Any question answered...

Run a tap through the threads to clean them up?

I would if I had one that large, but my tap set only goes up to M8...
Managed to get the left pedal on (correctly, it seems) with a small amount of force, but the right is still stubborn...

I'd be very careful, I had a similar issue and also got them in with force. Couple days later the threads gave in and the pedal fell out.

I would if I had one that large, but my tap set only goes up to M8...

Any decent bike shop should have the relevant 9/16"×20tpi taps, remember the left pedal has a left-handed thread.

If you just need a small amount of clean-up, it's often possible to run the pedal into the crank from the wrong side, where the threads are usually more pristine, and it will then be properly aligned and engaged by the time it gets to the damaged threads on the outside of the crank.

NEEDED URGENTLY - Painter and decorator, Finsbury Park/Seven Sisters Road area. Needed for mrs_com's work.

Any recommendations?

This is such a good tip!

thanks... I did start to try that, but second-guessed myself, as I couldn't get my spatial/visual reasoning around whether the threads were correct, or wrong-threaded for that... will try again...
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didn't work - on the list of things to bring to the LBS

try threading a pedal in from the back

http://www.mybuilder.com

try threading a pedal in from the back

Brilliant idea, why did nobody else think of this?

Try screwing the pedal in from the other side.

#fristpost

#rep

No idea, I guess you just didn't think of it.

I left a fairly dirty Ultegra cassette soaking in neat citrus degreaser (Viro Sol) since Tuesday because I've been busy.

Now the dirt won't budge - it's like it's been baked on.

Have I fucked up?

Chuck it in bowl of petrol, use a loved one's toothbrush and light up a smoke while you're at it. But wear a condom, better safe than sorry.

Naah it's bollocksed. The metal's all dull.

Drat.

@amey do you still have that other 12-25 cassette?

neat citrus degreaser (Viro Sol)

There's nothing "neat" about Viro-Sol, much better to buy pure D-Limonene from a chemical supply company.

You need a part washer.

I really don't.

Do your shoes have Velcro straps that project inwards? They could be picking up oily gunge as your foot comes upwards past the chain then rubbing it into exactly the same spot on the downtube each time you push down.

Can anyone recommend a relatively cheap double bed that comes small enough to fit through a tiny hallway with tight corners, doesn't creak every time I move and I can buy in London in the next couple of days?

Edit: and is of decent length.

ikea.

My last one was so noisy despite being assembled perfectly, can't even get in or out of the thing without it creaking.

Maybe I just got unlucky

I'd like an A4 organiser for work that can hold a file for notes, calendar etc. However I don't want shitty fake 'conference' black leather and not too expensive (<£30). Any ideas? I've seen Eastpak ones but they look a bit floppy and just a bit too informal.

http://www.99pallets.com/pallet-beds/diy-20-pallet-bed-frame-ideas/