Cranky

Well the coverage is awful in my view. Thye need a new script writer and a better voice over. This is a big event for SA cycling and all media coverage - including updates on the Epic website - is poor and slow. Very frustrating.

You download the digital issue and use free software to read (and zoom in if needed). You don't have to be online after the download. If you need to read in the toilet, you can always print out the important pages.

I've just renewed my digital substriction to Mountain Bike Action for another year. At only 15 US dollars it's a great deal (even as the Rand plummets). The magazine has detailed and critical product reviews and is easy to read on-screen with Zinio. I highly recommend it. Go to www.mbaction.com

Thanks Chrispy. Had a look at TotalCycling. Looks good too.

Looking at hubs or custom wheelset. Prices seem very good. They offer free shipping to SA on orders of over 250 GBP.

Has anyone bought online from Chain Reaction Cycles? What's the service like and do you get nailed with import duties when products are shipped?

I'm going with Continental Mountain Kings, 2.2 and tubeless. They're good in the mud and in dry conditions.

I've also had one bad service at FPC and one good one (but on my old hardtail) at Tony Impey (who is a bit pricey). I want to swop my Crossmark tires to something better for mud for sni2c, so will remember to ask for the Crossmarks back after the service!

I haven't tried Mikes Bikes. Will give them a try. Thanks

What's the best bike shop for a full MTB service, in the Johannesburg area? Each time I try a new shop and each time I'm not happy with something when I get my bike back, so I'm looking for a shop that can service reliably and get my bike into perfect shape for the sani2c.

I believe that SRAM had far fewer failures at the Cape Epic than Shimano. SRAM X9 is great (if you get X7 shifters, pay the small price to upgrade them to the much smoother X9 shifters). But the 2008 XT products look excellent.

I believe there can be problems with the Candy platform fitting the base of the shoe. But are the Eggbeaters comfortable for all day, all mountain riding?

I've been using Shimano SPD pedals on my mountain bike but I've had too many hassles with mud. Does anyone use Crank Bros Candy or Smarty pedals? How do they differ and how do they cope with mud? I'm not keen on Eggbeaters because I want a bit of a platform.

Got a flyer after the Cradle to Cave race for Teak Place, a new venue in Kromdraai that offers MTB trails. Looks good. Has anyone tried it out?