Hog_

It's really excellent. Something like 72 engagement points or something, and it makes a lot of noise. Do yourself a favour though - get it from CRC, and have them build you a wheel. Their custom built wheels are cheap and well-built. I paid for the front wheel (Hope Pro II + Halo Combat + DTSwiss spokes) the same as the Hub alone would have been here.

I just didn't have the time to make it last night. My Canadian clients needed me on a job because all their developers were busy, so I had to stay at home. I did manage to sneak out to the bike park for about an hour, just to test the bike. My back is still sore, will try to get to a chiropractor today, and then I need to start strengthening my core to avoid having more problems. I suppose it would also help if I didn't sit in front of my PC for about 16-18 hours a day.

Hehe, had to resize the pics first. Not a new bike, but some new bits on it. It's running a Hope Pro II Trials/SS hub, and I bought a Fire eye tensioner and spacer/gear set from CRC. Gearing is 22/18, so it won't go anywhere in a hurry, but that's not the point of the bike. I have noticed that the chain jumps a bit when I'm pedalling for longer stretches, even though the alignment looks spot on. I'll pull a link out of the chain and see if that fixes the problem. I need to remove that Powerlink anyway, since they're known to fail under trials riding pressures.

Guess it's time to post mine then hey?

Shake 'n bake

The 'Goose has a set of Tektro Augira Comps, they're really cheap but they work as well or better than anything else I've ever experienced, and that includes the play bikes. Both my play bikes are running Magura HS33's, the latest set cost about R1500 from CRC. They are a total beeeatch to set up, but once dialled in the work like mad. That said, if the frame could take disc brakes safely, I would run the Tektros on my play bike as well.

So what you're saying is that you bashed a piece of plastic against a rock and were surprised by the result?

Hmmmm, seems like the majority of people replying are in favour of the bridge. Not really surprising, considering the average mtbr in SA. My take on this: Leave the bridge. BUT the bridge should not take away the lines used by experienced riders. It should just act as a chicken run. Maybe you can get a new line through there that doesn't rely on the bridge? That way everyone is happy, and you can choose if you'd like to take the tough or easy route. Just like we had on the spruit with the see-saw!

That's a bit dramatic! The sickness bust him?

Tough call between the forks. RS forks are very popular, so there shouldn't be a problem with parts. The RST's get great reviews, and I love rooting for the underdog, so it's a solid option. The Marzocchi forks are also great. I would go for the RST, just because it's the underdog and that akes it cool in my books. I think the most sensible choice would be the RS, though. I'm not always sensible. As I said before, I think my Eggbeater Candy pedals are great. I've ever heard of anyone having trouble clipping in or out of them, where I've seen the Shimano's ruin a few people's rides.

20%? You may as well get you credit card out so long.

If the bolt meets the clamp at an angle, make sure you get something with a round head, and use a washer. A normal 6-sided bolt will make a nice round hole in the clamp.

Trailriding does social rides. Not super long race-snake type of stuff, but generally more fun. You can join the rides for free, members get free skills clinics and a few more perks. www.trailriding.co.za

I still make all my impulse purchases at the LBS, but for a lot of things it's just not worth it. Look at the prices of tyres, for example. Or wheels! I got a front wheel built by them for about R930: Hope Pro II hub Halo Combat rim DT Swiss Stainless 2mm stainless spokes Now at the LBS, the hub would be about R1000, The rim R500 or more, spokes 32xR10 plus labour, say R300. I've just saved over R1000 on just ONE item. Then there's the stuff you just don't get over here. I bought a right-hand XT brake lever for R3xx. Over here you can't buy them loose, you need to buy a complete set that's close to or over R2000. You still want to buy from your LBS? Don't get me wrong - I still support them. My bike is going in on Tuesday for a complete strip and rebuild (with the new parts) and I'll have the chain replaced as well as the front chainring. And I'll most likely buy another pair of DX pedals.

Kenda Nevegals for loose stuff, Karmas or SB8 for solid stuff.

That looks so cool! I need to get down to CT once I learn to ride my Trials bike properly!

Hahaha! No way! I picked my an order from CRC this morning as well! Best deal of it all was a Hope Pro II front, with Stainless spokes and a Halo rim for under R1000 - locally the hub by itself is about R1000, as well as getting a Shimano XT hydro brake lever, which the local guys only sell as part of a kit. I'm SUCH a CRC fanboy right now. My wife even said I should just order from them every 3-4 months instead of going to the bike shops every time I need something.

Ouch! If you want the stuff for the weekend, I suggest phoning a bike shop now. Don't think you'll have any luck with Bikehut after what's been posted here.

The SLX stuff is really nice, I would go for that. Shocks - I think Rockshox and Fox are the most popular around here. Maybe ask your LBS what they can work on, and what's easiest to maintain? Pedals - For flats, I would get Shimano DX. They're unbelievable! For clips, I would get the Eggbeater Candy.

Would you like to swap your fullsus for my hardtail? I need the extra weight for strength training.

Brakes: 160mm rotors front and back will do the job if you have the right brakes. I'm still impressed every time I ride the 'Goose. It has bottom spec Tektro Aguira Comp and they are strong! Hubs: Go with 6-bolt rotors if you can. Centrelock has a different tool that you'll need to buy. Wheels: If you're buying over CRC you'll find that their wheels are very well priced. My last order included a custom front wheel build on a Hope Pro II hub that cost under R900. In the shops you'll pay R1000 for just the hub. Set yourself a budget and get a nice set within that.

Now you're just talking kuk! I know I'd never buy a Raleigh!

No you can't! Mostly because I don't remember having a Silverback? I think I really need to clean up the garage this weekend. If other people know of bikes I don't even know I have I think it's time!