Hi Coenie Yes, I am on the net on most days and if you have to go and really compare prices with guys like CRC, you will see that the prices in SA is crazy. 10 years ago, i started an import business. I started Northwave shoes, Powerbar, Cube bikes, and a few other brands in SA. The price i bought stock at from the manufacturer was very low. I.E. top of the range Northwave shoe - My price R450 landed cost. Sold it to the dealers at R750 and they sold it for R1500. When i gave up the business and the brands were taken over by another distributor, the same shoes prices in stores shot up to R4500. Another I.E. I bought a pair of SRAM TT shifter from CRC (Cost R1100 - Local Price R2500). the bolt to install them did not want to release. SRAM SA (Cape Cycle Systems) refused to assist as they say it was not baought from them. Now the product guarantee says WORLD WIDE support. CCS did not manufactor it so they were suppose to support the product. Needless to say, i sent it back to CRC (Cost R80). one week later received new set. Total cost including headache tablets and trip to Postnet. R1180. Still way cheaper than local stores. Bike shops say they offer a service. to some extend yes, but i dont go and spend 2 hrs brouwsing through the shop to see what i want (and not see what they dont stock but just order). page through international magazines, go to the net and read up what will work for me. I have learnt how to service and build my own bikes. We can all do it, really not that hard. LBS also charge more for a bike service than most car manufacturers do????? NOW whats up with that?
