parabola

For the same price as a set of cheap discs you could get a set of decent V-brakes (Avids etc) and some good quality brake pads. You will have no problem aligning calipers and rotors, and they are so much easier to adjust. And in dryish conditions the stopping power will pretty much destroy a set of cheap discs.

If the frame is disc compatible, then it will cost about R2500 to put a decent set of new disc brakes on. It depends on what the other components are, and what the asking price is for the Felt. I've ridden bikes with proper V-brakes which are way stronger than most entry level discs, but the braking power diminishes in the wet. So it depends on what you are riding and in what conditions.

I think its all relative, much like most things in life. If you are a serious professional competitor, then perhaps all the R&D that has gone into that frame design will make a noticeable difference to you. As was previously said, they don't sell high volumes of these bikes, and yet there Trek will invest a substantial amount of money to ensure they are constantly breaking the barrier in terms of technology. For the average cyclist, this technology is really superficial, but at the top of the competition, it can mean the difference between a win and second place.

Thanks Bear, will try and arrange so I can be there. Is the start time still 8AM on April 4th?

How far is esselfontein from CT? Still interested in coming.

Cycle Lab Northgate and Cycleteknix in Table View had some last time I was there.

ja' date=' next time i'll totally write the bike off! actually, she's pretty trashed after sunday![/quote'] What happened HR? Have a little accident?

Does anyone know where I can get Giordana's other than Cycle Lab? I found the Cape Storm / First Ascent ones just dont fit me, medium is slightly too roomy around the waist, small is well, ridiculously small.

I tried on some Giordana's at cycle lab and they were awesome. Still trying to convince myself to fork out the R1200 for them. But they were much better than the Cape Storms or First Ascent's I tried on which were going for about R720

That's pretty sweet, love the frame.

Ive been using 180F/160R XTR CL rotors with Avid Juicy 5's for a few months, only issue with reagrd to clearances/size is that the XTR rotors have an alloy spider which interferes with the little tab on the avid's brake pads. Just bent it with some pliers and its fixed. With regard to the 185 avid/ 180 shimano size standard, simply buy the right mounting bracket for the rotor size, the calipers can mount onto both sizes. I use a Shimano 180 mounting bracket and its works fine. Wouldnt recommend shimming it as this could introduce vibration in the system Considering you already have a set of G3's, I would just get the 6-bolt to CL adaptors, sell the CL rotors. parabola2009-03-16 05:27:05

That frame is very light, and is quite a pretty piece of kit. You can get it from Cycle Factory in Montague Gardens for R16,250. Shock feels very plush, and I reckon its good value for the money. Service from Cycle Factory has always been extremely good for me, and I know others will recommend them.

What on earth is this thing, and how does it work?

I was thinking Marine Drive in Table View, Cape Town, view looks so similar

Now thats something you don't see every day. That must be the moon right? Gotta be one of the best views in SA.

I remember when I first got cleated shoes. Slapped on the pedals, put on the shoes, climbed on the bike (still in the garage leaning against the wall) clipped in and admired my handiwork. Started leaning over, only to instantaneously panic and fall over on the floor. But you learn quick and it soon becomes routine. And you *almost" always unclip during a crash. Its the "coming unclipped when you're railing singletrack" part that gets dangerous. Do the race in your cleats, it will hugely boost your confidence!

I find that clipless works so much better than flats especially on rough singletrack when the bike tends to buck around. Your feet stay planted to the pedals, and it makes a world of difference when standing and pedaling hard. You soon get used to the clip-in/out action, although expect a few falls along the way! All part of the fun The stiffer soles will definitely reduce your foot pain, but not remove it. Hey its hard work pedalling a bike for any extended period of time.

You probably need to go to a bolt specialist like Topfast, unless the bolt is a non-standard imperial thread, in which case you might need to get a new seatpost. They cut those threads coarse for a reason. parabola2009-03-10 04:20:17

Its much better riding early in the morning. But yeah this is Cape Town its basically bl@@dy windy 90% of the time. You get used to it. Except for today as its scorching outside right now, and the only wind is the fan blowing in my office

Cycling shoes need to fit like a glove. You will probably find a size lower than normal should fit, but just try on many different sizes and buy some that feel comfortable.

Last time I checked the Avid bleed kit was only R200-300 bucks. Better just to get the lbs to do it.

Explain? I'm interested

I'm an engineer too. I understand your seemingly ridiculous concerns but why not go the extra mile to make something look better?