The most common question I get asked about Eroica coming to South Africa is, “Will my bike be allowed?”. Now it is true that the rules pertaining to what bike you can ride is very strict, and that not too many of these rare old racers are available locally, but to address this we’ve created a second category especially for South Africa.
So, to break it down as simply as possible – for the full Eroica Category you need a steel racing bicycle built before 1987 with period specific components, non-aero brake levers (the ones where the cables come straight out the top) and normal pedals with toe-clips. For the South Africa Category you’re allowed to ride any steel racing bicycle built before 1999 with period specific components, aero levers (the ones where the brake cables pass under the bartape), but you still have to ride with downtube shifters and normal pedals with toe-clips.
Of course there are some allowances made, but please study the Eroica South Africa Rules section on our website or get in touch if you are unsure about any aspect of your bike.
If you realise that there are components you need to change, and extra things you need to get, please don’t delay. South Africa doesn’t have that much of this stuff available, and ordering from overseas is expensive and takes time. Best to get onto solving any issues as soon as possible! Besides, part of the pleasure of an event like this is hunting for that very special little part, and uncovering it in the most unlikely place.
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If you don’t have a vintage steel racer yet, don’t despair. They are out there. Second hand shops, online marketplaces like Gumtree and OLX, this fantastic resource – Bike Hub – that now has a special Vintage Bike classified section, specialist shops like Woodstock Cycleworks, Hunter and Whippet all have options. And then there are of course all the uncles, grandfathers and neighbours with bikes hanging in their garages gathering dust. It’s time to rescue those classics and get them on the road again! Happy hunting for that special machine.
About Eroica South Africa:
Eroica South Africa is a celebration of road cycling culture – bring your classic racing bicycles, and come ride with us through the beautiful Karoo around the dirt roads North of Montagu in the Western Cape. Set aside the weekend of 23 April 2016 for bicycle-talk, lots of riding, wine-drinking, great food and music. Find our more on the website here.
Just the pedals with toe clips still to go before I'll be ready. And I have a loan pair lined up It's good to have friends that never sell anything!