DubbelBuys

That sounds like the ferrule that droo was talking about. I will be in jhb area either tomorrow or thursday so if anyone can direct me to a lbs that might have a couple of these i will first try get from them directly (i have 2x droppers the pamper) If I fail (or don't have free time) I will take you up on your offer. Thanx a lot!

Thanx DaddyG, but I'm looking for a 'prevention is better than cure' solution. Something like the sealed ferrule, rubber boot or home made plastic mudguard. (Which might look a bit 'back yard job' )

I don't buy THAT often & mostly smaller items, but as Skylark said, it's quite safe. Just always make sure the seller has a good reputation.

Do those ferrules seal 100% ? If so I NEED them. Was considering this

I imported a pair of mechanix gloves to try out as well (from a different ebay user) & it was also taxed only R26. Double lucky I suppose

I have an issue of water / mud entering the cable at the actuator below the seat on my KS Supernatural dropper even with the rubber 'mud / water guard' fitted. This is not a very well isolated system for wet conditions. Has anyone fitted a proper 'mudguard' on theirs to prevent these trouble makers?

The Dakine Sentinel looks like a good option as well. I recently bought these Fox from ebay & with import duties (only clearance fee of R26) it came in just over R200 http://www.ebay.com/...d9f8e72&vxp=mtr

Regarding clothing / protective gear: Would you say it's better to buy over there because of the variety? (with price being a bit of a downside?)

Not as often as I want to. I also do the 'chain rotation' thing. (I rotate 4 chains)

Go ahead with the engine oil. As mentioned before Johan Bornman recommends it. Whenever you use oil & it: 1. splashes off tiny drops - Oil is too thin 2. Is stringy - Oil is to thick I wash my chains in paraffin & (after drying), drop in a container with SAE 40 motor oil. Remove from container & let it drip off for the next week or so. I wipe any excess off before putting it on the bike. Works like a charm for me.

Thx for the informative reply Omega. Have you got any dates in mind for 2015 yet? I am looking forward to joining you guys, but have to see whether I will be able to get all my things sorted by the time you need deposits. (Bike , skills, moolas )

What you struggeling with btw? Is there a ratio (rule of thumb) on how much shorter you should go on the stem for every 'X' mm wider bars?

Just as a rough estimate. At the current exchange rate (which is as high as the Shanghai tower at the moment), what would you recon the 2015 trip will cost? Have to get the right bike as well as get skills up to scratch!

Sorry I can't help, but this should be interesting. Have you tried posting on mtbr?

but it won't hurt your fingers

Is it shifting down at all or only hard / sticking going back? (to bigger gears) Sometimes (as mentioned before in the abovementioned posts) it happens because of a kink or dirty / gritty inner / cable combo. This is a common problem in most bikes which has a 'broken' outer from front to rear. I prefer the 'solid' outer from shifter to derailleur.

True - not the best mud shedding pedals on the market, but bombproof

2 words Shimano XT!

Shamus ?

I use a KS dropper since September last year & I have to say that it's a marvelous piece of equipment. 2nd one is on the way for the other bike Giant should be in the region of R1800 (-ish)

ALWAYS leave your torque wrench in a relaxed state after using it ( 'under' the lowest mark)

I will confirm pricing with by pm. Just give me day or so as there is another supplier that is busy registering with giant which i also get good deals from.

I actually pulled the trigger on a Reign last year & have to say it's an amazing bike! Can't comment on how it compares to the 27.5" trance or other 65B bike for that matter. I know it can take 650B wheels, but not with 2.3" tyres. Mine is a large with a short (70mm) stem Are you interested in buying new or you want to wrestle me to get hold of mine? Trance 2 should be around R22000 new

Hi-jack on (Don't want to discourage people on Momsen-just sharing) Not too sure what happened here, but some pics can speak a 1000 words: