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In response to the fixed scene in Brighton. Those that I know who used to ride fixed about 5/6 years ago fell in love with riding bikes in general and found other cycling disciplines that excited them. Dice mentioned that some of us got into polo, and took in pretty far in a few cases. After we had difficulty with numbers some got into bikepacking and long distance unsupported riding (JOGLE). Some of us started riding road and eventually racing, one guy is now a Cat2 rider for a local team and regularly races in Belgium.

Long story short we met a bunch of really cool people who loved bikes, talked about them and rode them. Some still ride fixed (Cat2 did his ITT fixed in the Tour of Sussex). Riding fixed in Brighton is fine, no one who has been riding long enough ever really worries about the hills, you just pick the right gearing for the terrain. I moved on from fixed to polo, to road and cx riding/racing, and riding my son to nursery in the week. Would love to have a track bike still, I just don't have the room/time anymore

#coolstorybro

In other exciting cross news, here's this year's machine. Wheels are prototype Kinesis carbon which I've had to return (boo) but I've got the Mason/Hunt 4s Disc on there right now and they feel good. Carbon tubs coming for when the racing starts but may have to do Stanmer on the alu tubeless Hunts. Lunatic bartape courtesy of Rule5 bikes in Brighton

Effeto Mariposa is the bizniz. Worked a treat for me last season. Solid as a rock. When it comes to removing the tub at the end of the season make sure you have strong thumbs and a few extra layers of skin on them. It's hard work.

Another bonus is you don't need to clean residue of glue off the rims, it should mostly come away but any bits can be left on if you are using another roll of carogna. One downside is trying to peel the tape off the tub, its a pain in the 'arris. Luckily my tubs were going in the bin as I'd worn the tread down too far from excessive tarmac riding #coolstorybro

Spend up a little more and get the Hope Tech XC in 27,5. That is what I'll be doing this season I reckon.

7.1kg CAAD 10

#smallbikesforshortpeople

Here ya go, ignore the dirt, tool roll and garmin elastic on stem...its a bit stacky too but I have the least flexible hamstrings known to man

My CAAD10 with Red 22 comes in at 7.10kg with all alloy parts (Thomson Masterpiece post, elite stem and ritchey wcs logic II bars, alloy wheels) Its the 48cm frame though...

Ex cross machine now general about town bike. DX Levers and V brakes on Easton bars and stem. 1x10 40t 11-32 with a Paul's thumbie for hassle free friction shifting

No, that was one of the Vicious guys I think. That was funny as it happened as he went up to the start line. Mine was on the whistle....less funny

I was the guy who dropped his chain on the start line and had to sprint back to the bunch, immediately in the red and had to spend a lap recovering, although at the back in the woods meant that was easy. Apologies to those behind who had to go round me at the start.

It was hard and hot, only did 8 laps, just missed out on my 9th which I was kicking myself about. Had to carry a bidon in my pocket, was too hot to race without water.

That gravel drag was a killer, especially with the grass reflecting the heat either side and it being sheltered from the wind.

Strong look, spotted in Brighton

All tweaks now done, bike is finished....well as close to finished as any bike ever gets I guess :)

yeah, the issue I have is reach though, ideally I should have an 80mm stem on the current set up but I tried it and it changed the handling too much. It went from precise to skitish, getting out the saddle made it worse too. That is why I have the inline post and a saddle so far forward. Being short makes it really hard to choose bikes

I think my next trade up will actually be the womens supersix evo. The geo looks perfect for me.

Not on big ring, steerer needs cutting, shiny bar tape, long legs, short arms, front cable mess, etc etc

Can't wait to add my 48cm CAAD10 to the mix here. Tiny bikes FTW. Interestingly I think Cannondale are one of a small minority of good frame builders who make bikes for small people which is why you see a lot of small ones.

Never spin, just pull them out wet and drip dry, not worth getting the creases for a little extra convenience

Gone for it, read the reviews, seems really good. Just the kind of thing. I'll keep the Hairo for french press and keep the Iberital for espresso only, no need to make big grind adjustments.

Treated myself to bottomless portafilter too. Time for a scale and a backflush before the goodies arrive :D

I'll take a look, thanks for the tip!

I am looking at stepping up my coffee game and getting a good process dialed before my first sprog arrives in June (I am assuming we will need coffee....quickly).

I have a Gaggia Classic with the OPV mod using a portafilter gauge I bought and things are looking good, except, my grind. I use the Hairo hand grinder and I have worked out that the perfect particle size is between two of the fixed settings and its bugging me. Also grinding is a pain and takes ages to make more than one dose.

So... can anyone recommend a good electric grinder with steps wide enough (or stepless) that can get me pulling good 27sec shots? I have a 150 budget. Thanks all

Edit: I have UTFS and the Rancillo Rocky and Gaggia look like good options, but, I know Gaggia have changeable reliability depending on the time of year and it would be good to get some first hand user accounts... if that makes sense. Thanks all