Edge_Design

Alternatively post a wanted ad for a group order to get free shipping and you'll have it landed here for R300, pay someone R25 to fit it and you can get your bike serviced by the LBS for free (sort of). That way you're winning and still supporting the locals (if that's what you really want to do)...

<FONT size=2 face="Verdana' date=' Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">I am not sure? Might be that the finish moved slightly or something like that. <FONT size=2 face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> <P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" =Msonormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Verdana; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-ansi-: EN" lang=EN>Apparently, over the years, out of a total of 165 000 individual Argus entries, 7900 have done one or more sub 3 hour finishes. <P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" =Msonormal> <P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" =Msonormal>For 2011, the big question will be: 1.) will it still go over Boy's Drive; and 2.) if the Falsebay road construction gets stuck between KBay and FishH - what road can be taken? Very small chance of another De-tour?!? Hope not. </SPAN> [/quote'] mmmm.... That will really suck. Well if the route is the same as last year and if I wake up and there is any SE blowing. Then I am going to have another "booze cruise" But what if they do work on the false bay road though? That is going to cause havoc. I mean at the rate that they repair roads here, they may as well change the argus to go down the new westcoast IRT lanes down to melkbos and return over our new M5 flyway But really now. If they end up working on the road closer to fish hoek. Think of the route they might have us on then. M3, Steep OuKaap, Fish hoek or over black hill and then onto the the rest of the race. That will be hectic. I will rather have boys drive anyday then. Why did you even have to suggest that! Couldn't imagine anything worse... The problem is, it sounds so realistic and seriously possible for next year (at the rate they're fixing the main road, it's more likely to be in 2012 though!)

If it is a charity event and you are using the cyclists to raise funds then the financial info should be publically available, you should have nothing to hide...

Who pays for the cycle lanes? Probably the government, not the Argus cycletour... I am not saying there is definitely something funny with it, but I would be very happy to see proof that there isn't as it is a definite possibility. Every week when I bend over to the PPA with their crazy entry fees, they respond and say it goes to charity... Why can't someone organise a cycling race for cyclists who just want to ride their bikes for fun and not for the greater cause? I donated money to Frail because the guy he was supporting really deserves it and has probably seriously suffered throughout his life... Buying a development cyclist a new set of Zipp 404's is not quite as high on my priority list. I know what I say makes me look bad, but I feel very strongly that feeding ppl and giving them houses comes a long way before giving others new racing bikes and professional coaches (things I can't necessarily afford for myself!)

No1 has mentioned that they are so proud of donating R5.8m to charity in 2009. This is R152 per rider (assuming 38000 entrants). Firstly, is the PPA a charity or a business? Would love to see their financial statements because I've never understood how they possible aren't lining their pockets... They keep talking about their many many cycling initiatives. Where are they? I've never seen them? Giving 100 disadvantaged kids bikes and kit really doesn't cost that much (relative to their income)... Why not dump R500k into the prize pot, give R4m back to the cyclists in reduced entries (R105 per cyclist!!!) and you still have a very sizeable donation for Rotary or whoever it is that actually deserves it... And yet they increase the entry fees every year. Why are we forced to donate so much money to charity just to be able to race in SA. The entry fee should cover the costs and any donations should be voluntary (as in 2 Oceans where you apparently even get to choose who you donate it to!).

It was incredible to see Lance lined up on the start line ready to ride the Argus and, no matter who won (Yes, it was ML!), you can tell from the time how much more effort was put in with having him there... that would have smashed any records for the route given better weather. Taking into account Boyes drive, that probably could have been under 2.35 on the normal route. Take out the wind and you're probably closer to 2.15 or less... Whether you like him or not, I think he might have just taken SA cycling up a notch by showing our cyclists what they really are capable of.

Any chance you have a map of where you rode the last time or guidance on how to find places you can ride there? Would really love to do something like that at the end of the year, but no idea of how to go about organising it (the route mainly).

You are basically going to be told to go for Shimano or Crank Bro's (based on past threads on this)... the price difference is more about weight than performance so (IMO) it's not worth the cost. The first puddle of mud you go through will weigh more than the extra R2k saves... Doesn't seem like there's much difference between CB's and Shimano's as far as performance goes (everyone says their pedals are the best). Personally I use Crank Bro's Candy C's and they do the job perfectly. I have 1 set of brand new Crank Bro's Candy C pedals with cleats for R400 if you happen to decide on those, never been on a bike (just putting it out there).

Wow, that is absolutely awesome... wish I was riding at that level! Even if it is just to see his back wheel at the start line... Whether you like him or not, he is an incredible cyclist.

Has there been a final decision on what group he is riding in? Last I heard they were still debating it earlier this week...

Finally a way to get to the Northern suburbs safely! Might actually be able to start cycling to work with that...

I agree with the above comments, there is always the person (and there are many of them) who might try and sell that photo to make a quick buck (just look at the comments from the hubber yesterday who didn't want to post his video of Lance on Chappies because he hoped the press would use it). I'm not saying this is wrong, but I can understand Lance being hesitant about ppl taking photo's of him... Just look at how much a personal appearance by him can generate for charity to get an idea of what pics and videos might be worth in the right situation. I wouldn't be surprised if Lance gave a different response if that 16 year old offered to donate R100 to someone in need in return for the photo (give and take!).

If you happen to have a nice set of large black Assos bib shorts available at a very good price, I will be looking so PM me a price if you have a chance (unless you're at the expo already!)... Will be there this afternoon.

Why are there so many jealous ppl out there? If someone had phoned you up yesterday and said they'd sponsor you to ride today, I would love to see 1 single person on this thread turn down the opportunity - I know I wouldn't (yes, you will all boost your ego's by saying you would, but I seriously doubt it). I can't afford R175k, but to some ppl and businesses that is pocket change and why not donate it to a worthy cause (and you even get something in return!). His cause is no better than anyone elses, but big credit to him for using his celebrity status for something worthwhile and not just to pocket more money himself. He isn't living in poverty, but I am confident he gives a lot more (time and money) to charity than 99.99% of celebrities (and ourselves for that matter!). You try cycling at that level while still travelling the world making appearances like this at the same time, must be serious pressure on both him and his family.

I have Edge disc wheelsets arriving in the next week or 2. 1822g's per set @ R2,100 incl. 2 year warranty. Do you have v-brakes or disc brakes? If v-brakes then it would be cheaper to change brakes and wheels together if you want to change to discs in the future... Will also have a set of Juicy 5's with 160mm rotors and Fulcrum Red Metal 5 wheels for sale in the next few weeks (done about 250km's on the wheels and brakes are a bit older, but very good condition). Forks are an expensive investment and you have to be careful with used forks because maintenance is extremely expensive so make sure it's been looked after well... Send me a pm if you're looking for other parts (not drivetrain though), have some relatively light parts available at much lower prices than equivalent parts from local shops. In the long run, if you're replacing wheels/fork/drivetrain etc., it is probably much more affordable to buy a good condition used bike, but a lot more fun to build up your own!

Would be interested to see the response from ppl who have raced on a range of tyres as well. I'm in the same position. +-3hr Argus and riding on Gatorskins. Doubt I'll be cycling off the front of my group when I change my tyres, but might make life a little easier???

Many posts about this, just do a search, but basically look at your order cost + 15.4% (VAT) + R25 (clearing fee)... If you bring in clothing or tools, you could be hit with a whole lot more in duties so not really worth it. You pay the VAT and clearing fee when you collect the goods on this side...

I assume the R4k is incl. VAT? Either way it's a pretty good price (not great if it's excl., but still decent)

Many many ppl have imported from them so no problems... That's a great price for a new 10 speed groupset. If you have a warranty issue, you will have to pay postage to return the part, but will still save in the end... and really, how often are there warranty claims on groupsets!

Just remember CRC has Ultegra gruppo's going for under R5k (not sure if they still do), that makes it about R5,700 landed which might just affect your decision... I wouldn't stress about warranties either, costs about R100 postage to return anything to them if necessary and they will deal with the warranty.

For that money, I would say buy a complete bike off the hub... can get a very nice bike for around R15k. Alternatively, if you really want to keep your bike, SRAM Force (R8k) and some decent wheels (R3k - R6k) should come in under your budget and leave some money for some carbon goodies... Could even get a decent frame for the extra R4k (I have a brand new full carbon 56cm frame for R5k for example ).

Unfortunately not... MTB very seldomly so just ride by myself, but please let me know if you know of anyone who might be interested in a swap... Don't really want to take the knock of buying another new tyre if I can avoid it!

No1 want to swap a brand new non-UST folding Crossmark for a Monorail? Just seemed like an appropriate place to try my luck... want to try the combo, but sitting with 2 new crossmarks at the moment and don't ride enough to warrant keeping spares.

Got to say, good point (IMO), could have more emotion though (the topic name is very good tho!) If you want it, buy it! It doesn't matter why they're selling it (unless you are expecting them to say, they are selling their S-woks sprechulized tramac with Rekord Camfangolo Super with carbon neck and steering bar for R4k because it's stolen!)