One of my resolutions in coming up to Oxford (almost a year ago!) was to get back into cycling. In December last year I bought a second-hand bike which has served me well but has recently suffered some problems. I decided that replacing the rear axle, bottom bracket, chain and brakes will probably end up costing as much as I paid for it in the first place so, with the help of the University’s membership of a salary-sacrifice scheme (allowing me to purchase the bike over a year and saving having to pay the tax) I decided it was reasonable to upgrade.
What I got was a Dawes Discovery 201 from the local bike shop (Reg Taylor’s on Iffley Road; highly recommended but no website!). I have now fixed lights to it and am contemplating cycling to work tomorrow although, since it is about three weeks since I last cycled, I am a touch nervous about that hill!