PeterM

Thanks - great info!!! Have had a few "close shaves? with maroons in cars. I am not afraid of the law, but some drivers scare the hell out of me. Especially those who have not done a proper drivers test etc. They are easy to spot ? they are those who think that traffic signs / road markings are for decorational purposes only ?<?: prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

Very interesting to get all that useful feedback.<?: prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> AFTER a ?solid? race/ride I use Fast Fuels Recovery ? works exceptionally well for me. the sooner the better! DURING the race I use(ed) Energade at half strength plus some apple juice and some lemon juice (= as a natural preservative!). My dentist told me this Monday to change from Energade as the coulorants (naartie) are staining the teeth despite all my regular and frequent cleaning...

Will check-out the link. One of the reasons i did not use Squirt on my new rd bike was the chain suck when i used Squirt on my hyprid bike. But i might have used it incorrectly ?!?

yes gas (not gasoline) conversions are available in SA. It does come cheaper than petrol/diesel. Have to go to gas outlets, but best would be for a company to buy gas in bulk and use it on their own cars. But gas prices have also risen. NB - if too many cars use it, the gas will be taxed higher i.e. like petrol. Hijack off

Is that the new "Thule" type of pull-out bike stand build into the car? Does it work, is it available in SA, how much??

Eish, am not a Hummer fan. I am just too practical. A car must work for its money; Image/Looks/Status is just not enough.

Will give the Jazz a view. NB the new Jazz is becoming available in SA in october 2008. Like Honda products. Methinks - i must take my bike along when i check out the cars. Nevermind what the sales agent thinks ...PeterM2008-08-20 14:31:26

Used Squirt on my old hybrid bike - was ok. Can see why its great for mtbs! For my new road bike i use Finish Line Dry Teflon Lube. Very happy with it. Lube after every ride - over lube it, and then wipe it all off.

WOW! Thats sounds impressive! What about the Yaris Sedan?

Hi I am planning to buy a run-about car for my little company. Also would like to use that car on weekends to go to races/rides when the family does not come along (have a van for that). Thinking of a Yaris or Getz, etc? <?: prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> Which cars do load a bike or two easily and quick?? Not using the towbar rack but load it inside. OR: which cars do not take a bike easily/quickly/safely inside??

Well spotted! (never assume?) I envisage that it will be better-different. With a probability in the region of 60-70%. But our (SA's) risk profile is still quite high. <?: prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

Hi Sammaj. At 3h49am you are either having: Dinner in t USA Breakfast in t AU jetlagged or, Bored stiff in SA

why ???/

There are 5 reasons, presently, for the high aand fast price increases:<?: prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> Basic commodity prices (input costs) are at there highest (9 month moving averages) The ZAR is much weaker than it was 12 ? 24 month ago (higher import costs), compine this with US $ weakness. Indirect costs (transport, OH, etc) are at their highest due to supply shortages. (demand is too high) Inflation is at its highest internationally (too much money is chasing too few goods/services) Wholesalers and retailers pricing model ? ?? once you increased a price, never decrease it, except if you are forced to do it.? But never forget the (open/free) market-forces-law: ?Nothings stops high price increases as forcefully as ? very high prices? (supply ?n demand) NB: everything will be different in 12-18 month time! PeterM2008-08-15 14:07:18

Fandacious ? I support your concerned intro re cycling doping. ?? there is something rotten in the land ?? In all probabilities you are right. <?: prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> An additional point: I am also in the business of Company-Analysis and there is something similar regarding fraud ? if too many do it, a dipping-point is reached. Then the others also have to cheat, just to stay in the game. Cycling seems similar, now ? it seems, and this is an assumption ? too much doping takes place (dipping point reached) and now even the real top talents need ?to do it/something? just to stay in the game. It is a default consequence. PeterM2008-08-11 14:53:28

So true ..... and some-what sad

Still go to the races (Knysna etc) but do offer lifts to guys from my cycling club. Share some costs. i.e. going to the far off races still cost me the same as before. Rather save on other things. After my childrens schooling, wife, medical aid, and investments, my cycling comes first.

Just not comfortable or ready to shave. And for what? Guys who don't need to shave - will shave. Girls who do need to shave - won't shave. Go figure...

.... or cycling roads with small car-lanes on the side...

Just read a discussion that cycling is becoming and replacing the game of golf. Both are expensive, outdoors, have elite branding, strong social component, business is discussed and done during the sport, strong clubs, etc. I don't like golf and love cycling, so i am biased. But want to know what you think? Thanks,

Went home on Sunday after my 100km rd race. Had a tough race - too much head wind and I am too heavy for a fast uphill race. I WILL BE BACK!!! Had rain all the way home, massive storm, hail, fog the last 1 1/2 hours to CT. just drove slowly. Bikes were out of the rain, inside my Toyota Avanza.

i have been in your "rookie selecting a new bike" situation a few month ago. After much thought about which bike, where I am with my cycling, and speaking to many - I decided to buy a new bike (reliability), a bike that is not well known locally but well established internationally(value), and to buy it at the end of the summer season - eg end of season sale (value!). 3 weeks ago a bought a FUJI Roubaix PRO. It came with carbon fork and carbon back stay, 105/ultegra combination and a FSA crank. I added Gatorskin tyres, shimano pedals and a box full of kit and stuff. The bike's sale price was 8,3k - normal price was 10,5k. I bought 2k worth of kit and stuff. So I spend 10,5k but I feel that i got value of 12 - 15k. The FUJI goes great, have done 400km in 3 weeks and just love my bike and "hitting the road"!