Ecko_1

Just to clarify, i was only in the chain as I had time to kill. I would rather spend an hour window shopping cycling gear than walking around Gateway looking at nonsense.

Ummm... I think you misunderstood my post. I collected my bike from my LBS (who I am really chuffed with). I was in Umhlanga on Saturday (mum wanted to do shopping and needed a lift) so I had some time to kill. I decided to check the wheel offerings of a big cycle chain which is one of the few shops in Umhlanga. It is this big chain shop where there were non existent staff and whom I will never support again. I will be making all my purchases, including my upcoming set of wheels from my LBS. I am a loyal customer

So, I collected my bike after work on Friday. Wheel fixed and hanger checked. No charge despite my insistence (guy is running a business at the end of the day). To my surprise they had even fitted a new tube (I dropped my bike off with a puncture at the rear). Walked into a big cycling chain later that same day in Umhlanga, looking for wheel options to upgrade. Only person in the shop was the lady that makes coffee. Needless to say I will never support this chain again.

This is something I generally like to do, but sometimes not practical. Might look odd to see someone dressed formal with a tie and riding with formal shoes.

Dropped the bike at the LBS this morning before work. Described what happened to the owner. He said he can fix today. When I enquired about cost he said just come pick the bike up after work. So bike will be ready after work and I will head to the LBS for a beer.

Nope, no IDT. Im a noob. Still building up my kit/equipment for actual riding.

Makes it sound like you can walk into a store and pick one off the shelf.

. I have never watched that movie

I have a good relationship with him. Dont want to ruin it, and he probably doesnt want to lose a loyal customer either.

BTW thanks for all the info here guys. As usual, the Hub is a source of useful info once you look past the BS that sometimes lands up in threads. I know that the LBS was at fault here for not setting the derailler limits. Will address this with the owner.

He offered to fit the new cassette and chain (I was going to go home and do it myself, but being a noob shop fitment was preferable). I asked him to check the derailler, as I was concerned that shifting might be affected by the new smaller ratios. I am definitely gonna take up the poor control with the owner (unlikely that he actually did the work). But not gonna fight to pay R100 to fix. Will make sure the hanger is straight as well. And will never ignore strange noises/feelings again. I am more upset that my morning ride was cut short. I am really weak on the hills and was enjoying going up and down the hills this morning.

This I will not do. LBS generally looks after me. He always outprices the online stores and I dont pay labour most times. Mistake this time, but I doubt any LBS is mistake free. Also, owner is extended family.

Nope. I was doing weekend chores so I left the bike while i did my running around. Bike goes in the back of my car with front wheel of, chain side facing up with nothing on top.

I wish. Was trying to get onto the 25T ring. Repair will probably be at no cost to me as the damage was caused by the limits not being set properly (although I wasnt charged for any labour for fitment). 2 lessons learned from this; 1. If something is not right, sort it out right away 2. Always carry cable ties. Luckily I had a few to tie my loose spoke.

First indication from Republic Sport (closest to home but not my LBS of choice) is R14 for spoke and R80 to true wheel. Around R100 repair job. Waiting for my LB owner to get to the shop to give him a call,

Some background. I had a new cassette and chain fitted last weekend. After the new parts, occasionaly the chain would slip past the highest ring on the cassette and off. This morning this happened while climbing at around 20km/h.My assumption is that the chain jamming between the cassette and wheels broke the spoke and somehow caused the wheels to bend (wheel is no true where spoke it broken). The derailer is bent by the part that holds the 2 wheels. Its just the bottom part that is slightly bent, A pliers will make it right. The hanger looks 100% to me and the derailler is shifting fine. I am dropping the bike off at my LBS tomorrow morning to fix the wheel. Will have the mechanic make sure nothing else is wrong at the rear. The derailler didnt go near the spokes though. Bike is a road bike.

This morning I had a disastrous ride. I set out at 5am to look for some hills (as this is where I am weakest). I ended the ride with 2 punctures, 1 bent derailler, 1 broken spoke, 1 bent wheel and 1 long walk. The derailler fortunately is not bad. A pliers will fix. Can anyone advise what I can expect to pay to have my wheel sorted out. Its a cheapo rim that came stock with my bike. An Alex Rim alu rim of some sort. 1 broken spoke and wheel out of true a bit. Also, are wheels just as strong and reliable after these type of repairs?

There is a bust from Durban to PMB after the race. IIRC there is some info on it somewhere back in this thread.

I too have ordered from them for the first time. Ordered placed and paid for last friday. Package waiting for me to collect at my local SAPO yesterday. Now to find the time to get to the SAPO to collect my parcel. Quick service from these guys.

I am starting 7:41. I only have one seeded race to my name so far. The plan is for my wife to drop me at the start (I live near the finish). I have to look at the closures to guage a route for her to take home.

Tiagra 10 Speed

I got mine at Cyclesphere in Durban. Maybe check the Jhb branches.

I bought the Park Tool IB3 this weekend. Havent used it yet but looks and feels like a great piece of gear.

Update from my side. I cleaned my bike nicely, but had an unfortunate incident. Riding down to Critical Mass on Friday my chain somehow bent. So there I was on the side of the road 5km from home with a bent chain, not able to ride critical mass. I had a powerlink in my bag but no tools So Saturday I went to my LBS and the owner hooked me up with a smaller (I was actually planning on ordering from Buycycle today) 105 cassette and SRAM 1031 chain for the same price as replacement Tiagra parts on Buycycle. I then went on the hunt for a multi tool. After looking at a few shops I bought the Park Tool IB3. Looks and feels awesome.

7:41 start for me. So late. Well, cant complain as I only have 1 seeding race to my name.