Jump to content

Road cycling in Gauteng


G0ku

Recommended Posts

I'm new to road bikes, but am really enjoying the more refined, light weight, smoother side of cycling, as opposed to riding a rigid 26er on South African pavements, which is more like singletrack.

I have a few questions for the roadies out there.

1. Where can I find a group of casual cyclists to ride with?

2. Are there rigid rules about dress code? Do I have to go and buy lycra and all that?

3. I have heard that the world of road cycling can be a little pretentious/elitist (Not trying to insult anyone, this is just what I've heard).

    For those of you who know, how true is this? are people just ignorant and get the wrong idea from the road cycling community? 

If you have any suggestions or advice I would love to hear what the various hubbers out there think of all this. (go easy on me, I'm a noob)

 

Edited by G0ku
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Frosty said:

Where do you stay, or plan to ride?

I stay in Pretoria East

Link to comment
Share on other sites

9 hours ago, G0ku said:

I stay in Pretoria East

Cycle lab have a group maybe go in store and ask. Also try LCC and ASG they have group rides. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

First off, welcome to the world of skinny wheels. 

1. I stay in PE so cannot answer this question. 

2. You can wear what you want, but cycling shorts are recommended. 

3. There is nothing pretentious/elitist about road cyclists. For most part, they  are a great bunch. Now that you have moved into the world of smooth surfaces, let's hope your old mtb friends don't consider you pretentious/elitists. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

15 hours ago, G0ku said:

1. Where can I find a group of casual cyclists to ride with?  If you can get to Erasmusrand area 6:30-ish or so you can join us for a leisurely 80km to Babs (bf) and back.  Send me a PM if interested. We stop regularly etc

2. Are there rigid rules about dress code? Do I have to go and buy lycra and all that?  No, I cycle with my running shoes / flat pedals etc.

3. I have heard that the world of road cycling can be a little pretentious/elitist (Not trying to insult anyone, this is just what I've heard).

    For those of you who know, how true is this? are people just ignorant and get the wrong idea from the road cycling community? 

Quite yes, can appear like that at times, just smile and wave.   You are doing it because you like cycling, don't worry about the rest :) :) 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 hours ago, Eugene said:

First off, welcome to the world of skinny wheels. 

1. I stay in PE so cannot answer this question. 

2. You can wear what you want, but cycling shorts are recommended. 

3. There is nothing pretentious/elitist about road cyclists. For most part, they  are a great bunch. Now that you have moved into the world of smooth surfaces, let's hope your old mtb friends don't consider you pretentious/elitists. 

Thanks, Eugene ???? 

well I don't really have MTB friends as I don't really do proper mountain biking at bike parks etc, mostly just commuting, but road cycling seems like it could make for a more social ride

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Pieter-za said:

 

I was just about to make an edit to ask about flat pedals ????

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I actually reckon the 'hardcore' #enduro bro mtbers are generally way more elitist and obsessed with their kit, their strava and their #squad coolness.

Road cycling is awesome. 

Just don't get sucked into taking it or yourself too seriously, no matter how good/fast you get.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

23 hours ago, G0ku said:

I'm new to road bikes, but am really enjoying the more refined, light weight, smoother side of cycling, as opposed to riding a rigid 26er on South African pavements, which is more like singletrack.

I have a few questions for the roadies out there.

1. Where can I find a group of casual cyclists to ride with?

2. Are there rigid rules about dress code? Do I have to go and buy lycra and all that?

3. I have heard that the world of road cycling can be a little pretentious/elitist (Not trying to insult anyone, this is just what I've heard).

    For those of you who know, how true is this? are people just ignorant and get the wrong idea from the road cycling community? 

If you have any suggestions or advice I would love to hear what the various hubbers out there think of all this. (go easy on me, I'm a noob)

 

Some good advice so far...

Choose a club that accommodates for noobies. As with most clubs (any) it's usually all about fitting in. Go and play golf in your vellies and you might not be accepted by the group! Often your inclusion into the clique within the group will depend on your performance as s cyclist. All the above aside, I still prefer riding on my own but also enjoy riding with the stronger riders in the club even when I get blown off the back after climbing the last monster hill.

Lycra pants/shorts have a built in comfort panel that is very necessary. Ride in normal shorts at your own peril....cleated shoes become a must as you advance in skill and want your feet to be securely planted on the pedals.

Good luck with your riding....and keep left...flashing lights on your bike is a must. Stay Safe!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
Settings My Forum Content My Followed Content Forum Settings Ad Messages My Ads My Favourites My Saved Alerts My Pay Deals Help Logout