vectis, I never like to hear about a Guzzi going down the road. I had a T3 myself for some years. An effortless, comfy thing to ride, where haste and racing were not the top priorities - but what a disappointment after the 850T, and nothing like the power and performance that many claimed for it. Always liked the Guzzi shaft drive though.

Got rid of an Egli-Vincent a year or two ago and haven't got anything but pushbike wheels these days. Keep wondering whether to do something about it, but my eyesight isn't great, so maybe not.

Spaw & co, I take my hat off to you, because biking in the US seems to be quite a big statement, unlike in Europe, where it's widely accepted without a thought.

The pushbike, if anyone's interested, is a Trek 850 with 4,700 miles on the clock since 1996 (previously a Moulton AM7 until it was nicked and I got rich from the claim). I've done quite a few long-distance pedalling expeditions, including Lands End to John O'Groats in 1990.

Mind how you go!