I didnt want to hijack the thread "Who's gonna win the Tour De France" so started this one. I just finished the Book "The Death of Marco Pantani" this weekend by Matt Rendell and to say I was gobsmacked was an understatement! I have some questions on the whole doping aspect: 1. Why is Cocaine specified by the UCI as recreational drug and doesn't carry a competitive ban, whereas with most other sports a mandatory ban is enforced (1 year I think) (Adrian Mutu and Chelsea)? I personally think that it is right that Boonen has been banned for the TDF this year! 2. With the introduction of a biological passport, is the 15 day rule still in force? 3. Has has the biological passport been implemented as mandatory for all cyclists and have all teams subscribed to it's use? Would appreciate any comments on the above - or posts to prior discussions!
I also have a Tarmac Comp as well as Tarmac SWorks. I was a little sceptical about the components compared to my Sworks that has Record. But the bike is great - the only item on the bike I have changed is the saddle - Couldnt handle the Toupe and went for an Arione - Much better!
I spend about R15k upgrading my bike recently (Spez Alu Epic) to full XTR, XTR Wheelset, KCNC bars, seatpole, stem, bar ends and a new saddle. I saved just under 1,5kg's weight wise. Spending the same amount upgrading the frame to carbon would have saved me +-300g and cost me the same. The bike feels like a completely new ride and a hell of a lot lighter!
I bought First Accent... best I ever worn. Looks and feels great... I like the reflective spots on their products - just that little bit more help to be seen!!!!
My personal choice would be from Blue, Black or Silver....... Although a Bianchi 928 also looks the part........ So for that matter does the Pinarello Prince in black, red and white. So what does that leave??? Mackem2008-06-03 05:56:55
Phew - really harsh that thread!!! Have two little ones myself and live in a gated community where the speed limit is strictly enforced. I make sure that the kids wear their helmets at all times. My eldest (son) has a road bike that he is looking forward to riding out of the estate, but at 8 years old I just dont think that he is ready for the road for a few more years! What does my head in though is seeing the little ones not strapped into car chairs. Do people not realise that their children become projectiles in the event of a crash???
Got some guys that ride like girls if that will make you feel betterno names mentioned. Hope that you are not talking bout other hubbers that u ride with!!!
Chaser, the Cycles Direct guys leave from the Blaauwberg Road/ West Coast Road robots at 6-30am every Sat and Sun morning and usually have a group of about 15 guys. They are riding tomorrow at 6-30, but it will probably be a slightly smaller group.
There seems a lot of banter in respect of this. personally, I would only transport my bike in bike bag or bike case. I have spent a load of my hard earned cash on my bikes so when I do transport them, I always try to use the best that I can get......I'm sure that boxes work well but personally I wouldnt take a chance! In terms of shops, I support my LBS, but still like to look around Cyclelab occasionally and have felt that their service and range is reasonably good for a large bike shop. I do however tend to know what I am looking for and just usually go there either to see a product before buying or to use as a comparative price guide to haggle with my LBS - A joy that you dont have with a large retail type store!
Can someone plse PM with the route as I am just getting into MTB'ing and tend just to do laps at Koeberg at the moment. Looking for additional intersting places to ride in the evenings.
If I were spending R7k on a carbon wheelset, I would rather look at a second hand pair of reputable wheels. At least you are certain of a certain level of backup and service........ Plus you are getting the assuarance that in-depth R&D has been undertaken by these firms that produce them.Mackem2008-04-22 08:35:07
I think that everyone at the Epic saw that bike! Not the best advert for Specialized - BUT spoke to a guy transporting the bike and he said that the owner has a habit of doing this and has been through 3 frames so far (He is 120kg's and quite powerful). At least he had the forsight to take a second bike with him!
"Jasons Dad" says thanks for the crew cap (Jason hasn't taken it off since yesterday!!!) Great standing with you guys and shouting words of encouragement to the starters at the start of stage 7 (Bredasdorp)!!!
Thanks Guys for the assistance. It seems as there is no definitive answer wrt power monitors. I have heard horror stories about the SRM and the Powertap - and that the Polar's are a bitch to fit. The only reason I am leaning to the polar is that I have the CS600 and only need the power sensor (which I think that I can get for about R2,5k) compared to a second hand PT for R5-6k.
My fav was the Argus - simply because i was at my fittest so far - and most well prepared. I look forward to broadening my cycling experiences in 2008.
Help - has anyone got one and can give me some information about the quality and reliability of the data it produces? Is there a website that has tested the product? I would like to get started using power training but not sure want to go the whole hog to a powertap.
