Very nice Al, looks spot on
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I done a turn down the cycle path today to see if there were any issues with how Iād set it up Dan but it felt great.
A couple of minor tweaks when I got home and Iāll see how it feels tomorrow. One of the few bikes left with caliper brakes which I specifically wanted as they are just so much more faff free than disks.
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True, nothing worse than rolling along in the wet and hearing the pads grate away. That said, the way things are now my next bike will likely be a disc. Plenty of life in what I have for now so in the meantime hopefully thereāll be further work on getting the pads a little wider
I think between this 'un and my Cannondale and barring disaster they should comfortably see me into my grave. 
I bought a Planet X gravel type road bike with disks for commuting but the amount of hassle Iāve had with the brakes and pad wear Iāve stuck it up in the loft and will likely sell it - shame as itās a cracking bike otherwise.
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With you on the discs versus rim brakes. I have discs on my MTB and the stopping power is amazing but most of the time they get right on my tits with the noise they make.
Did the C2C on it in 2019 and no matter what I did there were annoying noises of one kind or another.
Just got another example of my dream bike back again as an (early) 60th bday present and I made sure it had rim brakes. Had to sell my previous one that I used to race on due to divorce so well happy.
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Nice one - pics please Keith.
I totally understand the need for discs on an mtb if youāre doing serious off roading but not on a road bike. Itās a solution to a problem that didnāt exist on road bikes imo. Iāve read a few things by Chris Froome lamenting disc brakes as well.
It might sound strange to non-cyclists but I effinā love just rolling along on the bike without a sound even more so with Campag and Fulcrumās silent freewheels - very theraputic.
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I just put my (self-built) Chris King-hubbed wheels back on my hardtail. That freewheel sounds like an angry hornet. Stil quieter then a Hope freehub though!
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I need to use a bell on the cycle path as no-one usually hears me
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Haha, yes will get some pics the next time there is some sun to do it justice, hopefully tomorrow.
I donāt mind the sound of a freewheel as long as it is not too prominent like the Hope or King, although the King hubs (and headsets) are VERY noice!
Love the sound of the wind through the wheels and the swish of the corsa cx seta ( clinchers and Michelin latex now) on nice tarmac, a softly ticking freewheel (Campag Record ftw) without the grating of discs!
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The Chris King stuff us luscious I always lusted after them them when I had my mountain bikes years ago but too pricey for me at the time.
Hereās your opportunity to recommend all sorts of unsuitable crap that is utterly alien to my requirements but Iāll take a chance that something suitable might just slip through!
I want a bike that will primarily be suitable for road use (roads are in VG condition here but there are lots of cattle grids) It would be nice to have an option for very occasional off road use (nothing serious, grassy tracks, gravel/stony paths etc) although that is not hugely important
Must haves:
Lightweight
Disc brakes - hydraulic or cable is fine
Mudguards - front and rear
Rear mounted pannier rack - to carry camera bag
Stuff I really donāt care about:
Colour
Looks
Budget of Ā£900 - max
Something similar to this is what I had in mind but open to alternatives and/or advice
I have one of these and am very pleased with it. Prices have shot up recently (rrp on mine was 750 when I bought it about 4 years ago). Mudguards and rack can be fitted easily. The tyres soak up minor road bumps without being too slow, and it can be ridden easily on tracks.
This one is in Aberdeen, which may be doable for you. Should be the right size for you - mine is a medium too.
Thanks Dave, but
50 hour round trip 
? see if the seller will put it on the ferry for you?
?or is there a van delivery from Aberdeen?
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A pity as I have Planet X London Road Iām hoping to sell which would be ideal for you but getting it to you is the problem obviously
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Vitus bikes are excellent value and are Chain Reaction Cycles own brand. Youād have to add mudguards and pannier but should be easy enough to order from Chain Reaction and the bikes come ready to have them fitted.
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I have to say that this one does appeal
Not entirely sure that the supplied tyres would be *great for road use?
*I know nothing about this, advice welcome/necessary
Tyres with a bit more tread but not full on off road would be better - something like these cyclocross ones would give you a good balance for tarmac and gravel etc.
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One thing to watch is bike tyres can end up being a big expense as they do get shredded after a lot of use so it pays to shop about for bargains.
Merlin are brilliant company to deal with 
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Thanks for the advice, bikes/equipment have changed a great deal since I was last into cycling!
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