Indeed. That cassette is designed for flats. I used this bike last year. TBH I had to walk up part of Ditchling Beacon. Ran out of legs and gears. 
Perfect for the run into Brighton tho
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Managed to trundle 75k today. As usual it was wind against on the way out and wind against on the way back 
On a brighter note I didn’t need gloves the weather was so nice. Coffee and fruit cake half way round.
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A nice bike like that deserves some classy handlebar tape.
I’ve done the London to Brighton twice, 1982 and 1983. 
Had to get off and walk up Ditchling Beacon the first time but the following year (i’d progressed) rode all the way up with big grin on my face while people standing around at the summit clapped those who rode past.
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Managed another 100k today - after 50k gravel ride yesterday including Rosedale Chimney so done 270k so far this week. Rest day tmrw
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Thanks for the kind comments
Can you recommend any classy handle bar tape? It currently has Deda tape
Well done on conquering Ditchling Beacon 
My dealer recommended this when my original tape started to tear recently. Black and red now installed and very nice it looks too.
KRANX Stretta Primo Bicycle Handlebar Tape High Grip Anti-Shock Tape.
Widely available.
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Followed up Saturdays 75k with a more relaxed 65 on Sunday. Including two stop offs.
Was a bit pushed for time so took the shortcut along the new A27 bike path to Lewes. Brilliant. Mostly separated from the road, so nice and quiet. And very high quality surface. As you can see from pic below, the A27 road is not for the faint hearted. So bike lane much appreciated !
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It’s been years since i purchased any handlebar tape so not street wise i’m sorry. However i always favour the leathery-look tape (but not genuine leather) and has water/sweat resistance, and better to avoid white; it will become grubby looking in no time.
@Chalshus maybe able to advise on a good brand (?)
Also; a good idea to study a couple of Youtube vids for how best apply it, there are right and wrong ways to wind it.
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Deda Elementi Mistral is a good tape, but it can be a bit difficult to wrap if you are a beginner. Imitated leather finish.
Pro Eva Foam tape is another classic. Very easy to wrap and good to use.
I have a bike with Brooks leather tape. Expensive, but very durable and classy.
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Should also add: worth taking your time with a few YouTube videos to get your winding/wrapping technique right. Park Tools have a good video channel.
Even worth a dry run with your existing tape.
Its a simple technique, but not one used on a regular basis, and needs a bit of attention round the brake hoods.
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At this moment, I’m feeling the weight of the cycling branch of the Naim forum. Oh, the neglect! Oh, the shame!
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Get wrapping man. Get wrapping !
Good to see some Schwalbe Marathons. Proper tyres
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My wife and I are both in our late seventies and we get enormous pleasure from daily rides on our electric bikes
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Isn’t it a bit uncomfortable on electric bikes? 
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Bad man 
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The weather was so fab this morning I just had to get out on the bike - 50km down to the coast line of Belfast Lough to a lovely area called Cultra. Wish we had more days like this over here!
Peter
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How have I not discovered these before!
Two rides this week, on and off road and…no blue toes. No chillblains. No hot shower agonies. 
Brilliant things, a bit bigger than a tea bag and they seem to stay warm for several hours. I have had to trim away a bit of the insole at the end to fit them comfortably (they seem to go solid once they start heating up) but other than that they are perfect.
I should say I have bad Raynaud’s in hands and feet but I am sure these would be good for lots of riders. They are going in my pocket when the cricket season starts too.
Bruce
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