Fat Boab

Giving them the benefit of the doubt, maybe they genuinely don't know which direction to ride, and are mumbling such? Never ridden there, but I think you can take a short cut by going contra-flow? Was it on this section? In which case, maybe they were knackered and had to cut things short for the day? In which case, one would hope that a reasonable "Sorry lads......wrong way.. everyone's safety...." type chat would make them think twice about doing it next time? Sometimes the gentlest comment has the desired effect once it has sunk in later? Or........!!!!

Others more qualified/experienced than I could comment on the proximity to your threshold, but presumably you know what your max HR is, rather than from an equation? Perhaps you were spinning a 'small' gear at 93%HR? Maybe a bigger gear, spun a little more slowly, would allow you to exhaust your aerobic system and legs at the same time ie when you cross the finish line? I've noticed that for me, during hill reps on the same hill in a small, mid and large gear, at the same high HR, that my speed is fastest in the high gear. I'd guess we're all different?

An organised TT in South Africa? I'm jealous! I'd guess that the type of training you need to do would depend on your strengths and weaknesses, and hence what you need to specifically improve on? In your 35 km/h TT, were you at threshold, or appreciably under? If the former, focus on improving your threshold. If the latter, work on pacing, ability to endure the psychological stress of feeling 'near to death', or fix the reason why you weren't at threshold. Practice over the December course would help, if possible. In that way you can try out pacing, places to grab a rest in an aero-tuck, and where you can burn a match or two, but often an even effort, rather than an even speed is quickest (at least when I think back to when I played at TT many moons ago). Avoid giving away wasted Watts, so your position, helmet, clothing, bike aero (I think in that order) should be considered. As for specific training, I'm not an expert, but you're aiming to ride for 30 mins (20 km at 40 km/h), so 3x10min, 2x15, 2x20 min threshold intervals (not all in one session) would probably suit? Sounds like a fun goal - good luck!

Ta muchly! Cursed Google and all its confusion!

Apologies if this has been covered in this thread before, but I see from Google reference to the Road Logic and the Road Logic 2.0 (http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/reviews/road-bikes/ritchey-road-logic-2-0), but the 2.0 'version' doesn't seem to feature on the Ritchey website......can anyone clarify?

Someone else's view of the hippo saga......http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:GQ0dSH4sDMEJ:www.davidbatzofin.com/2014/04/no-hip-hip-hooray-for-this-hippo.html+&cd=5&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=za

To my knowledge SA isn't really set up for this. BOB, Extrawheel etc are all overseas companies. However racks and panniers are easily sourced here (www.cycletouring.co.za). But if it's a one-off trip and for one-night only, then travel light and wear a small rucksack!

Have to admit, I've never understood the 'suspension' effect of tyre volume, presumably related to tyre width, and tyre pressure. I get the lower pressure bit, for the same tyre, but I can't get my head around why at the same pressure, a wider tyre doesn't give a greater suspension effect? The tyre volume and hence volume and mass of air in the tube is greater, so shouldn't that give a greater suspension effect? I'm trying to relate this to the volume of a damping pot? Any mechanical engineers out there who remember vibration theory?

That's a good point about tyre size. Recently I fitted a 25mm gatorskin on the rear and left a 23mm on the front, both inflated to 8.5 bar, and for a while thought I had a rear puncture cos it felt so soft! Must try 28mm when I need to replace....

Very kind of you to offer. Alas I'm in JHB..... but when the time comes, I will surely throw myself onto some locals for a tester! I did spot this looker on Mellow Velo's FB page - forget function, the form looks gorgeous! https://www.facebook.com/650554195060612/photos/a.786819348100762.1073741829.650554195060612/786818168100880/?type=1&theatre

Thanks again to all for their views. I think, what I have gleaned from the suggestions and advice, is that steel, be it custom or 'mass produced', will be on my must try-out list alongside a comfort carbon or two, as and when the cycling gods allow me to increase to (n+1). Thanks again...

Thanks to all for comments so far (DM's site has some seriously sexy bikes on it!). In the interest of harnessing the collective genius of The Hub, what's the view of the gap between 'modern' steel and 'comfort carbons'? Does the gap exist? How big is the compromise? Cost penalty? And any other Friday comments you feel appropriate.....

So any idea what DM charges for a custom road frame?

But why? Don't tease us, tell us!

I hope I'm not opening a can of worms here? So I ride an entry level-ish carbon road bike and I'm starting to think of what-next down the track. Partially window-shopping; if I'm honest probably all window shopping at this stage! Anyway I'm thinking more of an endurance-type road frame, rather than an out and out 'racing' frame, where I'd be happy trading an extra bit of frameset weight, if required for comfort as and when my training rides go beyond 3 hours. So to date I've been thinking along the lines of a Trek Domane, Spez Roubaix sort of deal. So here's my questions: how would a modern steel frame eg Ritchey Logic or whatever, compare against the Domane/Roubaix? Road feel, comfort, trade off of weight, a.n.other categories? Your thoughts would be much appreciated!

Does anyone know who the new owner is?

I don't know anything about the topic, but Alex Harris seems to? http://showmeengland.co.uk/lifestyle/next-stop-mexico-cycle-through-the-rockies/ Why not ask him?

Was out along the Satellite route yesterday and am happy to report that the nasty speed bumps, just past the cheese farm, heading towards Hekpoort, have had a make-over. They're still there but have had extra tar added to shallow the bumps out. No need to bunny-hop your road bike over them anymore! I wonder which kind soul we have to thank?

Were you out of warranty - 12 months I think?

PM sent!

Was just enquiring for a back-up plan. Still waiting for news from the agent.....

I don't find going up that road too bad when riding alone - increasingly a favourite route infact for steady, extended climbing. Coming down that road however is a differing story...a wobble at 70 kph from a passing car/taxi isn't worth thinking about......

That makes n+1 who are confused....me too! I would have thought that the Hub registration process would have filtered out the duplicity? As I'm comparatively new on The Hub, I presume the other Flying Scot is a long-standing member? Perhaps I should rename myself to avoid confusion? I hope the other guy is at least a Scot?? ;-)

The event website for this year, suggests the following: "An agreement has been reached with the farm bordering the race venue on the north to make extra parking space available. This will be a great option for riders as exiting the venue towards the Dam will be notably quicker without having to wait to cross the cyclists finishing path later in the day." Hopefully that helps the traffic flow somewhat?

Me in VA? Not even close! Perhaps you've got me confused with someone else with.....talent, capability, low % body fat, the money to purchase 'supplements'.....???