AfricaMike

How's this beauty...picked it up on the weekend. 56cm Daccordi, full Dura Ace throughout with down-tube 'click' shifters. Now the plan is to bling it up a bit with stainless spokes, a classic saddle (SanMarco apparently reintroducing the 'Rolls') and it's going to get a fresh coat of paint. When last did you ride steel? Specifically Columbus SLX!!! This bike just glides, it's absolute bliss. Steel rocks!

For the uninitiated/ignorant, why do you licence (i think it's to qualify for nationals and get a much better seeding????), how do you licence?? and what is the cost of licencing?? I'll bet there's a thread on this website - I'm just too bone-dead lazy to find it........

Westgate Wheelers charges R400 for the first year (including a free club cycling shirt) and then R200 per year thereafter, including CGC affiliation fees.

My motorplan covers brake pads. Other than fuel my car has only cost me tyres - nothing else. The problem with my car is that they dont support MTB. My bakkie, I bought only because it's a Drifter and they sponsor MTB, and because of that I will keep it. Oh, and show me ANY car less than three years old that has a decent trade-in value...................there isn't one! Now, about that car with the awesome motorplan but doesn't do MTB........................

I disagree. If you ride an entry level bike then by all means rather put cash into a unit trust than buy insurance, but if you ride a top-end bike (which you spent years saving for) and you ride in Jobeg then you're an absolute fool not to insure it. Ask the riders that had their beauties stolen and ended up on hyperama specials.

Specialized

I've used the 720i for a couple of years now and still absolutely love it. I thought it had gone to watch-heaven after it died on me after the first swim at the Imana - they replaced it without question, awesome service. I've used the 16 week training program regularly with great success. My Epic partner swears by his Garmin 305 which they also replaced without question recently. Good screen display and great computer graphics - but the mounting bracket is pathetic. I think both products are great but suspect the Garmin might have the 'edge'. I just like being in my comfort zone so I vote for Polar.

I was on my MTB - too much glass on the road to ride the roadbike.

I was hit by a learner driver in a little blue car this morning on Ontdekkers Rd, Roodepoort. Her mirror knocked my arm off the handlebar and I fell into the car. i think she got more of a fright than I. I actually felt sorry for her. I'm fine but her car might need to visit Chip-Away. After commuting for a while you learn that on a bike you've got no chance against a car/taxi/bus so shrug and be nice - as difficult as it might be. Read the thread on commuting - Johan Bornman got awesome advice.

Cervelo, time to toughen up. Next year's Jock is calling.

Have you ever spent time in the slipstream of a bike shod with Crossmarks. If you're into a facesandblast of note then tell your partner to ride Crossmarks. My preference is Intense System 2's - reasonably priced and fantastic grip on hardpack dirt roads and sandy beach stuff. They're not fond of standing climbs and they perish quite quickly on tar. I had bad experiences with slashing the sidewalls of my Pythons but I believe that Hutchinson has done some work on improving them.

1. Omni-Motion 24hr at Northern Farm 2. Sabie Experience 3. Imana Wild Ride 4. Absa Cape Epic 5. 94.7 6. Jock 7. Crater Cruise 8. Urban Assault 9. Carousel Classic 10. Wilro 100

R415

Stunning machine - even for a chinese sweatshop manufacturer. Excuse my ignorance but by how much are you able to adjust the seat height, if at all. Seems like a lot of the new carbon frames are coming out with the integrated post. Looks very fancy but not so sure about it.

The biggest regret I have is trading in my Jazz. I used to load up three MTB's in the back upright. it has the strap attachments for tie-downs and the car's back seats lie flush with the floor when folded down (no need to take a tent to the 24hr, just remember to load the mattress). Oh, and I got about 5l/100k's open road driving. Awesome car.

Want to see the '09 Specialized s-works. Go check Sausers new toy on http://www.bikeradar.com/mtb/gear/article/christoph-sausers-2009-specialized-epic-17193 Very different and very nice.

Eben Venter of West Rand Cycles (011)955-4342 was kind enough to lend me his Gary Fisher HiFi Carbon Pro for a recent Epic training camp in Dullstroom. i have been blessed to have owned some magnificent bikes over the last few years - Cannondale, Specialized, Ventana, etc. The Gary Fisher HiFi is simply astonishing. The bike is a peice of art in every department. Eben's bike was a 26'er - I think it would be even better with 29'er hoops. Try take it for a test ride, you won't be sorry.

Done 6 of the best that Dimitri can throw at us. The undisputed king of Saffrican 24 hour racing. The Westgate Goons relish the challenge. Bring it on!!!!

Many years ago (about 2001) I had exactly the same experience at Westdene Cycles when looking to buy my first MTB. I have never been back. Since then I have supported West Rand Cycles and NEVER been disappointed.

Need assistance please. Does anybody have the total ascent gains of the Argus and the 94.7 - and maybe if I'm lucky someone can help me with total ascent at the Jock?