Burries

Have to agree...the designs on the new frames are all very close to each other over the last few years, with only changes in the paint colour....but that neon orange and matt black....just had to get that!

Latest addition, Tarmac SL4 with Red. (mostly black )

its fugly

Supplements probably won't solve the problem completely. Adjust your diet a bit and be sure to consume enough clean carbs (low GI bread, brown rice, potatoes etc) for energy before a training session. The lactic acid in your muscles are normally generated after you burned up all external energy sources, like food, and start burning glycogen(spelling?) in muscles. This takes quite a while to regenerate and break down the lactic acid. After training eat some meat! Buy the best whey protein you can afford and add some glutamine! AND plenty of sleep!!

Yes, those frames are great. Ride one myself

Those three, choose the Tarmac. The frame is very stiff and has racing geometry, but with a proper setup you will still be very comfortable. Also consider the Roubaix, the geometry is a bit more relaxed and was built for longer, endurance rides with comfort in mind.

Highly recommend a fit at Helderberg Cycle World in Somerset West. It is the Body Geometry fit where they measure basically every part of your body. Originally developed by Specialized for their pro riders and currently used by a few pro teams. Not sure about the costs tho

Axels bent from time to time if you are a very strong rider and they are well used, but yes, don't think a little fall is the reason

Agreed. And most of them try to force their opinion...

At that price you probably won't get a bad bike regardless of the brand. Take everyone for a quick test ride and see what you like. I'd take both those hardtails above the spark, but prefer the specialized stumpy. They are extremely comfortable and therefore gives you great control thus making you go faster

Specialized only warrantees product defects and so does all the other brands. What I'm trying to say is that if the frame breaks while riding its covered, but if this was caused by bad worksmanship then they won't cover you. You would have to sort it out with the dealer and thats the problem because they'll say you tightened it after your service and you can't prove them wrong even though its not the case. If you are on good terms with the dealer/owner go see him and sort it out. It is only fair that they replace it or at least give you a new one at cost. ps. stick with specialized, they make great bikes and the other guys are just as full of it when it comes to warrantee claims

Even if there is some sort of issue or reason why its not sent within 6 weeks, that is more than enough time to contact they buyer and explain the situation. If you didn't get your purchase a few days after you paid, there is enough reason to worry as most of the purchases on the hub is based on trust. If someone can't be trusted it is best to eliminate the chance of scamming more hubbers.

For a first build keep three main components along with prices in mind. Buy a complete groupset, frameset and wheels. Then complete it with handlebar/stem/pedals/saddle etc

Name and Shame and contact authorities if you have enough info on the guy.

Yes, get advice from a downhill guy, they would have the best knowlegde regarding clip-less shoes that last