Dont think theres the perfect bike for all occasions.so best to have one or two different style of bikes for different things.if youve room to store em...My folder stays permanently in the carboot and used only when appropriate(park free then ride into Town) or as a change.,not for everyday everywhere riding.For Bromptons the speed is there on flat smooth roads with hard tryes but its the hills where they slow.Heavy use of a 16" wheels means fast wear and tear of tyres.chain etcs ,Worn tyres too slow you .Its an expensive high maintainance pet that costs.If you buy a Brompton you actually buy the features you need as extras...Gear ratios,titanium parts etc.The cost builds up though from £700 for just the basic model Dahon speed pro is so named cos its fast.Most non Brompton Folders,Birdys Dahons,etc are 20" wheels so presumed faster but theres nothing smaller than it Local Trains take 2-6 bikes full size bikes depending on room(best get on at the stop before busy bits)but passangers have priority.The 26"wheel Dahon Range(Expresso,Cadenza,Jack) fold in half,or can be made wafer thin by turning,removing the handle bars.They are fairly easy to squeeze on to a packed train. Warning:If you get a Brompton expect lots of Admiration and pish..takin in equal measure

There are a few websites to look at http://www.foldsoc.co.uk/ http://www.atob.org.uk/ Ive a Brompton And I also have a Dahon .Other classy models to look at are Airminal Birdy and Even Moulton.Look on Ebay for 2nd hand but expect to be outbid.Downside is they aint cheap and you need a specialist shop for Parts.I use Bicycle Doctor in Rushomle Manchester.They know their stuff., http://www.bicycledoctor.co.uk/folders.html The Dahon range is Popular espec the Speedpros.(But not at Bicyle Doctor who dont like em)Dahon also do larger fold in half 26"wheel bikes.. Theres A lot of cheap import stuff on Ebay..Its prob Ok if you have limited Spends but Nothing folds smaller than the Brompton

I have a Dawes Galaxy and also a quality folding bike .Thumbs up for the Marin Hybrids from me too..Thin wheels for speed and better distances & good Grannygears for any hill.but you ride anything if your hearts in it..Theres lots of "Fixed wheel nuts"who have bikes with no gears at all nowadays

http://www.goskyride.com/Blackburn-with-Darwen Theres a campaign at the moment to get everyone cycling... You dont need to be roadclub standard ..These rides are aimed those who like short rides and havent been on a bike for a while and fancy getting back into it

Repeat Punctures prob means the nail or thorn is still there.(or a spoke is protruding.).Run your thumb around the inside of the tyre to check for anything sharp.Also Check the rubberband that covers your spokes on the inside is doing its job..Swalbe Marathon Plus are one of the best Puncture resistant tyres you can get..Also you can get slime filled self sealing inners tubes from places like halfords.that will help.. As stated dont ride on soft tyre and check if you have ridden for a while.It wont help either if your tyre is simply just too worn and thin

Properly inflated tyres help .Its easy not to bother if its been stood a while and they do down at bit over time..As well the above yYou should check if you have removed to nail thorn or whatever thats caused other punctures locating it by camparinmg the puncture position in your inner tube to the tyre..or simply run your thjumb though the inside i of your tyre feeling for anything sharp .,maybe check the rubber band which shields your inner from the spokesis doing its job with none sticking through it....

Park it next to the parking steward hut in the Blackburn end Carpark..Or With the TV crew railings if the Darwen end...Keeping it safe's all about quality of Locks and what you lock it too and maybe a extra poundshop cable lock for the wheels..Traffic is a bit intense getting away so not really recomended but getting home is 15mins compared to a hour by car

Pedal to The Rovers somestimes and also to the odd away game that aint too far away.(That Sounds mad but an audax riders do 80+ miles a day easy).For me Driving parking up and walking to Ewood takes 40Mins usually .On the bike takes 15-20mins...

touretteskaraoke.com/ is being plugged on Rock Fm this morning... Chicago s If you leave me now is my favourite.....

Fav comdey horror of all time is Revenge of Billy the Kid..Reminds me of nearby friends.. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0102783/

Anyone tried the Eat as much as you like for £10 Indian Shahi Quila place on ShearBrow in Blackburn?Is it still going?

For backpackers.."No sh..ting in the Toilet"by Peter Moore..Also just bought" Bicycle Diaries" by David Bryne of Talkings Head fame.A bike junkie who takes a folding bike with him on his World Travels and concert tours..

Anyone heard of Taps in Manchester?A new American idea..Its something Im going to try next month.. http://www.eatoutmagazine.co.uk/online_article/Self-service-beer-on-offer-in-new-Manchester-bar/8232

Daleks that can climb stairs!..Dreamt I was plucking a chicken..The wife woke up bald (Good old TC!)

..If you find yourself later in the year being dragged screaming and kicking by your other half to the inevitable MEN Arena That That Robbie Wiliams reunion a meal here beforehand might just cheer you up...

Off to Wagarama tonight in Deansgate..Very nice Japanase & Thai Style noodle bar.Not too heavy so recommend before going to the MEN Arena etc

Tash Force is now downloadable.Link looks a bit dogdy to put here

Dresser Arms Wheelton on the road to Chorley near White Coppice has a very good Carvery.. 2 for £10 http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/18955/

Bury Market is a good place to taste test Black puddings of all kinds..

The Plaza was a good place to take someone back to who remembered it from their student days...had just chicken or Veg..No fancy names like Kormas Rogan Josh etc..Just Mild which meant hot.. Hot which was very hot.."Killer" and " Suicide".Think there was one called Kamakazee which was free if you ate it all.. Nothing to drink but water in a pint glass.Think Charlie was once from Africa and maybe one of the Indians Idi Amins expelled.

Anyone ever go to the Plaza in Upperbrook Street Manchester.?.Its gone now and is sadly missed

When going to China town my own usual pre nosh up drink is in Yates Wine Lodge on Portland Street..Not very exciting but a safe option right next to it...

http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/11/1127/Britons_Protection_Hotel/Castlefield Maybe 10- 15mins away you cant go wrong here if you like the old style pub of yester year...Famous for poetry and storytelling evenings..Near the Bridgewter Hall

Recommended it before but the Bank is very good...Choice of different types of Sausages and very low price http://www.manchester.com/restaurants/details/602/the_bank.html

Been offered a 4 course meal for £25 each at somewhere called the Podium but we are taking a look at Cloud 23 before hand..