Clinton1

I never received any tracking number with my standard delivery. You sure you never went for the R199 "SA tracked delivery"?

€20 (R206) is not that great. Unless you are referring to DHL type delivery of actual bikes? CRC is R99 for standard delivery. Yeah, the talk of the post office is what had me worried about ever receiving my goods but no issues on my side. And even the delivery times and service were great! As stated the second package was hand delivered to my door. I assume the same applied to the first one but I was not here so the slip was left in the box. I'd assume customs would slow delivery down anywhere surely? Each package needs to be checked and duties applied. I would imagine there would be quite a lot. 10 working days from the UK to here is still mighty impressive. As for the duties themselves, I think the working out is well known (convert to rands, add different duty percentage to each item +10%), but how they decide what to apply it to or not is the confusing part. Some stuff seems to slip through. I see on the one order that had no duties applied CRC has not attached the invoice to the outside of the box in clear plastic like on the latter order (with duties). Both had vague mention on the box as to the contents therein with codes.

I know there are lots of discussions about overseas online ordering on here but I just thought I'd share my experience with CRC for others who have not tried it and would like to know. For those who know it all ( ) you can stop reading now Placed an order 26/08/2012 (a Sunday) at 14:53pm while the sale was on for delivery via standard postage. I was concerned about stock issues so I placed the order in a rush once I'd chosen some items. I then (stupidly) continued perusing the site and saw other items that appealed to me. Tried to add these to the order already placed online but it is not possible. So I placed the second order, again not wanting to lose out on the price and stock. On Monday, as soon as their offices opened I phoned them via Skype to try and see if we could join the two orders to save delivery but they do not budge on their policy to not amend orders, even though they had not been processed the orders. I suppose I can understand as they do receive a lot of orders but in previous interactions with Evan's Cycles they have been happy to accommodate changes. But so be it though. It just meant an extra R99 for delivery. First lesson learnt - you can't amend an order with CRC. You'd need to cancel and reorder. After reading all over the internet about people experiencing parcels not arriving via SA postal services, the wait began.... the website says 4-8 days (excluding weekends) but I assumed this would be unlikely. Anyway, this morning 10 September 2012 (10 workings days after the orders were placed!) I checked my post box and there was the slip for the first order to be picked up: Goods valued at R514.43 (gloves, cycling jersey, multi tool) No duties VAT of R63.81 Clearance fee of R15. Picked up from the post office and paid. Then to my surprise I got back home and a short while later someone from the post office knocked on my door with the second order: Goods valued at R631.37 (Salomon shoes, cycling jersey) Duties of R172.67 (30% shoes, 40% jersey) VAT of R106.00 Clearance fee of R30. Second lesson learnt - with customs, you win some, you lose some. So all in all it seems I got real lucky with my delivery via normal postal services, and partly lucky (the first order) when it came to duties, or things aren't nearly as bad as some make out (or experience). I'll definitely consider doing so again. I'm sure the provider does make a difference as I am still awaiting an tiny order (around R100) placed in July with Dino Direct!

My concern with all these supplements is the lack of control over what goes in them. As I understand it they fall outside of food safety and have few controls. And with some of them having ingredients which are seemingly banned stimulants does not appeal to me either, even if I'm not a top competitor. Surely a natural smoothie will have same benefits?

I thought there was nothing wrong with the interview. They openly admitted to lacking knowledge on the discipline and hence asked questions. Yes, they could have researched and known it all beforehand but that is not the Ballz way. I'm sure very few of their listening audience are "experts" either...

We rode through a taxi rank on Friday night (yes, it was by accident) that many admitted they would not venture through in their cars with windows up and doors locked. The response and cheers from those gathering there was insane

On the Durban ride we ended up near the restaurants at Wilson's Wharf on the first few rides and inevitably a few alcoholics could not resist the urge to run in and grab some beers. They then drank these while the rest of us waited around. On the last ride we avoided that area altogether and gathered in a car park near by instead. On purpose. I agree that there is no need to associate CM with beer drinking. All are more than welcome to get together for a few drinks after the ride.

Is this coming from the same Dangle or is there a new one on the Hub? I agree with the OPs concerns. This apparent rebellious "we'll take back the streets through force" mentality that some Critical Mass proponents appear to favour leaves a bad taste. I am far more in favour of using it as an opportunity to show how cyclists and other road users can exist in harmony. Us versus them battle rarely works. Or if it does it leaves one side bitter. As for the racing snakes who feel the pace is too slow, get your speed thrills in the morning and then come and cruise for Critical Mass. It is unlikely anyone is going to be impressed by your superior speed and strength at CM anyway.

Well done Durbs!

Asishove? www.sa-venues.com/events/kwazulunatal/asishove-race/

Why the need for special cycling glasses to ride in? I just ride in my regular glasses.

Not sure if this has been shared, can't search well on my phone, but thought I'd share it. Never priced it myself so not sure how genuine the discount is but Groupon are offering the Bryton Rider 35T for R1399 (apparently 53% off) Available for another 2 days but they claim limited quantity... http://www.groupon.co.za/deals/national-deals/Groupon-Goods-BLB/9334635?nlp=&CID=ZA_CRM_1_0_0_228&a=1985

No, dude, of course not, my favourite is riding along the beachfront although I do find some of those gaps in the paving to be a little disconcerting and I often walk those. Now would you mind not (once again) trying to make this thread all about me and rather give these Olympians their moment in the lime light.

No, I've got one because I am not an idiot who thinks paying more for a 29er will suddenly turn me into an Olympic champion. I also do not see many around me tackling rocky sections like that every day.... (Stoked your infatuation has not diminished )

Yeah, because we all ride courses like that every day....

Fully agree

Well they should considering Oscar has such a distinct advantage....

Hear, hear

Time to just "point at the scoreboard" where Oscar is shown in the starting list. Argue all you want. He'll continue to make headlines for all the right reasons. And "accuse" me of bringing emotion into it if it makes you feel better but that's what the games are all about, emotion!

I was reading that the quarters are over five runs. Three runs and then two "playoffs" http://www.london201...etition-format/

Wow, now you are questioning how hard he has worked. Seems you have far more bias on this subject than you accuse me of having. So much for the spirit of the Olympics. It is long dead with some folks. The IAAF decided to reinstate the team. Too late to sue if you come fourth. Dude, you are bitter for some reason. Without searching this forum I'm going to make some assumptions about your general views towards this country, I'm assuming you are not filled with much love and pride. I have my doubts about how fair it is for other athletes to have to run against Bolt. Clearly he is genetically superior in this regard. If there is any doubt about his advantage we should ban him. And yeah, you'll rightly argue that Oscar's "advantage" is man made... isn't Bolt's?

There is no need for you to draw any conclusions. The authorities already did and gave him permission to run. As stated earlier, everyone else should just STFU and get on with it. We won't discuss the disadvantage he has at the start of every race as a result of not being able to push of the start blocks with his feet and ankles.

So scientists have been spending ages arguing about this yet you state with all certainty that he has an advantage. Give the IAAF a call, it seems they could do with your exceptional talents on their science panels. Interesting you mention Natalie as I considered commenting on that earlier... should the other competitors not be complaining about the fact that she carries around 1/3rd less body weight around with her when she swims?

This is when one wishes you could use derogatory comments. Sometimes people deserve them. Jealousy makes one a nasty biatch.

I'm hearing it was the other way around. They heard the Kenyan's had got disqualified so SA appealed their participation and were succesful. The Kenyan cut in front of the South African and in so doing took him out.