MudLark

https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/computers-and-gps/798620/garmin-1030-edge-charging-port-covers

Colnago, Pinarello, Factor... all still available new in rim brakes. They work very well on roadbikes and there is nothing to be ashamed of. I have a rim brake Bianchi C2C and its a lovely bike. I also have two disc brake road bikes. The C2C is more comfortable and gets used a lot. And yes, it's still on very narrow tyres. Those also still work. Forget the trends. The important thing is that you get what you can afford and what works for you.

Thanks Jimmy. I tend not to be harsh on tyres. possibly partly because I'm getting old and I've yet to tear a lug off a Continental. I did look at the Maxxis but their rolling resistance rating is OTT compared to the others in class. The Onza is new to me but sadly also seems out of stock everywhere.

Hi guys, My preferred tyres are Conti Race Kings in the Black Chilli version. But these seem to be made of unobtainium in our world (who is the hopeless local distributor anyway?) and so I am thinking of switching brand loyalties to Schwalbe, who at least seem to have a more consistent stock availability. On my list of possible options is the Thunder Burt in Super Ground, which seems to also have a low rolling resistance and seems to be suitable for dry hard pack (the vast majority of my riding). Any inputs on the Schwalbes relative to the Race Kings would be welcome, including as to the relative durability given that I'm reading that the Thunder Burt tyres seem to have a pretty short lifespan on the centre treadblocks. I guess my other options would be Racing Ray and Racing Ralph, but they seem to have a much higher rolling resistance than the Race Kings. Cheers and TIA, ML

That link is golden. New to me.

Having seriously crash tested a few helmets already, these are the key things I look for: Firstly, structural strength. I look to see how strong the shell is and how much of an impact I think it can take while still staying in one piece. Anything that doesn't seem very strong is immediately discarded. Secondly, impact absorption. Simply, how good is the inner lining. Third, fit. It must fit very well. And I prefer a helmet that goes down behind the ears. Fourth, ventilation. More is better. Fifth, MIPS. Sixth, replaceability of sweat absorption liners etc. Seventh, eye shade (yes. some roadbike helmets also have removable ones). Eighth, price. Ninth, wind resistance. Tenth, colour. Your priority list may vary. Some would especially puts MIPS higher on the list. But all my crashes have been non-MIPS and utterly destroyed the helmet but I'm still okay (my wife may disagree). They were very strong helmets too though.

What size is the frame and what gearset do you have?

Update for those who care. I'm still riding this bike and I must admit that it has become my favourite bike. It's not for serious trails and its not for fast road races. But if you just want to go ride - just want to grab a bike and go ride for a few hours - this is it. I have a Spez Diverge (2017/7) as well that weighs a bit over 7k (carbon everything) and this bike is a lot heavier but I still prefer this bike. While the weight isn't entirely ideal and I still haven't figured out a plan around the front shock lockout, I absolutely love this bike.

They are 32 spokes. Rims are Velocity Blunt SL.

They look very strong indeed. I will count the spokes when I have a minute, I suspect that they are indeed 32s.

Interesting, I've recently picked up a set of wheels (freebie) built on American Ckassic hubs and see that they are labelled "Built by Johan Bornman". They seem to still be in pretty good condition.

I couldn't find a courier company willing to ship a 1950mwh battery - and I looked. I'd be delighted if you find one.

Ek sal heeltemal vrek hier na 3 ure as ek nie eet nie.

My spanner in the works here: For a ride of an hour or 90 to 100 minutes, I eat nothing, even if its first thing in the morning but may take a along a banana if I think I might feel a bit flat along the way. For long haul rides, I've tried Cadence, that fancy Swiss stuff (name now escapes) etc. None if it really agrees with me, I have found USN muscle fuel in my water bottle to the best option for long hard rides. For inbetweeners a conventional USN protein bar or a Biogen energy bar (the latter is good for a quick bosst when you need it and are not too far from the end). Then there is normal food too - a good old peanut butter sandwhich or similar. Spectacles, I've tried special prescription cycling specs (baie duur). Nothing has worked as well for me as my standard varifocal lenses with photochromic addition. The curvature on the special cycling lenses made it difficult to judge drop offs etc on trails. Not an issue with my standard lenses which have less curvature. Maybe just get yourself a spare pair of you can afford it. And I can see everything - computer, trail, the lot. But everyone is different. You have to find what works for *you*.

Okay, update. Garmin have quoted me R2.9k (incl VAT) to replace the entire device with a new one and to simultaneously upgrade to a 1040. I think that's fair enough. In an ideal world the batteries would be available locally and it would cost about R500 for the Cameron Sino replacement (plus labour or DIY). I'd be happy with that but R2.5k to upgrade to a 1040 is also worth it I guess. And I have had the 1030 since the first half of 2018. I think it's very fair of Garmin. Thanks to @DieselnDust for telling me to try the Garmin repair route.

Well, that could get exciting.

I have read other sites suggesting popping the battery. I am doubtful of the wisdom. If all.else fails, I will have the battery repacked.

Thanks Diesel. I went to see them and it looks like they might well simply replace the unit with a new one - or possibly against a relatively small contribution. Looks like the option that might make the most sense for me.

Thanks Diesel. I live just around the corner from them so will check it out. In the past all battery issues with Garmin have been 'buy a new one at a discount' and the discount basically takes you to the same price - or just a bit under Easy Bike. But maybe that's my best option anyway. Will contact them.

Thanks Droo. I might have to do this as well in the end. Wife might be on a trip to the UK shortly though so possibly also could get one there for me,

Thank you. I have seen those but cannot identify a compatible one. Problem is that they also not avilable in-store so I can't go and compare items either.

Hi guys, My Garmin 1030 battery has started swelling and lifted the screen although it otherwise works entirely normally. I simply can't find a replacment battery anywhere locally and importing is impossible with the regulations around shipping lithium batteries. But I have found someone who thinks they may well be able to repack the battery for me - they do it for a lot of devices. Certainly a lot cheaper than a new device and the unit is going to useless anyway without a functioning battery. Anyone tried this repacking option and if so, what has the experience been? Any other options for sorting out the battery issue short of replacing the device?

You're never going to get the right answer here. No two bodies are identical. You have to listen to your body and figure out what works for it.

Hi guys, Does anyone know where in SA one would be able to buy a replacement weather cap for the USB port on a Garmin Edge 1030? It's listed as a replacement part can't find it listed anywhere online. Cheers, ML

Okay, firmware up to date. Checking the Garmin fora, it seems to be a 'product feature'. Maybe I'll return it under warranty.