linnega

It will fit into a bike bag (with bikebox inside) just fine. I have a large TCR Comp and have never lowered the seatpost to travel. There are very few pro's that ride with 80cm between the BB and top of the saddle so whoever told that story has never packed a bike before. Good choice Fanie. One of the best aspects of the Giant's is the flex of the frame. Makes for a lot more comfortable ride than many other pro level bikes.

I have to agree with Craven. RH's comments were brash and arrogant and he continues to make those sort of comments. However, it seems unlikely that he will be made to eat his words. The best of the rest (Cox and George) seem like they will never be competitive against the best in the world. Perhaps in a few years time some of the youngsters that rode for Konica-Minolta will develop into world class riders, but that will only be in 3-5 years time. Cocky, arrogant comments by Hunter - but true. Maybe Craven will develop into a ProTour (if such a thing still exists) superstar, but then he is from north of the border, so we can't really claim rights.

Bit early to say a race has no sponsor. I believe PnP sponsorship term is ending so inevitably their will be negotiations for a new sponsor and with the current sponsor. Give them a chance to do the negotiations before jumping to conclusions. Saying Tour Durban has no sponsor would be more correct, as the race is planned for April and as far as I know is sponsorless.

Marius - chains don't stretch. The holes that the pins sit in wear a little and that causes the chain to become longer. It cannot stretch after a few rides. More than likely it is just your rear suspension bobbing about as you pedal like a maniac and that is causing the chain to bounce around.

You will probably find that only the chain needs replacing, but the worn cluster will wear the new chain quicker. I'd say replace the chain, if the changes are slick and smooth and stay that way for a couple weeks leave the cluster until the next chain change. If not, replace the cluster as well. Also check that the derailleur hangar isn't bent as that could be causing the problems.

From Midmar ride out past the Mandela arrest site, straight through Balgowan and on to Nottingham Road. Stop at Notties hotel or any of the other drinking holes, and then turn around and head back to Midmar. A more challenging route is also out and back from Midmar. Head out the same way, but take the first right to Howick (over the N3). Take a left at the Curry's Post Road which is opposite the hospital (conveniently) in Howick (basically first set of traffic lights where you can turn left). Head on out on a rollercoaster ride to the end of the tar and then rollercoaster back again. First route road number is R103. Not sure what the Curry's Post route number is. Do be aware that the drivers in the area are w**kers so be careful. Check out the map here: http://www.midlandsmeander.co.za/midlands/192.xml

I have many bones to pick with the organisers of today's Belgotex "Super Classic" (I'm not sure why its called that when it was neither super nor a classic). This rant however is for all organisers. The last time I got a can of coke at the finish line was at the Argus last year. Why can't organisers understand that all I want when I finish a race in 30 degree heat (even at 9am) is a can of cold coke. Instead I have to go looking for the nearest outlet to buy the elixir, and we are force fed all manner of rubbish at the finish line.

For there to be a wobble, you only need a slightly loose headset or hub, or slightly misaligned frame. At high speed the wobble is amplified until it makes you uncomfortable. Even when it is really uncomfortable, it is unlikely to make you fall. Do check your headset and hubs - just hold your wheel with your knees and see how much play there is. If you start to get a speed wobble clamp your top tube with your knees and that should solve the problem. If that doesn't solve your problem then something is definitely loose and I would guess headset.

Ditto - battery. Try moving it a little further away for a temporary solution but basically it needs to go to IHF for a new battery.

www.mybike.co.za and here are good places. Also try Chainwheel and some of the club websites.

Popeye - I have been happy riding the Gobi offroad and the Arione from day 1 on my road bike. The feel is similar and the effective length about the same. The Arione is only longer really because of the stabbing point at the back - well suited to road riding (the nose is far too hard for TT, so I would say that is a misperception) but a bit dangerous off-road. You do have a fair amount of space to move around on the Gobi so see what suits you best by trying different positions on your long ride.

I would recommend the OP's. Mine with 32 DT Swiss Revolution spokes and Record hubs have been going without any maintenance since 2001. They are used for commuting and other training so pavement hopping is a daily experience for them, plus a multitude of "traffic calming" obstacles.

No its not. The yanks mispell many words - "maybe" isn't one of them.

http://www.tacx.com/mediatheek/files/pdf/handleidingen/ergotrainers/t1680_flow_manual_2003_uk.pdf

The following gives you a better idea of the profile of the climbs: Col de Portet d`Aspet Col de Port Col de Ment? Port de Bales Col de Peyresourde

If you are going to run a 50-36, I would suggest using a 12-26 at the back, otherwise run a 50-34 with a 12-25 at the back. You will spend very little time in the big blade in the 12 so you won't feel the loss of a heavy gear. The downhills are so fast that pedalling is not of any value other than to keep your legs warm for the next mountain and you will probably find that just staying on your bike will be challenge enough (it was for me). Personally I changed to compact and 12-25 for the 2005 Etape and have not considered changing back to men's gearing since then. I ride flat races with the 12-25! So I would change sooner rather than later. I would recommend learning how to recover on a climb. Find a long climb somewhere (anything over 4km and about 5% will do) and ride hard to the base (or do your interval session before the climb), then spin up the climb in your easiest gear concentrating on relaxing and letting your heart rate settle. I spent a fair amount of time riding the 4km up the M19 in Durban after hard intervals or a tempo ride to the base. On those long climbs you have to be able to recover when the gradient eases a little otherwise you will be in the red from Portet d'Aspet and by the time you get to Port de Bales you will be stuffed.

The cycling version is the CS600 I believe. Why don't you guys just download the trial and install the full version when it is available as an upgrade. Just backup you user data and recover when you install the new version.

...whats wrong with bar ends on risers?

It could also have something to do with the fact that the last three times that Boulevard has been used for sprint finishes (last two Tour Durban pre-event crits and a local race last September) have resulted in heavy crashes and serious injuries.

Cannondale are co-sponsors, not only bike suppliers. My understanding was that they planned to take more ownership in the team in the future.

Um - in the 80s Nicole Cooke would been in nappies.

That would be what the law requires him to do, but if the cyclist is feeling extra courteous he may choose to move over and allow more space for the motorist to pass. This is a favour to the motorist not a right.