Bianchisti

Off the back of the back of the bunch

Or not? That is the question. Thinking of getting these wheels but apparently the front one alone weighs as much as my current wheelset. So do I get them anyway and suffer on the hills or not? Opinions.... Pictures don’t do the frame or wheels any justice.

I really like the look of those wheels. Just went and did some quick internet research on them and from the sounds of it they quite heavy. How do you find them? I can get them colour-coded and would really look the part but would then have to take them off for races.

I like it. Looks awesome. What are those wheels you got on it? Edit: Don't answer that, forgot I can read for a second

having said that, I’ve only ever been to their shop once and walked outha there much poorer. :clap:

HeHe! yeah the conversations I had with them went something like “Can I speak to someone who can help me with…..” “Errrrm. You need to speak to Jason….” “Well can you put him on the phone please….?” “His just busy with a client can he call you back….?” “Well I’m on the other side of the equator. Is he still going to return my call?’ “Errrrm. Just hold on a second…..” Waiting waiting waiting. “Sorry his just busy at the moment…” “I can call back, when do you suggest I call him?” “Errrm. Call so in 30 minutes…” “Hi its me again can I speak to Jason please?” “Errrrmm his just in a meeting….” “Hi its me again. Is Jason now available?” “Errrrmm his in Durban doing a race at the moment….”

That's their problem right there. There is only ever one person to talk to in the entire shop and when that person is not available...... The lady on the phone/first line and some of the others just don't know enough to assist clients. I've only ever dealt with them once, and in the end all they could say was "speak to Jason" (who is great indeed).

Officially entered and unofficial leave of absence/no objection certificate from the Missus secured. Looking to take 28 minutes of my last years time. Training full steam ahead!

Not even the automated response/and payment confirmation informing you that you are entered? I've just entered and got both of those immediately. Last year that was enough and I only heard from them again at seeding time!

That reminds me I have an account. I only ever use it during the Tour to get the inside scoop on the peloton.

Who's Jack? Mr. Pellizotti?

HECTIC! Glad you made it through all that. You sound very nonchalant, though I'm sure you're not.

I'm sure P Divvy is the happiest man in the world tonight. Just to hear the entire SA bitching about the team, play, coach and management and knowing it wasn't personal against him.

What options are out there for (say) paired amateur stage races for road cyclist? Think I've seen something but looking for a goal with a training buddy.

Fixed!

Eerrrmmm, Who's Dangle?

Yeah that has to be noted. Probably as uneducated as can be and some idiot journalist parasite cashing in on the story but even that's no excuse for stupidity. I'm tempted to haul Mamabolo over the coals but from what I've read about the concerned substance in links posted earlier I'd reserve the outburst. It's easy to say he should've known better but you wonder what resource someone working at Absa has to have his supplements independently analysed and cleared. What is this guy semi-pro at best? The winnings gives him 300 grand. Does he actually live off his running? Why is he working at Absa then? Still the old man is a choice "box" for raising the "R" flag.

There it is.....

Might have to do a follow up if this goes tits up for Mamobola

Hi just want to check if anyone ordered from these stores before. First website "based in US" but site looks a bit dated. Not even sure if the offer secure payment. Second one looks a bit better but is more expensive. My bias is towards the second at the moment. Any thoughts? http://www.bikyle.com/BianchiAccess.asp http://www.thebikeshop.de/epages/62303450.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/62303450/Categories/%22Bianchi%20Shop%22

So I have a new frame set and not the mechanical skills to build it up and heard of people who had their LBS build up their frames complain about the workmanship, particularly in the BB area. What's the pitfalls? And what's to look out or when searching for a good mechanic to do for me?

Agreed! Finding him guilty now only makes a mockery of their on testing regimes and processes. They tested him just about every week for more than a decade and got nothing. It just means the current crop of riders are using something that will be illegal in 5 years.

"...USADA outlined new allegations ....... saying it collected blood samples from him in 2009 and 2010 that were “fully consistent with blood ma­nipu­la­tion including EPO use and/or blood transfusions.” So if the same rules applied to AC is to apply here, the athlete has to prove his innocence rather than USADA proving the guilt. That makes it very difficult for LA, not that the process can be deemed as ligit, but they can find him guilty easily (like with AC), but that wont settle any debate. Are they then going to strip him of his wins prior to 2009/10 if they prove this "consistency with blood manipulation" in the years 09/10??? Cycling and it's rules will be even more ****-up but the time we get to the ned of this saga. And why only now does all this evidence surface?

The madam turns 30 on friday 16th but gave me a tentative "yes" I can go. So she will either have to come with me and spend her bday on a plane OR be alone on her birthday. Now do I enter and be selfish and insist on going when she has the inevitable change of heart closer to the time??? Or do I just not bother entering and getting my hopes up? What say you?

Havent done any riding since my Argus got nipped in the butt but (no pun intended) this is week one of training for hiveld (if I get there)