I'll not manage to get down to Keswick . Due to time constraints it's morning only for me on Friday. I do have a day pass for Sunday though

Andrew - not an expert opinion, but it's probably the running and football that's wrecking your knees. All the impact, sudden stops and twisting plays havoc with your cartilage and ligaments. The locking / unlocking suggests that something is moving around that shouldn't be, perhaps a torn bit of cartilage.

Best way to find out: MRI scan (painless, no needles, big waiting list). Best way to find it and possibly fix it at the same time: arthroscopy (big needles, time off work / bike). Either way football is bad (look at how many pro-footballers have completely wrecked knees).

Stick to low impact sport - like cycling. Unless you fall off like I did at Dalbeattie (my left knee currently hurts lots...)

Bit of a Pig`o a test ride today

"Due to time constraints it's morning only for me on Friday." I`m off

"Unless you fall off like I did at Dalbeattie (my left knee currently hurts lots...)"...heard about that, included blood I believe?

Yet another footballer with shafted knees here (running half and full marathons as well didn't help)

I'd echo all of what's been above. What a knowledgeable lot we are.

I like Mike also require Glucosamine daily. Like Mike says it might take a while before you notice any difference but they have worked wonders for me.

They are also available very cheaply at the moment from Zipvit.co.uk, sponsor of mighty Thor Hushovd's road team Cervelo.

Without sounding like a salesman they also do very good energy bars, drinks, gels, and recovery bars and drinks. Most are just a bit cheaper than SIS.

Simon - be good to see you if you can make it Friday.

John - interesting chainstay / dropout on the Pig.

Plate steel is real DaveyJ

Rides like my old Bonty but 130mm instead of 85mm forks, can go p to 140/50 but methinks that is ott for around here

Hobo..just to give an example of Gaels worth she fixed my daughters knee after she had been having problems inc a visit to A&E after it collapsed on her at work one day. She became dissilusioned with the pills& rest that her gp and hospital consultant were providing and booked in with Gael. Fixed within 3mths !! She used to be physio for Gretna FC so knows a thing or 2 about footy injuries.

Thanks for the info chaps.  I felt sure someone would have some tips.

Having just returned from many years away i am now reminded of why i quit.  However, the buzz of playing and winning and competativeness is something i cant find from biking so i dont want to give up.

I will look into the supplements and arrange an appointment at the quacks (Probably for next monday, that way i know i will hobble into the room with a very painfull knee guarenteed).  I already have a number for a football physio john as quite a lot of the guys i play with use him.  I remember the way the physio sorted my knee out last time when the doctor sent me packing due to a football injury.  It turned out i had a under developed muscle and the knee cap was twisting.  It took a few months of simple excercises and never returned to this day.

Ask Carl how competative i am on the pitch.  He came to watch last week.  I would kick my own mother to win a game.

On the knee side, i have had a bit of news.  I am friends with the Carlisle United physio  and grew up playing football with him (He went into physio cos he failed along with me to get signed up on pro terms).  Anyhow, i emailed him and asked if he did out of united appts.  He doesnt but has invited me along next week and he will have a good look and point me in the right direction. 

Yep, it's a good looking bike John. I rather like the orange skwash colour too.

Where was the pic taken btw?

I've shunted the seat right forward on my inbred and am finally getting into riding it. Must get an inline post

Skwash was sold out, could have ordered one but thought nobody would notice I had changed the Bonty, just the stickers

Pic was taken on Glendeterra(sp?)out of Keswick.

On the Pig you feel as if you are sitting "in" the bike. Seems strangely "normal" somehowwhat with it`s short stem and strange angles. It is good round Mabie

Stretcher incident at Mabie jump/skills area this affo. Guy followed his son down the jump trail, came off and broke his arm at the elbow, bone sticking out etc. He was also suffering from some bashed ribs and unable to move. Daft 999(Glasgow?)sent the ambulance away to Thornhill for some unknown reason, took best part of an hr to arrive and guy was getting pretty bad by this time. 2 calls and a grid ref before control opps got message to ambulance crew. in fairness maybe his wifes initial directions were not specific enough, she did`nt know about grid ref on info board(or about the board)

"Is it a continuous outer gear cable job?" Yes, with bolt on cable guides/clamps

All I need is a decent fork and some new brakes

BUT, next years summer holiday is the current priority

What's not to like Andrew? To me John's bike in that pic has that spot on *just right* look about it.

I didnt say i didnt like it.  I dissagreed with it being beautiful.  I think "your new bike does not look like a Pig.  That is deffo the most flattering colour it comes in." is a fair description.

Just as i wouldnt describe my own bike as beautiful either.  What i dont like is the lump of metal between the top & down tube.  The mud trap to give extra chain suck clearance or the big, stretched dropouts. 

More interested in how it rides.  Any comments john?