Butterbean

Go with a second hand hilux instead. Tbh I did the whole Chinese (and in this case,Indian) bakkie research. Let's just say it didn't pan out like the Chinese carbon thread here... Not great news. Not happy customers. Not good support. Horrible resale values and spares are apparently a nightmare. But take with a pinch of salt, I haven't owned one. Taken a number for test drives and was impressed. They're built to exist, not to perform. Good luck!

Looking at that picture of him on the cervelo, it's amazing how much his physique has changed. From this relatively skinny thighs to the tree trunks he has now, the upper body that was once proportional.. Incredible the changes required to get in the right physical for.

On my basic alu Scott, I went from 9 speed tiagra to 10 speed ultegra. Massive difference and the first I'd recommend. Then went with 58mm carbon wheels. Awesome difference. You can expect less power output needed to maintain higher speeds. With a lighter Wheelset, acceleration and climbing will improve, as well as your flat and straight speeds. 30mm isn't a massive deep section, but definitely is better than the 10mm standard wheels. I can't feel a difference on race tires except for weight. Wheels are one of your most effective upgrades. Good luck man!

You can use others. As long as the front and rear derailleur speeds match the stis, it'll work. So you can run tiara or 105 or ultegra or dura ace. They just vary in weight, material used, and quality. But if you can afford to match it, do it.

I went from the Scott branded tektro brakes on my AFD to ultegra. Stopping power difference was noticeable and massive. Also felt much smoother and quieter. Definite upgrade

If you can wait until it's stopped to disable, them go get a proper valve key from a tyre place. They're small enough to keep in your pocket, and are really effective - for cars and trucks! Just note that it won't help the driver/cyclist relationship if you're seen. Decide what's worth it.

What times are you looking at riding? I'm in the area, in symhurst. Ride during the night in the week and some Saturdays morning, around 8... Do a lot more hills than flats though. Oh and Sunday afternoons if the day is nice... Let me know if you want to join and check the routes, fairly safe riding in this area as it seems most people take part in outdoor sports themselves so are more conscious of cyclists..

Look at the original link above and then the two links below on that page to check the routes. Seeing if the buddies are riding and we'll definitely be riding back if they are. Anyone welcome to join, just going to confirm and will let you guys know!

We can just do the 39 km route backwards? Unless there's sections to avoid?

O so I saw the routes... This might actually work? How about you ride whatever distance race you want, then everyone who doesn't have a lift arranged to get back can from a nice group to ride the short route home? Anyone up for it?

How about you ride back? I wouldn't mind getting a Hubber group together... May be nice? Or am I being ridiculous? Can't see 69kms as too rough...

Oh please note that I'm not saying Scott, giant or silverback are lower end brands, simply that they're not priced like the bianchis and pinas, etc...

Yeah, I would go with one of the lower end bikes as the general consensus is that us plebs don't notice the difference, except in out pockets! Loads of fans of bikes like silverback, and Scott and giant have some very good bikes in your price range. Also look at Chinese carbon. The thread on here has more than enough to support the decision, and you could get a sweet frame and build it up with very good components for a lot less.. I also think that riding with really good accessories like a decent helmet and gloves, etc, make a massive difference to the experience. Set aside some money for decent stuff and definitely GET A PROPER BIKE FIT AT CYCLEFIT. so worth the small money and makes the biggest difference to me... Good luck! I'm jealous of your dilemma, in all honesty!

Don't stress about it now.. As long as you're not a spammer its ok... But seriously. Are you involved with Pacific and/or BRL in any way?

Well if it's an honest mistake, sorry Bro! But are you affiliated with Pacific health / BRL sports?

Sure dude.. Whatever you say...

https://www.bikehub.co.za/index.php?app=core&module=search&section=search&do=search&fromsearch=1

Have you noticed that it's been posted about three times already? All by a different person? All with exactly the same text and highlighting? Yeah. Spam.

Looks like more spam... Just better disguised... Please admin?

I must say, as much as I love a sprint finish, there's nothing quite like a brilliant mountain course to see attack after attack... Pure cycling... Can't wait!

Then you go for a bike fit and they tell you everything is wrong and you need to delve even deeper into the credit card... So much fun!

Great minds... Haha

Just remember that with a second hand bike, set aside some cash to get the right size stems, new grip tape on the bars, may need your fit bars too (correct width). They may seem like nonessentials but these few items will make or break whether you're comfortable! Just my 2c

So with Le Tour done and dusted, and us all being thrilled by Froome and his amazing win, it's time we get over the sadness that pervades our lives and look forward to the Vuelta! With a couple of TDF riders declaring themselves out of this one, who is your bet on?

Guys! Stop or you'll go blind! Oh and the pain will go away