The expat cyclist

It is a true story. Sad. But true.

So was my parents on the day I was born. **** even the doctor said:" He's perfect!" Have you ever bought a humburger and when it arrived it just looked tastier on the picture? Same with CWC, KFC, the chick at the bar... Sometimes it just ain't what it was wrapped up to be... Hey Drongo, have you visited parliment lately to go and complain about the state of our country? No, you do it on a public forum is my bet. You don'teven follow your own rules, so why can't the OP come here and state the facts?

Ok, so let's recap: Issue 1: You buy a bike from a well known store that is suppose to be all about service right. You pick up the bike and it is not what you expected. Issue 2: You book the bike in for a service. Then when you take it in you are told you can't have it serviced today. Hmmm, here is the problem: All the CWC supporters are always telling everybody else how awsome CWC is. So if someone goes there, what is wrong with expecting to be treated like a king? What is wring with going there and everything goes smooth and perfect all the time? That is the image CWC supporters and CWC themselves paint. If that is the picture then why should someone expect less? To CWC: If you want to be top dog, then act like the top dog. People don't expect you to be like a "local bike shop". People expect you to be number 1. You are like the Springbok team of 1995: You can't stuff it up! Ja, ja, we all fail sometimes...BUT THE HUB IS A PERFECT PLACE DON'T YOU KNOW? You are not allow to SUCK on the hub dammit! To the CWC shoppers and fans: CWC is not perfect. Live with it. My personal experience with them has been average. But that said, if you build a personal relationship with your LBS it will grow into something being perfect. Don't flame people who go there and expect stuff to be perfect, and then find it is not, as you keep telling everyone everyday how perfect CWC is. Anyway, service in this country will always be crap. Till you learn to do it yourself and then it is perfect!

Normally it would be 50g pronutro and 500ml of USN Epic pro or similar. And right befroe the start of the race some enerjelly typ stuff. But this coming Saturday, i will swop the pro-nutro...for something different.

I can tell you now that saddles are very specific to your butt...But also to what you like... Knowing people, you can buy the perfect saddle that fits your rear end like a glove. But if it is ugly, you won't buy it! Then you might buy a sleek looking racing saddle that is narrow and rockhard, just because of how it looks, and you will hate it after your first race!!! Don't buy saddles that other people like. Buy the one YOU like and make sure it fits you!

I have to agree - although I don't use one.

Sooooooooooo, the we can assume that WW is actually Burry Stander???

@Bos - That GT looks a lot like WeightWeenies bike.

Dunno nothing bout the AKA, but I like my GEAX. Run SAGUARO on the back and MEZCAL on the front. Like it more than the crossmarks.

I also need to add that all appointments are 60min and mostly hands on treatment.

Could be. It just means you will have to adjust your riding style a bit

Try keeping your elbows level or even below your handle bar for one. And if that does not help, try one gear heavier. Lighter gears make it easier to make the front end lift. The geomatry on the bike sounds like it is different than the other bike. Is the size the same? I would assume so. +1 on the bike setup thing.

I just tucked down into the aero position and prayed that there was nothing in my way!

On my way back from Groenies today, I came down Hans Strijdom. I clocked this on that steep section down to Garsfontein. Knew I was going fast, but not this fast! DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME!

And if you still sukkel: I have the RIDE of JUNE 2010 that shows step by step with piektjirs how to setup your gears. From start to finish! It is all yours if you want it! And if you still can't sort it - you have my number.

For yer front der. setup: Check the following: At the gear lever/shifter - make sure the barrel adjuster is ALL the way in first BEFORE you try and set the cable at the der. Just check at the bottom of your frame were the front der cable goes that it moves freely through the frame BEFORE you connect the cable. Also make sure that the cable moves freely inside the housing BEFORE you connect it to the der. If it still seems too short, have the LBS replace it. PS. Make sure the der. is on the correct height on the seat tube! Use the markings on your old fram as a reference. For the rear job: I agree on the limit screws. (remove the chain - it is just easier) Then follow the same as above: Make sure the cable moves freely through the housing before you connect it ip. Make sure the barrel adjuster is all the way in before you connect the cable. (What I sometimes do is turn the barrel adjuster all the way in and then 1-2 turns out. And leave it there. If there is a barrel adjuster on the rear der. do the same with it as the one on your shifter. Connect the cable making sure it it tight and the der. is in the smallest cog. (unless you have a rapid rise then put it in the biggest cog) Oh, and make sure the shifter is in the right "gear" as well before you pull the cable tight!

Inner or outer one?

I have not tried hugging Tyson yet.

That is why I married a physio...Somebody needs to keep me "working" I am really not that scary in real life!

So my wife has opened her own physio practice. It will be a part time venture (afternoons only) until the end of the year. She will specialize in sporting injuries and rehab but anyone with a pain that needs a good physio is welcome. She works from home for the time being. All claims will be handled through your medical aid unless preferred otherwise. She obtained her Bsc Physio degree at the University of Stellenbosch in 2003 and has throughout her career been involved in orthopedic and sport physio practices. Oh, and she can cycle too. She has only finished outside the top 3 in one event this year. So she knows what it takes to be a cyclist and how important it is to get your injuries sorted so you can get back on the bike. Feel free to contact her for further in formation. Cell: 082 49 44453 (Ilse) Mail: ilsegreyling.physio@hotmail.com Or pop me a pm!

O my flipping damn! That goose is a few chippies short of a happy meal!

So are you offering me some of yours?

Ok, let me rather call it tight and twisty stuff = carbon. As for who is turning the pedals...Not that simple I think. It depends and riding style too. For people stomping and hammering the pedals, carbon is better I think (energy transfer) I will give you this: Steel should be better for going downhill as it absorbs the bumps better! And also can be mended if you crash!

Nah, I changed my style a while ago: 1. I will not resort to namecalling. 2. I won't go running to mommy. I am a big boy now and can sort it out myself. 3. I will debate things. Talk it stukkend!

Sheez, I missed the whole thread! Look, I can imagine having a steel SS. Honestly, I would LOVE one! But for a pure racing XC machine, is there anything better than carbon? Funny enough, I read somewhere in a cycling mag that in the near future we are going to run out of carbon.