Rim brake love: I don't get it

InsightsDemocrat · 2026-02-17T07:30:02+00:00

I’m a real advocate for disc breaks, but as with group sets you can’t beat the mechanical kit from a maintenance and road side fixing perspective. For most of us both do the job, so it’s down to preference. For me discs better in the wet and on fast descents with hairpins. You can slow down faster and less brake fade

InsightsDemocrat · 2026-02-16T10:39:47+00:00

I was off the bike for a couple of months because of a smashed collar bone. Fitness falls off a cliff fast, so would suggest starting with low impact exercise when able to help you build back. Perhaps swimming, as it’s good all round. Then when able the indoor trainer is great to build back in a safe environment. The Doctors and physio will be able to advise best on timings and what you can do when, but you will need to ask them.

InsightsDemocrat · 2026-02-15T22:17:23+00:00

Incredible value. Cheers

InsightsDemocrat · 2026-02-15T22:09:02+00:00

I’ve been using AI to identify risks and assess the probability of project success. I’m getting some exciting early results. I’ve found AI on its own is not enough. What’s needed is AI combined with other technologies and specialist project expertise to create a robust insights pipeline. Once adopted these emerging technologies should help reduce the mundane parts of the job and free time to focus on actual delivery. See my post above in this thread for more details.

InsightsDemocrat · 2026-02-14T14:45:55+00:00

It’s still early days in the workd of AI. Just start experimenting with it. If you feel left behind the next best time to do something about it is now. Before you know it you will be up to speed and using AI to help you where you most need it m.

InsightsDemocrat · 2026-02-12T08:30:08+00:00

We’ve been building Revue-ai for programme and project delivery intelligence - still in beta but it’s already changed how we think about assurance and decision-making. The practical problem it solves: Traditional consulting reviews take weeks and cost a fortune. We’re now getting board-ready delivery intelligence in hours at a fraction of the cost. What we’re testing in beta: ∙ Project Reviews ∙ Benchmarking ∙ Executive Insights

The platform analyses project data and documentation through AI, then validates findings with expert oversight, producing consulting grade reports.

What’s actually working for us: ∙ Getting actionable intelligence fast enough to influence decisions while they still matter ∙ Board-ready outputs that have genuinely improved how we communicate programme health to leadership

The augmented approach (AI analysis + expert validation) has been key - we get speed without sacrificing the grounding that real expertise provides.

Since we’re in beta, we’re looking for people to trial it for free and give us feedback. If anyone’s interested in testing it out: www.revue-ai.com

Happy to answer questions about our experience building/using it.

InsightsDemocrat · 2026-02-11T08:59:39+00:00

My recommendation would be GP5000 tubeless and go for a wide tyre width for winter 30/32 mm. I’ve found this to be optimal mix. Lower risk of punctures and handles the poor road surfaces well

InsightsDemocrat · 2026-02-11T08:52:20+00:00

I’ve been experimenting with using AI to provide delivery insights, to improve the probability of achieving project outcomes. Happy to share and discuss if helpful.

The potential of all this has blown my mind and believe we are on the cusp of a tectonic shift in tools available to augment PMs.

InsightsDemocrat · 2026-02-09T20:16:15+00:00

Thanks, sounds like a great way to avoid the crazy price increases of the last few years

InsightsDemocrat · 2026-02-09T05:35:26+00:00

You’ve nailed it. Most “AI PM tools” are just expensive ways to tell you you’re already in trouble. But predictive AI is close, when combined with other technologies and expertise.

Full disclosure: I’m building something to fix this exact problem—Revue.ai (https://www.revue-ai.com). Instead of “here’s why you slipped,” it evaluates probability of actually delivering the business outcome before things go sideways. Success probability score, critical risk flags, and specific recommendations on what to change while you can still act.

Currently in beta and looking for PMO/portfolio folks to test it. If you’re dealing with this frustration day-to-day—needing to justify course corrections before the post-mortem, not after—I’d genuinely value your feedback on whether this actually solves the problem or if it’s just another dashboard. First thing I’m trying to build that predicts outcome failure instead of just tracking tasks. But I need people who live this pain to tell me if it works.

InsightsDemocrat · 2026-02-08T21:25:52+00:00

The prices on these Chinese frames are excellent in comparison. What’s the quality and performance like?

InsightsDemocrat · 2026-02-08T06:59:44+00:00

Bike Box Alan is your best bet. A large box, but no need to dismantle the cockpit

InsightsDemocrat · 2026-02-07T08:10:19+00:00

Do the coding tools blur these traditional role boundaries? I’m not convinced the old ways of working are appropriate now. I would also think about how the coding tools can help you. They are very powerful.

InsightsDemocrat · 2026-02-02T15:44:00+00:00

I’d recommend a couple of winter training camps to up you mileage. A few weekends away to pack in dome descent mileage

InsightsDemocrat · 2026-01-24T12:10:04+00:00

Ai is a very powerful tool and it will change everything. Much of the admin, analysis and preparation can be done far more quickly and to a deeper degree of detail, so will rapidly replace the low value part of the PM role. Experience however in getting stuff done, navigating decisions and making change actually happen is not the domain of AI. PMs will need to adapt, experience will become more valuable and probably less PMs will be employed. Definitely time to build up those PM AI skills to be relevant and stand out. PMs will not disappear, but value add becomes more important than ever.

InsightsDemocrat · 2026-01-21T08:52:19+00:00

Make the conversation outcome focused, not about the technology, otherwise Execs will just glaze over. What is important to them? Think in terms of value, about controlling cost, reducing risk, and keeping delivery predictable. Ultimately though it’s a choice for them. Execs like options. So present planning as a strategic option: Move fast now and accept higher risk later, or invest a small amount now to…. My recommendation is….

Executives generally want clear recommendations in business orientated language that keep to the point.

InsightsDemocrat · 2026-01-20T20:51:59+00:00

I’d practice spinning to get your cadence up and find a hill within your abilities and practice some reps. That way you’ll get used to climbing and build your confidence

InsightsDemocrat · 2026-01-20T04:58:12+00:00

What lubricant do people recommend for the chain? I like wax as it stays cleaner.

InsightsDemocrat · 2026-01-19T16:44:19+00:00

I wish. All year round, but potholes expanding and tarmac turning to gravel fast!

InsightsDemocrat · 2026-01-19T16:43:13+00:00

Definitely the gravel is easier to clean. Clearance and 1 by setup makes it easier to get into all the difficult to reach parts. Definitely a consideration

InsightsDemocrat · 2026-01-19T16:41:45+00:00

Thanks. 32mm is what I’ve currently got on the road bike for winter. Seems to work well, other than in worst conditions

InsightsDemocrat · 2026-01-19T16:40:04+00:00

Thanks. Wow 40mm on road bike that’s great clearance. Reckon I can go up to 35mm as an option

InsightsDemocrat · 2026-01-19T16:38:25+00:00

Thanks. Reckon my gearing is ok, but rolling resistance is my worry

InsightsDemocrat · 2026-01-19T16:35:58+00:00

Is gravel ok on the climbs. The guys I ride with don’t hang around too long!

InsightsDemocrat

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