goatman

Aramex recalculated the customs duties after I emailed the relevant person with the correct customs code.

Thanks Warick, good point! I've forwarded the bicycle lights code: 8512.10 Bicycle lights customs code.pdf

Aramex just calculated 45% customs duties on 3 bicycle lights I imported via China. They incorrectly labelled them as "car lights" which may be the reason for the excessive duties? The commercial invoice clearly shows that these are bicycle lights, so they should attract around 15% customs duties (more or less) I have imported the same lights before and customs was either zero (amount under R500) or around 15% of total invoice amount. Anyone had a similar experience? I've raised the issue with Aramex customer service. Using the Aramex Global Shopper service can be an intensely frustrating experience, these lights were initially declared as "unacceptable/prohibited items" in Hong Kong even though they are not on the Aramex prohibited items list! No batteries included either. After raising this issue with a customer service consultant they were suddenly shipped, no explanation given. I'm over Aramex Global Shopper.

Found an Osprey hydration pack magnet just below the concrete section of the mast jeep track, Tokai today.

I've ridden the trails around Kromrivier, well worth it! Some sweet singletrack sections...

I have some spares - pm'ed you

I'd go for the Lyne, you can purchase a service kit for R199 and service it yourself. Once the Giant seizes or rattles excessively you have to either replace the cartridge or replace the entire post. Here's the video that you need to watch before choosing the correct size: You can't go wrong with Dayle's service! More instructional Lyne videos here: https://www.lynecomponents.com/videos I don't have any experience with the X Fusion post.

Hi Eddy! From the horse's mouth: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/table_mountain/tourism/access-cards-permits.php Hope this helps!

The two 'droos of Stoke Suspension are now based c/o Woodlands and Victoria road Woodstock (entrance in Woodlands rd) - popped in there last week - you'll get the best suspension service out there as well as good advice from real bikers! Some killer looking Banshee bikes too!

I was privileged to ride some of the trails on offer in the Grootvadersbosch (GVB) conservancy this past weekend. This project supports the local community and your R50/day entry fee goes a long way: The trail hub is at Strawberry hill farm (you can rent a cottage) and there's a network of trails fanning out in all directions of the compass. The singletrack loops through the forest valleys adjacent to Strawberry hill induced some serious deja vu, it was like the Garden Route trail park (sadly now closed). There is afromontane forest alongside fynbos and some patches of renosterveld. The singletrack routes are characterized by multiple switchbacks (I lost count), both up- and downhill, and lots of fun contours. The longer routes also traverse the network of farms where you'll be rewarded with a cheerful greeting or two as you pass by the farmsteads. I spotted ribbok, grysbok and kori bustard (and many cattle and sheep!) Among the trails I traversed a number seemed hardly ridden, which is a great pity. Make a weekend of it as there are multiple accommodation options available, including farm stays and also camping & cottages in the Grootvadersbosch nature reserve which abuts the conservancy. All this not too far from Swellendam with the majestic Langeberge as a backdrop. https://www.gvbconservancy.co.za/ Rustle up some mates and make a (long) weekend of it!

In the Deep South it's definitely Ian and Chris at Cranx in Sun Valley.

Any info on whether Tokai will be open at the usual riding hours tomorrow 25 December? Thanks!

I found a Rockshox Motion Control top cap on the All Mountain trail in Tokai today(probably riding too slowly):

Try fitting an Extreme Lights clamp to the Marvel light. I've done the same successfully with two different Chinese lights! The larger sized lights tend to bounce around on the bars when using the stock O-ring bar clamp; Extreme Lights clamps are really secure in comparison.

Interested to know what those two lights look like side by side, especially the colour tint!

SA customs finally released my light on 25 June with no duties/handling fee payable!

Does anyone have the exact customs code for LED bike lights? I have only paid VAT + 1% and a handling fee to SAPO in the past. I am currently dealing with an LED light worth R513 that is being detained at customs in JHB - had to provide proof of purchase and payment etc. It only took a few days to get from China to JHB via Aramex Global Shopper and then came to a halt at JHB international customs. I did provide the correct invoice initially To Aramex but JHB international customs detained my shipment. An Aramex representative e-mailed me on 19 June with a reminder that I had 48h to submit the required documentation (after waiting since 08 June) Buyer beware

Found a bike light around 2.5km away from Constantia nek on the jeep track on a descent (roughly above Cecilia forest) this evening (Thursday) at around 6pm. Send me a pm if it's yours and you can describe it to me!

Thanks B A Z A got it sorted

I am missing the bottom cover plate on my 10 speed Deore rear shifters; anybody have an old shifter pod lying around as I only need the plastic cover plate? Thanks! Southern Peninsula, Cape Town

Thanks for the great pics and write-up Ewald! Rode there last week for the first time and was just blown away by what Rob and his team have created. Go ride these trails!!!

Kaggel, Your advice is spot on! Riding a few bikes on a familiar trail helps so much in making the right decision - never mind the plethora of bike reviews out there. Maybe I don't have a happy trusting kind of face because I struggled to find demo bikes (granted that was 2 years ago) Marco at Action Cycling was the real deal in the end. (Sadly no longer in business; but I won't go there...) Well, can't take the suspense anymore: Giant or YT bro?

In my opinion the Ardent 2.4 is a BOSS of an allround trail tyre...even better on wider rims (insert ++ $) Have never found them for sale in South Africa(yet) Anyone? If you are a heavier rider on gnarly terrain and like to lay the bike over then burping may be an issue with the stock Giant rims. Having said that the Ardents like to be leaned over (a lot)...

Thanks Duane! Will use dental pick to remove said o-ring I'm not even going to ask which front end...

Pardon my ignorance but are the Monarch shock reducer bands available in Cape Town (I did ask LBS before and didn't know) I also feel that i need some mid-stroke support; might have something to do with carrying a mobile workshop in my Camelbak and some spare weight on the midriff... Otherwise I guess a few wraps of tape will do?