GreatGusto

^ This.

I'm in.

This. Had exactly the same problem with an alternator once. Works perfectly if you have patience.

Early morning ride in Johannesburg today. Taken on Gordon Road.

That's what I do. Three chains for each bike. One on the bike, one in cleaning solution, one lubed one on the shelf. Same amount of work as one chain, mut makes whole drive train last 3 times longer.

I have the Superfly 100 Al Elite. I've had it for 2.5 years and it has been bullet proof. Of course, I have done the regular maintenance necessary, but consumables thus far are three chains, three sets of brake pads, and suspension bearings and shock seals last December. I've done 4,485km since new. Hope it helps. PM me if you have other questions. P.S. I only service the fork every 140 hours or so, about 2000-2500km. It's pretty damn easy to do, and the OEM seals are about R250 (?)

Linden Cycles used to sell those in the late 80's. Similar to local Alpina's of the time? *Edit* Clicks picture, sees Linden Cycle clearly printed on frame. <facepalm>

Training wheels are the devil's work. I have three kids. My eldest daughter started on training wheels, but she got frustrated because every time she rode over uneven ground the rear wheel was in the air and the bike stopped. The process of teaching her to balance without training wheels was heart-wrenching. I must have run for hours next to her, holding the seat, and every time the bike wobbled, she broke down in tears, not because she was afraid, but because she felt like a failure when she saw other kids could do it. Lesson learned. Twins came along 2 years later, got 2x JD Bugs from the start, they rode around the garden like mad things, little legs pumping away at the ground. When they started launching off the two steps at the back yard for fun, I figured they were ready for pedals. Christmas came, unwrapped bikes, headed out onto the road at 6am, where they promptly mounted and pedaled off. Training wheels should be illegal. Can't believe the 'elf 'n safety' yobs haven't passed a law yet. And pedal brakes for first bike. Little hands no good at brake levers.

This.

Thanks to the guy in the bakkie who bailed me out at the toll gate near Rayton on the way to the Trailseeker on Saturday at about 6h40. Arrived at the toll gate and discovered no wallet to be found in car. Went and started digging in the boot in the hope that I had stuffed it in my race bag. No dice. I must have looked pretty desperate, because suddenly this guy in a bakkie starts waving at me from the other side of the boom to come through - he had left the cash with the operator. Once again thanks whoever you are. And to be sure to pay it forward, I stopped to help somebody with a broken chain about 31km into the 80km Marathon. After the route bugger up, it was pretty much a 'fun' ride!

I'm looking to change my daily commute from Northcliff to Centurion from an hour in the car to a bike-Gautrain combination. Only problem is that I need to leave my bike somewhere safe in Rosebank during the day. Is anyone doing this that can offer advice? Can't commute directly on the bike, it's a bit far for a daily commute.

We are off for the Trek tomorrow. Yipeee!

I did the marathon last year when it was properly winter and it gave me a hiding of note. Came back this year fitter and more experienced hoping that at least I would not walk all the ride-able climbs. It was not to be, Hakahana in the heat gave me another lesson in 'Harden the ****up'. Completed the 'marathon', and wasn't even that sad it was 10km shorter than last year, although it would have been OK. I thought it was piss poor that despite the 'Heat Wave' warnings from the organisers and the shorter distances, there wasn't enough water at the water-points.

www.trailseekerseries.co.za

Missed that. <facepalm> Too many cyclists killed on Hendrik Potgieter to venture that way. Beyers Naude route goes via Zandspruit informal settlement - often people still partying on Sat and Sunday at 5:30 and a good few drunk as hell. Rather drive and do more laps in the Cradle.