The Pianoman

Thanks. That's the sort of reply I wanted!

Are alloy frames much easier to ride than steel frames or is it a lot of hype?

Replacement Services were on Bloomsgrove Industrial Estate when my father was trading and when I knew them in the late 60's-early 70's. AE Edmunds Walker were next door.

Thanks. The only CREE ones I had seen before were just a single bulb type

Can you post a link to it please?

Is there a difference?

My old 100E. Took my driving test in it. 1959 Anglia supplied new by Hooleys. Hawkeye's on here will notice the little H.

Not got one yet. I am steadily going around a few cycle dealers for more info and ideas. Most of them seem to be not worth the bother - the dealers I mean. Tried Cycle Republic and Evans Cycles, both on Maid Marian Way in the week. The most disinterested staff anywhere. Cycle Republic is obviously Halfords. At the moment it looks like I shall be dealing with Mick Brown, Eastwood

Well that was a bit of a surprise. I have just seen it on Facebook too. I knew he had lung cancer but I didn't think it was as bad as that. He was exactly 6 months younger than me.

Was The Pear Tree on Bulwell Lane actually The Old Pear Tree or were there two Pear Tree Pubs?

The Cropleys were famous in Catchems. I believe Cropley is a one family surname. My grandfather George wasn't a good man, at least as far as his family was concerned. He was alright with other people tho'.

If their names were Cropley and they originated from Basford then they are related to me somewhere along the line. Jack, in the photo above was my great Uncle. He was a year younger than my grandfather George. My Great Grandfather was William Cropley who was born at Waterbeach in Cambs. He came to Nottingham in the early 1880's with an unknown number of his siblings. The earliest address I have for them is 8 Whitemoor Road, Basford. By the 1911 census they had moved to 129 Bulwell Lane. I have been in that house in the early 60's. The only G. Uncles I have met were Walter and Alf. Either one o

One's enough!

I have no intentions of becoming a lycra clad looney ta very much

Might consider that after I have had a bit of practice

Actually it is cheap. The last one I was looking at was £300. There are very few hybrids for sale secondhand, even fewer with ally frames.

Been into Decathlon and grabbed someone for help this time. I had a ride around the shop on this: https://www.decathlon.co.uk/riverside-500-hybrid-bike-dark-grey-id_8379020.html I haven't ridden a bike for at least 40 years but I have to say I was impressed. It took a while to get control of it at first as it took off at a rate of knots that I wouldn't have expected. It was a comfortable ride and I have to say I took to it straight away. I am now going to find out about this 'ride to work' scheme.

Great. I just walk across when I have finished at Wilko in the morning.

This is Decathlon Giltbrook that I am going in. I don't know where there are others .

I'll go in again. All the hybrids in there are minus mudguards. That I am not havin'!

Just been in Decathlon to have a look at their bikes. Can't say that I was impressed. Nobody to talk to.

I have now been in to Mick Brown at Hilltop Eastwood for some advice and he has suggested that the best bike for me would be a hybrid. I see where he is coming from now that I have looked more closely at them. As it is a bit hilly around here he has said that I will really need the 18 gears.

Perhaps just a coincidence but there is a butchers shop at South Normanton run by Mr. Bacon. It amuses me to to see people who have names appropriate for their job!

Thanks. My inside leg is 31" and I am 6' (just). I was guessing at a 21" frame.

Sorry to hi-jack this thread slightly but how do you determine what size frame you need? looking for a 'normal' bike with two wheels and pedals that you use to get from A to B. One like this perhaps but not for that amount of money: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Retro-Raleigh-Esquire-Men-s-Bicycle-Vintage-3-Speed-Orange-Bike/142550613304?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649