Matthew62

Mate, what the f**k are you going on about? I've "chatted" no bullshit, I'm not getting out of anything, I just no longer know what you're saying. You time and time again contradict yourself which i think may, in part, be due to the way you talk, but I, not familiar with your colloquialisms get lost. It's not a case of me being dense, it's a case of you being so ingrained in your own phrasing you cannot possibly fathom other people don't talk like that, or phrase things differently. You are not clear! Also, use a comma every now and again, it will help. I don't get the second sentence, honestly? Having too much fun doesn't insinuate what? That you're having 'too much fun'? It does! Because, well, you said it. Jeez louise….. bring us all down why don't you Honestly though, what a depressing outlook on life, I don't see anything easy about it, trudging on through life. Nick Cave put it pretty well "people talk about being afraid of change, but for me I'm more afraid of things staying the same. The game is never won by staying in any one place for too long".

A reply to what? I honestly don't know what you're going on about now. You need to be more select in your choosing of words. No thanks, don't really like you (remember). But you have fun to an excessive amount, possibly over that of which is possible (you said "too") being single……. begs the question why you'd choose to go out with anyone?

Yeah I'm not in any confusion over what makes for a good relationship, I've been pretty gosh-darn-happy with my gal for a good while. What I meant is why do people put up with people they clearly don't really like, or have issues with?

It was more that it should be semi-auto type setups with flappy paddles. A case that an actual stick linked to the gear box requiring clutch control and what not is antiquated. He was saying that modern paddle based systems are quicker to react, more convenient, are (now) better through traffic and just make getting about in a car generally more pleasant. It was that sentiment mixed with if everything else from handbrakes to start-up systems have gone electric why would we still select gears manually? He did say he still wanted to have the option to override the auto with the paddles so it could be him deciding when to shift as and when.

Did anyone read Clarkson's (I know, chill out…) column on the pointlessness of manual gearboxes in modern cars? If not, he basically said in cars being produced today they have no place. With all the other technology that is becoming common place in everything from the lower end of the market right up to the top and how many of modern-day cars features are automated why would we still produce manual cars, as it's a bit antiquated….. he did add leave them for the fun old V8's and what not, this was specifically for cars being made now. Agree? Disagree?

You are a contradictory character aren't you…. For what it's worth, no I'm not dense, but your ambiguous language doesn't really ensure any clarity over the tense in which you are speaking. You said, "Have too much fun being single (didn't tell her the last bit)", which is a statement fair enough, but one that appears to be in the present tense which is further reinforced by your comment in brackets. So it's only natural you'd assume you were referring to now….hence the "huh?". In regards to your 'Springers final thoughts'….yeah, thanks for that (I didn't ask), however that lovely piece of logic (which is probably one of the only things you've ever said that doesn't appear to be stupid) entirely (imagine me really elongating that word) contradicts your rather hard-nosed approach with this new girl. So your two cents aren't without fault. I could understand you possibly not wanting to be hurt again (a woman scorned and all that - you're the woman in this instance), but it seems stupid to let a one-time-bint who f**ked other guys taint further relationships with seemingly nice people. Scars heal Daniel, yes, they remain visible but you need to open your heart, let people in. I know it hurts, but that's a part of healing. You can trust again. You can. Don't be afraid to get hurt…..*whispers* don't be frightened.

Even more ahead of the curve then!

What's all this talk of opening/locking/starting your car with keys? Come on granddads…..

"In a relationship…." "being with her"…. "too much fun being single"…… huh? That seems very conflicting which is why I bought it up. You know, like in normal life, couples can and do get on and don't always hate each other? (This isn't at you now, so don't get upset) It genuinely amazes me how many people moan and complain about their partners with quite deep-seeded issues. If it's that bad why do people stay together? Whenever I see men with jaded opinions of women all being twats (which apart from being an amazing generalisation) and annoying I can only assume they've either only met a few or they're attracted to assholes (which coincidently is equally concentrated between the sexes).

Someone who's never met you probably told him years and years ago and he just stuck with it for no reason…..he probably doesn't want to get this supposed friend in the shit though! @DANWITHTWON'STWOTHOUSANDSEVENHUNDREDANDSEVEN don't get upset…..only having a laugh! haha

Sos man! P.S. Keep forgetting about those damn bags!

In the case of Fox clothing the MTB and MotoX stuff is pretty similar weight wise. Should be good for now.

Gads, that's bowking! Nah, it's a nice bike you've got there. I'd keep the steerer as it is, it'll come in handy for something on a ride. Holding your donut? Hanging your shopping…. possibilities are endless.

This'll probably be your best bet for a bottle mount: http://www.halfords.com/cycling/accessories/water-bottles-hydration-packs/elite-water-bottle-cage-strips

Ah man you gotta ditch those tubes! Makes all the difference and improves grip now end. I do find they work a lot better at lower pressures (no surprises there though I suppose). It's not too much of an issue blowing the Vigilantes above 40PSI, whenever I set mine up tubeless I pump them to 50/60 and leave them for a day or two to properly seat so it should be fine. If they can take that pressure with a tube in them, a lack of tube shouldn't really make any difference. If you've got a good pump you should be good to go.

+1 for the Mucky Nutz. With the exception of copious amounts of mud they're all you need and look good to! How old is your Zesty btw?

It really depends on the temperature and how warm you get. At this time of year I always wear a base layer and on a milder day i'll just wear a normal short sleeved MTB riding top. Here's a generic top that's popular: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/fox-racing-demo-jersey-black-yellow-ss14/rp-prod124187 but it's also able to wick the sweat away but it just adds a layer to keep you that bit warmer. If it's colder still a long sleeved version can be good as your forearms get quite cold if you're giving it the beans downhill. If it's really cold (but dry) I use a windproof gilet: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/endura-windchill-ii-gilet/rp-prod91340 (not the best looking thing) as this keeps your core warm and is noticeably warmer than just wearing a top. As it's wind stopping none of the chill effects you and all the heat you generate stays in (whilst still wicking sweat). It leaves your arms free (which I like) so you feel less restricted than wearing a jacket and it also lets any excess heat out. As you've no organs in your arms they don't get nearly as cold as your body so I find the gilet a really useful addition. If it's exceptionally cold and/or raining then it's time for a jacket. Get a fully waterproof one for the miserable days but there's always an inevitable amount of over heating as they're less breathable. If it's light rain then I use something that keeps it off but allows a bit more air flow, I personally use this: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ixs-sinister-3-5-bc-jacket-2014/rp-prod113285

Yesterday. She sure was riding well.

Oofttt, looking nice. I love me my Vigilantes, as you well know however I don't find them draggy. However...lots of people I know who run them have commented on it, so may I introduce you to WTB's answer to this issue…the WTB Trail Boss (or Vigilante Lite) if you will: http://www.wtb.com/products/trailboss I was thinking about one but a trip up to Innerleithen yesterday and the DH trails were soooo muddy and wet I think i'll stick with the Vigilantes until spring and then whap a TrailBoss on the back. P.S. Have you 'tubeless' your Vigilantes? if so, what sort of pressures are you running them at? P.P.S. The Spicy was riding so sweet yesterday, I love that bike. Got a nice new stem to put on her this morning to get rid of that unsightly Nukeproof one.

Oh god, i'd forgotten about 'wifey'. Thinking about it that actually f**ks me off more than the baby mumma thing. Like, what is it you're saying about yourself when you use it? Wifey….wifey… f**k off! It's even worse than when girls call their mates their "bitches". f**king idiots.

Don't wear a normal T-shirt when riding, really, don't. If you're not sweating when MTBing you're probably not trying hard enough, however even so in the winter there's going to be a lot of moisture in the air and it will rain, and a normal cotton T-shirt just doesn't cut it. They're quick to get wet, they hold water like a camel and they get heavy. It's so uncomfortable to ride in a wet T-shirt, even if you put a base layer underneath it'll just collect the moisture being wicked by the base layer. Ride in a proper top that has wicking properties as you'll be far warmer, much drier and just generally more comfortable. If you can justify it I'd definitely recommend a merino base layer. I've just bought a few and made the switch from synthetic and the difference is night and day. They are much, much warmer but at the same time regulate your heat much better so you don't overheat. They don't stink and will last much longer. The Endura Baa-Baa base layer is particularly good.

Makes sense. Having got back from my ride I reckon if you were to ride solo most of the time a second light would be a necessity. Speaking of which.... Minus 2 on the hill tonight but fireworks going off all over the valley so a pretty special night to be out.

Nailed it.

Yeah it's certainly a unique experience and can make even the most familiar trails feel very different. It's strange when it's foggy or it's raining as when it catches the light it all whoops past like the star wars scene. Do you mount your light on your helmet then? I only use the one light and always go for the lid. Wouldn't mind a little addition on the bars to see in to the holes a bit better.

It's good fun (sort of) once you get going. I'm heading for a solo night ride to GT after work tonight. I haven't done a full "in the valley" night ride solo yet so it'll be interesting. I'm borrowing the new Nukeproof hard tail to see what all the fuss is about. Night riding is certainly better in a group as you get a visual pointer ahead of you, or other peoples lights add to your own, so no matter how bright a light you buy, when it's the only light source for miles around it still seems fairly dark.