flex

No question about it. The S5 Uno's rock - I rode the whole Epic in them last year, not a single saddle sore and felt comfy the whole race.

Sweet ride. How much does the complete bike weigh?

These spot checks don't seem to be random, though, if you look at the number of hubbers that all of a sudden are having their parcels detained or have been waiting ages for them to arrive. I have no issue paying what's legally owing, as Jules said its just the inconvenience that gets me.

JMK1, if you don't mind me asking (PM me), how much was the value of the order? I'm trying to figure out what logic they're applying here in detaining parcels. My package of R12.5k is currently detained, but one worth almost three times that cleared straight through in September, and it was much bulkier than this one. Can't figure these clowns out .flex2010-01-19 06:27:50

When I called customs earlier, the lady there told me that its mandatory to use a clearing agent if your parcel gets detained.

Apparently a clearing agent is required.

I think that's probably not far from the truth. I ordered a frame from Ireland in September, with a value 3 times this order, which sailed straight through customs. Now this one gets detained - WTF?!?

A friend at SARS!

Thanks Thug, they managed to give me the local tracking number and I've now been able to determine that the package is being held at customs. Hope that customs official enjoys his new derailleur, fork etc.

On which number?

How do you get notified if SARS want clearance from you? Do they call you or send you a slip in the post?

Its a great shop - wish there was one in JHB.

Really sorry to hear that, condolences to the family. At least he went off doing something he loved.

What's the distance on this ride and is it all off-road?

Whatever you call it, it looks nicer than my ride up Ontdekkers road this morning!

Eish, just went to try my first pilates class at the gym here at work, only to find out it's been cancelled without notice My new year's resolution has not got off to a great start, hope its not bad karma!

Out of interest, how much?

According to "mr ples" it is, so long as you don't use a phrase like ball hair in the process This is a serious incident - I also reckon you should lay a charge against him.

It seems to already be a general consensus here, to which will add that there is no shoe that, IMHO, comes close to Sidi. They are quite simply the best. I used the Ergo 2's for road and the Dragon 2 for MTB. Both awesome.

The problem is finding the time to do all this. I like to ride at least 5 times a week, which leaves me with 2 days, one of which should really be a rest day. The other I like to use for pilates or an extra ride. This whole "work/ job" thing is really getting in the way of my training

Thug, I don't think this is a justifiable increase. My guess is that it is due to the number of entrants waning. And turning the race into another Bakwena aint gonna help that.

Here is the link to enter: Emperors Palace Road Race (7 February, closes 25 January) The new route sounds a bit boring to me, though.

From the CyclingNews newsletter: Emperors Palace Classic ? 6 and 7 February The big ?News of the Empire? is that the Emperors Palace Classic road race, which takes place on Sunday, 7 February, now boasts a new route out and back on the Witbank highway (N12). We?ve been working with Ekurhuleni since the re-advent of the event three years ago to try and get the go-ahead to host the event on the highway and it?s finally happened. Last year?s route was great (and fast!), but we were very concerned about the congestion in the East Rand Mall area mid-morning as well as the 50km and 25km turn-around points. The new route is by no difficult, but some mild undulations will still test the legs. Times on the course should be very similar to last year. The 97km event will turn at the second Delmas off-ramp (Delmas/Bronkhorstspruit) while the 50km event will turn at Etwatwa. The final 3km has remained in tact from last year with cyclists taking the Atlas road turn-off and heading back to Emperors via the back-road. And, yes, this means the final 1km ascent to the finish line will again be in the mix. The mountain bike race on Saturday, 6 February, will again be staged within the grounds of OR Tambo International Airport with route designer Lee Stockenstrom from Sweat and Gears once again at the helm of course design. There simply is no way to describe the feeling of riding your mountain bike in the company of Boeings! Festivities on the Saturday will include the Circuit Spectacular with South Africa?s top teams in attendance as well as the Kids Classic. Renowned Extreme motoX rider Brian Kappa will wow crowds with his tricks and Emperors will provide live entertainment. Entries for both of these events are now open on Cycle Lab and are closing on 20 and 25 January respectively, which means there isn?t much time left to get your entry in.