BGS, unfortunately as a girl cycling alone will always be risky. BUT, that said, if you park at Teak and then just ride to the Rhino and Lion park and back (i know the level you're at and I know you can manage that) then you should be ok. then you can start to build on that distance back and forth along that road - and then just yell for me or someone to come ride with you to go further
well done to Anthony for helping. i hope the lady is ok - as word says, it's incidental that she's a cyclist - the mere fact that someone tried to rape her is disgusting. i truly hope that the cops catch him AND that they aren't the "window dressing" cops who will let him off lightly in their own language and only pretend to do anything to him - would be much better if it's real cops who teach him the lesson that we all know the law won't do.
wow! what an amazing story persian on taking hte time and effort to find out how to avoid him doing himself any harm and for supporting him in a much healthier passion than computer games
but you (who so far are the only person who doesn't say bibs) didn't come onto the thread and hurl abuse nor has anyone flamed you for dissagreeing... something is wrong!
johan does go down to CT every so often. i've just checked his site - 2011 dates aren't up yet... he'll most prolly post in january... keep an eye on his site
bib shorts - don't have a waist band - instead have straps that go over your shoulders. if you are in jhb go on johan bornman's maintenance course - www.yellowsaddle.co.za
as jkp says - there are ways around the suspension thing. when i upgraded i got an HT - a lot lighter than any FS in my proce range, and better components. since going tubeless i can ride softer tyres and that has improved comfort. the fork on my mongoose is so much better than what the mesa had. if i KNOW i'm heading towards badly corrugated roads then i have my thudbuster seatpost.
wtf??? what does it being in a bag change??? oh well, i fly, if you need a big bag made go buy some canvas at chamdor and yell - i have a sewing machine ;-)
tubeless is heaveir than tubes, and the mesa is a heavy frame - while i had my mesa i stuck with tubes and liners as it was already so heavy i didn't want it worse.
i wouldn't upgrade a schwinn mesa. they are brilliant starter bikes, but that's their role. rather look at buying something better second hand and then upgrading a good lightweight frame as you can afford better components.
i loved the pave that i'd had and i did wayyyyyy more than that "recommended" distance. then when i replaced i tested a whole lot of saddles and found my "partner" - the arione and i will have a lifelong relationship. i am a girl, a tad chubby and very short but that saddle works for me. BUT that doesn't mean it will work for everyone... while i had my pave (and loved it) i lent my bike to someone for the fast one... apparently at around 60km she couldn't even sit anymore. she hated it with a passion and it did NOT suit her. LESSON - everyone's butt is different so find the right saddle for yours.
as long as th current approach to life and living, that of "ME ME ME' continues these scenes will continue. as long as the approach of "i am entitled" or "it is my right" continues these scenes will continue. as long as people feel the need to prove they are "bigger" and "better" than others continues these scenes will continue. as long as the attitude of "everyone else does it so why shouldn't I?" continues these scenes will continue. so yes, "everyone jumps the light so i will too" and "it's just 1 drink, everyone has a drink and drives" and "i can handle my drink" or "i know how to drive" are all contributing factors. personally i would prefer to never again to have to see as another first aider is holding someone's skull together while the baby's lifeless body lies a few meters away because the driver was in a rush. being in a rush is no excuse to cause a mother to lose her child.
i had a clicking on my mtb that i thought was pedal, then i rode up breedts neck and it got worse... then coming down breedts neck it got a LOT worse after i went over the first bumpy technical bit... BB was shot. replaced BB and all sorted.
try: Linden, Northcliff, Dunkeld, Cycle Fusion, Westdene, Fritz Pienaar in your price range you just need a good reliable entry level bike that you will replace when you're ready for something better - so don't get sold on any "upgrade" ideas - focus on value for money and durability
condolences to the lady's family. this is why i prefer to not attend rallies - too much alcohol, too many little boys with big toys trying to proove themselves, etc.
Chris, we did an easy 25km - a bit further than would be ok for little kids but easier than previous big hub rides have been. seems hubbers are losing their touch :-(
