Shotgun

Thanks

Yes, fell over when I pulled the front break hard as I thought it was the back break. I recon it comes from my motorbike's front break being on my right hand. I was going very slow though and merely fell over.

Didn't get round to the fitting yet. Did a 20km ride in Oak Valley this morning to try the Bike and clips offroad. Specifically what I did not want happened in that I fell before we started in the parking lot! I have changed the saddle and handlebars to that of my old bike as I find them more comfortable. Must say, so far I am very happy with the purchase. Just a quick question: is it preferable for a right handed person to have the back break on the right or is it a matter of choice?

So where in the Western Cape can you get it (the bikefit) done?

So are the two-legged ones priced at R1100?

Thanks - think I will get it. Does it include which steroids to take?

I have started training in the gym in the mornings on the freestanding spinning bikes - did an hour of LSD (see I am getting the lingo right) this morning. I believe the best way to exercise on these bikes is with the help of a heart-rate monitor. Can somebody give me more information on this - ie does it link to a watch? Do you also ride with it? Does it link with its own computer instead of a watch or do you get watch/computer combos? Any recommendation of what to buy? Thanks

Thanks, will be taking my bike in for a fit tomorrow.

Are you saying there is more to fit than the seat height?

The thing is I have no idea how it is suppose to go and am pretty sure for you experienced guys it will be a piece of ****. But as they say one man's piece of sh*t is another man's compost; is another fly's gourmet dinner. I must admit that the clips/cleats makes a massive difference and that to me is the biggest difference from my old bike and that it is now the right size. It also feels quite weird/high in the saddle of the 29er, but I guess also just something to get familiar with.

Thanks. I can also now add Tiger Balm to the list of things NOT to use!

Did a leisurely 21km this afternoon to further explore the bike and getting use to the shoes. I guess to no surprise my arse feels like I have spent my Easter weekend in Pollsmoor prison. Anyway, will see what the week holds and how my staff will react you my new John Wayne walking style.

Thanks for all the good advice people. I got the bike today and did a 10km run around to get comfortable with the shoes etc. Did the tubeless conversion as well, so that with bike, shoes, computer, clips put me on R7700 so far. I am pretty sure that it is a very basic piece of kit, but so am I! Would rather grow into the sport than out of it. Will keep you posted! Please keep the suggestions on fitness coming!

Any comments on this suggestion?

Cool, just give me chance to get some fitness going. Will keep you posted on progress.

OK cool - for now I am just ampted to get a bike and start riding! Will keep you posted!

Just confirmed with the shop - this is the spec: http://www.specialized-sa.co.za/contentbike.php?range=213 So 9 speed!

If you say upgrade the fork/wheel set: anything you can recommend? Would it maybe not be good for me to just stick to the standard stuff during my training and then upgrade a month or two prior to the race?

I think the 2012 spec is actually 9 speed: http://www.specialized-sa.co.za/contentbike.php?range=213

Exactly, I thought if I can get it for say R5500, then I still have R2500 to spend on the bike before I get to R8000! Anybody who thinks I am making a mistake?

I also read loads of reviews and it seems like the perfect entry level bike? A whole lot of bike for that price it seems. I also saw a couple of complaints about the saddle, but I guess for a beginner you will complain about that anyway.

I am pretty sure I will be the bottleneck when it comes to speed options.

Just spoke to Henry @ Cyclefunatic - they have in stock and keeping two for me

R6100

How about this: http://www.mtbr.com/cat/bikes/29er-hardtail/specialized/hardrock-sport-disc-29er/prd_449333_1548crx.aspx