In this issue

2023 Bike Buyers Guide: The Hottest New Rides / Why You're Probably Riding Too Hard? / How To Ramp Up Your VO2 Max /

RAD RIDES

THE RECYCLES KEEPING ACTIVE ON DURBAN'S BEACHFRONT.

2 mins

GUILTY GEARS

A NEW BIKE OWNER SHARES HIS TALE OF SHAME.

2 mins

The Ultimate African Adventurer

OUR COFFEE DATE this issue is with a world-renowned explorer, whose list of adventures includes circumnavigating the entire continent of Africa by bicycle: in two years and two months, covering over 38 000km and passing through 34 countries, including some of the most dangerous on the planet. He was captured by rebel soldiers in Liberia, and held captive by Al Qaeda in Algeria.

2 mins

ULTRAADVENTURE VIRGIN

LIVING THE BRAND TO THE LIMIT, Ciovita marketing guru Charl-Neethling is no stranger to the Cape Town cycl ing mil ieu – popping up at everything from urban cruises to gravel grinders, on a selection of bikes that sometimes seems endless.

3 mins

CHILLING FOR THE WIN

WORRIED ABOUT LOSING FITNESS OVER THE HOLIDAYS? RELAX - TAKING IT EASY DOESN'T MEAN TRASHING YOUR HARD-EARNED GAINS.

4 mins

HAVE AN ACTUAL ENDURANCE PLAN

For my first-ever monster ride, I decided to ride an A-to-B route with rolling hills and ocean-front views, ending at the beach with a toe-dip in the ocean. Sounds nice, right? It should have been; but I made a few rookie mistakes.

1 min

DON'T FORCE A RIDE - JUST STAY INSIDE

My relationship with riding is different now that I don’t race. When riding was a goal-oriented, athletic pursuit, I’d push myself to go out on rides even when I knew I shouldn’t have.

1 min

Conquer tough workouts

Training sessions that push you past your limits prepare your body to handle pain and discomfort when you need to drop the hammer and pull away from the peloton, bridge the gap to a lead group, or cement a podium spot.

3 mins

TRAIN WITH VO2 MAX

VO2 max stands for a measurement of the maximum (max) volume (V) of oxygen (O2) your body can take in and use during intense aerobic exercise.

2 mins

SEE IF FODMAPS AFFECT YOU

If you’ve struggled with diarrhoea, gas or bloating during workouts, a low-FODMAP diet might help you suss out what’s causing it

1 min

TAKE THE GUESSWORK OUT OF CLEAT SET-UP

For many riders who use clipless pedals, cleat set-up can be a combination of guesswork, trial and-error, and riding experience.

2 mins

POP A WHEELIE

Wheelies aren’t just a super-cool trick. They actually offer some practical skills you can use every day on the bike.

1 min

A Tale of Two Rhinos

The inaugural edition of the Rhino run saw a packed field of lunatic bike riders covering 2 700km across South Africa and Namibia - Some faster than should be possible, others getting full value.

10 mins

HITTING THE PERFECT TYRE PRESSURE FOR EVERY RIDE

RIDE FASTER, FLAT LESS, CORNER HARDER, AND LOVE EACH RIDE JUST A LITTLE BIT MORE, PRO CYCLIST ALISON TETRICK HAS A MANTRA: LOWER TYRE PRESSURE, LOWER LIFE PRESSURE.

9 mins

What If We're All Training Too Hard?

Most riders can get faster, ride further, and crush all-day events with this minimalist training programme.

9 mins

23 bike buyer's guide

The best bikes for every rider - Available right now.

10+ mins

Read all stories from Bicycling South Africa

Bicycling South Africa Magazine Description:

Bicycling is South Africa's leading cycling magazine and is aimed at both road and mountain biking enthusiasts. Launched in February 2003, it is published 10 times a year, targeting the fast-growing and affluent lifestyle cycling market youngsters, adults, professional as well as casual cyclists. The magazine is filled with the best international and local content for every element of the cyclist's life from training techniques and fitness information to inspiring human interest stories, event news, nutrition and motivation. Bicycling is also South Africa's leading tester of bikes and gear with over 30% of the monthly magazine dedicated to the latest reviews so our readers can make the best choices.