May be of interest to anyone converting to fixed but struggling with drop out spacings. I’ve come across a site called velosolo.co.uk which sell a conversion kit to convert MTB Deore disc brake hubs to fixed gear, with sprockets bolting onto the disc rotor mounts. They also sell spacers / solid axles etc.

Interesting idea – you can build the MTB hubs up with 700c rims. A rear Deore could be used as a flip flop. 135mm spacing, which should squeeze OK into a steel 130mm drop out frame. Front hubs are 100mm, but long axles and spacers can be used to get a strong, no dish fixed wheel.

Worth a look if you’re going through a fixed conversion process.

Is anyone in the club running on Tubeless tyres? (NB I don’t mean tubs).

Its fairly new technology to the road but has infiltrated the MTB market a little more. Supposedly better for punctures etc.

Any thoughts on running tubeless, reviews, recommendations?

Helpful hints and no excuses for not getting out on the bike… well sort of

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/blog/2010/jan/06/tips-cycling-in-snow

If you want to learn the ins and outs of how to have a crack at road racing do come along to the bike maintenance night at the scout hut on 24th January starting at 6.00pm, £1 for members including cups of tea!

I will try and facilitate a discussion on what joys road cycling brings and how we can work together on training and transport for races.

Richard, Adam and others will guide you through the paperwork side of things.

Mat will look at what tactics we can achieve as a team.

Don’t feel intimidated – it’s a friendly group that is keen to encourage new members to join in.

Anyone have any ideas how to keep your toes warm for winter riding…

I did a short (20 mile) ride last week and I could barely feel my toes at the end.

Currently I’m wearing DeFeet Merino Wool socks with Planet-X Neoprene overshoes.

I would struggle to get another pair of socks on, so perhaps I need a different pair of overshoes or wear 2.

I’ve seen that Assos make specific toe covers, but being Assos they are not cheap.

Any help gratefully received!

My rear tyre blew today – a 2 inch split appeared after a spectacularly loud ‘bang’. I was in Spondon which I know well from my commute to Derby and from the chain gang so I knew it was , unlike other chain gang towns, fairly civilised. I also knew it was 4 miles from work, 4 miles from a bike shop and that no bus/taxi would touch me covered in salty crud.. I could have rung a colleague to get me but it was rush hour and I knew they had meetings to get to. So I started walking, forlornly.

Then I saw a bit of plastic – thick plastic. I folded it up and placed it over the new inner tube and pumped to half pressure. I then cycled on with as much weight as I could get on the front and avoided all pot holes. I arrived at work 20 minutes late. Using a boot patch is not a new idea but I never remember to carry them. I will from now on.

http://www.bikeradar.com/fitness/article/technique-crashing-for-dummies-24316

This is a bit late for you both but maybe for next time…