3 years old and I still love him...

He was a celebratory purchase, a promotion giving me the necessary funds to splash out on a long-hankered-for road bike.

Okay, so the Giro 200 is the bottom-of-the-line Dawes model (it doesn't even come with drop bars anymore such is its fall from 'racing' pedigree) but this bike has been so solid and is my daily commute.

In three years the only things that have been touched are new pedals, a new cassette at the back after a number of downhill spin-outs, and some new tyres.

Time to pamper him a bit. This month he's heading off for a respray - red to match the tyres and saddle - and will be sporting new bullhorn handlebars when he returns.

Meanwhile every nut and bolt will be given some attention and Giro will be just like new out the other end, and looking forward to another 3 years of potholes and rain.

That's ma boy....