Agreed, whether it is Sram or Shimano, unless you are a weight weenie with money to burn I would as a rule always opt for either X9/SLX or X0/XT. Beter value and greater durability for much less bang
Different experience than riding during daytime, to be recomended as it focuses all your senses on the task at hand. Dont know where you from Jakes but in Pta we have various organised night rides
You get 2 10spd chainlengths, the normal 114 link and the extra length 120 link. See the attached link http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=53862
I have been using Stans up to now and have had the experience of both the balls and the latex linning all round the inside. thinking of switching to Bat seal going forward - apparently they maintain that they have elimanted this problem.
Perused my seeding result today to see whether it was updated with the results of the Nissan Tygervalley race. Great was my suprise when I saw that I finished both the 70 & 40 km events. Did not know the race was conducted in a paralel universe :-)
my experience - no single shop stocks all. Pants and underlayers i get from a general adventure shop in Doornkloof or a well stocked Cape Union Mart/Trappers. Can also try First Ascent online store.
Try doing a search on www.amazon.com the prices quoted by some dealers are much cheaper than what you would locally pay. Just be sure that you search for the correct one - you get a short and long stem version. And yes they are normally reliable - ordered a Fox Talas fork the same way - no problems [ no import duty, only VAT payable]
I agree, international prices as a rule are cheaper, however I found that building up a good relationship with your LBS can be advantageous - they are offering me 15% discount on cash purchases. Although they still sometime come in higher than the international price, it only does so marginally making it worth my while to shop locally.
Would advise against increasing travel. Doing it would change the geomertry and the way the bike handles and would void any warranty which you may have. from what i gather it would also be overkill for what you use the bike for. From Bianci's website it seems that most of their hardtail bikes comes out with 100mm travel. If you need some expert advice phone Ruan Deysel @ Spokeworks who will be able to give you a more informed opinion.
Boet i dont know where you are situated - was in a similar position myself and having extracted some bearings on my cars in the past learned the hard way that you can easily deface the part if you do not have the correct tool. the tool pictured above iwas made specifically with the Santa Cruz in mind but there is no reason why it should not work on other bikes as well as the bearings sizes used are normally the same. Problem is you need to import from the States (approx $45) and as you are not likely to use it every day it is not worthwhile taking the item to your LBS or even an car engineering place.
