Iven

Oh, forgot one thing. Check the difference in the warranties between Raleigh and Felt.

Raleigh and Felt are no comparison. Raleigh changes their frame every year and Felt has stayed with the same frame for many years. How many Euro pros ride Raleighs?

Geez, that's really in die stokke! No wonder you ride MTB

What area is that in?

M19?

If you going to do loads of TT's then the carbon, better specced bike is worth it. Else 200g is the same as a good dump.

As a parent myself I cannot understand how other parents will come out after an event, where their child did not live up to their expectations, and bad mouth an obviously talented athlete What does the child learn from this? To be a bad sports person? The mark of a TRUE champion lies in losing gracefully and we as parents should encourage our children to enjoy participation and acknowledge the winner on the day.

What kind of custom spokes did you use?

My Power Tap wheel "creaks" incessantly and I cannot locate the source of the problem. Have any other Power Tap users found this problem and how have you gotten rid of the irritating noise? Is it caused by the spokes rubbing against each other or is it caused by the spokes on the hub? Or is it caused by the freehub? I'd really, really appreciate your help!!!

In comparing the geometry of the Merida to the Trek, I noticed that there is quite a difference between the bikes. For example, I ride a size 56cm bike (not Trek or Marida) and according to the geometry posted on the respective sites, if I go by the top tube specs, I'd ride a 50 or 52.5cm Merida and a 56cm Trek. If I go by the seat tube spec then I'd ride a 55 or 57.5cm Merida and a 56cm Trek. I'd try each bike to check the comfort before I'd buy.

Zipp FAQ What are the recommended rider weight limits for Zipp wheels? CSC, tubular Cyclocross, Clydesdale, Powertap and track versions of our wheels have no weight limit, ( your bike frame limits should be checked too). The ZED6, ZED8 and ZED10 wheels with the super-stiff laminate option would also have no weight limit, if these are also built using the 24 hole rear spoking option (not the standard 18 spoke rear lacing). For our other Zipp wheels, we recommend: 185 lbs (85kg) for 202 tubular, 200lbs (90kg) for 303 tubular, 225lbs (102kg) for 404, 808 and 1080 tubular wheels 260 lbs (120kg) for clinchers (except 303 = 220lbs or 100kg) Roadies >>200 lbs (90kg) and triathletes >>220 lbs (100kg) should consider the Clydesdale version for improved lateral stiffness. (You can buy the wheels without the Clydesdale decals if you so wish). Larger and more powerful / aggressive riders need more spokes, cross lacing pattern, traditional flanges, shorter spokes and/or deeper rims to get the wheel stiff enough for adequate and safe power transmission. http://www.zipp.com/FAQ/tabid/81/Default.aspx

andrewbell was fast enough at the Potgieter so what more does he want?

If looks were not important businesses like Cycle Art would not exist and Pantani's bike would be red!

Zeee, I've been riding the Soloist Team for close on 3 years and am very happy with it. Just remember that it is an alu frame which transmits all road unevenness / noise to you. Thus on a longer ride I'm guessing that a full carbon bike could be less tiring. The best advice I've read in this thread must however be that you must like the look of the bike beyond all else.

IMHO there's no difference between the two bikes, well not that 99% of Hubbers would feel on a ride anyway. So save yourself the money for some upgrade later.

Zaskar, have you noticed a difference with these?

They're really nice! Just what Mr Bling needs!maximo2007-12-30 08:11:43