Christie

^ sounds awesome!

CTM: Legs still not feeling springy after winter miles (hope I put enough miles in), but the pace was ok during today's reduced hill run. Ive got a few tapering sessions left, hope everything comes together. Fantastic weather on the cards

^ the same applies to buying frames from manufacturers who have their production in China to make as much profit as possible.

I wonder how that works, does it require a capital investment? Also, Cape Cycles used to be the importer, then Omnico. Does Cannondale then refund the investment?

Back home I can follow the same route in reverse, or add a km or so via beach road. I cross the river: http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag294/dilbertZA/20180911_191331_zpsecymqotk.jpg And can then ride along the promenade - this is not a good option if the South Easter is blowing (it picks up sand over the beach) http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag294/dilbertZA/20180911_172629_zpsgglkepwi.jpg Then it is back along home along via the bike lane in the first pic I posted.

Yes - only wear cycling kit if it rains. Otherwise I ride in shorts and a T-shirt and have more formal office wear in my back pack. Shower not neccesary for such a short ride .

Ive made a route overview of my daily commute. I ride home and back almost every workday of the year - it is a short 4km one that would probably take mote time to drive than cycle in rush hour. This bike lane goes past a block from my house: http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag294/dilbertZA/Mobile%20Uploads/20180911_082648_zpspd2fvrgf.jpg I then turn into a double lane road, that has a wide shoulder and sidewalk. http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag294/dilbertZA/Mobile%20Uploads/20180911_082601_zpssoxtrcao.jpg Some nice scenery on the way: wetlands next to the river. http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag294/dilbertZA/Mobile%20Uploads/20180911_082550_zpsseteqttq.jpg Past a golf course: http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag294/dilbertZA/Mobile%20Uploads/20180911_082450_zpsgtzbydo8.jpg The street to the office also has a bike lane http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag294/dilbertZA/Mobile%20Uploads/20180911_082516_zpsu5eskng1.jpg Thats it Almost forgot: http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag294/dilbertZA/Mobile%20Uploads/20180911_081951_zpsv1acxeal.jpg Trusty steed parked in the basement. I lock it to the aircon frame just to be sure it is still there. I prefer the hartail over my road bike, as it is less prone to puncture and gives the option to climb kerbs.

+1

I got good life out of mine - 4500km on the rear, front one is still on, went past 5000km recently. Mine also showed wet spots - I just ignored them. I rode over lots of rocks and roots, tyres held up well.

Shoe advice needed: My trail runners (Saucony Xodus Iso's) are awesome, but do not handle the Western Cape terrain well. This is my first pair of trail shoes, I ran trail with my road shoes, till it felt as though lack of grip was slowin me down. I chose these after due to excellent grip, supreme comfy feel under foot and they feel very similar in fit and while running to Nike Pegasus (go to road shoes). My toes do not damage my road shoes at all, I suspect the damage shown is due to abrasive contact with stuff on the outside. Shoes has done 250km. Im used to getting 700km from a pair of shoes, and trail shoes are more expensive than road ones. Where to from here? (I do about 40km per week, mostly on tar, and use the trail shoes mainly for trail events)

Im stirring trouble HB Kruger rode a dual sus, and his strategy was to stay with the lead bunch and attack on the rougher sections. (Random data vs small sample size? - I suppose we'll have to wait and see what the contenders choose the next time.)

So, according to these results mtb is faster on farm roads than gravel bikes, not so?

Eish, 73 all out. The strategy of 5 bowlers did not work - they were out bowled by SL, and the batting did not go well.

@ Natasha: Safety is the primary factor ito gear and route planning. Depending on your options for rainy days, rather spend on a bike lock, lights/reflectors, proper backpack with splash cover first. Quality rain jacket next. Any bike will work. A gravel bike would be the optimum for me, but conditions differ. I currently alternate between a road bike and mtb for my commute, prefer the mtb for allowing more options to stay further away from traffic. I do feel sorry for the tyres on the mtb, though - wear rate is higher on paved surfaces, hence I see a gravel bike in my future

AB = legend. A lot of sportsmen suffer burnout - how long till his performance declines if he does not enjoy playing? International players live in hotels for longer than rugby players - it must be hard on families. Im sure AB has enough money to retire - I dont think greed motivated his descision.

What a catch by AB- insane!

Tallboy for adventure, Blur for racing. Im not a fan of carbon rims, but theirs have the same lifetime warranty as the frame.

Between those two, I would pick the Santa Cruz ...

http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag294/dilbertZA/Mobile%20Uploads/20180427_173252_zpsmcneguhq.jpg

Bottelary Hills http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag294/dilbertZA/20180430_140038_zps9rggnnrk.jpg

Morning coffee fans and gurus. I need hand grinder recommendations. Im looking for a quality grinder that I can travel with in hand luggage - I would prefer local dealer or over www. Hario or Porlex look like the standard options?

Makes me think of this: (warning: some swearing in the article) https://www.google.co.za/amp/s/www.theonion.com/****-everything-were-doing-five-blades-1819584036/amp 14 speed soon?

There were sessions in particular in the 1st test that Aus got big reverse - SA 1st innings Stark ran through the tail with reverse after 50 overs or so, and in the 2nd innings SA was doing ok in the chase but Aus again ripped through the tail (they kept bowling with the old ball after the new one was due). I guess SA team knew what was going down and whispered to the tv team to search the footage.

Ive struck out on all 3 of those. I can add a pair of work shoes to the list. I had to wear my Sidi Dragons to a meeting once.

http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag294/dilbertZA/Mobile%20Uploads/20180213_182938_zpsqrlwk0g2.jpg