Posts made by NickD

Ebbets Field
IH
RMC
Orslow
Vans

Marrkt are reputable (as I recall they owner used to run the UK Real McCoys setup), but they will take a significant cut - about 40% I think. Personally I'd just list on eBay, but if your time is worth the 40% go ahead.

The last of the V8s.

Starting to cool down a little now, so jeans are back on the menu.

Rainbow Country
Real McCoys
IH 634
John Lofgren

I like to buy the best I can afford, and have an aversion to companies that offshore to reduce cost/increase profit, that makes Iron Heart an ideal fit for me. I think people can't see the value because in general as a society we've lost the ability to recognise quality.

@northsouthdenimguy I thought about disagreeing too, but then remembered I bought my 911 at 40 and sold it at 49 so I was definitely in my midlife!

@dan79 I use shoe trees in all my footwear, including boots. It takes ages for my boots to look worn as a result (which may not be what you want). The generic ones ft well enough, even in my Whites.

@BenBWH the Triumphs are a good shout, but so are the Enfields and the 883 you've mentioned above. Quick notes, and all just my opinions/experiences:

• Triumph - I have owned a 1200 Thruxton R for 8 years and still love it. A 900 Bonny or Street Twin would be a great first bike, enough power but not too much. I've ridden a 900 Street Twin and really enjoyed it. Reliability and build quality are both top notch on current Triumphs

• Royal Enfield - slower and cheaper than Triumph, and not as well made. Still a really good bike (I have an old Bullet). One of the 650s would make an excellent first bike

• Harley 883. My father in law had an 883 for years. Viewed against Triumph the 883 is slow, heavy more difficult to ride and less reliable. However it's a Harley and has all the heritage and image that comes with that. I would love to have one, but not as my only bike. If you decide to go for one then I'd probably aim for one with mid controls rather than forward controls as a first bike

• Kawasaki z650s - they are a completely modern bike with a retro look over the top. Competent, reliable, well built. I've never ridden one, but I know people who own them and really like them.

I hope that helps.

@BenBWH

Good luck! What bike have you got your eye on once you pass?

Is everything wooden framed in the US? I saw a couple of houses being built when we were in LA and was surprised at the almost complete lack of concrete or stone.

@northsouthdenimguy I get that it's probably better to avoid politics/religion/ beliefs entirely, otherwise there will be responses (like mine, mea culpa) that react to that.

@Cymro I did have some Huit jeans so that's probably where I'm remembering it from.

@Giles I can't see that I was being dogmatic.

To clarify my point then, in my opinion the two things are separate (linked, yes, but not inextricably) but to Endo's point I'll avoid either here.

@SFMCfranky Mrs NickD is from very near Nottingham and we live about 30 miles away from there. Does he still have a Notts accent?

@RocknRoll I can't say it bugs me at all. There was a brand that did this on most of their jeans but I'm struggling to remember who they are. Was it Evisu?

I think people often conflate politics (which I steer clear of on here) with human rights (like the bodily autonomy @sabergirl mentions above) which none of us should avoid discussing - they came for the (insert group here) and I did nothing.

It looks like Sir Cuffs a Lot has bowed out of the forum, which is a damn shame.

Yes, it's pretty normal. They'll free up with time, but a boot jack makes it so much easier.

I missed this post - huge congratulations @Alex

I don't own any, but I know they get great reviews.

Bump - they’ll be going on eBay in a couple of weeks so feel free to shoot me an offer in advance of that.