verandapanda

As someone who may even know the design team responsible for this personally, I can tell you that it was not designed to have a bigger capacity motor, battery and therefore a longer range, but to take the elements/experiences of non-assist bike and apply them to an assisted experience whilst dropping weight and maintaining the best possible ride geo and feel. The Rail is still the go-to, large, long-range capacity workhorse, whilst this is designed to plug a gap in Trek's product line. I can tell you personally that the gents at the TQ booth at Eurobike two weeks ago were grinning from ear-to-ear as Specialized paid a very special visit camera's in hand and all...

We have another one, folks: https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/388320-merida-carbon-10-speed-mint-condition/?source=topad

Let me introduce you all to the magic that is Hambini... You can thank me later. https://www.hambini.com/blog/post/testing-to-find-the-fastest-bicycle-wheel-hubs/

As both a long-time seller and buyer, I share the general trend of sentiments and comments above. Going one step further, I tend towards standardization in definitions so I use bicyclebluebook.com's definitions of a bike's condition and corresponding value estimate. They only use the following categories: Excellent, very good, good and fair, each with the following definitions. These are not to be overstated in my opinion. "EXCELLENT: The bicycle looks new and is in like-new mechanical condition. The frame & fork have no visible or detectable blemishes or damage. All components, parts, and accessories are clean and free of any visible & detectable blemishes or damage. No service is required on any component, part, or accessory. Tires and grips/handlebar tape are original spec and in pristine condition. VERY GOOD:The bicycle looks good, may have minimal cosmetic (only) blemishes on the frame, fork, components, parts and/or accessories. The bicycle may require minimal service adjustments without the need of replacing any parts. The suspension (if applicable) and braking surfaces are clean with some signs of usage yet free from grooves & pitting. The tires, grips/handlebar tape, and brake pads may show signs of usage yet have a majority of their life remaining. GOOD:The frame or fork or components or accessories have cosmetic blemishes. The frame (if metal) may have minor, aesthetic dings. Paint is faded slightly and/or slightly discolored and scratched. Bicycle is free of major mechanical issues but may require some service, a tune up is recommended. Some parts may require replacing, not to include front or rear shocks, wheels, shifters, front or rear derailleurs, braking systems, crank set or chainrings. Items that may need to be replaced include: tires, tubes, grips/handlebar tape, brake pads, brake hoods, chain & cassette, brake cables, gear cables, any/all housing, brake fluid and shock oil. Braking surfaces may have minor grooves or discoloration. Suspension and brakes may need to be serviced. FAIR:The frame or fork or components or accessories have cosmetic blemishes. The frame (if metal) has minor, aesthetic dings. Paint is faded slightly and/or slightly discolored and scratched. The bicycle has some mechanical issues and a tune up is necessary. An overhaul is recommended. Multiple parts need to be replaced. Suspension and brakes need to be serviced." Some terms I have come across in my time and their definitions below: "Basically new" = Almost new, but not new."Hardly used" = Used sparingly over a period of time. Also, not new. But probably in good condition."100%" = It functions 100% but is not 100% of it's value. It isn't an antique either. Apologies for the lengthy comment, although, I am a firm believer in the "free market" and willing buyer willing seller phenomenon, I do think it is time we start being open and transparent with one another.

That awkward moment you stumble onto the SAIDS website and the names there read like a class list of people you knew way back in matric...

Any updates/improvements from people currently at the expo?

What are the queues like? And are there queues per start group booth? Let us know how you get on?

Windguru and Windy.com all reporting Southerlies with gusts up to 24 km/h, and little to no rain. Perhaps that site hasn't updated yet. https://www.windguru.cz/91 https://www.windy.com/

Windguru, Accuweather, News24 etc. all report using the widely available, free-to-use GFS prediction model. This model is currently predicting an incoming westerly low-pressure system which will bring the North-Wester and some small prediction of drizzle over the 10th to the 11th of March. Windy.com and PredictWind use the more expensive ECMWF model which is predicting a light-moderate South Easter over the 10th to the 11th of March. It goes without saying that the models aren't a 100% accurate but GFS has under-performed in terms of prediction accuracy between 7-14 days in comparison to ECMWF - don't take my word for it - Google it. We are still a little too far out to tell exactly which way it will swing but I, personally, compare both models and as soon as they start to converge in terms of predictions closer to the time (4-7 days), you have a better idea of what is coming. Nerve wracking not knowing what that will be though. Disclaimer: Not a meteorologist, just a cyclist who loves tail winds.

Any meteorologists present on here that have access to some military-grade weather prediction models? It is just too early to rely on anything commercially available.

Anyone know when seeding group information is released/emailed?

I saw a youngster on a green and orange Dogma (I think) as well as a Tandem go down. I was about 20 metres back when it happened - surprised it didn't cause a major pile up! Hope the ambulance was precautionary and there was nothing more than some road rash!

Just wondering if anyone knows who was involved in that Group C-E crash going passed Boschendal? Really nasty fall and I hope all involved are okay.