linnega

but Andrew' date=' don't you know your not ALLOWED to have an opinion of your own. If you don't AGREE with everyone else you are WRONG!!! [/quote'] ... BTW - helmets are for pansies and useless anyway. Just a conspiracy by bike manaufacturers and retailers to squeeze more cash out of the consumer. ... and stopping at red lights is for cyclists with no skill. How can you train properly if you have to stop all the time??

The drone from english premier league games is much the same as the sound of incessant vuvu's on TV. The only difference is the source of the noise is an "instrument" rather than tuneless middle-aged white men singing. I haven't been to a game, so I can't comment on what atmosphere it creates, but the vibe in the crowd as we see on TV certainly seems to create a better atmosphere than, for example, the bearded boere sitting at a Bulls game. The only good reason I say to ban the vuvuzela is because it is distracting to the players. However, I don't really see how that is possible - sounds more like an excuse used by players that aren't performing. As for the "culture" question, South Africa in its current state is a cultural infant. Culture is being developed by new South Africans, based on the radical change in 1994. South African culture prior to that did not exist. It is much the same process as the Afrikaners followed to create a culture for a new nation, as American's and Australians have done since occupation of their territories.

That's not true. Saturday morning 5am that pub across the road from Eriks is pumping.

Was the road clear when they crossed the intersection? If so, probably safer to move through with no traffic then staring up a bunch through a queue of cars. If they blocked a motorists right of way then they are indeed idiots, but it has nothing to do with the road rules - just common decency. As for the old "house in order" chestnut, I will obey all road rules as soon as motorists don't speed, jump red lights (happens at every intersection on every light change on my way to work), pass other vehicles (incl bicycles) safely etc. They say people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones, in which case motorists have no leg to stand on at the moment.

I have never had a problem with Fedex, UPS, DHL, Parcelforce, Royal Mail (smaller packages) etc. Parcelforce is probably the most reasonable option assuming it is a biggish package. If it's something small (less than 2kg) just use Royal Mail's "International Signed For" option. As safe and reasonable as you can get. If you are not talking UK then use whichever countries postal service for small packages. All will offer something similar to "International Signed For".

There is always one who has to be different. Look at the rider front right That is all fun till a car comes flying around that corner!!! You do realise they are either in France or the US where peopl drive on the right.

Isn't everything?

Unfortunately being good mechanic and a good businessman seem to be mutually exclusive. This is perhaps why he will always run a small shop, despite being a good mechanic. Fact is the approach was childish, language was unacceptable and belongs in a schoolboy playground. This matter could have been brought into the public domain in a way that Tiger Cycles looked like the better person. As it stands I don't think I would ever deal with them based on the image created.

From a mod's point of view, I don't think the role of moderator is that onerous, but then I make no special effort to be online regularly. I don't believe it is necessary to actively moderate unless a complaint is lodged. We get a dozen or so of those every day. Admittedly Fattie was taking care of many of those before anyone else had a chance to. It does become a burden to be a moderator if the community expects impartiality and for for moderators to not have an opinion. In Fattie's recent case I would have responded to the complaints sent through with a simply F%& you by PM and carried on, but in my profession I am used to people seeing me as the root of all evil and source of all their problems so I'm used to it.

This whole greeting thing is a load of crap. If you want to greet someone then do so - don't expect a response and don't be offended if you don't get one. I don't think any of the three groups mentioned (roadies, MTBers, runners) are more/less friendly, nor does one or the other greet any more frequently. Runners seldom greet cyclists of any description, because cyclists generally ride too close to them and they are too busy feeling uncomfortable - plus there is no kinship. Either way, the only time I take offense is when someone gets offensive for lack of greeting. I sometimes greet, but it is not a consistent thing, when I am on my MTB or when I am running or on the road. BTW - if you are riding your MTB on the road then it is a road bike, it only becomes an MTB if you use the footpaths or trails.

I wouldn't rely on a single link. Try these daily to see which coverage is best: Steephill Cyclingfans There is usually some unrestricted streaming TV. Looks like RAI Sport on tvchannelsfree.com will be the best bet though. However, early favourites often become overloaded and more obscure streaming options send better pics.

Only by default because its wrong to ride with Time pedals period.

Was/am planning to try the new Whasp gel (PeptoPro) at Comrades, but need to test it on a longish, hard run to make sure there is no stomach effect. Have used Whasp before with no ill effects, so shouldn't be an issue, but not using something new on raceday. Anyway problem is, there is none in KZN it seems. Have tried both Dischems and the biggest LBS's, as well as pharmacies that stock Whaspgel. None seem to know anything about the PeptoPro gel, although they do have a few mismatched loose Whaspgel sachets. Any suggestions, Collin? If I don't have in hand by Saturday (last longish run) then I will use the Powerbar gels I've used recently.

Cyclingplus ran something similar a month or so ago. For a 100 quid various journo's and editing staff, got given the challenge of putting together the best they could for less than a GBP100. Can't remember who won (I know Paul Vincent go a sweet retro second hand bike), but the biggest loser was the supermarket bike. A Tesco special that could not even last the three short coffee runs that made up their challenge. That said, a supermarket bike can last pretty well, but it does boil down to convenience, aesthetics and of course pride.

As with all things, it has input price has very little to do with what customers will pay. Prices of bikes are driven by the price a customer is willing to fork out. Once the selling price is established the, Raleigh then need to establish a cost price by negotiating with manufacturers, changing specs. Rand devaluation etc are simply marketing mechanisms to get you to decide that you will need to pay more. However, like ever industry where durable or even semi-durable goods are being sold, since around March shops have been stocked, but customers have not been buying. The recent Easter season, usually a bumper retail season, has been among the worst in years. So Raleigh have to make a decision regarding whether they stick to their prices and risk carrying stock they cannot afford to hol, or cut into their margin and try and clear as much of the stock they have on hand until they can reduce order levels. They chose the latter I suspect because 60% of R0 sales (zero quantity) is still zero whereas 35% of anything at least enough to cover cash flow in the short term although probably not enough to cover their overheads. Lets hope for the industry that the recession is short and they are able to keep their heads above water.

South Africa Bicycle Power Trading Unit 4, Wembley Road Studios, Wembley Road Gardens, Cape Town South Africa Tel +27 (0)21 462 2205 info@bicyclepower.co.za www.bicyclepower.co.za

1Time is responsible for your bike as they took ownership when you handed it to them at the check-in counter. If there are problems with baggage handlers, that is for the client (1Time) to deal directly with their suppliers (the baggage handling companies / airport). Too many SA companies try to shift blame. That said insuring your bike is your responsibility, and then your insurance company can deal with the airline.linnega2009-04-23 12:50:20

Sani isn't particularly technical, but is obviously long. A hardtail would definitely suffice but your butt would hate you after day two. Your legs may thank you if it is a light hardtail. Get shoes you can walk in and a bike that moves forward when you pedal. And practise riding on water....

Groot Lem - you've got it spot on. I am not sure who the "second biggest club" are (red or yellow). Either way, the boys in yellow are often up in arms when things change and move forward, the boys in red are sort of involved in ROAG and provide some services, but probably also a little bitter that they were beaten to the punch by ROAG. I like the ROAG concept, particularly for mountain bikers, who for the most part don' like to associate with clubs (for no other reason it seems than because its what roadies do). This allows MTB to become better organised without all the red tape and admin associate with club fees and license renewals etc. However, getting more people to better organised races allows newbies to see the benefits of clubs, and will probably have a positive spin-off for the clubs. I don't see many existing club members dropping their clubs and joining ROAG, but those that do will do so because the club does not give them any benefits and then perhaps the club needs to have a look at itself and what its role is in the cycling community.

I would have to suggest that is at least partly because they are not.

So... anyone browsing through this forum has to look at a pic of your butt 20000 times plus the couple hundred times its been posted! Surprised memberships are still growing... It's pink by the way...