Willehond

Power is not really like heart rate in that your average doesn't tell you much. It's useful once you use it properly and find your threshold and to measure your improvement. Try to read up about it before investing heavily. The Polar does work, but I have killed two of them before switching to a PowerTap. The Polar sometimes has 'drift' where some gears show values higher than real and this can be annoying. Not sure if it is due to a dirty chain or other vibrations, but in the end I found it too cumbersome. Personally I would rather find a cheap secondhand PowerTap wheel + system as it is more robust.

OK, here is my sad story: I recently replaced my powertap freehub body and it started squeeking again last week, so I tried to remove the lock nut on the axle, but managed to strip the allenkey hole on the axle. I think I'm screwed, but is there any way to replace the axle component or do I need to buy a whole new PT. I fear the worst... I can't get the freehub off with a stripped axle, so I mighyt be doomed.

Sorry to hear, but glad you got away safely. The other stuff can all be replaced!

OK, sounds like you guys need something to keep you warm until it gets warm, not real clothing for cold weather! If you want proper protection from the cold, you need to layer up and here are some of my observations from riding in COLD weather (e.g.-10 degrees): neoprene toecaps are useless, get proper ankle length rubberized, or for VERY cold conditions neoprene, booty covers. They keep the wind and cold out and keep your shoes clean! Keep you head warm: Balaclavas are overkill for SA, but a proper fleecelined skullcap (preferably with windstopper layer) is fantastic. Pair that with a Buff around your neck and you can handle cold conditions. Putting the Buff on your head is pretty useless though as it is too thin. Get proper gloves! Proper insulated cycling gloves are worth the money. Get them! Like Mampara says: Get fleecelined bibs, they are probably the best piece of kit to keep you body warm. Much better than leg warmers believe me. Oh, and get rid of those useless cheap jackets. Buy a proper technical jacket that stops the wind, breathes and stops (most) rain. BIG difference between a cheap jacket and a good one. Hope that helps...Willehond2010-06-15 04:57:08

Dankie Big H, dis wat ek wou hoor! Ek weet partykeer nie hoe ek my moet inhou nie

Thanks Christie. I was thinking of a shim/plate to spread the load on the contact area, but the one piece cassette sounds like a good option. I'll investigate. Willehond2010-06-13 15:12:40

WOW, gobsmackingly beautiful!!! Very nice

My Zipp 404's started singing a couple of weeks ago with an annoying pinging sound. I couldn't figure out what it was, but eventually traced it to the freehub. Just look at this damage to the freehub! Is this normal and if so, how can I prevent it (if at all)? I have also recently had the same damage on my PowerTap hub, but my cheap Shimano WH550 hubs have survived for years with no damage. Is this a Zipp/PowerTap issue and how do you prevent it? Willehond2010-06-13 14:23:44

I have Spiuks, Radars and a pair of Radons for riding. Poser? Nah, they work for me. Off the bike, I wear BBs. Mario would be appalled. Wasn't he a Briko man? Briko indeed, but I dare you to wear these and get away with it! OK, this pc is from the dayglo early nineties, but still, they are put any welding glasses in the shade... Mind ou, they do remind me a bit of current D'arcs...

Wow, can't you guys afford Radars??? Cheapskates...

Wow, stunning as usual. Love the Merida guy pic! Also quite interesting to see all the roadies riding mtb in winter (Vulgar, ShortLegs and Ihlenfeldt!!! Imagine that...). You guys are lucky to have road in summer and mtb in winter to keep riding all year long. Hope you appreciate it...Willehond2010-06-06 17:17:12

I know because I work at Koeberg. I believe the real reason is for security' date=' no visitors arouns plant during WC.[/quote'] Ah! Must be for security. What make you think I work for securuity. I give you 3 guesses what I do. I put R200 bucks on that you will be wrong. My first thought when I saw the post was also that it was about security. I can't imagine the Americans sending their boys out to Africa when there are people riding like ants all over the nuclear facilities! Especially with the recent terror threats from the captured terrorist. (OK, let me guess: you work at Koeberg, have access to a computer and visit a cycling forum: clearly a nerd, so my guess is Engineer. Am I hot? Emit a disturbing crackling sound if I'm close.)Willehond2010-05-28 04:50:06

They can't even pronounce the word 'rugby' here, so there is no chance they are going to show it on tv!!! Watching it via computer is the only option, but it clashes with the Giro, so it doesn't matter anyway. Who on the Hub watches rugby anyway? We are cycling supporters right?!

Totaly OT, but why do you spell **** with a $? **** is perfectly goeie Afrikaanse woord. Don't be ashamed to admit you drink dooswyn. The contents is the same as the bottled variety, it only cost$ less! When you write ****, write it like you mean itWillehond2010-05-28 04:24:49

Opinion is split on this one (pardon the pun...). You can reuse a 10-speed SRAM link. I reuse my 10-speed link quite often as I take my chain off to clean it. The only difference is you need a pair of pliers to get them on and off while you can use your hands with a 9-speed link.

Yes, you SHOULD! Pins suck

Ahhhhw shucks, you two have kissed and made up!! How sweet (and utterly positive!)

Beach Cruiser class - no mountains' date=' downhill, switchback, drop offs, uphill, suspension, diskbrakes, tubeless wheels, suspension seat post, riser bars (looking at the sample picture cancel that) required. Can save a fortune on unnecessary accessories and start a new trend in cycle ?racing?<?: prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> [/quote'] Swiss, THIS is a beach race. No cruisers allowed.

There is its called cyclocross they even make special bikes for it. Really? You haven't actually been to a cyclocross race right? Cyclocross=pain. You don't want to go there.

I've always felt the shorter routes in SA could be easier. Not everyone is as hardcore as you guys pretend to be. Some people really want a less technical (read: without long sand stretches or ridiculous rocks) and more FUN (read: twisty, flowing singletrack). It doesn't have to be impossible to be fun. I've been grinning ear-to-ear when riding flat 8km loop routes, because the guys who designed the course thought about making it fun. Yes, fun can be tough, but tough doesn't necesarily make it fun. Variety is what you want

Man, you got to love the seriously useless SA passport... Green mamba indeed!

...and stop being so negative you whities. I saw a report on tv here yesterday from the Bulls and Stormers camps and how the supporters there were telling the reporters they were supporting England/Brazil/Spain. WTF?! Have just a little bit of self respect! At least PRETEND to the outside world that you have a speck of nationalistic (small-n) pride!

Go Bafana! Nice one gummibear. I tried to find kids' sized Bafana shirts here in Holland, but can't find them anywhere. My son seriously wants one! BTW, I went cycling near Houffalize on Sunday and got a welcome sms from Luxembourg. Didn't know I was that close to be hones! Enjoy the World Cup. The buzz is picking up (.i.e. Orange vuvuzelas are taking over here!)

So what if somebody enters in a bit of a debate with somebody else? this same attitude exhibited by hubsters is exactly the same thuggy attitude that is disliked in the thugs trying to ruin our country. Just because somebody dares to have the audacity to oppose you, and have an counter argument / dissimilar point of view does not make that same person fair game in a witch hunting exercise. But then we all know that the hub is run on the same principals as a gang, where he who wields the biggest gun think they have the rule. Free speech and independent thinking is just not tolerated here. Quite a bit like a pre-primary school ground. Reason enough not to frequent the place at all, never mind more often. All that happens on teh hub 1. People selling stuff (classifieds in disguise) 2. People fighting with other people Topics rarely covered: 1. Cycling This place has definitely lost its appeal as it has been run over by a bunch of barbarians- / thug- like personas. Well said. I thought I'd come back and see what's going on, but I must say I am shocked (and I don't use that term loosely). The anger and frustration and blind hatred expressed here masks some deep fears and trauma. Just step back and read these comments again and you'll see how warped this really is. Joe Low, thanks for the alternative, and ever consistent, views.