Sideways Cycles

We’ve just had a few of the new TNT linkage Turner 5 Spot. They ride just like the old version, but Dave Turner no longer has to pay Specialized for the fun of using something they should never have been given a patent on. The fact that he’s done a u-turn on years of praise for the Horst link hasn’t gone un-noticed, so we’re planning on offering something else as well, just for the true four bar officianado.

Here’s a photo of the new anodized blue 5 Spot – it’s purdy.

Personally, I’ve always thought it was the geometry and handling that made Turners nice, so the change of platform don’t bother me none.

Will be Delamere. 19:30.
Call 01270 883785 for more details.

We built up a Pace demo bike the other day – it looks great. Come and have a go if you think you’re hard enough…

It’s all been a bit boring lately – nothing new and great or anything super happening.
Did talk to the Maverick boys and it seems that we’ll have some Hard Anodized ML7/5’s arriving shortly, with matching DUC32’s, which will be nice. Other than that the only new thing is the arrival of the Phil Wood external bearings – these are super high quality bearings with right good seals, to replace the ones you’ve worn out in your Shimano or RaceFace BB. They’re not cheap, but they are cheaper than a new BB. plus, you’re not throwing away the perfectly good cups, so it makes sense that way too. The tools are really nicely made and make it easy for us to swap your bearings out – but they cost about £120, so it’s not a home workshop job.

Swing by and take a look…

This week we’ll be riding at Hanchurch. Call for details.
Ta.

We’re getting rid of loads of ex demo and old stock. The best method of bagging a bargain, is to come to the shop with a wheelbarrow full of used notes and see what takes your fancy. There’s a few things on the website, but I can’t be arsed putting it all on there – so pop along and see what you might like.

This week we’ll be a rollin’ around Cannock. Call for details, but we’ll be meeting at 19:30.

*** UPDATE***

No one wants to got to Cannock and I can’t be arsed driving there tonight either, so we’ll go to Macclesfield instead – call for meeting point.

Well, I know why UPS wear brown uniforms now – it’s because they are a shower of shite.

A parcel arrived here on Thursday from IF, it was a frame and as is usual, there was duty, VAT and handling charges to pay on it. The charges seemed higher than I expected, so a quick calculation on my behalf proved that whichever monkey UPS have doing their sums had kindly charged us three times more than what was due.
I point this out to the driver (who is super stressed at the work-load he has to clear and really can’t afford any delays to his schedule) and quickly get on the phone to sort it out. After completing the automated service to get to the correct department, the operator kindly puts the phone down on me when I explain that they need to re-calculate the charges. I send the driver (with parcel) off on his rounds and try to get through again.
Eventually after leaving a message, someone gets back to me about it. It seems that yes, they have grossly miscalculated the charges, but can’t simply re-do them. No, it seems that I have to call HMC&E, get the correct tariff code and corresponding rate of duty, then email UPS with all the details and proof that what is in the box, is actually what is in the box. With that information, they can then do their job correctly.
It takes about an hour to get through to an operator at customs, who gives me the info I need, so I mail UPS to get the paperwork sorted out and the frame re-delivered. Apparently, I can either wait until they have re-done the customs clearance and UPS get a refund from HMC&E (which takes about 30 days!), or I can pay the overcharge and then wait for UPS to get their money back and then they will refund me somehow!

So, basically because UPS are stupid, I have to either wait a month for my goods, or overpay and be out of pocket for the same time period. How great is that?

Here’s a tip – if you have to send a parcel anywhere, ever, AVOID UPS – they stink.

We’ll be riding from Keele – give us a call if you need details and stuff, but we’ll meet at 19:30.
Don’t you be thinking about going fast though.