Starting out?

Hey any of you guyus have a problem with mikemagic? I registered a long time ago and have just gone back to it to find something out about bikes only to be able to get my password emailed to me but not to post on the forums.

Apparently it keeps asking me to validate the account with a validation code I don't have. I have logged on ok and it allows me to change my profiel details and do everything but post threads. I set it up probably about 2 years ago and have not used it much in that time. I do know I don't have the validation code from back when I set my account up with them. Although I must have validated it once as I seem to remember that I posted a comment or a new thread way back then.

Can anyone help me? How do I get the validation bit done so I can use the forum? Who do I have to contact / cross palm with silver to sort this out?

Now if anyone knows if my old Mtrax road bike from about 15 to 20 years ago is any good, or if it could be turned into a kind of audax / fast tourer for carrying up to 10kg of gear occasionally and commuting stuff on a week day basis. I'm thinking of commuting into work and would like to be able to carry my laptop, some paperwork, change of clothes, lock and my lunch. Which is best panniers and panier bags or a good, bike specific rucsack with laptop compartment?

Are the old M-trax entry race level road bikes worth keeping or should I go for a new bike under the cycle to work scheme? New big shiny, mmmm! I'm just wondering if any bikers can help in case the validation issue doesn't get sortted out. I fancy doing a tour of the Scottish islands next year so either convert a road bike to a fast tourer or get a fast tourer.

Why do tourers nowadays all seem to have flat bars? I prefer drop handlebars and they are rather rare these days. Certainly in my local shops.

"mikemagic"

now there's a website i'd like to see

OK PT very helpful in spotting my "deliberate" mistake.

Andy - Thanks for the advice. My bike has had sporadic use. I used it a bit when I got it then it became a warm weather sort of activity for me occasionally so the bike as not used enough. The last 4 or 6 years its only seen activity a few times every other year. As of today it is going to be used as a commuter 5 days a week if the weather is good (less if its raining or I oversleep). I changed my rear tyre about 6 years ago when the old one looked like it was starting to perish and it wasn't holding pressure. New tubes front and rear at the same time due to punctures.

Overall the mech works well and is pretty much as new. The frame is immaculate apart from a layer of dust that seems to have merged with the paintwork in a few places. I know I am asshamed that a good bike like this has not been used more.

Only a 14 speed (double and a 7 cassette). Brakes and shifters are exage300EX. I don't know if these are any good or not but I reckon they were probably 1 or possibly 2 up from the bottom of the Shimano range at the time. Perhaps Tiagra or Sora are now the equivalent spec level. Technology has improved drastically and stuff such as STI shifters are now universal on road bikes. Mine is a downtube shifters. Back when I got it you had to spend £ 700 - £1000 or perhaps more for STI shifters IIRC.

I reckon I should get some life out of this old bike afterall it is light and works well. On the other hand I would get something rather nice compared to it for £900 with the panniers, racks and mudguards in this price (£700-£800 bike only).

I have been looking at cyclo cross bikes as I heard they make good fast commuters / tourers yet still do well on the road. Of course a local independant has told me he can do a winter trainer frame (made exclusively for them) with Tiagra stuff, pretty much made to measure. It owuld have more clearance for mudguards and would take a rack. The price would be about £800 leaving me £100 for racks and panniers. All within my £900 top budget.

Question is, would you guys go for a custom made winter road bike from a locally known independend bike shop or a cyclocrosser from a known make? Anyone heard of Brucies in Kendal? What's their rep like? I know he's a character.