Canaris

pro-funrider, we all sympathise with your problem. However, why were you racing when you had a cold/flu? This is not the wisest thing to do. Even if the doc had prescribed a non-doping drugs, you should have let your body rest and recover, rather than smashing it in a race. You not a pro so you can say no to a race. See this as being an example and warning to others that race in the licenced cat without realising the life altering implications of the "licence".

considering that you should not race when you have the flu, using the excuse "It is contained in some cold remedies as a decongestant" is a bit lame.

I posted this months ago. THey even have their own website: http://www.theafricancyclist.com/home.html

rich dudes with mining connections, are normally also shoving money into politicians pockets (ala Kebble), they also seem to land up dead in strange circumstances (Kebble, Barnato, ext)............

No, Reg it will be the only two days when you will be able to "get it up". When the word "intensity" is used it is not used lightly.

there is one for running, not for cycling though. THe basic assumption is that if you do three days of quality you will need four days to recover. Remember the quality is blood in your mouth intensity. So here is the Idea (this is converted from running but the distances will have to be adjusted to personal preferences): monday: 30 min warm up. 10 x 1km intervals (Hard) 30 min cool down tuesday: rest or cross train (swim, run, sex) wednesday 30 min warm up. 5 x 5 km hill climbs (klapperkop) 30 min cool down. THursday: rest (see tuesday) Friday: 30 min warm up 1 x step ups. (500m, 1km, 2km, 5km, 2km, 1km, 500m) 30 min cool down (IF you are racing on the weekend only do about 15km Long slow ride) Saterday: Race, or play on the MTB Sunday: see saterday (or go to church if you are that way inclined) or spend time with family.

hey konaman my hub name is for sale, but OXwagon has been the only one to approach me directly. A logon name with almost 5000 posts should be worth something on the hub? Regards konaFan

If you gonna buy a road bike, get an idea of your ideal geometry and fit. ?Don't buy a frame that deviates toomuch from your "fit"even if it is a bargain. Consider "unknown" road brands, as you will get a better spec for your money. ?Ideas: ?Coicc, raleigh, silverback, Kona (they make road bikes?!), Marin, ext. Remember that almost every year for the last 5 years either shimano or Campy has updated their groupsets, so older groupsets may be cheaper as well. ?

unfortunately, it takes some people a bit longer to work out why they are never invited to parties.:-)

hav u ever been down here and ridden with these dum fools!!! best place to be is either far ahead of them, or far behind them. ?Attack or die trying, but show no mercy.

so it is not only the capetownians that whinge and whine about inexperienced riders?

great ride. ?Very hilly.

any takers?

pm brighter lights or search for blixem lights on google. You can make our own. Serach for lights to find the threads dealing with this issue.

off road is called Mountain Biking. This is normally done on "Jeep" track, single track, "half track" and gravel roads. In Sabie in rivers and mud as well. on road cycling is called "road cycling" or "Are you f****** mad?" Cycling on road (on a mtb) with roadies (road cyclists) is known as fairy hunting, especially when you attack and leave them in yor dust. On bike set up, there are two measurements that are critical (JB may corretc me). Both are rather invasive so get a girl to do it. THe first is the Inner seam measurement. (Crotch to floor) which determines bike height (and size) otherwise known as stand over height. THe other is known as reach which is the length of arms and torso divided by a magical number ext. Most bike shops just ask you to sit on the bike and hold the handle bars. If you are comfortable then it is a fit. (Here stem length and handle bar height are manipulated to get this fit) O yes ask if you can test the bike in the parking lot for comfort before buying anything. On a MTB remember to ride both the hardtail (with no rear shock) and the dual suspension of the brand you are settling on. THe dual sus is normally about 2K more expensive but may be worth it in comfort and handling.

Sharleen, it is possible to go on the road with a mtb, but not possible to go on the trails with a road bike. Guys who a serious about cycling have at least one road bike and one MTB bike. Some have even more. For starters begin on a Mtb at Northern Farm. Make some cycling friends and keep it social. (Holy Roller's mine dump rides and Calabash's rides are great places to meet fellow hubbers). Roadies (Road cyclists) are a bit "stuck up" and will expect you to ride at their pace and in a tight bunch, which for a novice can be a bit intimidating. Also, rather buy a decent (right sized)bike with minimum deore/LX groupset than get caught up in the never ending "upgrade" mentality. good luck. ps search for slowbee's threads, as they have a lot of pervious advice on many of the issue you are interested in.

sorry I read, start off "road cycling". My mistake.

For such a small road bike you may have to get the bike shop to order the frame specially. Consider 650c wheels over 700c. Alternatively drop the idea of road cycling and go for an extra small mountain bike, and ride at northern farm, which is really farm roads and easy for starters. Again, I urge you to START with a proper woman specific MTB, and master bike handling skills before moving onto the road. The road can be very intimidating to beginner cyclists, espcially in Joburg.

there is always a little travel on lock out. THis is to protect the shock against stupidity and forgetfulness

What ever happened to rding it until it breaks or is beyond repair, and then replacing it? I believe this "upgrade" culture is a clever marketing ploy to get people to buy stuff they don't need.

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Bike geometry is largely related to rider geometry. Yes head tube angle is very important, do to the stability of the bike. Some riders confuse fit with geometry. A shorter/ smaller bike will feel diferent from a larger bike.

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