Thanks for the warm welcome. I have made myself known on the Clydesdale thread. I do indeed intend to take the family to watch part of the tour de france, as it passes by where i am based for work. I bought myself a Carrera Kraken, as it seemed the strongest frame/wheels/etc i could get for the money i had. I am going more for miles than speed at the moment. Once i have lost enough weight and am fit enough i will trade up for a roadier bike - keepinjg the Kraken for offroad fun on my days off.