P.A.K.

I also have a rear shock that needs servicing. Can any one tell me what the costs usually are?

In the September issue of Bicycling, on page 30, there is a article about cross training for cycling. Running is great when you have limited time. Apparently a 30 - 45 minute moderate run gives you the same cardio as a 2 - 3 hour ride. Trail running is better than road running, as it strengthens your core muscles more. Swimming is also good since it is a high-cardio workout, but doesn't put impact on your joints - great for recovery periods. Gymming can also work well, but you have to stick to using your own body weight and a stability ball instead of heavy weights. They recommend the following program: Monday - Run easy for 30 minutes, or gym Tuesday - Cycle 90 minutes Wednesday - Run easy for 30 minutes Thursday - Cycle 90 minutes Friday - Run easy, or rest day Saturday - Cycle 90 - 150 minutes Sunday - Rest day I reckon if you can jog for 30 - 45min every work morning and fit in a bit of cycling some afternoons and over the weekends that would be great

Maybe its just a broken seal? Can't it be fixed with a service?

So I did get a much shorter stem, with a bit higher rise and it makes a HUGE difference. I'm much more comfortable on the bike and I can last longer. Thanks for the advice! I did the Tour de Ghaap this weekend (108km over two days) and I must admit, I fell in love with my bike all over again. Sure, its nothing fancy compared to the bikes we see here on The Hub, but it fits my "casual" riding style comfortably Unfortunately I did notice the rear shock leaking some oil. Took it into the bike shop today and they have to send it away to have it serviced. Hope its nothing too big or expensive! One question though, if I do decide to upgrade to an air fork - how often do they need to be serviced? And is it expensive? All in all I'm very happy with my purchase and new hobby, and look forward to many more kilometers on my humble horse

Actually, examining my bike today I realized that a shorter stem might actually put my handle bars to close to my knees. Which makes me think that my frame possible isn't a large as I thought. A bit disappointing.. It doesn't mention a size anywhere on the frame.

Every one has to start somewhere. No need to make the guy feel stupid coz he's not in the know-how yet. Welcome noob cyclists to the Hub and give constructive advice rather, or keep silent

Which are the correct dates? As the topic header or mentioned in the post? And the price?

Hi guys, Recently I had to remove my front wheel, and when I wanted to put it back the brake pads seemed to be locked. They were too close to each other for the rotor to fit through. Had to take it to by local bike shop and the had fixed it for me. Why did this happen, and if it happens again how can I fix it myself? Thanks!

Yip. These look much better quality than the Mr. Price ones some people recommend to newbies! Looks on par with my girlfriend's Olympics too.

So I'll be getting my new stem this week. Can't wait to try it out. A few buddies and I have a race on this weekend, but obviously not going to be competitive. Just for the fun, and to prepare me mentally for the same race next year!

Yip, come to think of it I reckon its better to not overspend and rather gradually save for a new bike in a year or two if it needs be. I should probably not spend money on a new fork while I'm on a budget but rather try to get a stem that is a bit higher to feel more comfortable on the bike in the meanwhile. Will a new stem really influence steering much? I think the bike is the right size for me. Its a large, and I'm about 1.83m How did you know the hub was putting resistance on? Did it just perform better when you replaced it? I'll visit my LBS next week. I'm looking for a stem with a steeper rise. The problem is not that the handles are too forward, but that they are too low. Are there stems available that might fix this? I'm doing cross country mostly, nothing too technical. What will the effect be of wider bars? I'll have to see how much I must fork out for a new fork . While I'm sure it will wake a big difference in my riding experience, I'll have to decide whether to spend more cash or save for a complete new bike. Is this what you're referring to? Else, do you have a link? I was also wondering, would a 0.4 - 0.5kgs lighter fork that what I've currently got make a noticeable difference? Thanks for all the advice & patience with a newby!

Did you manage to find some nice routes there? I still want to go to the Montagu pass, but its quite a drive from Hartenbos

Something like this? I've been told by other riders to get a 120mm air fork. Most 120mm travel forks are a bit expensive. Will the difference be noticeable?

Hi guys, I've recently bought a Scott Reflex F25: http://www.evanscycles.com/product_image/image/9ba/271/258/31556/product_page/scott-reflex-fx-25-2007-mountain-bike.jpg I bought it from a friend who I know looked properly after it, but rode seriously and had it for a number of years. Obviously it has quite a few scratches and wear. With it I got tubeless tires, a computer, click pedals, bar-ends, and a major service. Paid R6,000 all-in-all. Seems like a fair price to me. What do you guys rate? Specs: Frame: Reflex Fully Frame Scott LCR shock remote control 110mm travel Forks: Rock Shox Tora 302 Coil Spring 100 mm travel Gears: Shimano LX front and Shimano Deore LX rear derailleurs Shifters: Shimano Deore R-fire plus Chainset: Shimano FC-M470 with 44x32x22 tooth rings Brakes: Avid Juicy 3 Wheels: Alex TD-24 Disc rims built on Scott Disc Team front and Shimano FH-M475-L rear hubs Handlebars: Aricle YC-210-601 Scott Comp 1 Stem: Scott Comp Saddle: SCT-10 SL Reflex 07 Seatpost: Scott Team What I'm considering replacing/upgrading gradually as I have spare cash: 1. I feel like I'm leaning forward too much, so I think I should get a higher stem? 2. the saddle & seat post (too many scratches) 3. Bar ends What do you guys rate will you upgrade on this bike? I must admit, it is a very heavy bike. Is it the frame? I'll take a pic of the actual bike and post it later on!

Hi guys, I've just recently taken on the MTB hobby. I'm on a bit of a budget and had to get some shoes. A few cycling shops recommended a pair of Olympics for R700. Apparently excellent bang for buck. I've got some friends who swear by them! At one shop I could get the Olympics for R580. Unfortunately, they didn't have my size. So they gave me a pair of Serfas for the same price. I've never heard of this brand! Can any one enlighten me? Are they decent shoes? Or should I rather have taken the more expensive Olympics? What are their normal selling price in SA? It looks like a proper shoe for the price, and I'm happy http://www.serfas.com/images/products/large/SBKM.jpg Link