Sandro

Was also going to suggest him, definitely the go to guy for these upgrades.

Thought I would try get some level headed advice before I lose my mind. I bought a brand new dual suspension about 6 weeks ago. R38k so hardly a Makro special. Bought online from local supplier in Cape Town, bike arrived and seemed all good, just needed to fit handle bars, wheels, pedals etc. First ride bike seems ok in general but gears slipping terribly. Not the end of the world, sorted that out myself. When washing the bike after the second ride I noticed a lot of lateral play on the back wheel, everything seemed tight so I took the wheel down to the local bike shop where they told me the hub hadn't been assembled properly. Very strange but anyway I pay them for the work seeing as its not their issue of course. I email the agent/manufacturer to tell them about this - more of a heads up because the bike was apparently not checked properly before being sent. Not a word from either of them. Eventually I call the guys I bought it from and they say if I like i can send it to one of their mechanics to get the bike checked. Fair enough, but after realising they're about a 40 minute drive I decide to see how it goes with the bike before doing that seeing as it will probably need its first service quite soon anyway. Last week I notice the play is back in the back wheel so my plan was to send it in after the holidays. Today the chain snapped. After 310 km. This is a bit alarming, chains shouldn't just snap after such low mileage so am I just unlucky, or have I bought a bit of a lemon? The reason I bought new was to avoid k@k like this but evidently it doesn't make a difference.

They didn't define 'spouse' in their policy which is what most insurers do. If they insure guests and staff items then they can insure people living together long term, especially if the content cover is more than enough. Just looking for a way to repudiate the claim but fortunately it didn't work.

Good luck with it!

I did a 40 km race there and the elevation was less than 400m. Flat and fast trails.

The only trail that can handle all this rain is Hennops.

Sub 3 is definitely manageable if you start with a decent enough group. 2:45 is a different animal, I would like to know which groups other than vets and elites achieve that. That 15 minutes makes a huge difference.

This. Many guys here ride sub 3 in the open categories, I'm pretty sure you don't need to enter vets.

Most importantly you need to check if your seeding will allow you to race with the vets.

We had a break in at our house a few weeks ago. Basically everything stolen belonged to me, including my bike, but because even though we have been living together for 5 years, they didn't want to pay as I wasn't technically her spouse according to them because we aren't legally married and the policy is in her name. Even though they cover guest items and domestic workers items you aren't seen as a 'spouse' or family member according to them. Anyway I challenged them and they backed down and paid. Absolute nonsense, would not recommend.

I have to give kudos to these guys, did the 50km race on Sunday at Taroko and what a well organized, fun, and excellent value for money event. R300 for the entry which included a goodie bag with water bottle, socks, and vouchers including a R500 Scicon voucher and 50% bike service voucher. Can definitely recommend.

I would do a proper bike setup before anything else.

Stupid question but have you had a proper bike fit?

Surely it shouldn't point more than that anyway?

Does anybody know who still has stock of these frame protection kits in JHB/PTA? Everywhere seems to be sold out. Alternatively if anyone has alternative suggestions of similar quality, I bought a different brand from Sportsmans Warehouse not too long ago which worked well and that was about R1000. I don't want to get the whole thing professionally wrapped, seems a bit of an overkill and its a lot more expensive. Thanks.