RacerX

Chappies is hardly that twisty - if you need the whole road to descend it, you need to learn how to ride a bike.

Sorry mate, I think you're mad if you think that a helmet is going to save him from the taxi/bus/truck. It will be his skill, judgement and visibility that saves him, not a helmet. Helmets are over-rated - Google any decent study on cycling safety. If he was in his 50's without a helmet he probably started riding/racing before helmets existed (yes, there was such a time believe it or not!) - he's been doing fine up 'till now hasn't he?

Disadvantages: 26": You'll get nothing for it when you try to sell it 'cause the industry has successfully duped us into thinking that they will buck us off in the first corner and then try to have their way with us from behind... 29": If you don't ride a large or bigger, a 29er is too big for you, you midget! Rather take your chances with that perverted little 26" bike. 27.5": Perfect, no disadvantages, you probably need one right now. Go on then, what are you waiting for!

It makes a big difference. I started racing (road) more than 20 years ago with 172.5 and quickly moved up to 175 and then a few years later to 180. I ride 180 on all my bikes now (MTB & road). I have a 94cm inseam which is long, but not uncommon. Once I learned to spin the longer crank I was more comfortable on the bike and my climbing improved. I can comfortably spin the 180s at 120+ rpm all day long if I need to. Oh, and for what it's worth, about two years ago I did a bike fit with Jeroen Swart which confirmed the 180mm crank length.

If you ride a medium or smaller sized frame, you don't need a 29er - get a good second-hand 26" bike. There are awesome deals out there ('cause everyone wants a 29er!). I'd rather ride a well cared-for, lightweight 2nd-hand high-end 26er than a low end, heavy new 29er.

Hmm, look at this and reconsider

The clamp cannot wear. I have the same frame and seatpost and use carbon paste to secure it with no issues. That stuff works. Get the FSA bike-specific paste.

BS

I agree. OP, shame on you, go get a real job and leave the kids alone.

I had an awesome road ride around the Peninsula today that was somewhat marred by two threatening-looking guys in the road above the Red Hill squatter camp. I had rounded the second hairpin from the Scarborough side when two guys coming down the road spotted me and moved to position themselves in the middle of the road, moving apart as if to create a way to trap me. Their body language was not that of a couple of guys on their way somewhere; they just seemed to be up to something. I stopped in the road to see what they would do and they stopped, bending down to pick up stones and badly trying to disguise the fact that they were responding to my stopping and being suspicious. I took the safe option and turned back down the hill and added another 45 min to my ride by going home over Smitswinkel. I may just be paranoid but thought to be safe rather than sorry; I know too many people that have been mugged mountain biking on Table Mountain - did not think that would be a concern on the road. Anyone else had bad experiences on Red Hill? I'll be giving that climb a miss from now on if I'm on my own.

Cables do stretch, especially when they are new. You should not be working at a bike shop

My god, what a sacrilegious question!

Cinelli Spinaci http://www.cinelli.it/memorabilia/big/022.jpg

+1 Saddam, you have no idea what you are talking about. The riders you refer to are just your common or garden variety d@@ses.

Looks like you could see him just fine. Don't be so judgemental.

Niner Niner Niner Niner Niner Niner Niner Niner Niner Niner Niner Niner Niner Niner Niner Niner Niner Niner Niner Niner Niner Niner Niner Niner Niner Niner Niner Niner Niner

Windows Commander

I've found dinged rims will seal fine - you could try gently bending the edge of the rim as straight as you dare taking care not to crack it. Use a large spanner, not pliers. I've also successfully patched a pinched tyre using a standard tube patch and glue - I would rather patch than plug in that area.

+1 Awesome race, hard and fun. Good mix of climbs and sweet singletrack. Not for novices though. If you got caught in traffic on the ST you were way too slow in the many k's of tar road and open jeep track after the start to get a good position. Ride a bit harder next time!

Good grief, why not just chuck in some clen while you're at it? Real science increasingly shows that supplements are at best neutral (i.e. do nothing) with loads of them proven to cause harm. If you eat a balanced diet you will get everything you need.

Heinrich or Thor (to redress 2009)

No, it's the one that fits you

The bad karma will make you crash and require a helivac. When the organisers find out you were not entered they will send you a bill for about R60 000 (ask Willie Engelbrecht!)

and here's another perspective! ... Five Lessons From Training Camp

I'm afraid you assume too much - in my experience (20 years of racing) it is always a lack of training that leads to cramping. The fitter I am the less often I cramp in events. I cannot believe the crap people are prepared to take as a magic potion for cramping. Rennies? WTF?