The Convert

I still love Raleigh road bikes for their great specs at competitive prices. I have an RC7000 with full Ultegra groupset. It's been going like a dream for 2.5 years now. I paid R14k then when it first came out as a limited edition. I saw it in Westdene Cycles earlier this year for R10999, and you'll get discount on top of that. So before the prices take a serious hike upward in August this year onwards, go grab one! Even if it is your first road bike, get Ultegra. You'll regret having 105 in no time (believe me, you feel the diff), and by then you'll be sitting with a bike you don't really love and a new one will be beyond your reach. My best advice...

Hey Cranky & Ali! Where exactly in Fourways is this new bike park? I can't believe I live here and don't know about it! Would love to see the photos Ali - could you post them on Cycle Lab's newsletter too? Fabulous stuff - man I love my new Giant Anthem 1 - she's gonna get really tested with this facility on my doorstep. YAY!! The Convert2008-07-04 12:35:49

Be careful of Thule Woodmead's prices - they are the MOST expensive (sorry Thule Woodmead). People think that by going directly to them they are cheaper. True, they are very helpful, but they are pricey. You would get a cheaper deal buying Thule products at a bike shop. Promise.

Having bought a MTB recently, I can no longer rely on the option of travelling with my bike in the car (easy with my road bike). I need a bike rack asap and am looking at Thule options. Have read lots on the Hub about this. My simple question is: regardless of the pros and cons of both, which is the better decision... get a towbar fitted to my Polo and buy a Thule (of some sort) to go on the towbar, or forget the towbar and do the clip on option? Votes please...

Hey Cranky... Convert here. I've been told Linden is the best for MTB's for many years. They pride themselves on their MTB expertise more than anything else.

Definitely go with the Mugg & Bean option. It looks very attractive and they're catering for people such as yourself. I loved their one page advert - saw it in the last issue of either Ride Mag or Bicycling. Check it out. Explains everything. Richard Beswick is your man.

Sounds good to me, especially the last part.

Cycle Lab - Westlake. They're really good with Polar matters.

Then go for a road shoe. I'm still a believe in road shoes for road bikes and MTB shoes for MTB's. Then you get the best out of both.The Convert2008-01-08 05:01:42

I'd say - it's certainly going in that direction

Agreed completely! You need a more rigid show on a road bike, so let that also dictate the decision he takes. They are reasonably priced too. Cheaper than MTB overall, especially in the entry level shows, which are perfect. I've had my R700 Diadoras for 6 years and they perfect.

Ya - pops has pms this morning quite clearly. But I still luv him cos he helped me choose my Anthem If he's riding for fun, why would he want to change to road shoes - it's more expense and different cleats and pedals. I say if the MTB shows work fine, stick with them if they're comfy and he's used to them. Plenty people on road bikes have MTB pedals and cleats, but not the other way round.

Nothing wrong with changing to road pedals if you have a road bike. But DON'T change to road pedals on a MTB! Why on earth would he want to? They're equally easy to clip in and out of. Doesn't make sense to me...

No matter how new, you cannot ride without cleats and cycling shoes. I know it all adds up to an expensive exercise but the sooner you try it, the better. Your feet will actually relax when they are clipped in. Promise. You're probably hanging on for dear life for fear that your feet slip out of or off the pedals. Make sure your toes have enough room in the toe box, and at least a finger width between your longest toe and the top of the shoe. If your toes can move but the rest of your foot is secure in the shoe (almost like an ice skate) then there will be good circulation and you will not get pins and needles. Cycling is very different to walking in your takkies. Your thumbs go numb because you are either wearing gloves too tight in the webs of your fingers, or you are gripping the bars too tight, or you are not moving your hands around enough. I highly recommend comfortable bar ends, cos they allow you to alter your hand positioning to give you relief and circulation. It's always good to stretch your fingers out now and again when you're riding. The Convert2008-01-08 04:29:09

Hi Michael H Go to William Pybus. He's brilliant. An excellent cyclist himself, member at Cycle Lab, knows the muscle groups involved in our sport, and how to work them prior to and post ride. He does massage after hours and on weekends. Call him on 082 322 7266 to make an appointment. Lives in Bryanston, and is also happy to go to the client's house if that is preferred. Sorry ladies - but guys, especially cyclist guys, do proper sports massage better!

Hey Popeye I listened to you and got the Anthem! It's bloody fantastic. Climbs like Lance on Alpe D'Huez, and the suspension is fantastic. I made a really good decision.

Now that'll be the day! Do you think I'm made of money guys? I'm leaning towards the anthem hey...

Which is a better option? They both retail for around R20 - R21 000. I've read and heard such great things about both. This is a big decision...The Convert2007-12-10 05:50:32