knopbroek

Did the green route today, and thought it was really awesome. The infamous hawk swooped down thrice, and hit me on the side of my helmet and ear the third time. Small graze and bleeding of ear.

Try Mike at SBR Sport in Sunninghill.

If you shop around you should be able to get a decent enough carbon frame with Shimano 105 components for R20K. I am told carbon generally gives a more comfortable ride than aluminium but can't vouch for that.

Expect to pay between R600 and R800.

My own experience is that incorrect bike setup can ruin your cycling experience, no matter how fancy the bike. If you are in Jhb I recommend Mike from SBR in Sunninghill.

I have gone on Old Jhb Road between Allandale and Brakfontein a few times. There are some stretches between Brakfontein and New Road where you can ride off the road, in fact you almost have no choice if you value your life, but it is unpleasantly bumpy in places. And you never know what the taxi's will do. Personally, because of the latter, I would not recommend it, especially since you will always be travelling in the same direction as the rush hour traffic. Maybe try it once and judge for yourself?