what time does you trian get in? could ride there together if youw ant Apparently if you catch a train to reading, you can catch a direct train to waterloo... but im not sure
if you hammer it back, the steel wont work harden half as much as aluminium would, so you should be fine on that count.....i think most frames would have dented on that, just depends on tubing thickness used really
Fine cranks for a beginner, but for £42 i wouldn't even consider them...like has been said; wait till you're validated and get some off here. Should be able to pick up some echo cnc / tensiles for £30-35 or some echo forged for round £20