Any question answered...

you think rebuilding wheel with MTB hub is easier/cheaper than trying to make 5800 fit?

Yes.

coldset the frame

how? I am not 100% certain if its 130 or 135 yet .. its an old chromoly Specialized Rockhopper.

Ask the seller?

I am collecting tomorrow; till then I am going to have internet discussion

135mm became MTB standard when 8 speed came in in 93ish, so depends how old it is. Reckon you could take up the 5mm difference just with a QR, that would be my first approach. If it's early/mid 90s then might have even had 132.5mm spacing so either hub width could fit in.

Yeah going to try that .. it'll mostly be 135mm. Would be great if I can parts bin build it with the 650b wheelset. Will take it to @SKULLS at SBC cycles.

Next friday me and a few mates will be riding from Chesham to Brighton, hoping to make the route hit 100 miles. Not too fussed on how long it takes aslong as we do it within a day and can get back to London. Will I recieve a torrent of abuse if I lead everyone down the downs link for the 40 odd miles from guildford to brighton. 2 of us will be fixed, 2 geared, all on 25c tyres as far as I know.

Having ridden most of it on a road bike I would say not too much cursing but this is weather dependent as the farther south you go there are a few muddy parts as opposed to the generally made up gravel/tarmac path.
This from somewhere else.
Conditions under the tyre: The Downs Link is a very good surface for most of its length, especially the stretch to Cranleigh. Beyond here it can get muddy at times but except after exceptionally heavy rain it should be fine. The mile or so before joining the tarmacked lane into Bramber is quite a rough track. The path beside the Adur between Bramber and Shoreham is also pretty good. There is a short stretch on a busy road to get from the end of the Downs Link at Shoreham and the entrance to Shoreham Harbour. Otherwise, the route comprises tarmac country lanes or, along Hove Brighton seafront, a good cycle track, although this can get quite busy with cyclists (and also stray pedestrians, often listening to ipods and so oblivious to your bell as you approach).

There is one short climb where the path deviates through woodland just past Baynards Old Station: more to the point there is a surprisingly steep descent after this on a gravelly path: dismount if you are at all unsure. There is also a modest climb on the aforementioned rough track before Bramber, and the following descent needs care.

The track can be quite bumpy, and is hence best tackled on a mountain bike, although an ordinary bike should be adequate in reasonable weather.

Its this:

That'll be 135mm for sure.

y u cruel

Cheers for that, looks like we will aim for that then aslong as the weather holds out.

Yeah, it ain't that old.

It's a cheap CroMo beater for tumblr points, just get a Shimano QR and tighten it up.

gunna powdercoat red (11% faster) and yellow decals a la this: http://www.re-buy-cycle.co.uk/uploads/355/L/0.jpg

Maybe make some alternative decals that say "ShockHorror"?

Considering all kinds of ideas. S-Twerks?

How about "Wagonjumper"

Rockshopper, if you're going to have a rack/basket

Panniers unfortunately. 'Ask me about my wheel radius?' not OG though :(

Use Sheldon's method for re-spacing. It is quite easy.
Just use calipers and math to make sure you move each stay in the same amount of mm.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/frame-spacing.html

Does anyone know of any black chino-style tailored trousers (suitable for smart casual office-wear) that won't tear at the crotch within a few months? I have gone through umpteen pairs in the last couple of years and I am getting fed up with it.

This so much.

Tried fitting a torx pin-head bolt into a hope seatpost clamp but it doesn't want to go.
Although both bolts are M8 the threading on the hope bolt has a finer pitch.
My torx pin-head bolts are steel and the hope bolt is light as hell and probs alloy or alu.
My question is - will forcing the steel bolt into the hope nut result in success?
When I screw it in with force feels like it's kind of rethreading itself to conform with the steel bolt.