Bicycling Magazine South Africa

24/12/2024

Forget wonderful. It’s the most bananas time of the year. Work deadlines, festive craziness, family dynamics.

Let’s all take a deep breath. Even if you stopped riding right now and are planning on chilling through the holiday season, your fitness won’t deflate like a balloon jabbed with the pointy end of a candy cane. Instead, it will go ever so soft, like tyres that haven’t seen any action for a while. And that’s okay. Here’s a stay-sane, don’t-detrain, happy holiday fitness plan.

Follow his holiday fitness plan over the holidays and you'll keep your fitness, and your motivation to hit the new year strong.

21/12/2024

If you find yourself on the Garden Route this December holiday, make sure there’s sealant in your tyres because Prince Alfred’s Pass is waiting to be ridden.

If you find yourself on the Garden Route this December holiday, make sure there’s sealant in your tyres because Prince Alfred’s Pass is waiting to be

18/12/2024

Most cyclists interested in improving their performance have probably heard that you should spend the majority of your time riding at an effort that allows you to chat with your buddies. This intensity, known as Zone 2 training, provides a variety of payoffs in terms of fitness and performance. But this effort can get confusing to master. To help you conquer it, we explain what Zone 2 training actually means, why it matters, how it can help your performance, and how to do it for maximum gains.

1Most cyclists interested in improving their performance have probably heard that you should spend the majority of your time riding at an effort that

13/12/2024

BUILT FOR THE LONG HAUL: Still looking for a gift for the ultra-distance cycling nut in your family? You know – the guy or girl who’s quite happy riding lonely roads for double-digit hours at a stretch?

The Garmin Enduro 3 is a tough new smart watch with a super durable casing, all the fitness tracking features you’d need, plus unmatched solar-powered battery life, advanced navigation tools and even a torch if you need to do emergency bike repairs in the dark.

Get the details here 👉 https://www.bicycling.co.za/bikes-gear/gear/garmin-enduro-3/

Garmin SA

11/12/2024

CHECKMATE, YOU WIN: The Checkmate SLR is Trek’s lightest, fastest gravel bike, designed to win races in any conditions. Improved aerodynamics save watts, while the legendary IsoSpeed decoupler at the seat tube junction has been retained for added compliance in the rough. It’s a looker, too – see the link for all the details: https://www.bicycling.co.za/bikes-gear/bikes/all-new-checkmate-slr-gravel-race-bike/

Trek Bicycle

When it comes to gravel racing, the Checkmate SLR is a game-changer. As one of the fastest and lightest gravel bikes we’ve seen.

10/12/2024

Earlier this year, SA's Matt Beers took his first victory on US soil, winning at the Belgian Waffle Ride which is considered by many to be the granddaddy of gravel racing.

For Beers, who finished second in 2022, it was vindication for his decision to set his sights on some the biggest, meanest cycling races on the international calendar as he enters what should be the peak of his career.

We chatted to him between US stints on the doorstep of his home trails in Tokai, Cape Town.

Bicycling chatted to MTB and gravel weapon Matt Beers between US stints on the doorstep of his home trails in Tokai, Cape Town.

06/12/2024

BUILD YOUR DREAM GRAVEL RACER: Well-established roadie brand Cabal has just launched a speedy gravel bike. Say hello to Project X…

In a tightly contested premium market, it’s an aero whippet that’s destined for A batch. But Cabal also offers something that not many other bike brands can match at this price: full customisation, including a one-off paint scheme done just for you.

Hit the link for all the info: https://www.bicycling.co.za/bikes-gear/bikes/cabal-project-x/

04/12/2024

READY TO RIDE! Avalanche has launched a whole new range of bikes, building on over 30 years of delivering reliable, affordable bicycles to South Africans from all walks of life.

The updated range caters to everyone from trail riders to commuters and parents teaching their kids to ride. Expect high-tech materials, sleek designs and reliable performance, all without breaking the bank.

See the bikes (along with our favourite for Christmas) here: https://www.bicycling.co.za/bikes-gear/bikes/avalanche-bicycles-unveils-a-new-range/

Avalanche Bikes South Africa

Building on three decades of experience, the proudly South African company has launched a new range of mountain bikes, kids bikes and more.

03/12/2024

Want to get faster on the bike? 🚴‍♂️💨 Piling on the miles or cranking up the intensity isn’t enough. To truly reach your potential, strength training is the missing piece. 💪

These targeted speed-boosting workouts are designed to elevate your cycling performance and help you crush your goals. Ready to power up your ride? Check them out: https://www.bicycling.co.za/training/workouts/the-best-strength-workouts-to-ride-faster/

29/11/2024

SMARTEST TOUGH WATCH: Or should that be toughest smartwatch?⌚ Either way, the new Garmin Enduro 3 is a brilliant piece of tech for ultra-endurance riders. Sharing similar features to the exceptional Fenix 8 but in a super durable casing, it has unparalleled solar-powered battery life, advanced navigation tools and even a torch to help you find your toothbrush in your tent!

Get the details here 👉 https://www.bicycling.co.za/bikes-gear/gear/garmin-enduro-3/

Garmin SA

Or should that be the toughest smartwatch? Either way, the new Enduro 3 is a brilliant piece of tech for ultra-endurance athletes.

27/11/2024

BLACK FRIDAY: Eyeing some new kit? Chances are the items you've been eyeing are on sale at CIOVITA at their annual Black Friday sale - their biggest of the year! It's live now at https://bit.ly/ciovitasale! The sale runs until 1 December with Cyber Monday bringing even more deals on 2 December. Get up to 70% off on a specially curated selection of premium gear now.
Stock is limited, so shop early!

CIOVITA designs and manufactures precision engineered cycling apparel. Get world class bike wear including jerseys, bib shorts and accessories for your ride.

26/11/2024

TOP SHOTS: From the picturesque scenery of the Klein Karoo to the incredible camaraderie of over 2,500 riders, this year’s Old Mutual Wealth Double Century delivered an unforgettable day. Tobias Ginsberg was there to capture the magic. Swipe through to relive the day and click the link for more epic pics. https://www.bicycling.co.za/double-century/top-shots-from-the-2024-double-century/

24/11/2024

Searing heat helped produce fierce racing at the 2024 Old Mutual Wealth Double Century which took place on Saturday 23 November. In the men’s race RH77 – Factory proved fastest. In the women’s race, Paceline and O’Right engaged in an even closer contest throughout the race with Paceline eventually prevailing. In the mixed race, ChemChamp Honeycomb Racing’s fast start saw them defeat the highly touted Private Client Holdings Mixed team.

Searing heat helped produce fierce racing at the 2024 Old Mutual Wealth Double Century which took place on Saturday 23 November. In the men’s race RH77 -

22/11/2024

💥 IT'S DC WEEKEND! 💥 We tapped into some of the most experienced brains in the Mutual Wealth Double Century, and put together the most important strategies you’ll need for race day.

We tapped into some of the most experienced brains in the Old Mutual Wealth Double Century database, and put together the most important strategies you’ll need for race day.

21/11/2024

BIB SHORT UPGRADE! The new version of Enjoy’s popular ProXision bib shorts are even more comfortable and long-lasting than the original. Locally designed and made right here in Cape Town, they have redesigned seamless microfibre straps and an ergonomic chamois that’s good for any kind of riding, whether you’re taking on a stage race or doing a Sunday coffee ride. The integrated back pockets are a nice touch – stash your gels in there and clear some space in your jersey pockets.

Best of all, they’re available in six classy colours: Thyme, Bossanova, Navy, Sebino Blue, Petrol and Black. Hit the link in our bio to learn more. Hit the link to learn more: https://www.bicycling.co.za/bikes-gear/gear/enjoys-new-proxision-bib-shorts/

Enjoy

19/11/2024

A journey of 202km offers plenty of opportunities to gain (and lose) time. Drawing from the Bicycling office’s multiple Old Mutual Wealth Double Century finishes—ranging from third overall to stone last—and countless social attempts in between, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you and your team optimise your efforts on the day.

How much time can we save you? Quite a bit—potentially an hour or more if you’re aiming to take it seriously, or lots of grey hairs if you’re simply looking for a relaxed social roll through the Klein Karoo. 🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴

The Double Century offers plenty of opportunity to use (and lose) time. Here’s how to make the most of your long day in November.

18/11/2024

How awesome was it to have cyclists owning the streets of Jozi yesterday at Ride Joburg! How did your ride go?

Head to https://www.bicycling.co.za/race-news/pictures-relive-the-2024-ride-joburg/ for some of our favourite shots from the day.

📷 - Ride Joburg