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johanpre44

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Everything posted by johanpre44

  1. I remember how tough the "reverse" route was last year and speeding past the last water point only to run out of fluids. This year I'm a bit of a softy and only doing the Half (first race for the year).
  2. Very quick trickle-down. So happy they're keeping the 10 speed bits alive! Wondering if the Cable Pull ratios are the same on the 10 and 11 speed rear derailleurs...
  3. And to think I was impressed with the 2000km chain life on my 2x10 (probably need to replace the cassette at around 4000km when I put on the 3rd chain). But I realized that us heavy folk are a lot harder on chains and cassettes and shoes when it comes to wear...
  4. Very good write-up on Bikerumor.com. Looks like a lot of work went into the chain and and chain-ring especially on improving durability. This is really impressive work from SRAM. Wonder how long trickle down will take (maybe another 2 years) before this tech is on regular (and much cheaper) alloy cranks and maybe a cheaper (and much heavier) cassette - Like X9/GX level components. Still insane to think this cassette only is the price of an XT 2x10/1x11 drive-train. I must say when it comes to s single chairing setup that I do love the SRAM direct-mount solution.
  5. Impressive weight, thought the cassette was going to be more than 500g. All that machining on the cassette is probably why the price is so crazy (over R20k in SA?). I still prefer my dependable 2x10 at the moment, mainly because the maintenance cost is so much lower.
  6. Almost didn't recognize him without the beard. Must agree that most of us (South African's) suck with our technical skills (obviously this includes me), but a skills course is brilliant (the little things you learn makes a big difference). At least my wife loves the Lycra I wear, but not nearly brave enough to stop at a restaurant and have coffee while wearing it. The mtb'ers in Cape Town must enjoy the ride with him.
  7. I'm still convinced that people in small cars somehow think the cars are so small that they don't leave any gap on the side of the road for any cycle commuters... I left work today later than usual (about 16:20 out of Sandton) and kept to fairly busy routes through the suburbs, and I must say that most drivers actually notice you on the bike and will give you a proper gap when needed.
  8. I was surprised at how considerate the other road users was today (no close calls). Can't say I was surprised when a pedestrian crossed the road while seeing me approaching and then turning her back (damn earphones!), had to pretty much do a full stop to pass.
  9. Was well worth braving the cold (and the little bit of rain towards the end). Couple of basic tricks learned and I even got to try them out on my ride today, made a big difference in terms of overall fun! Thanks Peach!
  10. 27th? Awesome! I'm keen on PWC lesson in the afternoon (hope its intermediate), please let me know regarding booking etc.
  11. My internet will be working hard again on Sunday, cant wait. Good to see all the Saffa's in the entrants list. Looks like UCI dropped the XCE races, they were some good fun to watch.
  12. Did the other cyclist come from behind? Nasty crash that you had to get stitches. Heal up soon!
  13. Those wheels do almost look fatty sized! Very nice...
  14. I should not be looking at this thread... Makes me want to cry of all the money I need to spend on home improvements (and not bike parts)...
  15. Almost got run over by a bakkie yesterday on my way home, he turned left right behind a small truck which turned left. I went between the truck and small bakkie, at a slow pace on a steep-ish uphill. Kind of did not see/hear the bakkie being there. We had a bit of a shouting match. Kind of feel like an idiot now, but learned to be more aware of the traffic and rather stop if unsure. ON a lighter note, I learned that commuting by SS is not that much slower, but somehow feels like a lot more work (may need to change the ratios a bit, spinning out way to soon on the 34x18t on my 26")
  16. I'm a reserved person, so I kind of blow up without the drivers seeing it. But I love showing my disapproval at their driving skills by a simple shake of the head while we eye each other. Friendly conversation? Not sure I will be able to do it... easier just to ignore them.
  17. Learned a couple of new things on my home commute today. 1. Watch out for cars turning left without indicators and you are behind them (at some speed on a downhill). Almost ended up in the back of a small Merc. 2. Don't have too much fun on the sidewalk, especially when crossing driveways. Almost ended up on the side of a big Jeep (thank goodness for good brakes). I think my next commute should be a hole lot more relaxed...
  18. So, how is this done? I have found that every time I tell myself to take it easy that I hit new PR's... And obviously still stuffed afterwards.
  19. Does anyone know of an "air horn" that can take a CO2 bomb? I will strap something like this to my handle bar to warn the "plugged in" pedestrians that I'm approaching. Who knows, it may even work on cars! Will look for a whistle in the meantime.
  20. There is a knife making shop in Clarens, I was amazed to see the blades with the patterns on them. Nice to see the process behind the patterns.
  21. Decided last night that I will do proper commute today (that means not using the car to get to work or home and carrying all my stuff I will need for the day). My back pack is too small, had to leave lunch at home (can buy at work), time to get the bigger one I've been promising myself for weeks. And its time to try and get a locker at work (so that I can leave a pair of shoes). I left work later than usual (just before 16:00), and for the first time the ride felt soo fulfilling (got to pass lots of cars that was stuck in traffic). Also saw my first accident where a pedestrian was knocked over (didn't look too good). Couple of gripes: 1. Pedestrians with earphones... walking in the middle of the sidewalk, what a mission to get (safely) past them. All the other pedestrians are courteous and will make way for you with a smile if you ask them to move over (when approaching from behind them). 2. About 5% of cars stop so close to the left hand side of the road, had to dodge plenty of mirrors with my wide handlebar.
  22. Joined the challenge and quickly added another 170km! Hope to commute for one full week this December which will be another bunch of KMs.
  23. Maybe I'm just used to the Gauteng crazyness... But I can say that Dbn is not like George or Capetown (now that's relaxed as long as there are no Gautengers).
  24. Been to Durbs for a short break from Thursday. I was shocked at how crazy the traffic/roads was. Everyone in a car and bus and truck was gunning it, pedestrians running over busy roads with traffic travelling at 80km/h+. I saw a couple of commuters on bicycle and tried to give them some space, but no-one else seems to care that they are even there! I was very happy with the "relaxed" traffic when I got back to Jhb this afternoon. Other than the constant hills (and sometimes insane gradient), I have respect for Durbs Cyclists, especially the fact that they have to brave the traffic. Stay safe!
  25. Just learned that SS is not easy (so used to change to an easy gear going up hills). And the chain needs to be tentioned properly, especially on MTB (stuffed up my home made tentioner big time this afternoon).
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