Thanks for the responses. Yeah I'm really happy with the bike and I really appreciate the fact that people can see past the not so retro bike build. Old isn't always the best if it was I'd still be using a Spectrum 48k to surf the web
Just to answer a few of your questions.
The rear wheel is a Shimano Deore LX Hub with 26in 36 hole Sun Rhyno Lite XL rim (Used but VVG Condition). Not the best I know but I had it laying around and thought I'd use it. Got some Tioga rubber on it and it does perform well.
The dual control shifters do take a bit of getting used too but are a quality bit of kit and the engineering is excellent. I would recommend these to everyone plus with the LX brand you get a really good bang for your buck.
Can't get on with flat bars, I think my body is just a wierd shape. The reason for the bar ends is I live in the Brecon Beacons - HILLS - great for coming down but some of them are ridiculous when going up :twisted:
I ain't got Noooooooooo front reflector - sacrilege !!!!!!
This IS a brand new bike and feels like such. I've had a look at modern hardtail GT's sold by Halfrauds and they are simply not GT's. They just gimmicky with loads of 'Designed in California' stickers. This is a proper triple triangle framed beauty, that has been transported 10 years into the future and given a fresh new look. The finish on the paintwork is amazing, the photo's really don't do it justice with it being a deep pearlescent with a mettalic fleck. 99.9% of modern bikes have oversized tubing giving them that chunky off road look. This bike is far more elegant and looks positively refined stood alongside my Avalanche 1
The rug and sofa question. Yes, the wife was at work, some hoovering and some Vanish carpet spray and she's none the wiser (I hope
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Lastly the view. Just hadn't thought about that its what I'm used to. The view is of Vaynor and Ponsticill in the Taf Fechan Valley. I live inside the Brecon Beacons National Park probably a dream for MTBrs and I apologise to anybody stuck in a city center - sorry. But I couldn't resist putting this pic up of Ponsticill Reservoir virtually a 2 minute walk from my house - we just don't realise how beautiful our countryside is
1st photo is me with my old Zaskar (battered but beautiful!)