Zettie

I have only been to the CycleTech shop in Kyalami once to buy some lube and the guys were friendly and helpful. Can anybody comment on their ability to service a MTB? Would like to support them if I get no adverse response.

As for the tube, a tip that I received on this same forum a while ago, was to remove the mouthpiece, take a piece of cloth and fix it on the lead-tipped end of a brake cable and pull it through from the bladder side to the end of the tube. I dipped the cloth in Milton and it sorts out the gingy fungi stuff first time round.

Any ideas on discreet techniques to make people aware of your approach with the Gauteng 07h00 traffic in full force a metre from your wheel? I ride to work and back and am forced to sometimes (well most of the time) use sidewalks and pavements down Rivonia (the Spruit is a scary place at 07h00 in the morning if you are a sole rider). Although mindful that pedestrians have right of way - and always thanking people who do make way on my approach - I find the warning part a bit difficult with the traffic noise coming into play. The obvious answer is a bell - but to attach a bell resembling a 1890 relic from a Pennyfarthing is sacrilege on a modern full-susser. Have we come a way in bell technology since then? Is there anything electronic on the market - whithout making a sound resembling the commencement of the Apocalypse? My lbs has nothing remotely suitable - any ideas?

Yep - thanx Foe Fighter - off to the LBS to go and beg a (reasonably clean) gear cable...

Can someone please assist in offering advice on how to clean the tube attached to the bladder in a CamelBak - without buying the ridiculously-priced R150 brush-ended worm with the CamelBal logo on it? I need to get rid of the toxic sludge-like algae inside there (yea - should not have put energy drink in there, I know), but for the life of me cannot justify paying that kind of money for a piece of curtain railing with bristles at the end? Is there an easy (existing product at a cheaper price) way, or must I embark on a visit to Builders' Warehouse to see if I can duplicate CamelBak's effort?

Depends on where you are, but phone the agents directly on 011 805 1028. You need to make a booking and it takes a couple of days. Better to take the ancillary bits with so that they can check it for you. The alternative is to take it to your LBS - who will send it to the guys in Midrand. Same cost - just takes a bit longer as the LBS will bunch collections. Do NOT go to a general watch repairer - Polar replaces the water seal at the back as well - so you can swim, run and ride in the rain without worries