thanks, the current gear is 69" which works well for hillier terrain, i swap to 86" for flatter rides. it's a very straightforward swap as i use a different matching chain, so the wheel stays in the same place with no need to re-adjust rear brake pads.
One of the benefits of horizontal dropouts[1] is that you don't have to adjust the brakes if the rear wheel is moved, the angle of the dropout means the rim is in the same position w.r.t. the brake pads wherever the axle is in the dropout.
One snag of horizontal dropouts can be a bit of pain with tight fitting mudguards, but I've never had a problem removing my rear wheel even with full SKS guards, they are just bendy enough. Fitting the guards with safety clips (usually for the front wheel mounting) can be used to solve this if it's a problem but adds to the faff.
I got my Tempo early on (it was the third one Condor sold apparently) and so it was considerably cheaper than it is now. The replacement (after it was stolen) was paid for by the insurance company so I wasn't worryied about the subsequent price increase as the insurance co paid out for a like-for-like replacement.
Original:
http://www.greenbank.org/bikes/tempo/tempo7.jpgNew:
http://www.greenbank.org/audax/pbp_02.jpgIf I hadn't gone for the Tempo I was going to go for the Genesis Skyline (which was the then equivalent of the Ridgeback Flyer with mudguards). Would have required a bit more dosh to bring it up to the spec I wanted but still way cheaper than a Tempo. Tempo is lovely though.
1. The forward facing ones on a slight slope, not rear facing track-ends.