Minion

Mainly because they're deviating from what is normal. All other prices at the LBS include postage, costs etc. I would thus expect prices quoted to me by them to follow the same pattern. If they deviate from this without telling me upfront, they're in the wrong. They don't have to take the hit for the postage cost, just as I don't have to buy the items from them at a cost that is greater than what was quoted.

CRC is a mail order company, so it is rather implied that you have to add the postage since the goods are not going to get to my door any other way. Some companies, such as Evans, have the option to collect the goods in store (much closer to the current case), ini which case you don't pay any postage. They also make it pretty clear that this is the case. When communicating with an LBS, I assume the price they quote me includes all their costs and no postage since I am the one who has to go and collect it. If they're going to include postage, they must state this upfront, otherwise they must be prepared to take the hit for their mistake.

Gotta love weasel words.

As do I. Only if I run out of space at the end do I go back and translate selected words to SMS.

I also think this is a good idea. Add size as a sub-category under Road Bike / MTB etc.

Another irritation of mine: the use of sms-speak (u, ur etc.) in formal emails to clients.

That's true and it's not cheap. Two years ago we were quoted about R4000 for 2-3 officers at one intersection for 4hrs. The organisers also do not get to choose how many officers or marshals are required - the metro police dictate the minimum numbers required as part of the approval process.

What that profile doesn't show is the insane headwind in the last 15km or so of last year's (I think) race. If I remember, I'll upload the SportTracks plot of the wind strengths when I get home next week. Otherwise, BigBen could do it if he's got the Weather Plugin.

Anyone feel like finding a place to make a whole lot of these: http://skepticbros.com/placebo-bands/

I reckon that, if you're currently happy with the Edge 305, and you don't need ANT+ support (e.g. for a power meter), the 500 doesn't add enough extra features to make it worthwhile to upgrade.

Try Sportman's Warehouse for some Underarmour Coldgear leggings and tops. I've found that, as a general rule, it's better to get cold weather gear that's been imported. Our local guys don't seem to know how to design for the cold. I usually ride in the area on Saturdays, though I'm away this weekend. For clubs, you can try www.crestawheelers.co.za

Edge 500 can do those kind of intervals (you're right, that's what advanced workouts are). It didn't have the feature when it was first release, but they added it with a later firmware update. The Edge 500 also has full ANT+ support.

Way too much. You could import a brand new one from Evans Cycles R1500 less: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bianchi/via-nirone-7-xenon-compact-2011-road-bike-ec025814

Based on the excellent builds and and backup service I've had in the past, I'd say Johan Bornman is worth the trip out to the West Rand.

I wouldn't bother counting the sprockets. They don't say how many teeth there are on big and small, so it's just a relative guide. I'd just go by (for a 10sp road bike): Small = smallest chainring at front, biggest sprocket at back. Sm x 12 = smallest at the front, smallest at the back. Sm x 15 = smallest at the front, just below middle in the back. Sm x 17 = smallest at the front, just above middle in the back (one gear above Sm x 15).

I've sent wheels via the Post Office and they arrived OK. I'd definitely make sure it's insured, though.

Since it's non-structural, the epoxy resin would provide enough bond to keep it in place.

There're two pretty good options. The first is a 23km loop that goes out along Beyers Naude, onto Jim Fouche and back via Hendrik Potgieter. The second is a 10km loop through the suburbs around the dam. The short route is pretty good because there's little traffic and there's only one traffic light and a couple of stop streets. If you get the timing right, it's possible to get 30-40km without really having to stop. It also makes it easier for people to do laps at their own pace after the first. The downside is that it can get a bit tedious around the 3rd or 4th lap. The long route has more traffic as the morning progresses (and traffic lights), but more variety. The climb up Hendrik Potgieter may not be to everyone's liking. Here're the route maps and profiles: Short route - starts a block away from Marks Park: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/43179936/ Long route - starts 2km from Marks Park: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/43181114/

What happens if I'm going at the speed limit, but their improperly maintained and calibrated equipment says I'm speeding? What happens if they've calibrated properly, but sited it in the wrong place e.g. the recent case from 2009 where they illegaly set up an 80km/hr trap in a 120km/hr zone on the N1 in Joburg. People driving at the limit of 120km/hr have received massive fines and summonses. The authorities must adhere to the law. This is to protect the innocent, not the guilty.

So if we get lost it's my fault. Damn, all that responsibility

The protection of the valve seats is just a convenient by-product of the lead. It's actually added as an anti-knocking compound to stop premature ignition.

Eish, if the weather forecast is anything to go by, I'm going to be wearing so many layers you wouldn't be able to notice.

At long last, the Metro Police have a way of properly enforcing moving violations like dodgy lane changes, tailgating, reckless driving etc.

I recall reading that some modern cars have a sensor (for NOx, SOx, unburnt fuel, I think) somewhere in the exhaust system thats then linked to the fuel management system. Could be that the LRP gases are confusing the sensor that's expecting ULP petrol. It's then screwing around with the engine management trying to compensate.