When I first saw Knipex pliers, I thought they were just another channel lock type, but no, these German made beauties are something else! I don't have the mini yet, but need a pair.
I have the exact same bike lift as you do! I just use it for storage though in my garage. I do like your solution of using the cord to support the rear. I never did like the hooks under the seat. I used to use a bungie cord to hold it to the post.
We actually learn both as well. I like to cook using grams, but the distance measurements are so ingrained into my brain, I have to consciously translate. Cal Trans uses metric, and it throws everyone off. I can get on with most of it, but degrees C still tosses me... It is all fun and games...
This is what I love about my British brothers... You use standard & metric units in an intertwined manner.
translated: I can half understand what you are saying...
SÌ...
I had a 30 minute conversation in a taxi from the Palermo airport to my hotel this summer using Google Translate. I can speak words fairly well, if I can read them. The Taxi driver used the speech translate, I used typing. We had a fantastic conversation!
hahaha... They named the town after the largest landowner in the area way back in the 18somethings. Pretty sure his family came from your neck of the woods.