JJacobs

I've been riding Di2 for 4 years and absolutely love it. My first Di2 bike was with the 6870 with external battery (Cube Agree GTC SLT). The only issue with that was that you charge the battery separately on a charger and the junction box had no connectivity to a PC, so software updates had to be done by shops (I am still not sure how it connected to a PC). Then I had the same groupset on another bike (Trek Emonda SL7), but with the internal battery and charger. It makes connectivity easy, just download the eTube software on your PC and you can do all the software updates and settings yourself. I got the Giant TCR Advanced Pro 0 disc in September last year, so everything basically the same, but for going to the latest 8000 series and with disc brakes. Over that time, +/- 40,000km I had three minor issues. One - the charger broke for no apparent reason; two - but by no fault of the groupset, I tried to push the battery life a little too far and had to single speed it home; three - I tried updating software on eTube mobile via Bluetooth and it lost the connection with the phone and the groupset crashed and had to be reset via usb and the PC. After that, I don't do updates on Bluetooth, there seems to be lots of cases if you internet search where connections get dropped and the groupset crashes. The fear of the groupset crashing or battery dying on you mid-ride is most people's concern, but to me, the likelihood of that happening is probably around the same as a shifter cable breaking mid-ride - it happens, but not all that much at all. So, really good and reliable equipment, but I share the sentiments of some of the above posts - it is not absolutely necessary and mechanical Ultegra is also very good.

I was the one that was robbed. Momsen serial number U17XP04364 Garmin Edge 520 serial number 43V642521

I got the same response this morning to an ad: "Do you still have for sale if so,kindly write me back on (torseinmichealhans1@gmail.com ) for further conversation." Username is now “wemito1”. It was flagged by Admin as a suspicious user. Thanks Admin.

Exactly my sentiments. This is going to be my fourth ToGH and I really want it to succeed and to stay on the calendar. It has been a highlight of every year for the past three years. However, with the poor communication and blatantly bad attitude from ASG, I would not be surprised if this is indeed the last straw. I am not sure how they are going to get us to trust them again for next year... people would be reluctant to enter early, but then it might seem as though there isn't enough interest and it does not go ahead.

I agree. Those two big stages were the highlights of the tour. As for Franschoek, on the website they say that now that the venue is the Landbou Skool for all the stages, Franschoek Pass is too far away. This is exactly what really irritates me - how they just sneak the changes as if we won't notice... like replacing the jacket with sunglasses last year without saying anything.

I am going down from GP and obviously not happy with how the route is "unveiled" so short before the Tour. I did not ask them about pulling out, as all accommodation etc. are booked already, and will lose accommodation deposit, will have to change travel arrangements, etc., so I am still going. By announcing the route only after entries had closed, we were not given an opportunity to decide based on the route whether we would like to do the tour or not. When early bird entries opened, there was no reason to think that the route would be any different to the last three tours. If this route was announced before I booked everything, I would have considered not doing it and would probably have gone for the Panorama Tour instead - a tour where the route is published and finalised months in advance. Anyway, I am sure it will still be a fun week, but I will not enter "early bird" for next year's tour... lesson learnt from this year - if there is no route by January (when we need to book flights, accommodation, etc), I am not going to enter.

I converted my Bontrager Aeolus 5s to tubeless about 5 months ago and up to now I have had no hassles using Schwalbe One Pros and Bontrager sealant. I had two punctures that sealed perfectly and did not open up again when inflating, and I still ride relatively high pressure, about 6.5 bar. My personal opinion of the Bontrager tires you mention is not good. The Trek bikes come out with those and although they are tubeless ready, they are seemingly not very good quality. Maybe I was unlucky, but I got 4/5 punctures in the first 6/7 weeks with those and they wore down very quickly plus they were scary slippery in wet conditions. Now, after about 4000km, the rear tire is starting to wear noticeably. Given the launch of the new GP5000s and the overall reliability of GP4000s, I would expect that those would probably be the way to go when I replace my tires. Although tubeless is still a "trial" for me too, I will keep them tubeless when I replace tires.

After a couple of years of cycling one ends up with many things which can be sold... handlebars, saddles, promo things from races, etc. Just selling stuff in classifieds, not necessarily a business to make money, just clearing out stuff.

I ordered a couple of small things from CRC last Monday and it arrived today. I also had to first pay an invoice including R350 "admin fee". If you consider how many of us only (Hubbers and CRC customers) had to pay their admin fee, it is sickening to think how quickly it adds up for them for doing nothing really. I pointed that out to Skynet, but they just wanted the proof of payment.

I am a little late here, but still want to add four comments. Price has been mentioned many times before, but something that goes with that is loyalty, or lack thereof. Simply put, I often buy from CWC, but if I can get something for cheaper at CRC or Bike24 or Wiggle or anywhere else, I will buy from them. Most people will not simply buy from a specific store all the time because they like them or because they are "loyal", they are mostly not and easily persuaded by price. Second thing is, people do not want to have to point out price discrepancies in order for them to get them "adjusted", they will simply go and buy the cheaper option as they do not want to "negotiate" first. Typically people will also not take kindly if prices are "adjusted" after they were queried, because it makes them question why it wasn't advertised at the "adjusted" price in the first place. Third one is RRP. Although sometimes it might be a useful indicator of just how sweet the deal is you are getting, it seems that it is nothing more than an outdated 90s business school marketing tool which most people frankly do not care about. People do not care about RRP as it has become a meaningless thing because everyone seems to be selling everything below that all the time. Last one, consistency. There was a pair of sunglasses in the clearance section of the ASG site for R600 a couple of weeks ago. It has since gone up to R990 which is more than 50% up, yet it still shows it has been discounted by 50% as part of the clearance sale. Although they do not say anything, people notice such things.

No, nothing. Will let you know if I do.

I enquired about the bike below this morning before seeing your post... it is still being advertised... https://www.olx.co.za/ad/2015-bmc-tmr02-brand-new-full-carbon-ID16hbbh.html

Sorry, I didn't mention, yes we will have road bikes with us. Ok, that'll be great, thanks!! I will contact you next week.

Hi, We are going down to KZN for the Aquelle Tour, but we have extended the long weekend and will stay in Uvongo for a couple of days before the race. Anyone know the area and where we can go for a ride or three next week? Thanks!

Wow!!