slowlady

I'm considering buying a Spesialized Saffire. Only problem is that I cannot find a test bike anywhere. Went to the ride before you buy in Groenies the other day. They only had the Era there and not the Saffire. Not comfy on the era, I prefer a more upright position. Went to FPC Fourways recently and they don't have a Saffire testbike available anymore. I hoped to find it at the Crater Cruize... No such luck. I would really like to test the bike before I buy it. Does anyone know who would have a test bike or how I can contact someone at Spesialized?

Get as many opinions as possible. Some bikeshops will sell you whatever they get discounts on and whatever they can't seem to sell to anyone else. Every rider also has got their fav brand. I'm a great fan of the GT Avalanche. Have to admit that I'm biased as I own one. Still haven't managed to break it(I have many unplanned dismounts). In that price range Silverback might also provide good value for money.

Congrats! May she bring you lots of joy!

Competent sales staff. Pretend that my business is important to you, even if I'm just buying a low cost item.slowlady2010-03-08 12:25:51

That would be my last opportunity to fall. At least it won't hurt

Apparently she had a drip in her legs which caused the infection and consequently gangrene. It might have been just a very unfortunate incident and one of the rare cases where drips go very wrong. It might have also been that the drip sites was not monitored and cared for by the health care professionals as it should have been. I think at the moment there is more questions than answers. Hopefully the investigation will get to the truth. If the health care providers are innocent their names must be cleared. If not, they should be charged. Either way - my heart goes out to the little girl.slowlady2009-12-01 11:02:52

Depends on the brand. Some brands changes the geometry eg. top tube is shorter to compensate for shorter arms, handle bars are shorter/narrower, angle of seat post differ, women specific saddle etc. GT, Merida, Spezialised women specific bikes falls in this category. Visiting their websites may proved some more info. Silverback -geometry is the same as men's bikes. A standard medium may be called a small. Painted in a different colour with a women specific saddle. Lots of different opions about this. My advice to her would be to test ride as many bikes as possible(unisex and women specific at different bike stores) and get the one that works for her. My opinion: I love my girly looking bike and it's comfortable for me.slowlady2009-11-30 12:37:45

Apparently the Karkloof nature reserve has some good trails. Situated about 20km from Howick

Not an expert but had the same concerns. Deflated my tubes as much as I could and tried to make sure that the valve is higher than the tube when deflating(order to avoid leakage). Changed tyres about 3 times so far without any problems