stephan99

No manufacturer has ever had a 100% success rate with frames. Telling everyone that Intense and carbon frames are a no no is a useless comment. Same could be said for the Specialized enduro in this article: http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/cracked-2012-s-works-enduro-frame Yes I have had some issues, one was me hitting the swing arm on a rock and cracking the carbon. I've had to spend some money on the pivots and servicing bearings and stuff. Bikes like the sworks, Tracer Factory build ext are built with the lightest components around-made to last one season. If you want a bike that is idiot proof, buy a mid range bike with an aluminium frame. Its like having R150k to spend on a car-yes you can buy a new VW Up or you can buy an Audi A4. Obviously everyone wants the Audi, but be prepared to pay if something goes wrong!

One of the reasons that guys bike broke is him not servicing the pivot bearings. Intense has a big following in the US and Canada and no other real issues to report of? Tracers are built for enduro and thus a stronger bike-the bike above is a tracer. Carbine is a trail bike-very capable trail bike. Die ou het dit net deur sy gat getrek.

Unfortunately the DHR II is also lacking in sidewall department. I even get that same feeling in the front, especially coming down on off camper sections with roots. It just gets scary sometimes! Look there is no perfect tire and everyone has their own preferences of how a tire must perform...

But when choosing a tire isn't it important to look at all the aspects-not just grip? No use in having a tire that rails down the track but is an anchor on the way up and needs replacing every few months. Just adding my experience I had with the Trailstar version

Does someone want to make a group order from overseas? Looking at www.bike-discount.com their prices are not bad at all and if shipping is shared you will be able to come in under R600 per tire? What taxes will be applicable? Just VAT or more? On a side note, had a Magic Mary and not impressed. Side knobs tore in 2 months of riding jonkers and surrounding areas. On a Minion DHR II on the front (yes front) and love it. Granted when the trail is wet its useless, but I tend to stay indoors then.

Anyone looking for a Pyga Onetwenty 650b frame? I know a non hubber looking to sell. Medium frame. Pm me

I was in the same boat. Bought a bike in Canada and brought it over. They wanted me to pay taxes but I kept to my story. They say even if the bike is 2nd hand you have to pay taxes. They can even tax you on your own bike if you don't declare it when you leave the country(that's what my friendly customs agent told me) I pleaded ignorance when they told me I should have declared it before I left. So basically, if you bring it as luggage it can go either way. Ask the guys that went to the alps if they had any problems on the way back?

I basically want a hands on machine that makes a good espresso(starts with fresh beans and a good grinder) and a capable steamer. I think a dual boiler will be overkill for my use as I won't be making more than 2 cups per use...

My cousin stays in England so can buy it off ebay(refurbished machines) for around £150 and he can bring it over december(and hopefully gets through customs without having to declare it)

Thanks, thought it might be too good to be true... Will have to save up as the Oscar is out of my budget range at the moment... Any thoughts on the Gaggia Baby Dose machine(around 2k)? Or should I rather just save for a few months and buy an Oscar?

So I've read all 60+ pages and decided to first invest in a good grinder. So I've taken the plunge and bought a La Pavoni Jolly Burr grinder. At the moment waiting for delivery. My budget is blown at the moment but saw a deal on a Breville 800esxl-any thoughts on this machine? I know these machines have small boilers but I'm a single guy living alone and will mostly be pulling an espresso before work and only again after work. At the moment I have a cafetera so its fine for normal coffees but looking for something stronger....