andydude

I don't know about always having an improvement, because most times it feels like they're only doing it to make money. Kind of what Apple is doing where you have to buy every new upgrade, because everything on older models isn't compatible.

Isn't that like saying in rugby SA should only play NZ and perhaps England? The wheel turns, so in a few years NZ might kick our ass again.

Use Mapmyride to plot the route and then you'll get the profile, ascent and all of that. It's free.

Don't worry, Rome wasn't built in a week... apparently it look about 870 years...

I've failed badly! 3 days taken off from Christmas probably didn't help... time to harden up. 3 x MTB: 79km & 1018m ascent 2 x Road: 238km & 3325m ascent Total: 317km & 4343m ascent Maybe I should go ride 16km this afternoon so that I've at least made two thirds of the 500 challenge

So far I'm in for the ride (so that I can finally do the whole Spruit), pizza (because I like) and beer (because I like even more)!

Hi guys. Just put yourself in his shoes, ignoring the crime stats, history and everything else. I would also be a bit peeved off, but I'm at a stage where I would hopefully be able to see the other side and understand. Still, it's not nice. So, instead of blasting him and each other, let's sit back first, think about it, and try to make it better instead of throwing around opinions.

True that. I don't like the guy, but he's a great cyclist who's won more than "one or two races". Anybody who can TT (which is the purest form of cycling) like him is a machine.

Don't worry, you'll make it. I'm like 300km short! You guys riding tomorrow?

Haha nope! Didn't know about the 400km / 5000m. My 54km only gives me +- 750m ascent so far so I'm far off either way.

So who's doing nice long rides over the weekend? Looking for 4 - 5 hours on both Saturday and Sunday.

http://www.pinarello.../about_fake.php The Pinarello Group would like to communicate to all of its customers that preventive measures and legal action have been undertaken in order to protect our trademarks, patents and goods worldwide. This move is to prevent the increasing instances of counterfeiting and the sale of non-original or fake products. Intellectual property is fundamental for our group and is guaranteed through the registration and maintenance of trademarks and patents around the world. The Pinarello Group, from today, shall devote considerable time & effort in order to monitor the trafficking of counterfeit goods via the internet. The aim is to combat the growing phenomenon of fake products in the marketplace. At the same time, we shall also be sending a strong message to offenders by having their counterfeit Pinarello products removed from popular online auction and general websites. We wish to inform our customers that all our products are sold exclusively via our official Pinarello Dealers and Points; you can find your closest dealer by visiting our official website www.pinarello.com . Our resellers are at your complete disposal and shall provide you with all the information required prior to the purchase of our products/s. We remind that our warranty and the after-sale services are only available upon the purchase of our genuine & original products.

I'm not talking about the material used, although I guess you can also patent a certain carbon and/or composite, but if you look at Pina's frame, surely that is patented? And you can't use patented designs for your own products, because that would be stealing, even if you don't put on stickers. I'm just trying to understand. I guess the same would apply to cars, where basically it's metal on the outside, but the forms and designs are patented.

I'm still a bit confused. So it's ok to steal someone's technology, mould, etc. and use it to make your "own" frames, so long as you don't sell it with the real stickers, etc.?

I think I might have a problem... I've only done 54km

Just watch out for this...

As far as I know there are two "fakes". One is where they use exactly the same mould and specifications of the original and sell it either as the original at lower prices or as fake at even lower prices. This is blatant stealing. Think of you sneaking into a factory at night and putting on the machine and producing a few samples. Two is where they copy the mould and specifications, but then use their own machines and factory at a different spot to manufacture. Obviously this is also stealing, e.g. the patented moulds and machnies and specs. In both circumstances the quality control might not be there and it is not only illegal, but also the quality might not be the same. We all know the Chinese model is build upon copying, but that the quality is not the same. I understand the point about it being expensive, but then think about anything you buy, from bread to cars. It's easy to say 20 years down the line it's expensive, but somebody had to risk their capital initially. Whether the margins afterwards are high or low is more a philosophical question regarding capitalism, etc.

Guys, remember the 2.0 is for pro climbers!! We're not all built for being a climber so rather look at your strengths than trying to lose too much weight. Fabian Cancellara's height and weight is 1.86m and 80kg respectively which calculates to a 2.4. None of the pro climbers would be able to match him in a TT.

Oh yes... another question... should I go for gears or single speed? Can you all understand now how stupid these questions are? Ride what you like!

No. Don't spoil MacGyver for me now!

Mine works out at 2.4 at 82kg and 1.88m. If I want to be 2.0 I have to weight 67kg - interesting because that is Andy Schleck's racing weight and he is about the same length as me. But I'm not built for climbing so I have to find a more realistic comparison.

That's not good... get well soon!! Rest is not always a bad thing, though.

So if I've decided on the wheels, what's the better groupset, Shimano or SRAM?

My one hero who's still clean...

Seems like I'm out because of my lycra and 29er.. #prejudice Just joking, but still out. Enjoy!