Sequoia

School fees. Been there, done that. Use the correct tool.

Zip Ties? Duct Tape? Bloudraad? The options are endless...

I have a shell jacket that I found at the back of my top shelf. It is in perfect condition, but it needs to be re-waterproofed. What is the best product for doing this?

If you want to do it properly, use a hope SS hub and mate it to a modified SRAM sprocket set. That will give you 6 gears and a dishless wheel, which should be stiffer than a dished wheel, at least in theory... Pretty and impressive! Haven't seen one around, though.

Due to working in IT, I see precious little daylight and spend an inordinate amount of time on my IDT. I have an old steel frame that is permanently mounted on the IDT. There is a LOT of flex when I'm going for it. But (big BUT) this frame has always been very flexible and I'm a big 105KG lad. It flexed out on the road as well. I think you are more aware of the frame flexing on the IDT than out on the road? It is a bit disconcerting to see a front wheel rolling because of fork flex. Maybe it is just us big guys worrying about things like that... I would really like to see someone doing a proper analysis of the situation. There are a couple of factors to take into account, but in the end, all relevant stresses from the interaction between bike/cyclist and the road must feed through the axles into the frame. In the case of the IDT, the axle is connecting the bike to the IDT. It won't be as simple, but is something to think about. Sequoia2010-02-12 09:49:30

Thanks Guys, I'm probably going to take you up on the offers. PM's sent.

I'm thinking of getting back into the commuting thing. A couple of years back, I used to cycle to work in Rondebosch, but now I work in Town. I know a couple of you are riding in, so what do you do with Marine Drive being in the state it is in? Do you take the alternative route, or just take your chances?

Thanks Guys.

I need to buy new pedals for the mtb. I was fairly happy with the spds I had before, but I want to explore my options. I'm big (108kg's) and generate a bit of HP, but I'm pretty smooth and in general I don't break bikes. I DO like a heavy release action, because when I unclip, I tend to fall, and when I fall, I fall like a tree... I've never struggled with getting my feet in or out when required. So, what would you recommend? I don't care about weight. Well, not really...

I've also got a plate. Left side. It bothers me when hiking with a heavy pack or in certain cars when sitting on the left. Otherwise, no issues. Plenty of big guys with plated shoulders... We need to learn how to fall beter...

This is the one most new cyclists get wrong. I've lost count of the number of times I've seen near misses and frustration, because the cyclist was on the right hand side of the cars and had to cross the lane. The problem is that it is mostly commuters and new, uncertain and inexperienced cyclists who are guilty of this. This makes the situation worse, as they tend to wobble all over the car's line. I think they should educate kids at school about the dangers of doing this... People feel safe when they are not in the middle of the road, but standing on the side of the road. It is a false sense of security.

I WOULD like a bike with longer chain stays. With my saddle high enough, I'm sitting so far back, I'm almost behind my rear wheel... One more reason why 29ers make sense for tall people.

Buy a Cannondale CAAD5 frame in 63 or 66cm. I'm shorter than you @ 1.96, but I'm all legs with a cycling inseam of almost 98cm. I am on a 63cm and I love it. Tried the 66cm, but it felt like driving a limo. I'm a fair bit heavier than you as well, without issues. You can't go wrong with a 'Dale if you are a tall bloke.

I have shoes that are close to 10 years old. They are still in frequent use on my commuter. They've seen all kinds of weather and are still comfortable. They are not as stiff as they used to be, but with Look pedals and my riding style, I don't really mind. I HAVE gone through 2 sets of other shoes as well, however, over the same period. However, if you are experiencing pain, you need to eliminate possible sources. Where are you experiencing pain? Pinching? Hotspots? Do they fit properly?