The Ouzo

That is beautiful. Was going to ask about the brake lever and then I looked at the username and remembered.

I dont know what the reason is, certainly was not marketing as this problem existed for me way before disc brakes on road bikes were a thing you could readily buy. When I was younger and braver I'd just look far ahead and hope for the best, as I got older I was keeping the speeds down and braking WAY before any hint of a possible obstruction.

interestingly my hydraulic disc bike has QR skewers not thru axles.

My last 3 bikes were rim braked. The only one I ever felt had the stopping power was the first of those 3 back in the 90's, every other bike since then I could not get to stop properly. It may have been brake pad/rim related, but I could never have more than gradual de-acceleration. I'm now riding a disc brake bike and for the first time in year I'm confident that if I hit the brakes the only reason I'm not going to stop is the tyres losing traction. Confidence in stopping power has changed my confidence on the bike.

Something I realised over the weekend. I bought my Venter used about 20 years ago, fitted a 4 bike bike rack from Venter. Its one of the ones where you take the front wheel off and the rack has quick release brackets where the fork fits into. Anyway, I made a make shift chain keeper for cleaning the chain and decided to use a QR skewer from the trailer bike rack to fit the chain keeper to the bike. It was to short. You see, the last time I used the trailer for bikes I did not have any disc brake bike in my stable, to it was no problem, I now have a problem with 1 disc brake MTB and 1 disc brake road bike in the stable. I will have to investigate other options for bike transport on the trailer. So, if the trailer you are buying has a bike rack, make sure you will be able to use it with the bikes you have. On the wheel size, my trailer came with 10inch wheels, I later did the upgrade to 13 inch, it required a lift kit for extra clearance to the mudgaurds but it made a big difference to the towing of the trailer.

What kit would you recommend in the same price range as Ciovita ? I’m looking for new bibs, need to buy a few, and am waiting for some good specials.

yep my weight has been staying the same since this time last year, but the centimeters around the waist have come off, and gone up around the legs

but cycling shoes are not made for walking, so keep the walking to a minimum.

my ride home ends anytime between 18:15 and 18:30 depending on the time I leave the office. Have been past many a SAPS ans Metro vehicle with none of them even batting an eyelid. So in my opinion just go out and ride.

really cool

It rattles.. The light is removable from teh strap the holds it to the bike, I suspect this is where is rattles, even though its a tight fit. Its a great "be seen" light, has a flashing mode and 2 constant on modes as well as a light sensing mode where it will turn the light on automatically when it gets dark. Also has cut outs on the sides where light can shine left and right. Although traditionally mounted on the handle bars your hands/arms block this. As a "to see" light its just not powerful enough and the light not focused enough, for speeds 25kph and under I suspect it would work, but the higher speed stuff on urban roads it does not cut it. Then there are the LEDs on the top. 3 bright green LEDs indicating the battery level are way to bright and keep catching your eye every time you look down.

reminds me of the first time I went fly fishing. Was standing next to the dam in dullstroom, just getting the casting right and then the wind gusts in a different direction, hook goes into the back of my hand. Luckily nowhere near as spine tingling as this pic though.

Also look at Axis

nope, the lady rider thread requires platinum membership by invitation only

that why they're so light.

The light just got delivered. A quick read through the engrish instructions reveals its a 250 lumens light. Build quality does not seem terrible for the headlight, the tail light not so much. The lens and body construction of the tail light is a very cheap plastic, where as the headlight is a nicer rubberised feel to it. Come neatly presented in a box with foam cut outs and charger cables for each light. I'm charging up the headlight and will test it along side the Lezynne tonight.

riding to work is still better training than driving to work and when there is a climb or 3 thrown into the route, no matter how slow you go up its still hill training.

yeah me too here I am celebrating today because I've just done more mileage than I did for the entire year last year, so heading for my biggest year yet. But in comparison to Savage I havent even left the driveway yet.

Thanks Frosty, following this with interest.

Linkfield drive is a similar gradient and length, your speed is around what i do up there, without 80-90km in the legs already.

I saw your average speed up there on Strava when I was checking out the segment, my heart rate started rising just looking at it.

I've just checked it out on Strava, and it comes near the end of the race. Going to have to order some big boy legs off takealot and hope they arrive in time.

Thanks I normally use komoot with google streetview as a "on the ground" view. But I'm always still very cautious, time permitting it would be great to drive the route first.

I'm keen, never done it before. But I suspect like a lot of other cyclists we are all chomping at the bit to get going and this event will be over subscribed.

I clicked like with the image of a bra-less 20 year old in my head, but then I remembered there are some where they MUST please wear a bra, nobody wants to see your nipples poking out the bottom of your skirt.