Tycho Posted February 1, 2015 Posted February 1, 2015 I am traveling across Africa and I will be arriving in Cape Town in a few weeks. My plan is to stay in Cape Town for a few weeks and then travel around S.A. for a bit with a hired car. I want to do the Cape Argus, so I need to buy a used bike as soon as I get there since I need the practice. I haven't had any luck finding a bike my size (58/59) on this site or on Gumtree. I won't have a car while in Cape Town, so I cannot travel to buy one. Any suggestions? I am looking to buy all my gear, used if possible. Yes, even shorts. I will post more in the coming weeks about where to ride. Super excited! I love climbs. The longer, the better.
Belgian biker Posted February 1, 2015 Posted February 1, 2015 I want to do the Cape Argus, .First question: do you have an entry? why do you want to buy a bike? You might be better off with a rental. I'm coming over from EU for the Argus and rented one herehttp://www.capetowncyclehire.co.za/
The_black_stig Posted February 1, 2015 Posted February 1, 2015 I want to do the Cape Argus, so I need to buy a used bike as soon as I get there since I need the practice. I haven't had any luck finding a bike my size (58/59) on this site or on Gumtree. I won't have a car while in Cape Town, so I cannot travel to buy one. Any suggestions? I am looking to buy all my gear, used if possible. Yes, even shorts. 1: IF you're indeed planning to do the Argus, I hope you've got your entries sorted already. (as seeding for this event most likely be out by this week)2: if #1 is confirmed, as the Belgian mentioned, renting one would be an alternative option. Worst case scenario, you'll have to rent the city-touring bike to do the Argus.3: IF you still want to pursuit on buying a used-bike; Gumtree in ZA are as shady as other countries & you would be safer (to certain extent) to find one in the classified section
Tycho Posted February 1, 2015 Author Posted February 1, 2015 I found international entries still available. I am looking to buy because:No place has rentals during the tourI am not finishing my trip in Cape Town We don't have Gumtree in the US. We use Craigslist, which works pretty good. There are no bikes my size and budget in Cape Town.
DJR Posted February 2, 2015 Posted February 2, 2015 First, secure your entry, then worry about a bike. There are always many 2nd hand bikes for sale, both on line and in the shops, even at Argus time. If you battle to find something suitable, ask for help here on The Hub. I'm sure someone will point you in the direction of the reliable 2nd hand shops. The Hub Classifieds are also pretty good, definitely better and safer than any other on line method. The Argus is one of the worlds greatest bike rides, along one of the most beautiful routes anywhere, with a wonderful festive atmosphere and supporters lining the 100km ride just about wall to wall. It is the one day of the year that bikes rule Cape Town. Enjoy the experience.
Tubehunter Posted February 2, 2015 Posted February 2, 2015 Budget option - https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/122385-beautiful-classic-alpina-road-bike/ Newer bike - https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/116621-schwinn-fastback-pro-road-bike-58cm-xl/ Both are rated sellers on the site. Other info regarding the Race has been mentioned! If you enjoy anything vaguely about cycling you will love this experience! Please share your take of the day's events and build up with us here. We'd love to hear a fresh take on this tour!
Zook Posted February 2, 2015 Posted February 2, 2015 I am traveling across Africa and I will be arriving in Cape Town in a few weeks. My plan is to stay in Cape Town for a few weeks and then travel around S.A. for a bit with a hired car. I want to do the Cape Argus, so I need to buy a used bike as soon as I get there since I need the practice. ......Super excited! I love climbs. The longer, the better. Welcome. You're going to love the race! It's not really a big-mountain type of race but the views and atmosphere are fantastic. Get some mountain biking done in the Cape if you can. Rent the mtb, but do it.
DJR Posted February 2, 2015 Posted February 2, 2015 ................... Please share your take of the day's events and build up with us here. We'd love to hear a fresh take on this tour! Yes, what he said! Please post your adventure here, pictures and all.
Tycho Posted February 3, 2015 Author Posted February 3, 2015 Entry is secured. First step taken. If you battle to find something suitable, ask for help here on The Hub. I'm sure someone will point you in the direction of the reliable 2nd hand shops.I thought that was what I was doing. Not sure if there is a better forum for my questions. I overlooked some bikes because I was confused about the exchange rate. Some decent deals. I like that Schwinn, but it is located in Durbanville. I will have no car and do not know if I can get there easily. Looking for something in Cape Town proper. The ideal would be with a relaxed geometry and a compact double. I don't race!
Tomik Posted February 3, 2015 Posted February 3, 2015 Go to cycle traders in woodstock (by bus/taxi). Call them first to see what options they have in your size. I've bought a few bikes there - you pay a little more (about 10% if that) as they sell on consignment but it's worth it in my opinion. You can also get some kit there (shoes, helmet etc).
Tomik Posted February 3, 2015 Posted February 3, 2015 p.s. we don't have really long climbs here in the Western Cape...they're generally 5km or so...and not very steep at all. But you can do some long rides with 6-8 of those and you'll be proper tired.
HeyYou Posted February 3, 2015 Posted February 3, 2015 Welcome. Perhaps contact Woodstock Cycles. They often have quite a selection of 2nd hand bikes. http://www.woodstockcycleworks.com/contact/ very nice people.
HeyYou Posted February 3, 2015 Posted February 3, 2015 Alternatively, put a WANTED ad in the CLASSIFIEDS here on the HUB. State what you want, size, age, equipment, budget etc. I'm sure you'll have lots of answers.
venom1 Posted February 3, 2015 Posted February 3, 2015 contact wheelworx which is on the forum. he might be able to help you.
City Cycling Athletic Club Posted February 3, 2015 Posted February 3, 2015 why can a 'yank' secure an entry just like that but those that support the event and those leading up to it can't.good luck anyway with finding a decent bike and enjoy 'practising'.
Disylizzy Posted February 3, 2015 Posted February 3, 2015 why can a 'yank' secure an entry just like that but those that support the event and those leading up to it can't.good luck anyway with finding a decent bike and enjoy 'practising'. A yank can secure an international entry. Was what I did when I came over from Chicago a few years ago. As for seeding, unless he can provide races with times that he's done before, he will be seeded in one of two international batches that generally start towards the front.
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.