SpecialK

Its not that simple, apparently. As soon as its not fitted exactly 100% and is out by a fraction of a millimetre, then the cap doesn't go on properly. We tried adding the spacer back, but with no luck, as the clamp on the inside of the cap is right on the joint line which is the weak point of the whole construction. I apparently have 3 options: 1. try find a carbon guy to lengthen 2. epoxy the cap onto the seat post but then no-one will EVER change the height of the saddle 3. retrofit a seat post

I'll give them a call tomorrow, see if they can help...

Should be, but I am looking for this magic "carbon repair guy"

It's a Karbona Zodiac Frame: http://www.karbona.c.../b-1-4-24-1.jpg I think the main problem is the cross section of the seatpost, i have attached a pic of the bit that has been cut off by the guy who originally bought it (apologies if the quality is not that great).

I bought a second hand carbon road bike with an integrated seat post (not the most intelligent thing to do), and when I took the bike for an initial spin, everything felt fine. In the meantime, I have started to develop a niggling pain on the inside of my right knee during long rides, so today I took the bike for a professional fitting. Surprise, surprise: the saddle is too low - along with one or two other things that need to be changed on the bike which aren't an issue. So my problem now is that I need to gain 16mm in saddle height, but the seatpost has been cut too low. When lifting the seatpost cap to its desired height, the fastening mechanism barely catches on the inside, so there is not enough stability for the saddle. A 27.2 seatpost does fit, but that would mean cutting into the frame to install a clamp and I loathe to go this route as I like the look of the ISP and hate the thought of taking a blade to the frame. Does anyone know of a person that would take on a carbon repair like this in South Africa? I have searched on the internet but could only locate people either in the USA, the UK or Australia.

Pacific Cycle Women's Oceanside Bicycle in Light Blue for 80k... What a bargain!

This is the best link I could find, website of the ID'er: http://cargocollective.com/vorwaertz - awesome video about the production of the 3D printed lugs on there too. It is doubtful that this would go ever be more than a once-off, but a girl can dream

Loooooove....

Correct, if you're only doing it for fun, just a CSA licence or a day licence will be enough. If you do two races a year, the day licences will work out cheaper, any more than that a normal CSA licence will suffice. (Even though if you live in Gauteng they hit you with another R75 for "provincial affiliation" which i have no clue what that means.)

What does the provincial affiliation fee actually get me? Paying an additional R75 for..... ? Is this what we gautengers have to pay instead of mountain tax?

Does the same formula count for ladies? Cause than I'm doing well at 2.24

I joined a cycling club around mid-year, and I've never regretted it. Being female and in Joburg, I don't like riding on my own, and sometimes my boyfriend isn't able to join me for a ride. This way i am able to get my rides in (brown or black stuff) in the company of equally minded and helpful people, as well as not always feeling that the SO has to hold back and wait for me. Group rides over weekends are great, with a casual catch up over breakfast after. Plus additionally we have the club cars normally available on both weekend days. I have only made use of their pump, but its good to know they are there. At the end of the day its personal preference. I generally do the brown stuff with friends, but enjoy the safety in numbers for the black stuff. If you have people you can ride with, great. Otherwise join one of the clubs for a ride or five and see if you like it.

You no longer need to belong to a club to get a CSA licence, you can get them through Cycling SA direct for R75 a year, club membership is only necessary for a racing licence.

Where are you based? If its within an hour or two of Brakpan it might be worthwhile to drive through for a face-to-face meeting with the seller and do a cash buy. That way he gets the full amount of money only when he hands over the wheels...

Also gonna try, black and white Karbona, will probably be hanging out at the front.

Thats great news! May you have a fantastic race. You might even want to buy the bike when you're done

I really hope that the bike gets returned. And that the service of loaning out bikes continues. It was such a pleasure to test ride a 29er before buying a new MTB. Always great service and normally got stuck in the shop chatting to staff. May "Sandy" see the error in her ways.

So sorry to hear that, they should at least pay for the repair. Got a large 11year old Giant OCR3 without pedals standing around. Don't think it will fit you though...

New or second-hand? I just bought a 6 month old full carbon bike with Campag Record for 16k, weighs in at about 7 kg

I upgraded my MTB and my road bike in the past month, both were unbelievable deals, both found on the hub. Bikebay also not bad, bicycle-trader.com also in the second hand market but are still new.

There is some interesting research by a guy called Dr. Mercola, with high intensity interval training and levels of HGH. By working out your super fast twitch muscle fibres, they have detected a natural increase of up to 500% in HGH levels, best achieved by doing 8 sets of 30 second sprints followed by 90 seconds rest. Poke around his website: http://fitness.mercola.com/sites/fitness/archive/2010/11/13/phil-campbell-on-sprint-8-exercises.aspx Interesting reading... I try do at least one of these sessions a week.

Why did you immediately think of getting a 29er? they are known to be more suitable for tall people, which, according to your description, your wife isn't. I recently went shopping for a mountain bike and most places recommend 29ers for riders taller than 1.70m, shorter people should stick to smaller wheel sizes. I am sure if you and your wife have the patience you can wait til the 27.5's hit the market next year, but that will be at a premium until the bike components become a standard stock item. In my mind its better to invest in a decent 26" dual suspension, some of which are going at very good prices at the moment, until the 27.5 are more standard and therefore more reasonably priced.

I recently swopped my brakes on my new mountain bike to be the same as my road bike. Left = rear Right = front Consistency is key... Lets hope my new road bike is wired the same o.O

Also in G, would kill for a sub 3 so might join you guys. I could always drop off if I start struggling or feel the pace is too high

I did the Satellite last year and hated the traffic and danger on the roads. I saw more than one close call. Precisely the reason I elected not to do it this year, and don't think I will again unless something drastically changes. My thoughts go out to the crashed rider, his family and friends. If someone could please keep us updated on his status...