ridr

These newer rib cages are great. I think they cost about R200. But you still have to have the right bottle/cage combo. I find the Bontrager bottles fit best - the indented lip is in just the right spot. I also put some extra silicone in a few spots to make an even tighter fit.

As far as service and waiting times go - I get better faster service from CRC if I have a problem with something I buy. 1 week, not 4. Had a crankset with faulty chainrings sent in one of my orders - CRC ended up sending three replacements, and there was no 'we need to inspect it first and then tell you the damage isn't covered by us' rubbish.

For sale: https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/78183-2x9-chainring-setup/ Does anyone know if the shifting with a 44/28 will be ok or will the 42 work better? Anyone have any problems with frame clearance when changing to a bigger blade in the middle and small positions?

Interesting to finally see a different perspective! Spoke to someone at a bikeshop who said to me 26ers will become redundant!

What makes the Alligator Windcutters eat pads quicker than other rotors?

My order from Starbike finally shipped today! (they only had 2 tires in stock and I orderd 4 :-( But now I've bought DarrenG's KCNC XC1 cranks, so I won't need the new 104/64bcd chainrings I ordered - 2x 42 & 2x 28. (And I'm loving my hardtail so much now, that I'm not buying a 29er or full-susser yet, so I see no point in keeping them). I'll confirm prices when they arrive...

I have a good relationship with my LBS (and they're on the list!). I'll still go back there for servicing and small parts every now and then. They give me good service and they're a friendly bunch of guys. They know I get parts from wherever my money goes furthest and I'm very open about it. If they want my money, it must be beneficial for them and for me. I'm not unreasonable with them. If I have issues with something I bought somewhere else, I don't expect them to waste their time sorting it out for me.

CRC probably would still be cheaper even if they only used 10% mark ups locally? Spend your money wherever you want to. I don't think any of this makes a difference. I think as a consumer, you should know how much a certain item costs usually before you buy it, otherwise you'll generally get screwed over (not just the cycling industry). Some people don'y mind paying any price, other's do. That's how Cajees can get away with marking an item at R900 that they'll sell you for R300 if you know the real value. Branded carbon frames vs unbranded compared to branded denims vs unbranded. I've never seen the point in spending R2000 on a pair of denims with a 'label' when I can wear a pair that look just as good and won't fall apart either for R200!

Any one else with an opinion on this? Trying to decide between the RP23 and Monarch 4.2.

@eliflap: doesn't not having to use spacers on a 68mm bb frame give a narrower q-factor? You should be able to use an Extralite OctaRamp Gara 42/28 on the 104 Clavicula dp.

Those THM Clavicula's look good. Can get a mtb double to weigh less than the Lightning. Mean price! About 1000Euro. I wonder how the two compare?

http://www.squidoo.com/2x9-mountain-bike-crankset

https://www.bikehub.co.za/forum_posts.asp?TID=87568

Finally placed my starbike order. Ordered an extra set of Specialites TA Chinook 42/28 104/64 BCD if anyone interested. Should be here next week.

You can also check: http://www.carbon-ti.com/index.php?p1=prodotti&MCat=CH But don't look at the prices!!!

I just have to double check my FSA cranks bcd and make sure a 42 middle/ 28 small doesn't touch the chainstay, then ready to rock and roll!

http://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=73423 "Also that Mathias guy can make you any chainrings you want. He makes all kinds of things and has a good reputation." You can order a custom Ti ring from Mattias Hell?re (He is also on mtbr forum) - but probably expensive!ridr2010-06-09 08:26:27

Putting in my starbike.com later if anyone wants anything...

@brussel: want some Specialites TA chainrings? Should be about R700. @eliflap: Now I see it! They look beautiful! But I think I'll stick to Specialites TA chainrings for now. My weightweenie days are over (bank account not happy!) @stewie911: Not too concerned about weight at the moment. What is the bb width on the aerozine? Do you have to use spacers? I think I'll probably just change the chainrings for now.

I'm scared to ask, but what's the price? Maybe I should have kept my Extralite E-bones W. Going to order the Specilites TA rings soon if no-one mentions any other options. Anyone else want anything from starbike?

Beautiful! What reasonably priced cranks would you recommend for a 2x9 setup? Something that will last and be easy to repair when it needs to be.

pity :-(

I?m going to order the following chainrings to convert my FSA Carbon Team Issue (104/64 BCD) to a 2x9 setup ? <?: prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> Specialites TA chainring Chinook 104 mm mid 42 T. black Specialites TA chainring Chinook 64 mm 28 T. black What other options are there? What bolts and chainring spacers will I need? Any better suggestions? The Extralite OctaRamp Gara looks awesome, but it's double the price. I used the Extralite 44/30 on my E-bones W (worked for everything), but I'd like to try a 42/28 now. Is it possible to shorten the axle so I don't have to use the bb spacers? I want a narrower q-factor, without having to buy new cranks. ridr2010-06-08 13:47:54