Rob K

Hi Guys, I've just spent the better part of the morning reading every one of the 52 pages on the "Boast about your latest purchases here..." thread and it's motivated me to put my hankering for an Mtb into action. So if the Hubbers Brains Trust would be kind enough to help with some advice I'd be very grateful. Here goes... I am a very happy Specialized Roubiax owner, purchased two years ago after a 12 year lay-off owing to unhappy knees. I had a very good set-up which has been proven and allowed my dodgy knees to survive the rigours of the 94.7 amongst others. I now would love to ride offroad and am concerned about interfering with my road bike set-up. I would need to find a Mtb as close to my road set-up as possible. Also how would I transfer the cleat adjustments from road to mtb shoes. My question is : how do I go about finding a mtb with similar geometry, compatible to my road set-up, if that's at all possible? When I re-read this question it does seem like a bit of a weird ask - hope it makes sense? Thanks in advance. Rob

Just spent the better part of this morning reading through every one of the 52 pages on this thread. What a great way to spend a Monday morning - kicked my week off to a flying start. Now I'm all motivated to go buy myself a new mountain bike. I'll start a new thread for some advice. Rob

I think the tandems should start in their corrected seeding position. Fast groups of tandems passing the groups ahead of them is unfair on both the tandems and the groups being passed. Also agree 100% on encouraging everyone to keep left - lot's of close shaves wrt this. Agree on iPods being banned. Lastly, I understand from Racetech that the groups starting time is allocated to everyone in the group and not the time you actually cross the line??? Could this really be so? Our ~Group Q according to the MC was one of the biggest and we were at the back, probably 2 minutes or more behind the given start time of 07:35. Still - overall - these are just constructive criticisms - a really well organised event overall and 3 cheers to everyone involved. Rob

Hi smolster, Firstly - you going to be very lonely on the 27th - the race is on the 20th. My last race was way back in 1999 but I did exactly that and really felt the difference. All the best, Rob

My first long event (to see if i could actually DO 97km) in preperation for the 94,7. Very happy that I beat my best likely time of 4h30 and that I actually made it all the way up Vrekpoort. It's so tempting to join all those walkers when you sweating your way up and at each "summit" you see another long climb. Never done it before so don't have any reference but in general I thought it was well organised. Thanks to all the volunteer marshals, water point manners and organisers. Also thanks to my creaky knees for surviving the ordeal. I'll be back (hopefully)

Thanks everyone for the great advice - learning a lot about IDT. Seems that BOREDOM is the real issue in most cases. Anyone using the Virtual types? Rob

Thanks for the input Chubba - sent you a PM. Rob

Hi N, Thanks for the input - trust me that Jo'burg can't be any easier than CT. How you coping with the boredom issues and how often are you getting to train indoors? Regards, Rob

Hi Hubbers, After another duel with death on the road today, I am seriously considering getting an indoor trainer for during the week training. I have seen the Tacx online and am wondering if the more expensive ones are worth the extra money or are they just gimmicky. I am back on a bike after a 10 year layoff and in those days did have an indoor trainer and found it very boring and difficult to motivate myself to train. The newer ones of today look quite a bit more modern and maybe easier to stick to a training schedule. Any advice and experience would be much appreciated. Best regards and thanks in advance, Rob

Hi Guys, Thanks so much for the quick and passionate responses. I certainly didn't mean to hit a nerve which clearly lies lurking here on the hub. Apologies for that. For what its worth I will keep the MTB and give the roadie a go and report back. I did start training a week ago so hopefully will be up for the 94,7 in time. Regards to all, Rob

Hi Everyone, New on here and coming off a 10 year layoff from cycling to do the 94,7. Looking to upgrade my 12 year old Trek 6000 MTB which was only used on the road and I have been advised to change to a road bike. My only concerns are :- 1. Will I manage with the taller gearing on a long climb and 2. Will I get used to the harder ride compared to the MTB? I am considering the Specialized Secteur. Thanks in advance, Rob