Hi Gary, an AC member suggested I ask you about a set-up so that I can do brief hard riding to lose weight and increase fitness. Either an exercise bike (with arm exercisers?) or something to hold my bike (but not rollers). Cheers, Heather

OK, just did a bit mor thinking about the differences. I think for the amount of time I spend in top gear, and the fact that the big ring on a compact is only two teeth less than standard, and there will be such a big improvement for my old knees, I will take you up on your offer Gary. Could you go ahead and get those compacts for me. Hopefully it will be all good, if not, just have to change back. Won't know unless I give it a go.

Any chance of having them on my bike for the Grand Slam 150km ride in about 9 days from now, or are they coming from Asia?

Thanks, John.

That sounds like a very good deal Gary. Thanks for that.

My question now is that it might make it more difficult to 'keep up with the pack' on the flat. So if I get compacts, can I also purchase the tool(s) needed to swap from the standard back and forward to the compacts, if I feel it is neccessary. And how tricky is that to do. Is it a worthwhile proposition to do mechanically, or will it cause premature wearing out of expensive components?

I was talking to Andrew Maitland on the SOB ride last night about it. He said I just have to improve my cadence rate and that would make up for the loss in gearing on the flat. But not sure whether an older fella like me wants to thrash his legs around the circle as fast as Andrew!

Might just have to 'suck it and see'. If I am not happy with the result, just put back the standard cranks back on. But would if I do some mor eof those Audax rides, having the option of setting up the bike for one or the other, flat or hilly, would be ideal.

So, being some-one who likes fiddling with my bike, and maintaining it myself, is changing the cranks over a fairly straightforward thing to do. I have pulled the cranks off my other biles to clean and re-lube/replace the bttom bearings. Is it just as easy, hopefully easier, on this 'modern Avanti I have now?

Cheers, John.

Thanks Gary, have a enjoyable ride tomorrow...

Paid for the GG Jersey today Gary.  Thanks for your work on this... 

I may get out on Sunday with GGs - if doc allows.  Andrew.

Gary, for heaven's sake change your avatar. I'm currently contemplating burning all my Lampre gear!!

Thanks Gary. Will be in touch. Wattsy

Thanks Gary.

I went and had a look at the Crit racing on Wednesday night. Some of those grades are quick; when is someone going to tell them they are Vets.

Are you interested in racing? Joanne doesn't mind if I have a crack at it.