Any question answered...

Winchester? If nice parts of Reading are too expensive, they'll end up living in Stanmore.

Hadn't thought of Winchester, to be honest I didn't even know where it was! Might be a bit far from either I think.

You've all given me a lot to think about - thanks.

If it all gets too hard finding somewhere appropriate it's looking like plan b is going to have to be put into action; go & embarrass myself so badly at her next work christmas party so she'll be too ashamed to go back to work & resigns. Then we can just move back to London.

That should be plan A.

Winchester? If nice parts of Reading are too expensive, they'll end up living in Stanmore.

The prices there are on the exciting side, that said some of Stanmore is ok- near the recreation ground for example.

It's not brilliant, but then when the competition is Reading...

Anyone got any good reccos for a nice little boutique hotel me and Mrs U should stay in in Brighton for a couple of nights?

Oxford Road: Depends if you like prostitutes (allegedly)

Even if you like prostitutes, Oxford Rd wouldn't be your first choice for finding likeable ones

Reading, at least it ain't Slough.

Oi, I resemble that remark!

I think Adroit lives/works in Reading.

Yep, Adroit does indeed live in Reading.
It isn't as bad as people make out. I live to the west of the town centre (1.25 miles from the station) on a rather nice estate of big semis where there is a nice community feel. It is about 10 minutes to the motorway at j12, even in the rush hour, (you are going against the flow). Much of the traffic is inbound in the morning, outbound in the evening, great if you want to drive to and from Marlborough. Heading east or south by road the the other motorway junctions in the rush hour is a complete joke.
There are several little areas of nice housing, but there are some shite estates too.
Someone posted about the smell from the sewage works, (the Whitley Whiff) which hasn't been an issue for nearly 10 years. Those sewage works have long gone.
Riding around Reading isn't bad if you are a confident cyclist, the infrastructure for the less confident is pathetic.
The really nice thing about Reading is the surrounding countryside, riding in the Chilterns to the north to the Berkshire downs to the south west, and miles of great lanes.
Oxford road is actually marvellous, there are unique small shops all the way along the road, probably about to all go under as they have built a Tescos there. I think there are 15 Tesco store in Reading. The town centre is full of chain shopping, but there are some great coffee shops, some great restaurants, and clubs.
We have an Evans and an reasonable independent bike shop, some nice parks, miles of public footpaths over some fine old water meadows. Just don't look north of the river if you want to get to the M4 to get to work. There are limited crossings of the Thames, so it is always jammed.

OK, I'll run it past Mrs Ludd this evening. In fact I'll send an email home to reduce the (rather high) risk of me forgetting about it.

Bump to remind Ludd to send an e-mail home.

I mean, it's been five minutes.

I've just remembered to send it. Now must check whether I have actually sent it. So easy to forget these things. Thanks Mr Schick.

Update: yes, I sent an email home at 16.11.

amazing! cheers

OK, wheels set in motion and PM sent. Nice to be able to help.

spotter / aqa

what rack can i get thats like spotters here but in black? i have eyelets on the front dropouts but nothing else, so attach the brake hole or something?

Basil Rack

This good non?

or you know...just get my rack in black...

$140 from soma!

Thats less than I paid if you can get it

maybe when i win the lottery ;D

Anyone got any good reccos for a nice little boutique hotel me and Mrs U should stay in in Brighton for a couple of nights?

hotel pelirocco?

Does anyone know about tax free shopping for forrins in the UK?

I know someone who wants to purchase a brand new Ipad Mini, he noticed that Apple only do 15% off, while some other place he asked offered 17% back. Is there anywhere that gives more? Perhaps the full 20% VAT ?

A full VAT refund would be 16,6777...7777% hence 17% is a very good deal (e.g. £1+20%=£1.20-16,6777...777%=£1).

$140 from soma!

Kinoko should sell them.

Price get you an excellent rack that's sturdy for touring even with it's low rider mount.

email Fine ADC. they import soma stuff and sell direct

http://www.fine-adc.com/contact/

If i have a wheel comprising 275mm spokes and 41mm spoke circle diameter on the hub and I want to reuse the rim with a hub with 83mm spoke circle dia. what size spokes will i need?

more info is needed. look at a spoke caluclator.

What hubs are they? What rims do you plan to build on? The measurements may be online.

Aye,guess i need to measure the rim. I always seem to get it wrong though, had to order spokes twice last time.

Hub measurements are available, it's a Sturmey SBF drum hub, rim is another matter though, old school chromed steel 26 x 1 3/8" thing.

Maybe ask some of the wheel build boffins?

Hub measurements are available, it's a Sturmey SBF drum hub, rim is another matter though, old school chromed steel 26 x 1 3/8" thing.

Get a spoke calculator, put in what you know about the current parts and then tweak the ERD until you get the spoke length you measured, minus a bit to account for stretch.

Then use the new hub's measurements with the ERD you just calculated to get your new spoke length.