pbrizzolari

Hi river rat, just wanted to say thanks for the work on groenkloof. It's still an amazing place to ride, we were there this morning and glad to see other people starting to come back.

I've tried to support local shops. Their service has been horrible, without exception, and their prices have in some cases been double the price of the equivalent item from CRC. At this point I have decided against even servicing my bikes at the LBS because it seems they cannot even get that part right. Case in point. Selle Italia Yutaak Saddle - Landed cost from CRC R926, shelf price at Cyclelab (only place I could find that saddle) R2098. If I can't even trust the local shops to service my bikes properly then why would I bother to buy parts there? At the price differences I can afford to keep 2 of everything spare in my garage and it will still be cheaper.

As has been said before, I think there is a time and place for both. I'm in the process of getting a scalpel for those longer races and I have my Merida HT for those shorter blasts. Next up, the flash 29er.

The way I see it, you should honestly look at your budget and once you know what you're looking to spend then start looking at the bikes. That being said, I love Merida bikes. They tend to be good value for money with a high spec for the price. I have an HFS 1000 hardtail and it is a superb ride. If you're a middle of the pack rider and not intent on out and out speed then i think the longer travel bikes will suit you well, they're a fair margin more comfortable than the XC bikes and the only price you'll pay is not flying up the uphills like you would on a 96. I also think that you could easily tackle most stage races on that bike with no issues.

To be fair, most of the guys looking for dual sus xc bikes are not aiming at a 24 hour race. I know I'm not.

That's awesome charlie, my last 40km i did 2:08, but i think riding the longer races is upping my endurance, I managed to do my first lap in about 1:30 on Sunday.

Just out of interest Charlie, what was your time? I did 3:40 for the 70 which is my best yet, but only good enough for 86th out of 95 finishers.

I agree with you Charlie, I did the 70 yesterday. The guys at the waterpoint were great, the hospitality awesome and the competition friendly. Will definitely be back next month.

I almost bought the TFS 800 when I was looking and I am very glad that I didn't. You'll love the HFS frame if you enjoy going fast.

Hi Leon, I have the 2009 model which is quite similar. It is an awesome bike to ride; stiff, responsive and light. About the only downside is that the hydroformed tubes transmit every bit of vibration to your but, so you will know exactly what size the grains of sand underneath you are. That is a minor issue compared to the overall joy of riding the bike.

I don't ride road, but I can tell you that regardless of whether you're a pro or not, having a 2kg lighter bike helps stacks offroad. It's easier to throw around, goes over rocks with less problems and flies up the hills. I may never be pro, but I wouldn't go back to a heavier bike willingly.

Hi Bored-Girl, I personally don't think there is anything wrong with blowing your own horn occasionally. I did after finishing 65th in my first mtb race. My friends understood that I was proud of what i'd done and shared in my happiness. I think it's only a problem when it is habitual. I would also be proud to be able to keep up with Mannie for 5mins. The man is fast!

Hi Gumpie, unless something changes we'll be at groenkloof this saturday with cyclelab centurion. If you PM me your number I'll confirm with the club and let you know. There is normally a beginner, intermediate and advanced group riding there. Look forward to seeing you.

Hi Guys, I agree that training more and harder is the ultimate answer, I am gearing up my training to higher levels as I only started cycling july 2009. What I was looking for is more of an interim and coping solution for when cramping does occur. The idea is more to be able to push myself to the limit but still cope if I do get cramps. I'm not a very patient person so no matter how much training I get in I am still likely to push my limits in a race environment.

Thanks guys, after reading up a bit more it seems as though the slow mag idea should work for me. I do a lot of weight training so I am probably magnesium deficient. Same applies to my brother. Thanks for the ideas. pbrizzolari2010-02-13 15:04:13