Eswill

Sorry for those that aren't happy about the weekend, but we had LOADS of fun during the event! Had two incredible bacon and chicken rolls from the caterers during the bike burn, didn't even realise they disappeared afterwards. Don't care as we brought tons of food and drinks as if we were camping full scale. It was our first event and can't complain even a bit. Thanks everyone and see you guys next year!

It was awesome! Less vibe than the one in March running at night through CBD, but we experienced the heart of Alexandra in scorching heat. Bike on Saturday, feet on Sunday

Still only the two trials, still R10 per person. Only rode the easy 5km and the tarred road over the water works. Guy at the gate said the difficult route is "terrible terrible terrible" - will check it out next time. Still had fun with friends, only thing that matters

Probably going on Sunday for the first time, will report back...

Thanks all, will make a few calls! Thought I had reply notifications on but no... Thanks man, but this is a birthday gift so will need to be brand new

Hi everyone, Did a quick search but couldn't find anything - anyone with some advice on where I can find the best prices on Thule carriers in Pretoria? The small 970 Express in specific. Otherwise I'll apply some old-school shopping around... Thanks in advance! Edit: There's something really wrong with my profile pic...

+1 This.

Updated the post one last time - one more VIVA to Dereck and Robbie at Cytek/Merida and Corrie at Hot Spot!

See my topic as well - will update soon. Had some serious trouble with my first Merida bike, entry level at that, no fault on the manufacturer's side. Dereck replaced the whole bike with no questions asked, no hassles, all within one day. Brilliant - Merida for life!

Had some brilliant service from them about a month ago on a new ADSL line - everything took less than two weeks. They are realising they need to seriously up their game...

I have updated the original post. According to Dereck at Merida the crank may have been an assembly error and should never have happened. With regards to the oil on the fork, it should be normal sweating from the lubricant as the shock doesn't contain any oil - in any case they are replacing the bicycle - awesome service!

I'll try and take a picture!

LOL! That's exactly what I'm trying to avoid

** FINAL UPDATE:** Dereck from Cytek/Merida replaced the bike with no questions asked, no nonsense, no problems and explained in detail what could have happened and why it is an extreme exception. Corrie at Hot Spot rebuilt the bike and double checked on everything with great advice on some accessories. All of this happened within one day after the complaint during the busiest time of the year. Faith restored, customer retained - Merida for life! Well done guys, and thank you. Hi all! First post of many on The Hub and new to the MTB world Just a question / comment or two on a really bad first experience, looking for some input. I've bought my Merida Matts TFS 300-D (click for details) a week ago at Hot Spot Cycles in Pretoria East. I'm not going to moan about the initial service and lack of assistance when buying your first (budget) cycle. This weekend me and my friends went camping at Dube Lodge and had a blast of a time cycling. BUT - on day three, third short trip, riding while standing with the gears on 3 x 9, the left crank arm just detached and I missed hitting the gravel on high speed by pure luck. http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u72/Eswill/TheHubSA/Crank.jpg Both the crank and the crank arm's "teeth" stripped a bit - still there but clearly damaged. Back at home I also realised the fork is leaking oil at the hub! http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u72/Eswill/TheHubSA/Fork.jpg Could this be just really bad luck with a double manufacturing fault on Merida's side, or could it be poor assembly at Hot Spot? I'm taking the cycle back this afternoon and want to know how to handle the situation, taking Hot Spot's lack of customer service into consideration... The cycle has less than 40km on the clock with really no hard riding or abuse Thanks in advance - hope to hear from some people!