Just Keep Pedaling

"For now I think R50 is a bit steep as most tracks charge in the R30 range" None of my business, I know - but I just can't help myself. Apple iPhone sells at R7000 while Nokia XYZ does not at R2000. Why> Because it is cool. Never imitate your competitors, rather give your customers what they want. A cool track - which costs more - so you charge more. Mountain biking is as expensive as golf, if not more so. What golf courses charge R30 a round?

The problem with Gauteng is that Pretoria and Johannesburg take up most of it. Once you exit the dedicated MTB trails you start finding that you riding footpaths worn by someone and that security can become an issue, especially if alone. Have you tried Krugersdorp Nature Reserve? How about Kings Kloof? Why don't you drive up to Mankele or do some of the races like Voriberg, or the MTN races?

"Is there a diff in weight between different sizes of the same model of bicycle?" Yes. But weight does not matter that much. Each kg on a time trial loses something like 2 seconds over a 8k climb or something like that. Shaving a kg off these bikes will add 20k to the price. What does matter is the quality of components. Especially wheels and fork. The drivetrain is a consumable. So I would get the one with the tubeless wheelsset as that is a non-negotiable upgrade.

"As you could see from today you can easily do 40km on one property and not have to worry about being hijacked. We have armed securty 24/7. And after your workout you can use the restaurant or make use of the onsite braai facilites and just have a blast. If you love it, tell your buddies." I believe you also have a pool. Braai and pool option after MTB session = heaven. Some lessions learned from Teak place: 1. Never have a course that changes direction on different days. Number of near collisions: plenty. 2. Train your waiters and kitchen staff properly. Teak resturant was infuriating. 3. Charge a proper entrance fee. Plough some the proceeds back into development of the trail. I would suggest R50.

29ers roll better over rough stuff. They are also heavier for the same price. To work well they need light, strong wheels. These types of wheels cost easily R5000. In other words: if you are buying lower range: R5000-R10000 buy 26er. Mid range: R10 000 - R15000 your choice. Above that it is hard not to justify the extra speed of a 29er. Personally, I am a 26er for life as I like the increased 'flickability' and quicker accelleration of smaller wheels.

"Maybe consider this one... I have used some other parts of the same brand and very happy with it! http://www.chainreac...x?ModelID=51272" It is not a carbon frame. It is a aluminium frame with carbon parts, most likely the chain stays. The carbon frame is this one http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=51270 and at R7200 or R10 000 for the 19" it is above your stated budget of R5000. Add import duty and you are better of buying a known brand frame.

"Whats with a curved top top versus a straight top tube," My layman take is that a top tube with a concave curve will increase vertical stiffness. This reduces the compliance and increases pedaling efficiency. i.e. uncomfortable and fast - a race bike.

As I understand tapered headset means you need a different fork too, not just a different headset - you need a fork with a tapered steerer. The problem with undbranded carbon is no warrantee. Just as you are afraid of issues with second hand frames the prev. owner was unaware of, you should be afraid of manufacturing issues with carbon that the manufacturer was unaware of. My take is that you should reconsider the R5k you want to spend on the frame and invest in a top of the range fork, which you need anyway.

"comfortable gloves and comfortable bibs/pants are much needed." +1 For excellant quality (but medium value for money): Specialised Gloves. Assos Pants.

Carbon is multiple times stronger than aluminium or steel for equivalent weight. The problem is it shatters instead of bends. That is why you need to follow eccentric's advice of regular inspections looking for early signs of damage.

Save for an upgrade rather.

Toyota vs. BMW.

Get fit enough so that you can have six beers in the evening without dying the next day.

Ontdekkers is a busy road.

Wish I lived in Cape Town

When you put the chain on do it with the bike in largest cog front and back. It should just fit. You can even shorten it more, but then the you start losing gears (often combo's that you don't use).

Real men can ride 29'ers too. Just like they can... 1) use moisterising lotion. 2) cook fancy meals for the wife. 3) look after the kids while she goes cycling. 4) sit while peeing. 5) and so on...

"Fry's vegetarian sausages..." No. Taste nice but they do something awful to the contents in the manufacturing process. Stick with unmodifed foods. You may also want to take an amino acid supllement as I believe two amino acids are only found in meat.

Free advice: Put on suncream before bum butter.

This is already in another thread.

Shorten the chain or buy a derailer with a stonger spring. One reason that SRAM feels like it shifts so easily is there is little tension to overcome when shifting.

Build them: ZTR Arch, DT Swiss Spokes, Chris King Hubs. Get Johan to build them.

Headset: bikeshop should have noticed. Gears not set: bikeshop should do this before letting it roll out. Crank: Not so sure they could have detected this. Cranks are installed at the factory and it is not generally not obvious that it is loose.

Only one opinion. Depending on your relative fitness some medals are meaningful just for finishing. If you really don't believe that I will wait for you at the finish line of the Freedom Challange and watch you say "no thanks" to a medal.

I use Formula brakes and can say they are better than the Avids I had before. Downsides: Cost me R800 to lengthen the cable which was neccessary for my frame. Pads are expensive.