lagosloonie

I bought a pair of Sidi Dragons from ASG Paarl on 6 February this year for my girlfriend to try on - all agreed. They didn't fit so I returned them about two weeks later. No problem except that they could "immediately" credit me, but it would happen soon. Well, despite numerous emails and phonecalls, I haven't heard any more than the repeated promise. Rochelle doesn't seem to be "customer care" in the broader sense of the word - or ASG Paarl is sufficiently independent that Rochelle can do no more than plead with Kyle at ASG Paarl to repay me. Her pleas have thus far fallen on deaf ears. What to do? Hellopeter then legal action? Anybody got any ideas?

It really is all about the money, isn't it. I'm not sure who, apart from the sponsors,should be insulted by this. Perhaps the elite men are just laughing. Perhaps the women themselves are thinking that this is just a little silly and a step backwards The issue of women's equality in racing started with the prize money; initially not the same as the mens' because the women, largely through a lack of numbers, didn't provide the same entertainment value. Having attained that target, the women themselves are fighting over the purse and the winners are those to whom the short route is best suited. Why not just start the ladies at 06:00, all with the same bike light, and have them race like hell to stay ahead of the elite men. That would earn everybody's respect, not denigration.

If you haven't managed to find anybody yet, try Mark of MCR Welding on 021 510 0933. They are in Carlisle Street in Paarden Eiland. He has repaired both titanium and aluminium bikes. If you found anybody else, let me know.

I have found a company in Cape Town that can do titanium welding - MCR Welding, Unit 11 Rosbur Park, Carlisle Street in Paarden Eiland. Speak to Mark on 021 510 0933. He says he does many bicycles - he can do aluminium frames as well. Unfortunately he cannot find any titanium sheet of the type used for the Sewanee frame, so he has just welded the cracks and closed a hold he put in the centre of the tube where he made a tentative attempt to pull the dent out. I am now looking for a scrap titanium frame i can use to form a 'semi-tube' over the dented area.

aaaaaarrrrrggggghhhhhh

I'm sorry but not surprised that they rejected your claim. They seem intent on finding any reason to reject claims. They can surely verify your purchase by contacting the local agent - they didn't bother doing that with my claim either. They're trashing their own name - for the life of me I cannot understand the logic. I bought the bike because it has so much appeal - it's great to look at, rare, light - all good characteristics - I really WANTED one. Well, not any more!

No, the pothole incident was on my trusty Trek Fuel. It remains straight and true to this day

big H - how on earth was i supposed to know that the frame would be dented - in my wildest dreams i couldn't have imagined someone doing that to the most highly stressed frame member. The frame, in it's original packaging was couriered to my girlfriend's work while I was in Lagos - done and dusted. When she sent the pics I mailed Litespeed - they have their reasons for denting the frame and they had my money.

Nope Dangle, that's not it. Mine is disc specific. Since that frame can handle rim brakes, i'd imagine it to be older

Whoa - go to the first page of the thread and see the pic of the bike as delivered. I also contacted Steve Dunn at Litespeed - i've attached his mail. 'nuff sed. Steve Dunn mail.doc

Thanks Headshot for the vote of confidence. I have done very little searching and no posting on other sites. i'm away for this week, but i'll get onto it next week. Safe riding

whoops - i lied - just remembered hitting a pothole and endo'ing as a result during a rainstorm on the Lekki Expressway in Lagos some years back. That did the front.

The wheels were DT Swiss XR4.1. I still run tubes and i have NEVER pinch flatted the front, not on any bike at any time.

I think Martin has hit the nail on the head here - the frame is just not up to hard riding - don't buy one if it has a dent in the downtube.