michaelbiker

Slightly off topic but I know of someone that adds stuff to their order on takealot to get the free shipping and then does a return of said stuff. Humans don’t like to play by the rules and suck a lot. The world would be better if we were a little more mindful of others.

I’d say car service prices are high for what they do compared to a 200 hour fork service. It’s just an oil and air filter and oil change. Takes them probably 30 minutes max - depending on the car. A major fork damper service takes a lot longer. Seal service is quick to do at home though if you have the right tools and inclination.

As others have mentioned, rather pay a bit more and it will last longer. Had a cheap torque wrench stop "clicking" on me. Thank goodness I noticed before I cracked something.

I used to use Ridewill to import SRAM stuff (their prices are really good) but got quite a shock recently when they sent my order via EMS which has now been stuck somewhere in customs after waiting 8 weeks. They say Express Courier on their site and charge UPS/DHL charges for shipping but they send it regular old post office. Definitely not an option any longer so will need to make a different plan. I refuse to pay local prices for SRAM stuff. It’s extortion. So cross another one off the list.

Thanks Robert. I managed to find a set on the classifieds.

How did they die?

This was us in Greece last year. Two evoc bike bags, two hard sided medium sized suitcases and 2 carry ons in a Kia hatchback. There was zero extra room available - I had to get creative and take a wheel out of one of the bags and thread it in behind everything to make it fit.

I travel with my bike all the time. Maybe 3-4 times a year. But it’s for long term - more than a month at a time. It’s a faff for just a week or two since you need to be able to travel with a giant bike bag - rental cars need to be bigger, airport transfers need to be bigger etc. Packing is a pain in the ass too and there is always the chance your bike gets lost or crushed. I have insurance for that but it’s another thing to worry about.

Buycycle has shimano 105 12-speed cassettes available. https://www.buycycle.co.za/product/shimano-r-7100-11-34-105-12-spd/

I have both photochromic and prizm trail torch lenses. The trail torches are great for day riding in shaded areas but the photochromic lenses are the best for low light e.g. dark overcast days or early morning / early evening. If I had to choose one it would be the photochromic lenses. They are the most versatile. That being said I have been quite disappointed with the longevity of Oakley lenses. The coating starts to peel after about 3 years of use. I have a set of Smiths that are still going strong after 10 years. It’s a pity because nothing beats the clarity of new Oakley lenses.

Does anyone have or know where I can get two 1.85mm cassette spacers? I need them to convert two sets of wheels from SRAM XDR to take XD compatible cassettes.

Yes, there were no duties on the tires when they are declared with that code: 401.50.00(2)

If you can decipher it, these were the customs workings on 4x TUFO thundero tires I brought in on a shipment recently via DHL. Looks like I was only charged VAT and no additional duties but I do think tires usually carry duties.

I got mine from Ridewrap with a full bike wrap kit but it was shipped to me while I was overseas. So not sure what shipping is like to SA.