Alert readers will note by the puncture in the stem that this is a used C0
2 canister. This is not a review of the imperforate product.
The canister's chief value is as a memento of a flat tyre, which it does admirably. Being recyclable, its green credentials are intact if one takes as a given its necessity to begin with, though sticklers may offset the greenhouse effect of the previous contents. As to whether the carbon dioxide was worth the £2.00–2.50 it costs in bike shops, this is a bargain compared to gases such as neon.
An empty canister weighs 12g less than a full one, not the 16g advertised, which is why this received four stars instead of five. Weight conscious cyclists may prefer the less useful but undeniably lighter shell.
[see also
horror vacui]
The government's Cycle to Wick scheme was dealt a blow when some MPs questioned the need to subsidise travel to the Highlands.
Located on the main road to John O'Groats, the royal burgh and former herring hotspot frequently sees cyclists passing through. According to a spokesperson for the tourist information centre, that's the problem: "We're too close to the end at the end of the end-to-end. They hurry past without spending much money. Due to this unfortunate accident of geography, we're suffering."
One of the most vocal critics of the scheme is Alan Johnson, MP for Kingston Upon Hull. It has been suggested that Johnson is still bruised by the Cycle to Hull promotion, which, due to an unfortunate typo, was advertised as 'Cycle to Hell' in most of the print media.
Wick boats the world's shortest street, at 2.06 meters. A cycle lane is planned.
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