Any question answered...

Thank you @mdcc_tester

Firstly I should say, I have been very successfully avoiding working on derailer gears for about ten years now, but got a mtb in summer and snapped a chain last week. So figure I'll have a clean and stuff... The cassette has the slightest bit of play... Maybe 1mm or 2. Sign of impending freebody (freehubbody?! Whatever they are called) death, or perfectly normal?

The cassette has the slightest bit of play... Maybe 1mm or 2

Measured where, and in what direction?

At the lockring compared to the axle in every direction on the plane of the lockring (ie not towards or away from the wheel, but towards the rim in every direction), does that make sense? 10spd shimano.

Pull the cassette off and see if it's the sprockets which have radial play or the freehub rotor. Either way it sounds like the rotor might be fucked, but pulling it apart will tell you in what way :-)

Balls.

What's the worst that would happen if I rode it till it breaks?

Actually don't answer that, I'll tell you in a few days! ;)

(Seriously going off to see what parts I need... )

What's the worst that would happen if I rode it till it breaks?

With most hub designs, you end up out in the country with no drive. Some hubs will trash the hubshell if the freehub breaks, meaning a wheel rebuild.

Where can I get a shim for a SyntaceF119 stem? 1 1/4 - 1 1/8

Actually it's a lot less than I thought... But there is movement (1/10thmm)... Having trouble getting lockring off (can't find 24mm spanner)...

Think I'll just stick to fixed bikes for a while.

Next question, suggestions for a strong 32h 26inch rim? For disc brake (actually brakes as I need 2!)

Is it Shimano?

Yup, one of these:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/elite-86-2014-mountain-bike-ec042077

That'll be why, Shimano freehubs tend to have a very tiny amount of play, this is normal.

Hmm that's kinda reassuring... I'm going to take it apart to check and probably buy a back up just in case... Does that mean non-shimano would make a better replacement?

Not really, Shimano hubs can last eons, the tiny amount of play is part of the hub design.

http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/freehub-service

Does anyone know of any OTP touring/cross/monster cross frames (other than surly) that can take a 50mm tyre + guards?

If I'm looking for a 1 1/8" disc fork with mudguard eyelets, do I have other options other than the Kinesis DC37?

Ah awesome, yeah it has no movement when the hub is engaged... Also turns out the whole hub including freehub is £20, so might just buy a spare anyway!

Cheers ed.

There's not a lot out there. Some talk here... http://www.lfgss.com/conversations/234361/#comment10048512. Or may ask Genesis if they'll sell you one from their Equilibrium disc

turns out the whole hub including freehub is £20, so might just buy a spare anyway!

This is always the best way with low-mid range Shimano, it's pretty easy to gut the hub and replace everything that might wear out or break apart from the NDS cup part of the cup & cone bearings

If I'm looking for a 1 1/8" disc fork with mudguard eyelets, do I have other options other than the Kinesis DC37?

What axle to crown?

If it's a Shimano hub, you can take it off with a big allen key and service the bearings. Or replace the freehub.

It's to replace a Wound Up fork, which is 395 axle to crown I think.

You could get another wound-up with eyelets.

Top dorrah though, as you know! What about some QR mounted eyelets?

I need to Skype someone important at 5pm on Wednesday. I will be in Central London, far from home.

Anyone know a quiet place with decent WiFi, hopefully near Bermondsey, Southwark or Elephant & Castle? (but I can always hop on the tube)

My passport expires in March. I want to travel within the EU in February. Is this possible or do I need extra validity on my passport?