Any question answered...

Mystery character is in the middle:
Il|

Oddly it looks like a "1" there, but if I type "1" next to it it's a different character, in the same font

lower case L.

This is, hands down, the most secure password I've ever had.

Paste into Excel and use =code(l) reveals it is a lower case L when you look at the ASCII code.

BOOM! Many thanks.

I use KeePass to generate random passwords and have this problem - 0 and O, l and I... it's a fucking nightmare and presents no further difficulty to a computer! Here's to copy and paste.

That was so obviously a little L...

Hope

Nope. Really not worth spending the extra then fucking about with a shimmed NDS bearing when the basic SRAM GXP BB is fine.

For the millionth time, GXP cranks do not fit Shimano HT2 or FSA MegaExo BBs or any other BB designed for a straight 24mm axle.

Fools errand or sound plan?

New car or just new to you? The answer yo your question is probably different depending on your answer to that question.

just new to you? The answer yo your question is probably different depending on your answer to that question.

good point well made.

new to me - used car

Up to about £15k, maybe more, any loan from your bank will just be approved by a computer so I doubt you'd even get to speak to someone with the authority to offer a better rate.

that would appear to be the case. the APR ranges wildly depending on where you shop - sadly i've told 'computer says no' by two of the cheaper (3.2%) ones already - i suspect this is because i've only been in my new jerb for 4 months. dicks.

It's nice that everyone tried so hard to help identify the character.

The road to l is paved with good intentions

Depends how much it is but can you just put the other bit on a 0% credit card and pay it off monthly? Maybe a super bad idea. I never borrow money.

Also I hear good things about new and approved used Kias. 7 year parts warranty for new and used.

looking at about 10 large. not sure my credit cards will stretch that far. i feel the same way about sizeable debt as i do about new and / or approved Kias ;)

HSBC will loan you up to 15k at 3.3% (or were when I looked a couple of weeks ago), if you earn over 100 large then they'll lend you up to 25k at the same rate.

i don't. if however, you do - will you please lend me 10,000 kweenkwidz to fund my midlife crisis? cheers, neil! yr the best.

15K is a pretty sensible loan size - cash is king so save your cash in case you need it for a rainy day.

In savings you'll get stuff all for interest, but you won't be spunking it on a used car that will be depreciating at a faster rate.

Interest rate on cash = 0% /year
Depreciation on car = -5+% /year
Interest rate on loan = 5% / year
But you still have your pile of cash in case you need it.

Cars are not "investments" unless you are a classic car dealer. Getting a loan for the full amount at <5% interest is a good deal.

Cars are not "investments"

preaching to the choir.

i think 12,000 is as far as my comfort limit will extend to be honest, and we're looking to spend up to 18,000 for the right ride inclusive of 1st years insurance / road tax etc. i like the idea of hanging onto my cash for le rainy day, as you say. there is a slim possibility i can get work to cover much of the running costs if i use it as a primary form of transport when visiting clients.

Drop top Beemer?
Range Rover?
Champagne gold Merc?

Summit like that. Proper douchemobile. Don't like way i drive? Stay off the pavements etc.

I have someone looking to buy a first decent road bike. It must be from Evans. He has a max spend of £1200. He weighs 18/19 stone. Does that rule out carbon? Just stick to steel? Any particular recommendations?

Edit also hoping to get shimano 105

Caad12 - at a push.

But given his natual descending ability I'd look to the Big S and their no questions asked warranty policy.

He weighs 18/19 stone. Does that rule out carbon?

It shouldn't, given how strong you could make a carbon frame if you were minded to do so. Unfortunately, you can make it light instead and that's the market where all the profit is.

^^ this. At 18st, a good saddle will be a must too (but isn't it anyway?).