Max Headroom

Interesting topic Been cycling too long and over the decades had enough breakdowns, to know things can go wrong. I carry tons of mtb **** on me in case of bad luck, and I have needed it at times. If you don't, and in my opinion looks like someone who should know better.......tsk..tsk...enjoy the walk I Always carry Bombs + Bomb adapter/valve Tyre gaiter 1 tyre lever Tube (ride tubeless - but bad side wall cut etc.- backup) Patches Plugs (and tool) Valve core spanner Spare tubeless valve Presta Schrader conversion adapter Pump Quick chain link Tool (with chain breaker) Derailleur hanger Smallish Leatherman Cable ties Money Cell phone ICE numbers (and on tours, I carry even more, example some Stan's) (even carry most of these essentials on road bike as well) All this, and then the water, GU, energy bar etc etc makes me heavier and slower. You want the benefit of no extra weight - then take the consequences. No, I am not racing to win (but neither are you) I am out there to ride hard, get fit and enjoy myself. When I am alone on my LSD ride - sure, I have done more single speed conversions for people with broken derailleurs than I can remember I have fixed punctures for too many people who don't have a pump, a tyre lever, or even know how to fix a puncture. I have fixed many broken chains for riders- and the chains were always disgusting black grease blobs I have straightened wheel, tightened spokes, re-set brake calipers for buckled wheels. I have cut wire bits out of farmer fences to secure or tie various parts back on - from hydraulic brake blocks with no retainer pin to suspension joint broken-bolt replacements. If you are female - I always stop. (except in a race if you pissed me off - Jacky Martin (sure not many here are old enough to remember her) once asked for my wheel cause she had a puncture - sorry Jacky, maybe if you behaved better in the bunch earlier) I once helped Ashley M-P and will stop in a second for Ariaan K. but those days are gone, I am so old, fat and far behind now, that I am lucky if I even see them at the end. If you are a youngster - I always stop (I mean like something under 15) Of course I am not aiming this at the OP, just saying if you are old enough to ride you should know that **** happens - and you can't always expect someone else to look after you - and be VERY grateful when they do. Example fixed a guys chain (a Langenhooven nogal) for him, and a week later he called me to come to the farm and collect a case of wine ! So, next time you breakdown - start thinking what (a case of beer perhaps) you are prepared to exchange for avoiding that long walk home.

edit .. no longer relevant

My clock info from yesterday (long route)

The Argus MTB always had my vote for the shi $#@est least imaginative route, going around field after field and around dam after dam just to make up distance. (The only upside was making it your last day of the Grape Escape) Can never understand that Murant not embarrassed by that route. But, this VAL DE VIE route, combined with the start times, in Paarl, in summer is in my opinion an epic fail and now top of my list for the k@kest route ever, with sand sand sand and no aah moments or views. Sure it's tough and we all enjoy that, but boy, this was so boring. Last time I will do this. The sales talk made me look forward to the route: what a disappointment ! We were constantly overtaking riders (actually walkers) bitching about too many un-ridable sections, then contious soft sand, followed by too much tar and pavement. It was obvious that a lot of work had gone into clearing parts of the route and making track, but oh boy, this was so misguided and uninspired ! The low entry numbers indicated the lack of thought, of rescheduling this to the Ezelfontein and DC weekend and starting at 8. (These event organisers have taken over from the 94.7 for being too lazy to get setup for earlier start times. Even the Argus road race, with the nightmare logistics can get ready to start in the dark) We were already sweating in the start chute! Full marks to the (too many?) water tabels with enthusiastic helpers and for the ice cold drinks, the sunscreen ladies for spraying everyone, and the great start venue. (we left after the finishing, but hear there were 3, three ! Lucky draw prizes he he he, so glad I never stay for those)

bwaaahahahahahahaaa

THE RANT What got me psst off..? Bought my second Scott MTB from Cycle Lab (first mistake) Tried to get minor part from them (second mistake) The long story; (1) Bought a Scott 29er MTB from Cycle lab. (R 43k. Other stores were selling at R41k but I had credit at CL) It was suppose to have a XT front derailleur - because I wanted the 2x10 crank changed for 3x10, the derailleur had to be change and they only had SLX in stock. No problem, probably little to no difference in performance, so will pick-up later. 1 week later - sorry no stock 2 weeks later - sorry no stock 1 month later - sorry no stock But, don't worry we will call you when we get it. 7 Months later .......nothing ! (2) Broke a spoke at Gravel Travel. C.Lab can't fix - no spokes in stock. Don't worry will call you; will take 2 days. 1 week later - I call them - sorry no stock - we will call you 2 weeks later (I call them.... 1 month later ( I call them ..... But hang on ...you sold me a R43k bike and you can't get me a R2 spoke ! ? (their attitude basically just "F^^&off and die" ) Tried the other shops,but I could not find the spokes anywhere. So, maybe the importer/agent is not doing his job ? (ever try to look them up ? or get helpful response when you phone them ?!) No, no, you are the public .. go talk to your LBS (sorry can't tell you which one likely to have parts ..you have to look them all up !!!) Tried CWC ...nope not interested, try someone else.(but that's ok, we all go to CWC for good prices, not service or maintenance) Enter Marks Cycle workshop - Hi, we checked, no supplies, but don't worry, bring in the wheel and we will have spokes made for you - Now that is a fantastic reply ! - Like always, they will make a plan to help. They have fixed so many technical things for me (like welding bits on a frame etc). I decide to check some more shops before I go this engineering route. Enter CycleFunatics - Hi, checked but sorry no stock - but we will call you back. Later in the day - Hi just to let you know, we are working on it - will call you again soon. Now that is quality service - 'keeping the customer informed' 2 Days later - ok we can help you. (wondered how they can help so quickly - they don't stock Scott - so for interest I checked with C.lab - stock arrived ?- nope) In short Cyclefunatics worked at finding a solution for the customer. THE RAVE A good cycle shop has three important contact points - a good Manager, good Staff and good Mechanics - and it looks like this shop has it all. Just hang around in this shop for a while and you see how the manager/owner directs, guides and helps his staff. Talk to a 'salesman' and immediately see how they genuinely want to help - not just sales crap bullsh*t talk like other lbs. Give these guys a try - fantastic staff, owner and service As for C.Lab - don't bother to go there - The sales staff are nice guys, but nice guys and an uninterested manager is not enough and do not deliver for me. Phew, started this thread thinking I will write two lines to get C.lab s*t service (and prices) of my chest - but now I just want to praise CycleFunatics.

Listen up CSA ! I am just a nobody who wants to ride his bicycle ! If my local club (or association) can arrange safe routes with water tables - or even better new exciting MTB routes with water table support, so I can go ride till I'm pooped - that is perfect, I pay my membership fees. Once a year world cycle fun ride around the cape - perfect So, NO - I don't want to pay licence fees to CSA ! NO, I don't want to contribute to their admin costs, salaries, or sponsoring anybody (no offence to the pros) I just want to sponsor myself, my local association which arranges events for me and my own life enjoyment - I just want to ride my bike without having to pay pay pay for things I don't benefit by. I have seen very little from the CSA that benefits me - ie. Road Safety ! I'm a selfish guy - live with it !

I have been shocked like that on two separate occasion. I also don't know how it's possible. I suspect it had something to do with being on a carbon bike. Do you ride a carbon bike ?

TRANSLATED BY GOOGLE FOR YOU We are not angels 2013-01-11 22:22 Share Part Image http://cdn.24.co.za/files/Cms/General/d/2234/3be8549946c8484099789c9263cc3165.jpg The former beroepsryer Andrew McLean says the death of Olympic rider Burry Stander should be a wake-up call for both motorists and cyclists to be more careful on the road. Photo: Nelius RademanGalleries · User Galleries · News in PicturesSend us your pictures · Send us your photos Anim Ward At first he did not believe it was his friend Burry Stander, who was killed. Andrew McLean, cycling commentator on SuperSport and head of the largest bike store in the country,'s prominent eyes grew bigger. "I really hoped it was a mistake," he says of the call on January 3. "That I would get another call: Sorry about this, it was not Burry, no one died, someone knocked and it is quite exaggerated ..." McLean faces before him. "I went on Twitter and tweets have already started coming. It was not a mistake ... Burry is indeed dead. "On Tuesday, the 25-year-old Olympic cyclist and his dreams buried in KwaZulu-Natal.McLean was there - he knows Stander because since this if tjokker second in the Momentum 94.7-bergfietsren came. This morning he sat on a couch in the middle of his CycleLab bike shop in Fourways, Johannesburg; an appointment already behind us. Life goes on. "That's the challenge," said the former beroepsjaer and holding his leg with the long straw. Casual cool wears a blue Ben Sherman shirt, striped baggies and sneakers."We (the cycling community) are all emotional at the moment, we are all in revolt. But we are all busy, our businesses and families. Before you know, you're on your old ways - you look back and everything is more or less as it was. "And this is the danger. But sometimes it takes a high-profile death like Burry Stander's to shock the community to action, "said McLean and his eyebrows freeze in black bows. ... On the cycling community do list: 1. Enter a campaign to motorists legally obliged to have a pedestrian, jogger or cyclist at least 1.5 m away passing. 2. Apply positive peer pressure that cyclists themselves comply with the rules of the road. Regarding point, McLean them already support at the highest level.McLean last year the Argus Cycle Tour along with the Minister of Sport, Fikile Mbalula on a tandem complete. "He apparently advance for a practice ride, and because the roads so frightening, he made ​​his blouligbrigade before and behind him ride, "says McLean. "The minister in trouble over it and had to apologize, I've heard," he says with a hint of a smile. When motorists respect cyclists, blouligbrigades oefenritte not be necessary. To this respect deserves stab McLean however behalf of the cycling community hand in his own lean bosom. "A lot of motorists who are not in cycling involved, certainly at home and said: 'I am not surprised given the way these damn cyclists on the roads. ' And rightly so. "Because we have a bad reputation: We do not stop at red lights, driving all over the road. Not all, but many do it. "'You can not change every manager, but we as a community can certainly immediately change our behavior on the road on our bikes and cars. If only all the cyclists riding side by side in pairs and not show motorists the finger, we will be a different kind of respect from a motorist. And it will be a starting point. " So McLean them at already CycleLab with a SMS campaign and the newsletter started all 6 000 club members in remembrance. It is also oefenritte done. "Road safety is a big effort this year. If our members do not want to keep to the rules, we would be more than willing to give their money back and say: This may not be the club for you. We are certainly not all angels and to change our behavior. " But away from the roads, the cyclists. "We are taxpayers; have the right to drive on the roads," said the winner of four Giro del Capo tours and two Cape Epic bergfietswedrenne in master section. ... McLean himself was on his bike in a few accidents with vehicles, but thankfully never badly hurt. Napping he quietly when someone bought a road bike at CycleLab? "It worries me so," said McLean. "If I had young children on the road tramp, I would not have let them do it on their own. But we put a lot for club members to create a safe cycling environment. " McLean climbed 04:30 in the morning in the hall for a practice ride of 2 ½ hours before work. Sometimes on the roads in the Cradle of Humankind; sometimes on a mountain bike to Lanseria. His wife, Ali, drive only mountain bike. They met when Ali walked into the bike shop one day. Currently manages its CycleLab's national club. McLean first as a student in physical education at the then Johannesburg Teachers College cycling. With its small, yet strong physique, he made ​​rapid progress, and ultimately never took his place on the blackboard. "Cycling is truly part of life and has become part of my DNA. It's easier for me to get up and go exercise than it is to bike ride not. "I always say you could earn more money if you work in IT or insurance. But when the guys in that direction mornings rise, see little of them to go to work - I can not wait. " As co-host of the television program Super Cycling set McLean very interested in Oprah Winfrey's interview next week with the cases cycling hero Lance Armstrong. "Lets hope Lance recognize (that he used banned substances)," he said. "I think it's necessary for himself and for the sport - get it over with so we can move on. "But people need to remember it is about an age ten years ago.Unfortunately paints an ugly picture of cycling now, while this is not the case anymore. " McLean said himself happily ever faced the choice of doping. "I had a little ride and saw what was going on in Europe. But I had alternatives, I could come back to South Africa. "And it was not necessary here, we were in our own little world and it was possible to win races without doping. So I do not have a career in Europe had not, but if I one wanted, I would that choice have made. " In McLean's ideal world there would be little or no cars have been and we all cycling to work . "A bicycle is a wonderful thing - it's environmentally friendly and healthy for you. Someone familiar once said: The bike is the best invention ever. " Was it just for reckless drivers and cyclists.

Email the club info@tygerbergmtb.co.za

Festival will take place the weekend of the 19+20 of October ? Friday and Saturday ? Should this be 20 and 21 Oct ?

I have ridden shimano 105/ultegra/duraace for 25 years. latest mtb has sram0 and sram9 components and they have been useless so far. Never had so many problems with brakes and fragile rear derailleurs Shimano XT for MTB and Ultegra for ROAD - best option for me.

First, the reason cassettes have gone from 7 to 8,9,10 and now 11 - is so that the spacing between gears is smaller. example gears go from 11,12,13,14,15,17,19,21,23,25 - So adding another 28 tooth gear means a new ratio. Probably 12,13,14,15,16,17,19,21,23,25,28 - depending on what your lbs has. If you don't need your 11 (or12) whatever you have, and you can maintain a tight ratio on your cassette - 13,14,15,16,17 etc then ok to add the 28 but the 23,25,28 gaps are big. Much better in MHO to go 39 on the front and keep the back jumps between gears as small as possible.

R180 !!! #$%^&*()

Did the trails again this week after being away for a month or so, and ... - Work done for the new single track on red route is awesome ! - The new single track on green route - amazing ! - Repairs on green route; down-hill switch-backs are superb ! Thanks guys - these trails are magic !

The ISO system uses two numbers; the first is the width of the tire or rim in millimeters (The actual tire width will vary a bit depending on the width of the rim. The rim width is the inner width measured between the flanges as shown in the diagram.) The second ISO number is the diameter of the bead seat of the rim, in mm ("B.S.D."). http://sheldonbrown....ire-sizing.html

Lots of rain last 24hrs - some parts are gonna be wet and slippery !

heard of a friend who lost one at the argus - maybe not seen this post

all these replies are about what you should have done ... Now, what you should do;- + Remove the 'removable valve core' from the valve stem + The valve pin has a little round-nut used to close the valve - Hold the valve core with a 'valve core removal tool' (or pliers) unscrew this ball and remove it (wil take a little effort - it is made not to come off) + now remove the valve pin from the core and clean it - and the inside of the core + place valve pin back into the core - and add the round-nut that keeps it from falling out +turn the round-nut in so that the valve pin just just shows as it comes through + hold the round-nut with pliers / or vice and use a hammer to knock the top of the pin - just a few knocks to create an edge - (like a rivet would do) - to prevent the round-nut from accidentally coming off next time you loosen it to inflate the tyre. Done ... I do it all the time ... piece of cake

Picked up a Cateye Strada just after the Argus. Tell me your approx finishing time - to claim (nope it was not 1:42'38) (sorry this notification so late - I forgot it was in my saddle bag)

Was Dr Atkins fat or just bloated? By Caroline Overington New York Correspondent New York February 12, 2004 Robert Atkins spent his life telling people they could eat fat and stay slim. But according to his medical records, the man behind the Atkins diet was obese at the time of his death. The medical records, leaked to the media yesterday, also showed that Dr Atkins had heart disease and hypertension, conditions that have been linked to high-fat diets. At first blush, the news has the potential to devastate the estimated 30 million followers of the counter-intuitive Atkins diet, which encourages people to eat a diet high in protein (such as red meat) but low in carbohydrates (cereals, pasta and rice). But Dr Atkins's medical report was released by an organisation that has long campaigned against his diet. It opposes consumption of meat and promotes a vegan diet as a way of preventing cancer. The medical report, leaked to The Wall Street Journal, shows that Dr Atkins, at 1.83 metres, weighed 116 kilograms last year. This would have given him a score of 35 under the body mass index calculation, used across the world to define whether a person is of healthy weight or not. Under the BMI, a score of 25 defines one as overweight. Over 30 and you are obese. ??