NC_lurker

Chris you might want to send those off to Arno (PAC) for his cycling initiative in PA. I'm sure he could make use of them.

Agree 100%, at this price range I definitely wouldn't buy sight unseen. I've got a number of bikes I ride on the road (rim & disc brake) and although I really enjoy taking my rim brake Sakae Litage for a loop around the Peninsula there's no denying the fact that I feel more confident & in control when riding one of my disc brake bikes. I've been tagged as a Luddite by my cycling mates for sticking to mechanical shifting, but I wouldn't go back to rim brakes for my primary road bike.

Hi Graham As mentioned, at your height M(54), depending on brand might be more suitable. Note that sizing has changed, old school 58 would now be an XL - frame designs switched to be more compact about 25yrs ago. As an example I'm 1.85 and ride a 56 (L) Personally I wouldn't invest too much money in a rim brake road bike nowadays and hydraulic disc brake bikes would start around R18-20k. So I'd suggest looking at bikes in the R7-9k range which will be perfectly serviceable. Potentially needing a new cassette & chain but perhaps not. Plus leave budget to spend on decent accessories. You don't say where you're based, but here are some random examples of bikes that could be options (less 10-15%). Ignore the sizes.. https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/road-bikes/778725/merida-scultura-904-lite-road-bike https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/road-bikes/779269/titan-stryker-comp-neg https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/road-bikes/782416/cannondale-caad-si If you're able to up your overall budget this could also be a good option, getting you a dual purpose road/gravel bike with hydraulic discs. However it's not a great gravel option given that the tyre size is limited to max 35mm (I think) rather than 45mm or so (major comfort & handling benefits going bigger on gravel): https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/gravel-bikes/774597/scott-speedster-gravel-bike

You're 100% correct. I was clearly having a moment. WE - CW....they all sound the same. Let's call it a brain blip 🙄

https://forum.bikehub.co.za/topic/197192-rip-willie-engelbrecht/?do=getNewComment

Scroll back in this thread and you'll find your answers. Free warranty replacement available & they're simple to fit yourself.

How does a group of 12 take up the whole road?

Sounds good but where does one find route information? Nothing obvious on the Trails end website. Article seems a bit redundant without actual relevant information ☹️

Does one get a sticker to display prominently on one's bike? Asking for a friend...

There's always going to be a potentially better bike out there, but realistically the best bike is the one you have!

https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/hardtail-mountain-bikes/675352/gt-zaskar-pro-carbon-26-medium Example of what's available in 26er... might get it for R6k..

@PandaAttack1 if you really want your partner to get into cycling then best you save some budget for decent bib shorts & the right saddle for her. Nothing quite kills enthusiasm like discomfort down south... Likewise forget about a carbon frame for yourself, rather get a decent Alu frame bike but if at all possible find the lightest bike available for your partner. Light bikes are fun, heavy bikes not so much. Of course I'm making some serious gender stereotypical remarks, if your partner does a lot of strength training then perhaps a heavy bike won't phase her! I'm going to get slated for this, but I'd even consider a 2nd hand carbon 26er hard tail for your partner....light, fancy & relatively cheap... Good luck!

Definitely suggest looking into joining the PPA rides.

https://boxman.co.za/product/bicycle-box-dwb-double-wall-board/

I would, but I don't think my bike is specialized enough... plus the light appears to have a proprietary mounting bracket, which unfortunately wasn't still attached when I found the light 😆