Roadie_

Hi clever people. I'm on the verge of getting a Lux 5kva inverter with 8 x 12v 100ah lead batteries (lead for several reasons) This will give 48v and 200ah. Good enough for lights, gates, TV etc and be able to defrost supper in microwave before cooking on gas and to boil a kettle. I'm just worries about being able to recharge it in times of long load shedding. If anyone can please help... if my 8 batteries are used to say 50%, how long would it take to charge them back to 100% based on a charge of say 30 or 50v (or is that watts)? If anyone can calculate and advise on this, it would be appreciated. Oh, another question... planning to have inverter mounted on a wall, but is it safe to have the batteries installed in a cupboard (out of sight). (In garage not really an option). Cheers for now.

Hi guys. I've also been looking at safety options. I'm considering a type of plastic 'gun' which is loaded with two pepper spray type bullets, which can be more effective from say 10m. It's called the Guardian Angel 2. Apparently much more potent than spray, as it results in a gel substance spraying open once it hits a person. Yes there are pro's and cons. Have any of you used this? Gimmick or effective? Any feedback appreciated.

Hi Guys - I've searched the prior threads and can't find anything definitive, though some scary comments on the net about infected saddle sores which could be fatal. I've got my first saddle sore - which is basically like a blood blister/boil. It does not seem infected, as just dark red. It's swollen/painful and I cannot ride. My question is - do I pop/lance it, or just wait it out for it to hopefully repair itself? It's been 4 days with only marginal improvement. If anyone has experienced similar, please could you share how you treated it. Need to get back on the road. Lastly, it is worth a trip to the doctor? Thanks.

Yeah. He could at least have posted a clip of the final two climbs. The start is boring.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIPFZdCQVZ8 I see someone posted this on YouTube.

Thanks Karman

Hi Guys. Apologies if this has already been asked and answered... how long is the actual timed portion of the event? (eg 202km less 20km? neutral = 182km)?

Hi Folks I've been looking to purchase a 2nd hand road bike and have, sort of, got to grip with frames and components - learning about wheels is the next challenge! If one looks at Shimano - it goes up from Sora, Tiagra, 105 etc... So, does anyone know of a site which maybe lists the order of wheels? (Naturally people are brand biased, but any rough guideline would be helpful to the novice like myself). I'm looking for a list of the older wheels which might be on the average R8k-R15k 2bd hand bike (eg Mavic, Alex etc). Or ore there just too many to list....

Hi (again) guys. Another question - how long should components last? If I purchase a +/- 5 year old bike (with 105 upwards), would it be likely that I would need to replace shifters, derailleur etc soon...or might i get another 5 years out of it? I understand that a chain and tyres might need to be replaced, just not sure of the rest.

Hi Folks Interesting link: http://www.gregscycletour.co.za/sample-page/

Thanks DJR. Wouldn't be too happy buying a bike and then finding out it's obsolete a year later. Cheers

Hi David One last question (I think)... is a Compagnolo Centaur 10 speed group set also obsolete nowdays?

Thanks for all the feedback guys, the mud is looking a bit clearer. Will need to spend quite a bit of time perusing the classifieds to learn what bikes sell for and what's a good deal. Might hold out for a 10 speed and possibly carbon if I want to up my budget...maybe it's a buyers market when winter comes .

Thanks for info David. The latest bike I'm looking at has Ultegra components, but it's only 9 speed. Would hate to buy a 9 speed and then regret it and would want to upgrade shortly thereafter. I understand that with MTB's, the more gears the better, but are many gears on a road bike as important? And, will it make climbing easier or better speeds on the flats due to more gears? Decisions, decisions...

Thanks for reply. I sent you a PM. I'm new to this site...if you send a PM, will I see it on my profile here, or will it go to my e-mail address?

Hi Folks I'm looking to get into road riding and am searching for a 105 or better bike (around R10k). I've seen some advertised, but some are 9 speed and some are 10. Is 9 speed ok or should I rather narrow my search to 10 speed only? Is there a big difference and if so, what? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.