Bike trivia

Used several times already in this thread: Bicycle-Shaped Object, a thing that resembles a bike, especially in its paper specification, but which lacks the essential quality that makes it enjoyable to ride.

Ah - sorry. Haven't really followed it all.

OK - back to looking at your suggestions from a couple of weeks back.

I'm not the professed (or real) expert here, but geometry is everything.

I have only ever bought a bike after sizing it properly by riding the thing in its variations (and sometimes been surprised by the result). The road bike I still have is a bigger frame size than any of the subsequent hybrid/mtb/ebikes I've bought (and I'm talking sizes within the range, rather than quoted measurements).

Some adjustment or change in the components can compensate, but you can't defeat the feeling of it "just being right").

I once won a bike in a raffle, charity thing where people had donated prizes. It was an XL size, no choice, that was what it was. I'm 6' and would normally ride a large size but actually it was ok. Just shoved the saddle rails forward a bit. Swapped it for some diving gear eventually.

I was out pottering in the western part of my extensive estate yesterday, close to the Main Gates, when an acquaintance passed by on her bicycle. She stopped to chat, and, overcoming the instinct to release the hounds, I deigned to engage in conversation. Usual stuff, how's lockdown, how are the kids dealing with school, are you going to lose the house so everyone can enjoy watching you lose your tender, one-fingered grasp on lower middle class life etc etc. Then I noticed it. She was riding a Whyte. Well, it was dirty pink, but still a Whyte. Apparently she's a fan of the WDB approach to bike purchasing and went to AW Cycles and asked for a recommendation. The result was this Whyte (not sure exact model), with an adapted raised handlebar position (she's a fairly slender tall lady). Quite a sound sort of gal, she used to be a alwyer until she got too fed up with the pressure and opened a book and toy shop, which sadly only lasted for a couple of years. Anyway, a person of reasonable judgement (Welsh husband tho - Swansea City fan to make it even worse), so perhaps I shall toddle to AW in the fullness of time. I do fear budget creep though. I'll end up spending car money (i.e. £600+).

Cars?

My Creusets need new handles.  My £1.99 Ikea stainless don't.  They are equally abused.

In fairness this is because I have dishwashed the Creusets for years, against advice.  But, this is just another argument for the indestructible Ikeas, which don't suffer this indignity.  They are absolutely the most stonking value or money of just about anything I've ever bought, and are compatible with all hobs, even my induction one.