Christie

I dont understand why funriders would want 1x11. Yes it is a bit ligter thand 2x10, or 3x10, but why? I rate a front shifter as an easy device to learn to operate, I have never met anybody who found it "too complex". Imo the bicycle industry needs the next big thing plus an eager market to keep raking in cash. Steel frames - rubbish after alu and Ti frames matured. Alu frames? Useless, you must get carbon. Same story for 26", 29" and now 650. For me, 1x11 is just another way to get you to spend money to look like a pro. I dont argue that it is an excellent gruppo, just that only 99% of all riders wont see a difference in their race times on it.

Imo alu and steel are superb materials for bike frames. The carbon craze is feuled by the industry to sell more stuff. There is no reason why non pro riders should think of carbon as the best material for them - mtbs have got fat tyres and suspension that eats a lot of vibration before it reaches the frame. Also, there are carbon frames that weigh the same as good alu frames, and ride just as hard, but cost much more. I cant see the sense in spending money on those. But the noise from the marketers are so loud that 90%+ have bought into. I like the Niners, I think my next bike will be a SIR or ROS. I also like Ellsworth, but I dont think they make alu hardtails anymore.

Plus if it rains hard, visability is very low, risk of getting hit by a car is much bigger. I would be more afraid of cars

Not so strange. How many rider have tested positive after leaving those doctors? There is a big risk attached to Horner, if not for a doping positive, the being ordinary without the juice and a waste of money.

Good win, but our attack were looking a bit out of ideas at times. Tahir & JPD looks like a good spin combo, but work to do there, too. I dont think out game plans make the most of spin yet.

I wonder if this is the reason there was reverse swing in the 1st innings of Pak? Probably, considering how the ball behaved after it was replaced in the 2nd

Also because they lie about the weight. The advertized weight for some top end road frames were probably measured on size extra small, without dropouts, bb shell, clear coat and paint. Some frames carry a "made in Italy" sticker, although they are made in China. Best to do some research before you drop your cash, if these things are important to you.

Rather a Colnago C59 then. It has the pedigree, and has loads of class, and is still made in Italy, unlike Bianchi of Pinarello.

What kind of riding do you do? Imo reasons to go for a Dogma would be: - To show you have money. (although lots of fakes around nowerdays) - You are a serious fanboy and must have a bike like Sky or Movistar. Technology wise it is a bit of a dud imo, a well engineered bike can not be so heavy, and test showed it has a firm to hard ride compared to other frames (but pro riders and racers prefer a firm ride) Roubaix probably the most comfortable road frame on the market, would suit most people better, unless you race for the podium.

I did not expect them to bat so well! Pitch turning sharply, looks like a real beeeeatch to bat on. Fantastic test batting on display today, incredible fitness needed to bat so long in conditions like that. The long rest looks like it did wonders for Smith, he is batting like the Smith of old, whe he got thos 200s against England - awesome! Lotsand lots of time left, its only day 2. Not so easy to read when to declare. Perhaps look for a 500 run lead? AB looked very tired, imo he should have a good rest tonight and smash his way to 200 asap and get off the field, he will probably spend longer behind the stumps in Paks second innings.

We can afford to build slowly, because it is only session 1 on day 2. Make the Pakis fry in the sun a bit. If we could build up a 250 run lead by middle tomorrow it will likely not be necessary to bat again. Lets see what the next new ball and extra reviews bringfor Pak.

There may be some small to benefit having an attacking spinner in the side, hey selectors?

I see we are heading for a humiliating 4th day defeat on a flat wicket, unless Faf can repeat (unlikely with the lack of cricket for him in the last 8 months). Painful, I thought this test team was better than that. Coach & management must shoulder a lot of blame imo, it was poor planning ( perhaps arrogance?)to try play with most of the squad coming from a long holiday.

The coolness of "I am an xyz finisher" shirt is debatable. I have never seen a "TDF finisher" or a "Giro dItalia finisher" shirt. Must be a recreational rider phenomenon, there should be a big market for "Argus finisher" kit...... Hat...coat....door ;-)

The problem imo is that the kit was offered for sale in the first place, it should have been given. Entry fees for 3 Epics is a lot of money spent. The club for 3 time finishers cant be such a great market, not all of them will buy lots of the kit.

Well, it was nice to have been the no 1 team for a short while. Gary gone, how long before the no 1 ranking is gone, too?

Shimano RS80 C24, or perhaps Dura Ace C24 if budget allows, imo they are the most awesome wheels for the price. - best weight vs aerodynamics vs cost. 10 speed ones should be on special, if you can find stock. Consider that you do not want a deep section wheel to train on, according to Zipp's website you will then push less watts on every group ride, and gain less fitness from training. If for racing only, go as deep section, as you can, but if you want to do your training on the wheels too, C24.

Discussing temperature measurements is interesting. Imo the garmins etc. measure higher than ambient because all of them are sealed boxes exposed to direct sun and the electronics inside generate heat. Warmest I ever measured was 52C, Vissershok stage of Giro del Capo 2009. No way the ambient temp was that high, though, lots of us would have died if it was that hot.

How did the Saffas do? Only short results on cyclingnews

Boks had a good game, they dominated large portions of the match, and I dont think any other side in world rugby can score 4 tries against NZ. We released the pressure too often though, with basic mistakes and poor elements like lineouts and kick-offs. Imo JJ has to up his game on defence, or only play against weaker teams. One weak link cases uncertainty in the line. Lots of positives - Habanna, JdV, Willie, Etsebeth, Louw had great games.

JJ was poor, Kirchner average, Coenie & Strauss not on the same level as Bismark and Jannie. Lineout was a mess today.

Most defensive aspects not good for the boks today

Agree, well said. Carbon is a fantastic material, but the market is at a point where folks are willing to spend R50k on a Dogma that weighs more than a metal frame. Metal bikes would also work better for 90% of riders, yet most end up on a carbon frame.

This makes me think of a review I read of a very expensive but badly engineered "performance" car, written by a professional race driver. Not being used to normal car journo speak and politics, he described it as "a shopping trolley for stupid people". Made my list of favourite motoring articles. (edit - sorry for the hi-jack)

I find the weight quite crazy for the price, considering that you could buy a modern steel frame that will weigh in that region, and have arguably better ride quality. (at least as far as the average owner is concerned)