Thanks for the welcome. I’ll have a look at the derrailleur for sure. I’ve only had it happen almost spinning out down hill on very poor roads a couple of times and only when changing down as I gather speed. I might not go as far as big Apples, I had an aluminium frame road bike many years ago and I am reminded of how that felt. Sheffield roads get a tough time over the winters here so when I wear out the stock tyres I’ll see what’s out there, I might go with a more supple tyre at about the same width as the current ones. Kojaks seem interesting.
I’m keen to do a trip on the train and ferry to Dublin some time. I have done it in the past with a regular bike but this is perfect for such a trip.