EdoardoBianchi

How long before they'll launch the Slamdunk downhiller

Mampara, you probably also like steel bikes... Traditionalists of the world: Unite!

Also try CycleTech on 011 465 2717

I agree, Sani is right up there (pardon the pun). Sounds like the plan to tar it is going ahead, so getta get there before its too late... PS: PLEASE post the pics, I'd love to see it...

My favourite road/track<?:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> Was riding yesterday on the toll-road between Harties and Pta with a massive headwind and hated every moment of it. Got me thinking of my favourite section of road. Kinda hard to pin it down, but here goes? Road: Nelmapius road in Centurion where it passes through the dip just before the dairy farm. Love the old oak trees, the mist rising from the stream and the early morning smells (mostly cattle excretions, but let?s not get into that?). The bad surface gives it a bit of a <?:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Roubaix feel. Best experienced between 05:00 & 06:00 in the morning. Gravel road: Swartberg Pass direction Prince Albert -> Oudtshoorn. The view from the [false] top back over the hairpins is fantastic, especially when you know you?ve earned it. <?:namespace prefix = v ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" />

Only a cyclist will think of a bike as a ChickMagnet Or were you talking of the cat? Looks like a nice ride, enjoy!

I will follow suit forthwith...

The electronic systems are supposed to eliminate effort in gearshifting, although I personally don't mind. I guess they innovate somewhere else, since 1) The pervasiveness of carbon/Ti in componentry can only go so far 2) How many more cogs do you want? Interesting question, the batteries one...

* EB, adding link to favourites* Nice link, thanks Fatty! Especially liked the "Daily Distractions"...

...He says coolly while reaching for the credit card. *Envy, envy, envy*

Someone will probably be along in a mo with a URL, but it goes something like this: - Cantilever (won't get this on new bikes anymore) - V-brake: Still spec'd on new bikes. Generally lighter and less complex, but [reputedly] with less modulation than discs. A good V is [way] better than a bad mechnical/cable disc - Mechanical/Cable Disc: heavier than v, less durable than hyd, - Hydraulic disc: The sh!t if you're willing to sacrifice [some] weight. Excellent modulation, but might be prone to fade My guess is that on a lower end bike you'll not get hyd's and it might not be worth the money to upgrade to these since the weight of the frame will not warrant this. Start with mechs and a lower end bike and do an overall upgrade when you know you like the sport & what you want in a bike... My humble opinion.

Looks nice & aggro for a 3k bike. If its cable discs don't expect anything too spectacular, especially not in adverse conditions. I assume you'll use your negotiation powers to swap the pedals for some clipless ones?

Raleigh have gone some way at changing their image in SA, spearheaded by Probike (I think?). They have been sponsoring some of the pro road teams with v-sexy machines at helluva reasonable prices. This seems to have trickled down to the lesser bikes and is definitely worth a look. Anyone any comments on reliability of the frames especially in the MTB context?

You might be able to find a 5k bike for 3k if you go 2nd hand? There normally seems to come quite a number onto the market after the "Awgus". Since you're planning on upgrading later in anyway, this might be a good option since someone else has alreay absorbed the 25% value loss...(refer to Trevor's post on Schwinn purchase...9k -> 6.5k) Not that I want to take the business away from the LBS in anyway.

Sorry about your bad experience, Wendall. I agree wholeheartedly with your comments. I believe every cyclist is an ambassador for the cycling community and every negative action harms the perception of the general motorist. As it stands: - We are arrogant - We are lawless (or think we are above the law) - We are unpredictable [add more here at leisure] In my humble opinion, creating awareness is only one side of the coin. [Mutual] Respect is the other. I don't think we deserve respect on the roads. Certainly not if the majority of our members fails to show respect towards fellow road users.

Whichever shop you choose: Good luck with the hunt/selection/purchase and happy cycling. I'm sure the bug will bite in no time...

Cool, Trevor, enjoy the bike. Seller dropped his price by 2k? Do you do freelance negotiation? I need to buy some new kit myself...

Sorry guys, didn't want to seem critical of an already fantastic forum (evidenced, I hope, by my number of posts?). Just wanted to help other newbies avoid the embarrassment of posting hol-rug-regryde polls. Use it, don't use it. PS: Delgado, you're like, funny and stuff!

I haven't been in the 2nd hand market for a while, but 7-8k used to buy midrange bikes with medium to high milage. With this comes components that require replacement (chains/cassettes, etc) which does push up the intial cost. Depending on the use the bike has seen with the 1st owner, it might be a good deal: 1) 2nd hand bikes normally comes with all accessories you would buy aftermarket (pedals, speedo, etc), putting another 1-1.5k in your pocket 2) It's relatively easy to assess the condition of the bike, since a crash is easily evident on the saddle, pedals, hoods/bars, derailler Check out the warranty. If its more than 3 years on the frame, a new bike might be better. If its one year, you might as well go for the 2nd hand option (given a very close inspection for crash damage) Take a look at Junkmail for a quick assessment of what's in the market at the moment... Cheers EB

Yeah, looks like a nice bike, spec-wise. How's the price compare with current 2nd hand offerings?

Dunno much about current line-up, but I used to page through bike US bike mags in the late 90's drooling over their MTB's. "Recent" relaunch in SA seems to pitch the bikes in the lower & mid-range with an attempt through recent sponsorship to up its image The Elite moniker seems to point to high-ish spec model: What gruppo does it come with?

Dude, if you need pedals give me a shout - I've got a set of Time Impact Mags in good condition...