Iwan Kemp

Not to kick you when you are down, but why were you cycling on the N7? And why did the guys in the Vodacom 4U / Willie Engelbrecht kit training this morning skip several red traffic lights (at a good speed) and at one crossing cycled on the sidewalk and almost into pedestrians? What the hell people? Are we TRYING to make things difficult for ourselves? Like when I was in Knysna after New Years only to witness just how many cyclists ride like idiots. Two/three oaks abreast on sections on the N2 where there's no shoulder. And they weren't ALL novices, some of them were on VERY expensive bikes with VERY expensive kit and gear. I'm really sorry you got mugged and NOBODY deserves that, but we need to sharpen up a little. Couple of weeks ago a cyclist got killed on the N4 outside PTA and the authorities shrug cause " he wasn't suppose to be there."

Concerning price: I wanted a full XT groupset for my build. CW advertised for R5500, but did not have any stock at the time. I would have to wait for the next shipment which was only expected in two months. I phoned Cycle Factory Store who quoted me R6200 for the FULL groupset excl hubs, but I only had to wait 1 day. PLUS that inluded free fitment and 1st check-up service and peace of mind of local back up. They even picked up and delivered my bike at no charge. I have been shopping there ever since...another happy ending.The Crow2008-01-05 02:07:21

Great weather in Cape Town todayThe Crow2008-01-03 10:21:43

I have, and know of PLENTY other guys, been using I-Links very relieably for a very long period of time. In fact, I use Aligator Super Fortress cables and Aligator disc pads on my MTB and haven't had any issues with them either. I have no doubt that Shimano cables work the deal with Shimano STI's, but I can't imagine other cables (at this end of the price range) stuffing up STI's. I must admit that the last couple of months my Aligator cables AND housings have been fitted to Record...obviously NO issues there.

I-link gets my vote. Cycle Factory has in stock...in all colors as well! (021) 552 8285

WTB V Stealth is available in SA. They are inexpensive and light. Lighter than Gobi. Gobi is very popular but it doesn't work with my ass...same with Arione. Try Selle Italia's new Yutaak - very comfy.

Forget carbon. Ask your LBS to get a price on KCNC's scandium bar and stem. Lighter AND stronger than carbon and half the price! PM me if you need the number...

Cycle Factory Store in Montague Gardens have them...very comfy.

Scott will have much better resale value and should sell quicker...IMO

Michelin Pro2 Race. They roll soooper fast for a tire with puncture protection. Bicycling.com found that only the Conti Supersonic and Michelin Pro Light's roll faster.

I used them for a race to try them out and found them to be rubbish compared to my Kenda's (Nevegal front and small block eight rear). Less grip and traction. But my biggest gripe was the weak sidewalls. Cornering on them was like riding a pool noodle. Race was 3 laps of 10km's. Lost over 15min on small sections of sgl track...my speciality!

I've spend some time on a K1 and found it surprisingly comfortable. Or rather: surprisingly not UNcomcortable. Have a Selle Italia SLR Kit Carbonia on my Felt and the K1 is no less comfy. I liked it...but it was a little out of my price range.

Silverback Sierra is full XT

Definately Silverback Sierra or Felt Q920 or Merida TFS700. Best value for money on kit and all three are fairly light at their price range. Phone Cycle Factory in Montague Gardens, last time I was there they had all three in stock and I know the 07's have been reduced. They have a less 15% sale on all Felts. (021) 552 8285

Quote on facebook: "A chatroom war is kinda like the Special Olympics. Even if you do win you're still a little retarted!"

This is freaking funny! Well done Muddee! He he he...

I have Fi:zi'k Arione I would like to sell. R750. Still new

Had severe knee pain after my first ride on my new MTB. Took my bike in to Cycle Factory to have a look at my set up. In the end moved my saddle about 8-10mm forward and the pain is gone. On my previous mtb I suffered from lower back pain on long climbs. Fiddling with my saddle height solved that. Like RABUBI says, go for a pro bike set up.

Oh, yeah, and then ripped out all the stops to make the stock bike used for the test lighter and then tested it and wrote a review on that.

mbr had an very interesting article in their Jul '07 edition. Added weight to frame,fork, rider and seat stay. DEFINATELY worth a look whether you MTB or RB.

Here are the details of th elocal agent. Shane from Bowman's emailed me to say that the frames have arrived in the country and are ready for shipment. Contact Victor to find out what shops will be stocking them. BUT... go have a look on the Ibis website, the MojoSL available next year sheds another couple of grams without sacrifising strenght...they say. Was a close race to the finish between the Mojo and Moto-Lite II for my next bike...the ML II won. Roll on Wednesday!

I'm more than happy with my bike for what it's meant to be. But I have the opputunity to upgrade to a Moto-lite (or Ibis Mojo) and just can't resist. Not to push Merida or knock Giant, but I heard bearings and some other suspension related parts give trouble in the long run, that's why I settled on the Merida in the end. Also a newbie and on rides with some friends (trail/climbs/xc/am) I'm right in there with the Anthems,Epics,Rush and plenty other top end bikes. Also IMO the Merida has less bob than most others. If not for the ooputunity to upgrade I'd ride the Merida till kingdom come.

Mine is for sale...pm me. 2month old AM 3000D. Excellent condition with some upgrades.

I have a AM 3000D and it's a great bike. Not really fare to put a AM 800 and 5.5.1 in the same boat. I test road a Steven's, Scott, Giant, GT, Spec, Trek Raleigh, Commencal, couple of others and of course the Merida. Buck for buck the Merida was a better buy. Also, in my opinion just case the 5.5.1 got great reviews doesn't mean the 5.5.2 is just a good a buy. AM 3000D got some good reviews, but beacuse of different rear shock the AM800 did not fare so well. Even though it's the same frame. I'm not knocking Commencal though. I also read the 10/10 review. Difficult to make one's mind up according to those. Trail bike of the year never feature last year's winner and they don't always include bike's they don't "push". Plus reviewer likes different stuff in a bike that you or maybe I do. Again, I also read those. In fact I study them almost religiously, but in the end of the day, you have to decide on a trail. Which we all know is not so easy in SA as not all bikes are available and most stores only carry a couple of brands. Pitty... FULL XT, Fox Talas RL 100-120-140, Fox RP2 shock with pro-pedal, Hydro-formed tubes... Best would be to take all of your options for a spin. Kyle at Cycle Factory was kind enough to organise a demo from Merida for me when the time came to finally make up my mind. Could take the Merida and Scott Scale 50 I was upgrading for back to back test drives. Was really helpful.

Phine Kyle at Cycle Factory. Was in there last week and he had the latest prices on hand. (021) 552 8285. Tell him The Hub sent you.