Harley Davidson Backrest on 2040-parts.com

Mechanics qualifications gained using Haynes manuals

MOST MEN enjoy a good Haynes car manual, whether they really understand it or not, but a group of youngsters has used the workshop guides to achieve their first qualifications in car mechanics. The first wave of the Haynes Mechanix scheme has seen a mixed gender youth club group, aged 15-25 and from Islington in London, use Haynes manuals along with guidance from experienced mentors to fix real problems on a real car. The donor Volkswagen, known as Percy the Polo, was a theoretical MOT fail and needed replacement spark plugs, a brake fluid replacement and much more, to give the aspiring tinkerers a broad spectrum of challenges.

Audi hardwood bicycle

Following on from its collaboration with Head for carbon fiber skis, Audi has teamed up with Renovo Hardwood Bicycles to create yet another performance-oriented product. Audi is launching the Duo range of cycles as ‘an embodiment of its core principles of progressive innovation' that aim to blend craftsmanship and styling with performance and technology. As a result, each Duo is built around a monocoque frame that is made from hardwood, which not only increases ride comfort – thanks to the material's ability to absorb shock and vibration – but also serves to reduce weight.

Mobile phone use most hated by drivers

THE MOST HATED driving habit in the UK is using a mobile phone to call or text while behind the wheel. A study has found 47% of British drivers say this is the habit they despise the most in other drivers. Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal, but other poor driving rated highly in Britain’s top 10 most hated driver habits.