wolf1969

I have tried a lot of DIY options over the years and unfortunately there is no substitute for an overshoe. They are expensive I know, and you only need them for a bit of the year, but I promise you that they will make riding in the cold better. Not necessarily pleasant, but better. If you can keep your hands and feet warmer it improves your winter riding experience and makes you safer. There isn't much less pleasant than numb feet slowly defrosting...

Ideally you want a 2 in 1 solution that works as both a Garmin mount and a light mount - as per image from Splat above. It fits below the aero bar. Depending on your bar, you might have a custom option available. You then need a GoPro adapter and a light which is compatible with that setup (Bontrager make a light which is great when it works - but I'd not recommend it - I have had 3 Bontrager light failures). I'm currently running a Blackburn Dayblazer 1000 which is much better value - but any light with GoPro adapter will work. It mounts upside down which makes it a bit more tricky to operate, but keeps the uncluttered aero experience. I use it whenever I am on the bike - day or night.

Like the rest of the responses - I've been riding the varia for about 6 months now and it is one of the best upgrade I have purchased recently (along with tubeless tyres!). It changes your riding completely - and gives much more confidence, allowing you to move over when a car is near, but use more of the road when it's clear. Also really useful to know when there are multiple cars coming up, and the red warning when they're coming up fast is great. I am sure you can get the Magene cheaper if you shop around - I've been told the Magene is bit plasticky but don't know that from personal experience. Whichever you go for it is going to make a big difference.

I ride around the areas you mention (Parkhurst, Greenside, Emmarentia, Melville, Richmond, Auckland Park, Westdene etc.) most days on my own, but early in the day (like 5am). There are a few considerations - road surfaces (which are horrible), traffic (which might be horrible depending on your timing) and hills (depending on your route going into Melville is about 10%). I wouldn't worry about safety too much - it might be something to think about if you're riding in the dark but otherwise you should be fine. I can't see your route, but I am sure you can find something that'll work ok for you. Good luck with your move - Jo'burg is cool.

Stolen: Bianchi Specialissima 2019 When: 27/04/2022Where: , Parktown, Johannesburg, GautengUnpainted black carbon with celeste writing. Campag Record 11 speed mechanical groupset (H11 Campagnolo on crank). Zipp 303 dark label wheels with Conti Gatorskin tyres. ITM X1 seatpost, stem and handlebars. Elite bottle cages, Dura Ace pedals, Most saddle. Supacaz black and celeste bar tape. Garmin outfront mount. Bontrager front light mounted under garmin mount centrally.Get further details about the incident in the Stolen Bikes section.

Here's more of Caitlin's work https://cyclingtips.com/2020/11/custom-cycling-shoes-that-will-make-you-swoon/ I did some work on my shoes (nowhere near as talented as she is I'm afraid) but it was pretty fun to do. You don't need to have white shoes - as long as you use opaque products. I used Pilot Pintor pens which work extremely well. Seems like the ink/paint is quite permanent - the work has stood up pretty well so far. https://www.pilot-pintor.eu/en-en/ For reference - Spez sub6 shoes

Holy cow! https://www.specialized.com/za/en/s-works-power-with-mirror/p/184353?color=292920-184353

I found this year harder than last and was about 5 mins slower- but logged 87.4km/h down Witkoppen. Fastest I've ever been on a bicycle. Just as well I wasn't watching my Garmin - probably would have k@kked myself!

I have had a good experience with the Lezyne strip drive - which is plenty bright. There is a pro version which is a retina searing 150 lumens so passing aircraft know where you are. http://www.lezyne.com/products-led.php Also usb charged, multiple settings and remembers what you used last. Works well in day and at night. But Cateye are also very good.

Stolen: BMC SLR01 Team Machine 2011 When: 21 August 2016 Where: Johannesburg, Gauteng Bicycle stolen from garage in Westdene night of 20th August 2016 Get further details about the incident in the Stolen Bikes section