cycleq

About a month ago I was stuck in late afternoon traffic in Crowthorne when a rider passed the long line of traffic next to the shoulder. I just thought - "Brave person to be commuting in Jozi". A couple kays later on the Main Road extension back to Lonehill I managed to catch up to the rider. From the back the style was just great - big ring, hammering, fluid, graceful. When I came alongside and saw Idol I just felt contented. He looked super. At work. I've known Idol for many years. Always was, always will be Idol. I am saddened at the prospect of not being able to share words with him. To Wendy and the boys - condolences on your loss. He was a man.

Tarmac, worry less about the formulaic fit advice and the look - fit is personal. Apart from the lower back, how do you feel on the bike? Are you comfortable? Can you get the power down? From the pics it apears you ride at a fairly elite level so the efforts will tend to be hot and heavy. Does the bike hurt you or drain you so you battle to put out effort at the end of a session? If not and you enjoy the bike, stay with the size. Frankly you look fine to me but I'm only a qualified fitter ..... I'd make sure the steerer is cut to the max recommended height of 40mm to the bottom of the stem, get a proper fit done (BG fitters are really good) and make sure you fit for comfort.

Mmmm... and the contract with ISD is closing, too. But then they're supplying bikes to Contador and Astana next year. Wonder what that will do to sales........ ?

For 2010, the Brain mounting tab was moved closer to the rear axle and there was a design modification to the mounting tab. This design modification resulted in less material at a stressed point. BTW there are a total of 8 failures to date wordwide and no recorded accidents or injuries (as of last week). cycleq2009-11-19 08:10:48

Delivery will be delayed by a matter of hours - the time it takes to swop a stay.

To clarify, lest the speculation get out of hand... "Specialized Quality Assurance and Engineering have identified that the Brain reservoir mounts on the models noted have inadequate material to support the Brain for the expected life of the frame." No affected bikes have been sold in SA. Replacement stays are already en route and the bikes will be rectified before distribution.

Structured club rides should have advertised "no drop" rides to encourage beginners. But as so accurately pointed out, most club riders are only interested in winning the training rides to demonstrate their "massiveness" so structure never lasts. Pity that the lady had such an unacceptable introduction to our sport. There are simply no excuses. If there was no-one prepared to sacrifice something to keep her company, that club should be ashamed of itself, and that includes everyone riding in their kit.

If no joy, contact Pro Cycles in Benoni - they do a great job and it'll just be the shipping and time.

Alexia @ Shauns is a BG FIT qualified fitter and biokineticist. Can't go wrong with her as she knows her stuff. There are no other qualified fitters in the area.

Any good IDT will support your bicycle without causing any harm. Frames generally, and CF frames in particular, do not get more flexible over time. So feel free to clamp your dream baby in any decent trainer and crank away as hard as you like. The trainer will expire long before your bicycle.

Perhaps check this link: http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCGlobalPages.jsp?pageName=BGFitLander&menuItemId=11504 There are presently 16 qualified BG FIT Technicians in SA. They have all been certified by Specialized US by having completed the BG FIT bike fitting course - these are fitters who are qualified in the best fit system available. Nothing is computerised, nothing is formulated, every customer will undergo a comprehensive physical assessment, coupled with a proper evaluation of existing conditions, previous injuries and riding style/experience/objectives. Then the customer will be put through an exhaustive on-bike fit that covers all of the essential elements of the fit. Just like the Saxo Bank and Quick Step teams. And if you can satisfy someone like Bjarne Riis then you know you're not selling lemons. But as mentioned before - we spend the money on the equipment then skimp on the important stuff. Simply put, a proper fit will ensure maximum comfort, increased power and prevent repetitive-stress injuries developing. cycleq2009-10-09 03:45:42

Look uses English BB.

Tarmac is best viewed as an all-out race bike with aggressive geometry that results in a more stretched, lower riding posture. The Roubaix is a race bike aimed more at endurance-type riding over greater distances or more demanding road surfaces. This has a taller head-tube which results in a more relaxed riding position as well as a longer wheelbase and the Zertz damping, very tuned fork, chain and seatstays which absorb road chatter. Your own shape/flexibility and most importantly, what you want to do with the bike, should decide your choice. I doubt anyone would find one bike "faster" than the other - they are aimed at different rider needs. One of the Specialized BG Fitters will be able to assisit you with the correct sizing.cycleq2009-09-29 07:48:15

Second that - rode on part of the route while out training and watched inconsiderate pr1cks dumping trash everywhere. Well done, all you assh0les.

And Usain Bolt's 4 training partners and a top lady Jamaican sprinter are all facing bans after being bust for doping recently. But athletics is such big money nowdays, watch how the machinery closes this down and glosses over something that in cycling would have sponsors, managers and other associated bodies running for cover.