sure if I should be buying a canoe instead.

The beer thing sounds nice, followed by a B&B - Hic! Maybe I'll let you all know when I'm going and hopefully see you there - drinks on me. It might be far but I'm sure I can still do it.

The most miles I ever did on my cycle was for Cancer Research. I cycled to Birmingham NEC, (that was about 15 miles away), and then we all went to Oxford. Everyone arranged a coach trip back, including the friend I went down with, but I decided to cycle back as well.

On the way back up I got lost and arrived at a big island. The only way north I could see was a motorway, M40, which I couldn't use of course so I cycled for three hours thinking I was making progress only to find I had gone in a complete circle around Bicester!

Undeterred, and with no other choice, I continued to peddle my heart out and eventually got back at 10:55 p.m with the help of Cola and Mars bars. I wish I knew for sure how many miles I did that day but it had to have been some 200 at a conservative guess. My resting pulse was 48 in those days.

This was back in 1995 and, as things transpired, my dear old school friend, with whom I went, died two years later from cancer. He was just 40 years old but at least he managed to see his first grand daughter.

Oh well - Here's to you Mark. I still hope to do John O'Groats to Lands End one day, for many out there who are less fortunate. Anyone else up for it, done it or have advice?

(Sorry I got a bit maudlin there).

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The views expressed in this post are personal opinions and do not necessarily represent the views of Safe Speed.
You will be branded a threat to society by going over a speed limit where it is safe to do so, and suffer the consequences of your actions in a way criminals do not, more so than someone who is a real threat to our society.

Brother in Law did Lands End to John O'Groats on a tandem a few years back - swore to the power of bananas - although he wasn't eating them apparently - it was to prevent saddle sores.
I've never asked if he was joking!!

His backup was provided by Leyland DAF - a Sherpa van, which he said found it harder going than they did.

Wheelbase is independant of any big chain stores - so if things fall through, give them a try! http://www.wheelbase.co.uk/ and check out this link too!!! http://www.wheelbase.co.uk/cyclescheme.shtml you might be able to save some dosh whoever you buy from!

The Tour of Britain stops in Kendal this year on Torchlight Procession night with a dramatic finishing stage (14th September 2007) up Beast Banks - JT will attest to the challenge this will provide - assuming they find their way around the one way system!!!

_________________
Time to take responsibility for our actions.. and don't be afraid of speaking out!

We not done Lands End - John O Groats. I think the Swiss came close with the Austrian epic last October though. I did 25 miles on the down hill bit. I not daft I was the "soup kitchen" though. I did do "cock a leeky" for them in the camper van which belong to one of the relatives. It actually worked OK. I think harder to get that darned thing around them bends that their efforts It was a right heavy horse to handle .. especially at Flexen.

_________________
Nicht ganz im Lot!
Ich setze mich immer wieder in die Nesseln! Der Mad Doc ist mein Mann! Und ich benutzte seinen PC!

UND OUR SMILEYS? Smile ... und the the world smiles with you.
Smiley guy seen when you read
Fine me for Safe Speed
(& other good causes..)

Greatest love & Greatest Achievements Require Greatest Risk
But if you lose the driving plan - don't lose the COAST lesson.
Me?
Je ne regrette rien!

i have a speccy so good choice

why the tricross?
whats the usage?
whats the budget?
can you sneak it through the bike2work scheme?

mike's in kenilworth are an ok bunch, got mine (allez) yonks ago as a last season discount and they have a short test route to try.

you're lucky it even comes with pedals! they're obviously just a token effort as many higher level bikes assume you'll fit your preference of clipless (really, they're not that bad, or consider some with platforms on one side & clips on the other)




PS 112miles on sunday in 6:04 .. happy bunny

Sunday? Wasn't it persisting down? It was in Birmingham.

I forgot about Mikes in Kenilworth, if it's the place I'm thinking of, nice people

So then - Wonder of wonder, miracle of miracles… I can hardly contain myself. I got it yesterday! And now I feel bad for making such a fuss but I'm still glad to have all the info so once again thanks to all. It's useful for my cycling buddies and I do hope to do the big journey some day. Maybe for the big 'five ohh' next year.

When I wuz a lad, I used to ride off the edge of mountains. Well, I say ride but anyone who's done it knows it's a controlled skid. (Happy days)

But I'm not as mentally ill these days and so I wanted something which is mainly for road and canal paths with the odd ride through my local woods. The Tricross is perfect for this but I've got to get used to it. It makes my old cronk look and feel like a Penny Farthing. Things have moved on a bit since my ole' Stumpjumper. I hadn't the foggyist idea how to change gears on my Tricross, they stick them on the brake lever nowadays. (Don't laugh, I know I'm a bit behind the times).

When you're used to a mountain bike the racing type bars feel like you're just holding the stem. The first time I got out the seat to peddle I thought I was going to fall off.

It cost me £1100 which may seem extravagant but if I get 16 years out of this one then it's only £68.75p a year, which doesn't sound so bad, and it's a lot less than I spend on wine women and song

The bike to work scheme is a joke and it's not actually in force yet, so I'm told. Also, if I bog off in less than two years I have to pay it back, as I understand, and since I'm burning out in my job this makes it less attractive anyway.

You're right about the pedals. Talk about spoiling the ship for a hapenth of tar! For such a high spec bike I'd expected to have the dog's danglies of pedals but like you say they're often not included so that you can make your own choice. Still seems a bit like getting a car without the steering wheel to me though.

It's quicker than my old one. I often wondered why I couldn't catch some people on racing bikes; I think on average I'm about five mph faster everywhere. Still, at least I've got lungs the size of a Zepplin.

(Someone should recommend a sutable exercise regime for Paul. It's only a guess but I suspect he's a bit of a coutch potato. Not good)

_________________
The views expressed in this post are personal opinions and do not necessarily represent the views of Safe Speed.
You will be branded a threat to society by going over a speed limit where it is safe to do so, and suffer the consequences of your actions in a way criminals do not, more so than someone who is a real threat to our society.

They only really fund basic bikes und not those absolute gems of bikes

We have quite a collection from Mountain Bikes (Stinkys - I love the name ) - to various Diamond Back models ranging from roady racy to beach bike und fold up. I also have a traditional shopper - complete with wicker basket at the front

But we live too far from work to make cycling viable to us as commute. I also cannot manage too far as result of incident in past.






Sometimes you have to customise



Walking in fresh air. The odd bicycle ride .. easy at first .. then gradual build up.

Yoga (Hatha Yoga with Pilates as gentle stretches ) that also beneficial If people wish.. I have soem 10 minute gentle exercises which I do with my own physio to keep me supple after the incident all those years ago. These teach how to breathe. They help calm down. They also stretch out the body gently in harmony with personal capability.

Paulie could also try swimming too. That also help so long as gentle und not overdone.

I have some simle low cholesterol recipes which I do not know if to post onto IG's Wionder food" thread as related or whether to chat to Claire in private given the cooker she work with But these recipes work on Calor Gas camping stove. I did this when backing up the Austrian epic und other charity bike/run;/ski endeavours in my "role" as the "soup kitchen" in the camper van I do short rides as I can manage. So far my best has been an unbroken for rest 25 miles on a flat. If uphill .. I do lose some puff. But I think you have to be aware of the past here. I try to live my life pre that incident as best I can .. I try to do the same as I did before then .. but I have to accept that the distances I could do before this .. I can never repeat. In such a competitive family .. this irk me - but I have to accept reality here all the same.

I think I am trying to say to Paulie that he must put health first und accept some ephemeral und loing term realities to keep healthy here

_________________
Nicht ganz im Lot!
Ich setze mich immer wieder in die Nesseln! Der Mad Doc ist mein Mann! Und ich benutzte seinen PC!

UND OUR SMILEYS? Smile ... und the the world smiles with you.
Smiley guy seen when you read
Fine me for Safe Speed
(& other good causes..)

Greatest love & Greatest Achievements Require Greatest Risk
But if you lose the driving plan - don't lose the COAST lesson.
Me?
Je ne regrette rien!

Sorry to go off track but working in rehab, and from one of your posts I read in the past, I can imagine exactly what you must have been through Wildy I remember you said how yourself and others were involved in a dreadful road accident.

Over the past nine years working for the NHS I have lost count of the tears I have shed, in private, at the pain and suffering of others. You always wish you could do more and I often question how much longer I can do this work for, but it's nice to make a difference in someone's life rather than simply pursue money. (It would be nice if the government stopped interfering, but we all know that's another story ).

I frequently find myself in the unofficial role of councillor; you'd be amazed how people can eventually desert you when you are down on your luck. (I'm glad you have a great hubby and family). I remember what one dear elderly and disfigured lady once said about herself - "I'm neither useful nor ornamental" . What do you say to someone who is so wonderful but has been dealt such a cruel fate? That said, my heart is lifted at the strength and determination of many patients and the love and devotion from family and carers

I have lost count of the number of times I have heard patients say "no-one said life is fair". I feel they are much stronger than I would be if the roles were reversed because I have always led a very physical lifestyle and, as self-centred as it sounds, I only have to incur a small injury which stops me from training and I go on a big downer. So again, I can imagine how you must feel not to be 100% or be able to regain your former health and fitness.

I believe cycling is the most dangerous thing we ever do. My biggest fear is that someone will knock me off my bike; nearly happened the other day, big heart stopper!

One reason I train so hard is to keep my head together and a useful by-product of all this is that I have a pretty good physique for my age, or even someone half my age. My dear late brother always admired my training ethic too which spurred me on, still does. A healthy mind in a healthy body, which he never had sadly.

Anyway, I'm starting to woffle.


PS. Where were you in August 1981 when I was getting married to the wrong woman?

_________________
The views expressed in this post are personal opinions and do not necessarily represent the views of Safe Speed.
You will be branded a threat to society by going over a speed limit where it is safe to do so, and suffer the consequences of your actions in a way criminals do not, more so than someone who is a real threat to our society.

It was nasty. I can talk about it. Occasionally I do get horrid flashbacks though even now. But these not as frequent as previous.





I think it because we realise or know lives change und we make best of cards we dealt with. There nothing to do to change it. So you have to cope.





I lucky as family support me




No. You not waffle at all. We should regard our body as our "temples". It our body und how we look after it.. a bit like our cars/bikes - determine how long it last in good condition



I was still at school I marry Mad Doc in early 20s But merci vilmal as we say back home

_________________
Nicht ganz im Lot!
Ich setze mich immer wieder in die Nesseln! Der Mad Doc ist mein Mann! Und ich benutzte seinen PC!

UND OUR SMILEYS? Smile ... und the the world smiles with you.
Smiley guy seen when you read
Fine me for Safe Speed
(& other good causes..)

Greatest love & Greatest Achievements Require Greatest Risk
But if you lose the driving plan - don't lose the COAST lesson.
Me?
Je ne regrette rien!

hey cut it out you two !

Ed.. everyone who meets my wife in the flesh seems to fall for her. I am not a jealous guy

In an odd way - it makes me feel proud. She was just a young but talented medic in the making when I first came across her at some conference we both attended. She drooled over my Triumph Stag (at the time I owned one wheel The bank owned the rest )

She was also deeply in the red at the time as I discovered She'd bought a macho motorbike ::yikes: It was Honda's "top of the range" at the time

It's way off Tone's OP - but I think I should post we were perhaps kindred spirits and drawn to each other .. hopelessly .. as a result.

But in answer to Tone's query. I can only second the advice as given by Wildy and Ernest above. We all have a preference for our bicycles just as much as for our cars. I happen to like vintage classics like my Triumph Stag (in mint condition and with the origianl blue print engine which had faults but if you know how to deal with them - this car drives you to the sublime experience )

I also happen to be in love with my Morris 1000. This is really why I chose my nickname of Mad Moggie My wife has always been known to family and friends as Wildy Wildcat Vrenchen. Hence her nickname

But we also drive Jaguars. My dad had an E-type. He chose XJ6/Sovereigns as family cars but my own Mum drove Austin 1800 (fat large cars of the 60s/70s) or a Maxi (Hatch version in reality )

I suppose I've grown up with an appreciation of cars as a result . with a view to fun and a view to family needs if you like

But as regards choosing a bicycle. Bear in mind - just as much a prized means of transport as the cars / Test cycle. Make sure you are comfy with the ride and handling - just as with a new car.

Once test ridden what you are comfy with.. search out the internet for best price available


If in stock at trusty bikeseller - use the info to barter to best price to pay He needs the sale. If innternet undercut him.. you have something to banter with

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