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Been test-riding a rigid Ragley hardtail recently. Made me appreciate suspension forks. A lot! My first few seasons of MTB racing were on a rigid hardtail. I cannot find one good reason to ride one regularly, voluntarily! But that's just me. I'm sure there's a (niche) market...
With the comments made on how on a 29er makes the choice of line not important, would it be fair to say that 29er's suit those who are not technically skilled riders?
Definitely!
One of the things I really battle with is the front of the bike lifting when riding up steep hills.
Would a 29er let this happen more, or would it happen less?
Try softening your elbows a bit and lean forward more on steep climbs.
Attack the incline like you want to get OVER it, not just UP it. Attitude makes a big difference. You need to pedal hard from the berm at the base and stay seated. Select a gear that's not too easy. Power climbs are just that - power climbs... Good luck!
I have always received mine, but now that you mention it. I have not yet received one this year yet. I think tread is hands down the best cycling mag in SA. There must be a good reason that we have not yet received it. Holding thumbs! Hopefully tumbleweed has some info?
Grondpad, is your subscription still valid? If not, it may need renewing. Either way, call me tomorrow and I'll look into it for you. Like I said to Peter L, please call me after 11h00. My number is 083 3111210.
A family member was given a subscription
to Tread magazine for christmas .First magazine never arrived after much complaining etc. a replacement was sent .Time for the second one and with the delivery address changed to a P O Box as the 1st was presumed to have gone to the RDP. We have a copy of the next issue which was bought in a shop about 8 or 9 days ago .Family members subscription has once again failled to arrive,Tread were approached on Wednesday a message was left on Joannes cell phone now Friday evening and absolute silence. WELL DONE TREAD has anyone else experienced similar problems
Peter L, call me tomorrow and I'll look into it for you. We hate the SA Postal Service almost as much as we hate punctures, but are unfortunately at their mercy. Call me late morning as I'm riding until about 11h00. My cell number is 083 3111210.
I like Jens Voight too. First met him in 1998 when I covered the PruTour (Tour of Britain) as a journo. He was on the GAN team. Always joking around and really down to earth. Was fortunate to get into the Saxo Bank team car support vehicle for Jens at the 2010 Tour de France during the final TT. He's really powerful (very good leverage with his long legs) and was probably riding at 85% of his best – like most riders do in the final TT if they're not in contention for team or individual honours. With about 15 kays to go we heard on race radio what Cancellara's time was - obliterating the previous best. The driver pulled up next to Jens to tell him. Big smile "Extra bottle of champagne tonight," he grinned.
Top 3 finishers at MTN Attekwas – George, Sahm and Platt – all on 29er hardtails... More confirmation.
The staining is actually a good thing. This usually occurs with supplements that DON'T contain preservatives. It's just discoloured, not damaged...
Crack, yes, cycling is an elitist sport. So too is yachting, moto-x, skydiving, rally driving etc. Barriers to entry in these sports are high because of the cost of the equipment. Swimming is not an elitist sport, the barrier to entry is low. They have excellent development programmes in place in South Africa and we're still not there yet with a black Olympic medal hopeful...
Maybe this is where you can get involved. Contact the head of Development at CSA (details are on their website) and ask how you can make a difference.
Well said - is CSA only interested in road cycling and its development, maybe its should to seperate entities - like RCSA & MTBSA. Also the development of underprivilaged people in the sport - There is that thread about being dropped by guys on old crapped out bikes while youre riding your 60 grand machine. we need to develop those guys not the rich kids whose daddies think their child will be good cause he rides a fancy bike and can afford to send him to all the training camps.
Its funny how we all know that " Black Africans" are fantastic at endurance sports, yet there are so few involved in the sport cause they get priced out by the eliteism of road cycling. Just my 2C
You need to understand that CSA has different divisions. There is a division that looks after cycling development and a different division that looks after each of road, MTB, Track, BMX and Cyclists with disabilities. Each has their own goals because each discipline/category has its own challenges/characteristics.
How about volunteering your skills and knowledge (almost all the CSA administrators are volunteers) to make a difference where you think they're not performing. Or at least get involved with this at club level and set an example of what can be achieved. Administrating a sport is not easy, it's not usually that much fun and – my pet peeve – compliments are seldom heard/read, while criticism (seldom constructive) comes easily.
And just to put you in the picture, I'm not a cycling administrator and I'm not in any way involved with CSA.
So in 29 years they still cant get it right? What is the goal & plan? To have them ready in 20 years time:unsure:
While I can see you have a genuine desire to see improvement (as I'm sure we all do), you're obviously quite new to this sport, which means you won't know what the administration of cycling has been through over the past couple of decades. It's a long involved story which I don't have the time to tell. But what I can tell you is that the progress made in road cycling recently in terms of elite racing success is on a sharp upward curve, which is fantastic! There's a way to go still, but the process has been put in place and is beginning to reap rewards. Carla Swart finished 10th at Elite Road World's today. Never, has a South African finished in the top 10 at Elite Road World's.
There's a 2020 strategy in place, which got quite a bit of media coverage a couple of months back. The details are here: http://www.cyclingsa.com/Article.aspx?uid=68
Shew, lots of criticism, unfortunately not much of it constructive. Having been involved in competitive cycling in SA since 1981, I can confirm that the current CSA Road Commission has done more to improve the standard of road cycling in SA in the past couple of years than what was ever achieved before. Sure, they'll make the occasional error, but they are proactive and passionate and knowledgeable and that is something that's difficult to create.
They have the following in their favour:
* A goal
* A plan
* A great pool of talent
and the following challenges:
* Limited funding
* Limited support from SASCOC (which still struggles to understand that road cycling is a team sport)
* Geographical distance from Europe
* A lack of international-standard local races
All of these challenges are currently being addressed to varying degrees, so perhaps a little patience (and support) is needed.
Sorry to hear this sad news. RIP Mark and strength to all family and friends.
My thoughts on this, written a few weeks ago:
Hi Ray
I just got back from the bush test riding bikes for the next couple of issues of TREAD and was directed to this thread. Obviously your situation isn't ideal. Unfortunately, it's also not unique. About 10% of our subscriber copies don't reach their destined addressees. And get this, it's not always the same addressees every issue.
That's a high percentage and we've had a proper go at the SA Postal Service about this - on more than one occasion. They can offer no reasonable explanation or solution, which elevates our levels of frustration even more. I've also discussed this with other independent magazine publishers who say they experience a similar non-delivery percentage through the SA Postal Service. Once we are made aware of a problem delivery, we go to great lengths to turn non-deliveries into deliveries, even personally dropping off copies where possible.
However, none of what I've just written changes your situation, although it does highlight the most frustrating part of our role as magazine publishers reliant on an inconsistent postal service. I see Donovan has already committed to assisting you. As the new guy in charge, I will discuss this with him and will do everything within my control to make sure that Issue 8, which you recently received, certainly won't be your last...
Sean
Kiwi, are you the SA wholesaler for Kona? If not, who is? Never, ever had any communication from Kona's SA agent. Pity, legendary brand that I'd love to see in TREAD mag...
They cut a half-moon out of your itb, which loosens it. It's a very minor op and full recovery is quick - about 3-4 weeks for running, less for cycling. I had my left itb released in 1994 and have never had a problem since. The right one is still a bit tight but I stretch it regularly. I also don't run insane distances like I used to back in the 90s.
itb friction syndrome is incredibly painful. Usually hits after the amount of exercise each time (can differ for cycling and running). Mine used to hit 18 minutes into every run. Then I cried as I walked slowly home. If you've tried everything else and it hasn't worked, then go for the op. It's next to your knee, but it's not your actual knee they operate on, so isn't nearly as scary as it sounds...
What awful news! I was planning a profile on Allan in the Nov/Dec issue of TREAD... Allan added depth, texture and colour to mountain biking and will be sorely missed.
This on the back of the news that long-time cyclist and a new friend of mine, Brendan Clarke, died of a heart attack while out on his bike this morning. He was 39.
May Allan and Brendan rest in peace and may their families and friends find strength at this time.
I'm absolutely stunned at this terrible, terrible news. So sorry for your huge loss, Bruce and Angela. This world is undoubtedly a poorer place without Adam, a rising cycling star and a truly amazing person.
The article has been sensationalised somewhat. I know that spot where he crashed. The paramedics should have just headed down wide section of trail that becomes the perimeter section next to the N1. They could have avoided the 'steep, slippery embankment' and wouldn't have required any firemen or ropes...
Hope the rider isn't seriously injured. Hope this doesn't put anyone off riding at the Bike Park.
Hope the fallen guy is okay.
Zombie Birdhouse is great fun. Went over the bars on the second rock garden my first time (ouch!). Challenge is on to see who can post the quickest time around the best trail in the park now...
Okay thanks. Narrows it down somewhat. Both = good news (usually quite quick to rectify); one = bad news (a specific injury that requires the usual treatment). Keep doing what you've been doing and be patient! Sounds like it's mending, but don't try and test it/rush it... Trust me, I've had virtually every running injury Tim Noakes and Co. ever devised names for.
to Tread magazine for christmas .First magazine never arrived after much complaining etc. a replacement was sent .Time for the second one and with the delivery address changed to a P O Box as the 1st was presumed to have gone to the RDP. We have a copy of the next issue which was bought in a shop about 8 or 9 days ago .Family members subscription has once again failled to arrive,Tread were approached on Wednesday a message was left on Joannes cell phone now Friday evening and absolute silence. WELL DONE TREAD has anyone else experienced similar problems
Tread Mag Delivery - Jul / Aug Edition
in The Bike Room
Posted
Hey guys - it'll be out next week.