KatjieStewels

I switched from ASICS, the brand that I have supported since 2010 to a pair Mizuno Wave Revolot shoes (they were on sale on Takealot for 50% less). Given my budget constraints as a student, the Mizuno shoes are pretty good IMO. Replacement ASICS were way too expensive . "There is what is perfect and then there is what is possible" - CMPG311 Database design textbook.

Depends on where you are. Kroff cycles in Paarl will definitely be able to help you. Hein has a mint chopper at the door as you walk in and mentioned to me that he has another frame or two as well in his warehouse.

Solid points here. Regardless of the bike you choose, automatically add R2000-3000 to your budget. Trust me, your wife is going to want a new saddle (and why not, if she's comfortable and happy you have a guaranteed cycling partner for those chilled rides). After I bought my wife's road bike I spend another +- R2500 putting on a different saddle, pedals and a few other small changes. When I buy a bike I usually change the tyres as well, only recently have I had an exception. But that can also be another R1000k. Factor these costs into your feasibility study. Last note, building a frame up is more expensive in most cases, satisfying yes, but more expensive.

https://www.trekbikes.com/za/en_ZA/warranty_policy/ I don't think their policy agrees. It specifically mentions the "original owner".

I don't know of a brand that transfers the lifetime warrantee. They wouldn't make any money. Also "lifetime" is very ambiguous in general, I suggest taking a look at the fine print to see what exactly their definition is of "lifetime".

Oh yeah, keep recovery kit on hand in a backpack as well, just the basics.

As a regular bicycle commuter. I use a 1980's Tour de Suisse steel bike. I converted it to single speed for simplicity, but that might not be a good idea if you have serious climbs on your commuting route. In terms of safety on the road: - Use a garmin Varia paired with my watch (don't have to worry about a cycling computer) - plenty of reflectors - lights front and rear In terms of safety off the road, i.e. parked: - It's an old bike with no visibly expensive components (thieves actually look at this according to my neighbour that recently retired from the police). - U Lock - Remove the varia and anything I don't want to lose. An old bike can be amazing if properly maintained. I have a motorcycle and a motorcycle license as well, but I just love riding the old bicycle regardless of fuel prices. I hope this helps. To me the golden rule (as someone from Stellenbosch, arguably the mecca of getting your bike stolen), make the bicycle as unattractive as possible for malicious third parties.

It me last night at 02:30, felt like the OMO bubble all day. On banana’s and Rehidrat today.

I couldn't have said it better myself... The best thing about Stellenbosch is that there are plenty of free trails as well.

Oh yes I have haha, I started cycling two years ago and the cycling community is awesome. Even my wife started cycling this year. The braai's in question are the "end of the year" street braai's, I simply don't get invited to the others anymore. 😅

My 2cents for what it's worth. I stopped drink 5 years ago when I got married. It is remarkable how awkward braai's become when you are the only guy drinking a coke. Luckily Alcohol free beer came out and made social events less of a mission. This country has a nationwide alcohol problem, once you start brewing up pineapples to get your fix, you should ask some questions.... This isn't normal, if you can't go for a month or two without a "drink", you might have a problem. I too, have challenged my friends and family to provide me with some data about the possible health benefits of alcohol. Nothing notable thus far, except the perception of it being a "social lubricant" or "dutch courage". Whilst on the rant about traffic violations, speeding... Here in Paarl it's quite an issue, especially past Spice Route (Suider Paarl Road), the speed limit is 80km/h yet people drive 120km/k+ there. It's part of many of the road cycling loops and even leads to many of the MTB trails, so simply avoiding it isn't that easy. *Rant over*. Have a great day folks and stay safe.

I read some of the comments on the post... I can confirm that there was ample water, coke and ice provided on the 112km route. Some of the comments about warm water and 0 ice are just wrong. I was in the H-group and I rode for 5 hours and 9 minutes. This was my first race, and it honestly wasn't that bad. Perhaps the organisers could have changed the race to 86km for everyone and given a discount for next year to the folks that paid extra for the 112km. Nonetheless it sucks that a fellow cyclist passed away, condolences to the family.

What is the price that you are willing to let it go for. I agree with the other comment, touring bikes are fairly niche bikes. I paid R2200 for my Tour de Suisse RS500 touring bike that I use for commuting in town.

Buy a Garmin Fenix 5, you can replace the battery for <R500 courtesy of Takealot. The battery replacement is very straight. I bought my Fenix 5 off the hub and haven’t regretted it. I paid R5500 beginning of the year. My problem with polar is non-replaceable batteries as well as inferior straps. I came from polar (M430) and won’t be going back any time soon. My polar h10 HRM also works flawlessly with the Garmin Fenix.

I had a similar issue last weekend, took it to the LBS and I turned out to be a bent rear axle. I noticed the play in the rear wheel and suspected the bearings. They fixed it in 30 minutes and it cost me only R150.

https://www.bicyclerentalcompany.com For the Stellenbosch/Winelands area I can recommend Bram. He's got some nice dual suspension Trek mtbs.