Rich

Can we believe all this? Mine says handmade in the USA - surely they can't be lying to me?

JB's quote: "Shimano's new wheels are designed the right way. I had the opportunity to dismantle an XTR wheel and boy, have they got it right."

I'll defer to JB on that one. My guess is the lighter the wheel the less durable. He does rate the XTR wheelbuild highly.

IMHO that weight saving on a MTB is not huge and unless you are a real race snake you probably wont feel a massive difference. So I dont think its worth the extra cost but if you are a weight weenie and you have the cash???

After reading Johan's comments I would stick to Shimano. I have XT hubs with DT Swiss rims and they are great.

A vey profitable scam/mistake? I am sure most people would not notice at all, especially those using company petrol cards.

I ride an Arione - it is about 220g I think depending on make up of the rails. It does take time to mould to your butt. It is now selling for R1700 but you find them every now and again for sale here for around R900.

Thanks Intern - I like its styling. Need to try find one here in Durban to try out. Otherwise I may have to wait for the new Bell.

I like the Uvex too - anyone used one?

Is that new Bell? Any idea when it is due and cost?

OK DEMMIT! Will see what I can do! If I get up to the Amashova are you going to meet up for a few rides since I see you are from KZN? Sure - I need to hear more - 24 years old? Mmm...

okay my imagination is running away with me. I need a picture.

Hope no other cyclist involved? What happened?

Clicher wheels, skewers, lightweight bolts and other bling small extras.

Spiuk is a bit of an outsider. Have you tried one? Its venting holes dont look as big as say the Giro range. Is it for the brand conscious?

The sweep is being replaced? When and with what?

I am looking at replacing my helmet. What should I look at getting? I know this depends on fit etc but am keen on hearing your views. I have seen some disparaging remarks about the style of the S-Works. What about the Sweep or Atmos or Uvex? It will be ridden on the road and on the trail. Rich2008-09-09 14:25:17

If you consider second hand you can really get value - eg you could land up with ultegra or even dura-ace and a great wheelset in your price range. If you confine yourself to new as in the bicycling article price range you will get tiagra and entry level wheels at best.

I just built up this bike with Easton EA 90 wheels and Easton carbon stem and bars fizik saddle etc. - some second hand parts. Nearly new DA groupset with carbon crank and it cost me about R24k. I bought the frame on ebay, hardly used - (2006 model) for R5000. If you get that bike for under 20K I would say it is a good deal!

Is this true for MTB - is cross chaining (I think this means big blade, big cassette?) more likely to lead to derailer damage?

Vey nice bike - will be looking for it flying past me at Gateway.

What lightweight and "puncture proof" road tires/tubes would you recommend?

Excellent - embarassing the city officials is the only way!

Exactly - it would have been a very effective show! Thats why they killed it!

It was illegal because they did not get seven clear days notice and the police have their hands full with Zumas trial in Pmb and it was during rush hour traffic! Bollocks!