Super J

Hi Guys,just got "released" from highcare,had the fusion op! All 3 specialists involved said it went well and that it was the only choice I had! L5 disc had 4 rupture points,2 going straight into my spinal tissue causing severe damage,without the op,it was just time till a wheel chair! So,S1/L4/L5 have had disc removal and fusion! And the first thing I checked was if I could feel and move my feet,toes and legs,and not a drop of pain!!!! Dr and Pysio say,as long as I rest on my back for the next 6 weeks with minmal movement and the bones fuse well,and I don't over do it,running,cycling and any non contact sport is a big Yes! I'd love to show you all the screws and pins X rays but I don't know how to load it from a BB! So spinnekop,get used to the idea of of those 63 cm Merckx's hurting you again!!!!!! Hahhahahaaa,thanks guys!

Thanks everyone for your input! Well,I better be able to ride again cos otherwise I am gonna clog up the classified section with 25 years worth of bikes,kit and memrobilia!

Thanks guys! I have had many chiro and psysio and it does help for a week or so but then all hell breaks loose! I also had a nerve reaction /function test and my left leg motor reflex is much poorer than my right due to the already damaged nerve! Basically,the operation is all I have left! I just want to know the chances of training and racing again! Cycling is not my sport,its my life!

Hi,guys! So it eventually happened! I have degenerative disc desease,the vertebral discs are crumbling,I've had it for years and I usually get a dull ache in my lower back,a little cramping and sometimes pins and needles in my bum and legs! I do daily core exercise which really helps until 2 days ago,while training my left leg spasmed and locked up totally,the most amazing pain hit me and I collapsed in the traffic and couldn't move! Two black guys saw me and dragged me to the side of the road! Now I am in Pta East hospital with two totally ruptured/slipped discs,L4/L5/S1 and the ruptured leaking gel is compressing my sciatic nerve,hence the lame leg!my facet joints are also ceased up! So,its no choice but a disc removal and S1/L5/L4 fussion! Now,has anybody out there had this done and were you able to train and race again? I've been in this sport for 27 years,got all my Prov and SA medals and Vets worlds selections! Is this now the end of my passion? Will I now have to be a couch hugger with a boep screaming at TV sport that I don't even do?

Honestly one of my favorite races.......but the entry fee?!!! That is just plain daylight robbery!!

100% it is not a AAS (anabolic/androgenic steroid) it fall exactly into the above class along with Ephedrine and most Amphetamines. It has many medical uses but all are scheduled,mostly asthma and lung function related,the weight loss aspect was only noticed much later duiring trial runs.....and yes,it is easily obtainable right here in SA, infact SA is a big producer of Clen and Ephedrine for medical purposes.

Dude! Your seat post is on max,simple,frame is too small,seat post is out too much and absorbing all the flex..... Snap!! I have the same problem!!

Right,you don't say where you are but contact Hotspot cycles in Pta,ask to speak to Jacque Marits, he stocks Titans and will let you take one for a spin,and R3k will get you a R4k bike in his shop, and you get great service,his wife Dale has been to worlds and she will give you all the "ladies" help you need! Phone him before you do anything!! All be it just for advise.....

I've got a Superissimo 63 frame and carbon fork if anyone wants a lovely retro rebuild. 0832339674 I just don't know how to upload a photo!

I love it,it is a little high in sodium, but it keeps me going all day!

Robbie Hunter won the SA road champs in Nelspruit! Those of you that know Robbie and have followed his career will admit,he is the most worthy winner ever! Robbie started off years back with Koosie Laubscher as team mates in Nippo Hindo,Robbie stuck it out in Europe and got a place in the Lampre and later Mapie team...... Rob would always promote SA and often managed to convince his team to come race in SA..... And then he got Barloworld a start at the TDF..... And then won a stage,putting SA on the world cycling map! I will never forget the day he beat the best!! What Rob has done for SA cycling is amazing,his presence in Europe has opened doors for all the present up comming racers! I was a close friend of Koosie and often trained with them both and will be so proud when I see Rob in the SA champs kit in all the European races and TDF!! Eventually the SA jersey is on the shoulders of its most deserved rider!!

I was gun point jumped a few years back at KK, but I still train every tues and thursday morning,no hassles at all,there are security guards and parks board do their rounds too! The best place to park is way up just as the houses start at the SANDF Intel HQ..... As for the murder last week,it seems that the guy in the car had the attacker in there with him....

I've been in the bike game for 25 years and I can honestly say that Epic cycles in Centurion,owned by SA Vet Mtb champ Paul Cordes is the nicest shop around,the workshop is in the center of the shop,each technician has a little booth with tools and stand and hoses hanging down from above,you don't book in your bike and it gets worked on behind closed, you book it directly with the technician who openly works on it,its a real open friendly shop,the service is fantastic and Wayne Girdlestone runs his training and set up from there too! My current number 1 shop!!

Hahahahaa..... Beautiful!!! Yeah,if you are naturally lean and have a fast metabolism you will need to replenish your glycogen stores sooner that a "fatter" person BUT it is advisable to use a "race juice" that also has protien in it as your body will start feeding off your muscle if you reserves are low! Try a low GI with a protien, B max had a great one called Enduro Max but I don't know if its still available.........

Hi Guys,Merv went to bed and just never awoke,Sid,his younger brother tried to wake him and then called the paramedics..... The paramedics seem to think he may have somehow suffocated but we will know for certain once the autopsy results are available. Merv was a great cyclist and friend,he represented SA many a time and was always willing to dish out advise and help anyone........ He will be always remain a true friend and got me on SAs TT podium plenty times with his advise,suggestions and use of his disc!! My heart goes out to Elsje,and his 3 kids....... Merv was a legend and always will be....

I have the same problem,its the hub/free wheel body spacing! It can be set by a good bike machanic,they usually space the free wheel body on the actual axle where it fits onto the rear hub with a thin spacer............

Come guys! I've got a Colnago superissimo that needs a retro rebuild! 0832339674

I too have bad DDD between L5/S1,same symptoms,dead bum and legs after 2 hours! It will never heal,the disc cannot re-generate but,I have been given a strick core and lower back strengthening program and its really working!! I do the exercises every 2nd day and the results are awesome, I just avoid picking up heavy objects and unnessecary bending,set up won't really help as its a "illness" not a bike related injury! I pop 2 panamors before a long ride to prevent back muscle spasm/cramping and keep a mypaid/myprodol close by! I can easily race 120km hard again without too much hassle! If you wanna go through my core program,mail me: jay@laz.co.za

And that is exactly why SA cycling does not improve! The licensed ladies usually do all races and tours mixed in the Vets groups..... Its not the strongest lady that wins but the smartest.... Old,old,old problem......

I believe it depends on your size and weight! I am 6'6" and love alu,I flex carbon far to easily,alu is far more responsive and rigid! I also weigh in at 90 odd kg... I also easily flex my 404s and barely use them! Carbon is hgreat for feather weights who are as strong as Wilsons mints! Sure,if you prepared,or can afford a new carbon frame every few years,go for it! Most carbon brands have a weight limit and a limited period warranty....... For one simple reason.....they aint meant to last!

I've got a old Colnago superisimo with old dura ace on! A real classic!! Only problem is,its a 63cm!

You are trapping, or putting pressure on your Ulner nerve,I think the spelling is correct,I get it at times too,it may not be in your hand but your wrist or elbow aswell,the easiest solution is lots of hand position changes and padded gloves.....

I am 39,roadie and been doing this great sport since school,so no ways am I gonna stop! I must admit that I've also found that sleeeping on my back on a thin matress on the floor also helps..... No pain when I wake up!

Do you guys know of any meds I can try to aliviate the pain apart from voltaren tablets?

I've been told about the surgery but apparently I am "too young" and I don't just get it while cycling,just standing in the mall or jogging,picking up the kids,throwing the dog a ball but cycling is worse cos I am a big gear churner so I brace my torso so this puts more pressure on the disc,I've started to concentrate on spinning more but still,more than an hour in the saddle kills me....