A clean bike is a ...

Well, last week I gave the bike a pretty thorough cleaning in anticipation of my excursion to foreign climes (well, France, Germany and maybe through in a couple of other nearby EU countries for good measure). The bike needs some maintenance first, though. The head bearings were starting to feel a bit "clicky" so may need replacing, a 24,000 mile service is due and i'd like the brakes to be checked. The chain's making an odd noise when I wheel it (backwards) into the garage after a hard ride, so that may need some attention. Finally, a new rear tyre is needed.

Boring bit. Pirelli Corsas on the Viffer have been great. The Bridgestones used to cause weave once as they approached the end of their life. Not the Pirelli's. More of the same, please Mr Pirelli (well, Paul at Hevingham Tyres, to be more accurate).