HDW

Thank you guys for all the replies. I really appreciate it. Think I have to sit down and see what it is that I need, and then make up my mind. Thanks again!

thanks!

I see CWC has this on special: http://www.cwcycles.co.za/product/icetoolz-pronto-toolbox. Now I would appreciate some advice: is this all the tools (or most of them) that I will need to maintain and service my bikes? And is the price any good? Thanks!!

All the best!

Will definitely be joining...only in January though

Ok, lets have a look: For that budget you will have to look at a good condition frame, Shimano Tiagra groupset and some decent wheels. Shouldn't be hard to find though. The first three options you posted looks best, especially taht Fuji. Good looking frame, solid wheels, 105 RD and Tiagra for the rest. Looks like a good buy, and I'm sure you can get him down a couple of bucks as well. Just make sure about the size - maybe go to your local bike shop and just let them have a look at what size will fit you best. Just make sure whether the pedals are included or not. That can be another R300-R500. And keep in mind your road shoes - you can use your MTB shoes, but have a look at the pedals and whether your cleats will fit. Just a thought. Otherwise, both the Schwinns looks really nice as well. I'm sure they're decent bikes. I would advise you have a look at the bike before you buy it though. Maybe take someone along who knows where to check the frame for cracks, wear and tear, etc. Or if the seller is far from home I guess you an ask him to take the bike to a bike shop and ask them to call you after they checked it out, or something. Hope this helped.

How do you find out about these sales?

Whenever I'm hungry at night, I have a lekker big piece of game biltong. Almost no fat, plenty protein and all healthy and good. And I still have plenty after the hunting season . Otherwise, try popcorn - not the kind with all the butter in though. It wont fill you up, but paired with a cup of tea or a protein shake before hand, you'll be good to go. When you buy a protein shake, just check the carbs. Some of them have plenty, some of them almost none. Just mentioning it as you say you're on a diet already.

Considering it. Take off and sell the spanking new 105 groupset, and fit a flat handlebar. Have it stripped, painted black, and get some thick white wall tyres on it.

Quick noob question: will I be able to use a 2008 Giant TCR Road frame and work around it? Or will I brake it? Got carbon fork and rear stays. Probably won't fit the fat tyres? Nevermind if it will be durable?

Haha, I don't know anymore. Climbing is often where I make the other people hurt, so I like that part. Will have to find someone with a rigid SS and take it for a ride. And it looks way more hardcore

Ja, well, I'm gonna give the rigid a skip, I think. I wanna hit the trails and single track, and still have my front teeth afterwards. Even though I'm from Cape Town

The Niners rock, should be a beauty. Well I basicly need a frame and a fork, then I'm good to go. Will probably only happen in mid January, unfortunately. Busy season at work - hardly gonna be home for the next 2 months. At least I get to pack the MTB

Karma, what kind of frame are you looking at? And where do you plan on sourcing it? I'm thinking of running around to second hand shops, Cash Converters, Cape Ads classifieds, etc. Hopefully I can find an old classic at a silly price

Can't wait for my first MTB race on a SS. Thanks for the inspiration!

Rouxtjie, I think I agree. Never attempted to build up my own whip, but why not. Don't think I want to go for a rigid, but I would like an old school alu or steel frame. Love the look of the old designs, thin tubes, etc. I think you just inspired my next "hobby"

What price range should I look at when buying a SS? Nothing heavy, just a tad above entry level, just to get started and maybe get into it?

Definitely, but yeah, only if it is good quality. Have a look at the local brands (like Cape Storm and First Ascent), and compare price and quality. We are very limited as to budget choices in South Africa, so a good quality budget shirt or shorts will be popular. Be it good quality. Maybe have a look at what it will cost to get something printed on it, and explore that side of the business. I suggest you get a sample or two, get some friends who cycle to try them (if you don't cycle yourself), and get feedback. If the shorts aren't comfortable, no one will buy them, not even for R100. Just my 2c.

If you want to ride with other people, just go for an early morning ride on a Saturday, and find a group you can stay with. And tag along. There are loads of cyclists all around Cape Town every weekend, and as you say, they are all friendly . Check out the Tiletoria West Coast fun ride on Sunday, there is a 19km route, I think. If you haven't done a "race" before, that might be fun.

That photo is absolutely shocking. I agree with you. It hurts. That is definitely not the way to sit on your top tube. It should be done as such:

That's not to bad. I'm sure they will pick up rather soon. Did you get invited to go on a ride?

Legitimate question. All the newbies gets asked

No, not much . Glad you enjoy cycling, and welcome to the club

Haha...hmmm

How about a hill climb event stretched out over 2 or 3 weekends, taking on different climbs, and just adding up the times at the end of the "series"? Might be interesting to have a purely climbing little thing going on . I don't know the trails there at all though, so it's just a thought