I am going to get my little boy his first proper (two wheel) bike for Xmas, when he'll be 2 1/2.  Has anyone recently bought a bike for a child around this age, and if so did they go for a balance bike (no pedals, the idea being they learn balance before worrying about pedalling) or a pedal bike with stabilisers?

I am tempted by the balance bike, but I wonder how long before he would want pedals anyway.  Most websites suggest they are suitable for 2 to 5 years old.

Any thoughts welcome...

 This basically half price for the first 50 takers :

 http://www.hedwheels.com/proddetail.asp?prod=JET5SE12

James

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-15198952

Budget lights - Ned's Dealextreme lights guide

For anyone interested in budget lights, as I've had a few from hongkong (4) I thought I'd do a brief write up of my experiences. As a caveat this is my personal experience and certainly leads me to believe that you get what you pay for, I'd definately consider a four4th or exposure light in the future (both have pros/cons imho as slightly different solutions - fully integrated unit or seperate battery pack, but both locally uk made [aldershot and petworth!] quality kit)

 The VCGH kit that I have is as follows -

Road Jersey - short sleeve - short zip
Medium 38" x 1
Small 36" x 2
Price £31.20

Training Jersey - long sleeve - full zip
Large 40" x 2
Price £46.20

Bib Shorts
XL 36" x 1
Large 34" x 1
Price £44.40

Please contact me if you want to purchase any of the above.

Graham

I've seen people have their rear mtb shock covered with a sock like cloth that shield it from elements. I want one. Where and whats it called please? ta 

What's best for the road routes that we do - the 1:50 Discoverer (I know it's marketed at off-roaders but it has that OS familiarity) or the European City Maps, which is marketed at road cyclists?  Thanks, Phil

Thanks 

So my employer has finally joined the cycle to work scheme, though with only a 20 day window to get the certificate and they're using cyclescheme.

 Does anyone know how to download the Wiggle sportive routes to a Garmin 605 using a MacBook?

If so, please could you email me before next weekend. 

Thanks Collette

 All the new 'IMPSPORT'  VCGH Club kit has arrived and is being distributed - we also ordered more kit for our stock. So hurry whilst it lasts!

Techfit Paneled Bibshorts - £44.40

Lightweight Training Jackets full length zip - £46.20

Road Jersey short sleeve short zip - £31.20

1 x  'Large' Performance Rain Gilet - £36.90

Please contact me by email

Graham

I got my squirt this week and know there are a few 'squirters' amongst us - I'm wondering what you guys did to degrease the drivetrain the first time before application as I understand it needs to be clean and dry before initial application. So did you remove cassette, derailleur or jockey wheels, chain, chainring sprockets etc to degrease or can you get away with doing it in situ? what do you use to degrease that doesn't leave any residue and that dries out nicely?

Hi,

Been away from riding sadly as gave my bike for service to Evens. The bill to get it back in shape is more than i've ever payed. So now after each ride and before I'd like to do as much as possible to keep it in top shape.

Recently discovered that applying special oils on to stanchios every couple of rides helps forks work better thus last longer.

http://www.finishlineusa.com/products/stanchion-lube.htm

http://www.ridemonkey.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-114699.html

hi all

just got new avid rotors and was wondering whats the best way to bed them in??

cheers

 Hi and thanks to all those experience riders who guided us around last Sunday. After another 3 falls due to being clipped in one pedal I think it is time for a rethink. My left foot comes out fine but my right keeps sticking. And it got worse as the mud from walking got worse  Not sure my M540s have a tension adjuster. In order to stay clipless I am thinking new pedals - something more mud friendly and adjustable and / or new shoes something more flexible like Spesh Tahoe or MP66. My knees have felt knackered this week and falling over is rubbish. Thoughts welcome

I was asked today, by someone admiring the magnificent package betwixt my legs, how I had acquired it.  For all you thrill seakers who have read this far, here's the answer:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/New-Cycling-Bicycle-Frame-Pannier-Front-Tube-Bag-B...

Njoy!

I think I need a GPS for riding MTB routes. Using various MTB cycles route "guides" in conjunction with OS Maps I still get lost trying to follow not very well marked bridleways. How well do GPS systems work in dense forests like those around Leith Hill & the Surrey Hills?

I think I want a GPS that uses OS Mapping. I have read some information about the "Satmap" GPS has anyone practical experience of this or other good systems?

Should I be looking at systems that use "Memory Map"?

I am  thinking about buying one of these...anyone got any recommendations or brands/models I should give a wide berth?

You know am all about nature and would like to do my green bit wherever I can...

So came across this green lube. Anyone try it? Am well tempted to get it...

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pedros/go-lube-with-bio-shot-can-ec0...

i am a keen cyclist in terms of a i love a saturday afternoon cycle with the kids, i cycle to and from work when its not horrible weather and i adore my bike. this is why i have decided to get more involved and use it as a way to keep fit, not necessarily competitive cycling but certainly against myself/the clock to get some recognisable levels of fitness going on!