Hi (shyly)

What else to say that hasnt' been said. Welcome and ask away. Or just jabber randomly like the rest of us do.

edit: and since you mentioned Raleigh Panache, I googled, and guess what the top result is? Why yes, it's right here!
http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/classic-raleigh-restoration.31866/

I now know what a bottom bracket is as apparently mine is knackered, well no, my bike's is ... that explains the graunchy noise when I start from stationary and the way the pedals go round a bit odd. This is partly why I started posting, can't decide what to do next... I won't get into it here though, need to get my brain into gear.

Welcome from me too. Don't worry about not 'knowing about' bikes – this forum has got everyone from bike mechanics, seasoned commuters/racers/MTBers to complete beginners and generally everyone likes to help (or at least put their twopennorth in). You don't have to be 'knowledgeable' to fit in round here, just a bicycle. Avoid discussing the pros and cons of wearing helmets and you'll be fine…!

Yes I saw that! Aaaah, reminds me of how mine looked when I first got it. Its a bit sad now, rust all over the place ..

Kate: watch out for the cycle shop man: he's gonna try to sell you a new bike!

Thanks Colin. I find the cycling really helps. I don't even mind winter weather too much... I did twenty miles today, a little bit gusty, not too wet here, quite fun.. I used to go mountaineering so I'm used to rain.

I know!

Oh so that was what i was doing wrong! wondered why i couldn't reach the pedals.

Nah, I won't laugh, I'm quite a retro bike fan. I recently sold my '79 Viking to fund my more modern bike, but will be buying another retro bike come future.

Nah, I won't laugh, I'm quite a retro bike fan. I recently sold my '79 Viking to fund my more modern bike, but will be buying another retro bike come future.

Hi Kate welcome along.

Knowing absolutely nothing about something never stops others from posting about it. So jump right in. .

Hiya KateK

You already know they exist, which puts you above the average punter

Belated welcome...have no worries about not knowing much about bikes..I joined and I couldnt even ride a bike! Great crowd here though and with their help and critiques of my various videos and rambling posts about what new problem I've managed to come across, I can now ride (just!)

Hi Kate,

Welcome to the forum, from another newbie.

P.S - Yes it has stopped snowing on Skye!

You can tell I'm a newbie I can't work out how to post a reply properly....memo must read instructions.

think I just got a raleigh Wisp. big decision but my Panache is really clapped out and I don't want to commit to an expensive bike until I know exactly what I want and I don't want to end up without a working bike. I guess the next year or so it's a matter of building my fitness up and I enjoy riding the Panache ... the Wisp seems to be pretty much the same but has 10 gears.

Stop saying Skye!!!!! or I'll start walking North ..I can't believe its been 15 years since I was last there.