Talbot Fixed Tourer

I went for carbon as it's a lot lighter, and wanted tapered, and a nice thing to try.
Rack will carry a tent which is only about 1.5 kg, so not a weight worry but a bit too big for pocket!

As is a transfer jacket! I think it's marvelous Laner.

You can always use a stepdown crown race to run a 1,1/8 steel fork in the future. So this gives you options. Options are nice.

Yep, designing things so an inverse shim is not required in future is a good idea I think.

Also, modern steel tubing (i.e. large diameter, shaped, thin wall stuff) looks odd with a narrow steel fork - carbon forks balance the aesthetic of the frame, and of course are significantly lighter.

I'll definitely be taking an adapter with me when touring , incase the fork explodes in eastern Europe

Is that where forks go to explode?
So if I stay away from eastern Europe my forks will be fine, excellent, never fancied the bloc countries anyway.

Well if it exploded in UK I could get a tapered fork reasonably easily, but plan to use this for a tour through the balkans where I assume these things are slightly rarer. on the safer side stick to loops of staines.

To be honest, think I'd rather take my chances in eastetn Europe than ride around Staines!

When you going to balkans? Going to do them too in August.

Fair enough!

Also @Dammit 's

modern steel tubing (i.e. large diameter, shaped, thin wall stuff) looks odd with a narrow steel fork

Totally pwned me.

ps I have no ideawhat a 'transfer' jacket or gilet actually is #noIwillnotgoogleit

Late august is looks likely for me, but haven't organise everything yet. tempted to change it to early august so i can cheer you guys on somewhere in montenegro!

expensive name for a down jacket

Ah cool. I'm riding back with a mate from Istanbul up into Romania. If you hear of anywhere good to visit let me know!

Transylvania of course but "Cycling to the Ashes" by Oli Broom I enjoyed very much.

There should be some good hills in the Carpathian Mountains.

some good reading on these blogs
http://journal.goingslowly.com/2010/04/into-romania
http://shesnotpedallingontheback.com/category/europe/bulgaria/

Thanks both.
Maybe I should write a book. I could do with some income!

Morning treat on @doktorbobby 's instagram feed....

wow!

Fantastic. I love the fade of the text through the grey

OOOOFFFF!

Do like.

Very smart!

Shit the bed!

Massive win