MudLark

Yes. I have a Neo2. I use it mainly for structured workouts. There's no difference in that context, whether its plugged in or not. It just works. OTOH, our house is also pretty much offgrid. So doesn't make a huge difference in my life either way.

I've tried many many seats. And I have quite a few Sella Italia jobs - at a few grand each. And the most comfortable seat I have found yet? The very inexpensive Ryder saddle I bought about a year. No hassle, no fuss-- it just works. Maybe have a look at them.

Just an afterthought. On my Race Kings I have noticed that as the sidewall fabric becomes more visible, the sidewall also seems to become more flexible (a bit softer). I theorise that the rolling resistance may also there become lower but am not ceratin.

Well that will eventually blow out.

I *only* use Conti....

I am interested in @DieselnDust's waveform view. I've often thought that it must be the flexing of the sidewall that does this over time (a less erudite way of saying much the same thing?). I can't see what else it can be, other than perhaps also some degree of natural abrasion if you ride trails and rocks etc. a fair bit. I have a few tyres like that with still usable tread but generally I replace them at a certain point even if the tread is still okay. Whether it is underinflation depends upon your view. I typically run the 2.2 tyres in question around 1.6 (front) and 1.8 bar (rear) on a 23/24mm internal width rim and I'm the low 80's. So more or less within spec AFAIK. But they end up like that over time anyway. So for me, it's just part of the normal tyre wear factor. Sidewalls wear just like the tread does - for me anyway. @RobertWhitehead, I think he's smoking his socks. But I am now using a water based sealant (Ryder) and I suspect the same thing will happen again anyway.

I agree.

Paul, you should expect to pay between R 5000 and R 6000 to have a proper checkup by a qualified cardiologist. There are many good cardiologists. But it will probably take you a few weeks to get an appointment with one, unless you are being referred by your GP on an emergency basis. The checkup will probably include a test while you are running on a treadmill and also a heart sonar – you will actually be able to see your own heart beating on the screen. It's a bit disconcerting. If you have doubts as to which cardiologist to use, maybe approach the SA Heart Foundation and see if they have any recommendations to make. In my case, my medical aid did pay. But the cost of the examination is not very big inthe overall cost of being a cycling enthusiast and it is quite literally a life and death matter. So don't think it's one of those where one focuses too much on what the money is. PS: Looking at your profile I see you are in Gauteng. Dr Len Steingo is a good option.

Something of a change of subject. The posts about heart attacks make me think. I've been at a few events now where blokes have died. At least twice I have actually gone past the guy. IIRC the first one I saw was 947 MTB 2018. It was bitch hot too that year. Some other riders had moved him under a tree a little way off the track. Medic was still on his way. I bought my first bicycle in February of 2018. By July I was getting a bit more serious. So went and had a proper cardio 3D scan and have also subsequently had a sonar. To be sure. And have pushed some of my mates to do the same. It really is something about which there needs to be much greater awareness. If you're a middle aged male - or getting on a bit like me - or a bit overweight - and you want to participate in events, having a full proper cardio examination is really not an optional matter IMHO. It's literally a matter of life and death. IMHO/YMMV.

Paul, I would be happy to pay a bit more to get a medal, especially if the proceeds go to charity. I think that's fair enough and all good.

Nah Diesel. For some people just getting to the finishing line is a big, big and very tough accomplishment. Some people probably deserve that medal just as much as the guy who came first. Maybe even more*. We aren't all made equal. That takes nothing away from the guy who comes first. *Like maybe the paraplegic guys pedaling those recumbents with their arms. Or that seriously ou tannie that I went past on the Tshwane Classic pumping away on a 1970's Peugeot - probably all she could afford.

I don't know how many I have but quite a number. I hang them from a tall standing lamp in my study. When I look at a particular medal, I think "Oh, that's what happened on that event. And we fixed John's wheel at the side of the road 8 times. Or, that's the one I got the bloody piece of glass on and had to walk the few kms. Or that was my first RTS". And so on. So for me they're the photos everybody else pays for. Kind of thing.

There are some I prize more than others. But each one is a bag of memories. I keep all my road race numbers too. ????

Truth is that I like the medal. Maybe its puerile. But I do. And I'm less likely to enter an event without one.

I often ride Delta Park, Emmarentia, Alberts Farm, Northcliff water tower solo on a weekend and have never had an issue yet. No guarantees though I guess.

The one is BlackChili, the other is not. If you have the money, get the Protection (BlackChili) version. If you're on a budget get the Shieldwall.

In my case, no coffee is the best post ride option. ????

Eish. That entry was then clearly just a waste of money.

Couldn't agree more.

I tend to the view that while commercially, for the time being it's 'dead' that it won't stay that way forever. There are times when I really wished I was on a 26er instead of a 29er - on some quite technical trails and some events. I think it's only a matter of time until a new generation of younger bikers - who grew up with 29ers - rediscover the joy of a 26er on a tight and difficult trail. Then it will re-commercialised again.

Nick, we (myself and LBS) have mated 10 speed Tiagra hydraulic road shifters to XT derailleur and gear cluster on my Procaliber hybrid. Works perfectly. No tanpan required in that case. Edit: I haven't really used the bike much since the conversion was done. I took it for a spin yesterday. Looking down at the rear derailleur I saw it now reads 'Tiagra' My apologies. My bike shop was smarter than I was....

Timing chip in the race pack.

So is my thumb (my bike is only either locked or unlocked). But it works well for me.

Interesting about the vaccine and VO2 Max. My Max has also gone up steeply lately. Also now that I think about it, post vaccine. And I have changed nothing. Same bike, same training program.

A proper bike fit can make a very big difference. It did for me anyway. As for that 380m long hill outside your driveway, you should be able to work your way up that standing on the pedals and using your weight. You might be better off starting out on a mountain bike though if you need or want to climb steep hills. At least until your strength and fitness is up and your weight down.