xtacy

Two words - Divorce Material

Try n' get a pair of shoes that either have a flap to cover the laces or velcro straps - otherwise one shoelace in the crank and a face-plant later, you'll understand why

Buy yourself a set of MOSH flat pedals - big, heavy, protruding pins help to keep your foot on the pedal - if that doesn't work, smacking your shins on them once or twice will ensure your feet never leave the pedals again ...

I've realised that the problem is not you, it is within me ...

The first bike I bought was a Wheeler 3900 with Shimano STX components, certainly not the best thing on the market but I loved that thing - cost me R 1700 and the guy threw in his old Diadora shoes into the deal, which I still ride with today. I've subsequently sold the Wheeler and had my fair share of bikes once the fever bit - the last one I built up to ride the Sabie Experience and it cost me about R 17 000 over two years of collecting and wheeling and dealing - I probably wouldn't be able to sell it for R 5 000 nowadays. To quote one of our fellow hubbers "Mountain biking is the new golf " Unfortunately there are far too many men out there with "mid life crisis" who have the time and expendable income which perpetuates the marketing of carbon bikes that cost more than the annual income of some of our citizens. It appears that the love of the sport has come second to the need to have the latest and greatest gadgets Have we lost touch with reality - yes !

Looked at opening a shop in the Vale about 10 years ago. Used to be an existing shop just around the corner from Johnson's, also serviced lawn mowers. (we're going to take over lock stock & two smoking barrels) Same problems then that there are now - exorbitant rentals for prime locations, costs for staff etc. This is before you've even had to deal with the importers - Shimano, Sram, Fox, Rock Shox etc. If you're going to open a shop it has to be for the love of the sport. Have you ever heard of anyone getting rich by running a bike shop ?!

Try imported car parts - protected industry ! Can bring in Ford spares from the States for almost 50 - 70% less than the locals can supply ....

Today, upon a bus, I saw a very beautiful woman. And wished I were as beautiful. When suddenly she rose to leave, I saw her hobble down the aisle. She had one leg and wore a crutch. But as she passed, she passed a smile. Oh, God, forgive me when I whine. I have two legs; the world is mine. I stopped to buy some candy. The lad who sold it had such charm. I talked with him, he seemed so glad. If I were late, it'd do no harm. And as I left, he said to me, "I thank you, you've been so kind. It's nice to talk with folks like you. You see," he said, "I'm blind." Oh, God, forgive me when I whine. I have two eyes; the world is mine. Later while walking down the street, I saw a child I knew. He stood and watched the others play, but he did not know what to do. I stopped a moment and then I said, "Why don't you join them dear?" He looked ahead without a word. I forgot, he couldn't hear. Oh, God, forgive me when I whine. I have two ears; the world is mine. With feet to take me where I'd go. With eyes to see the sunset's glow. With ears to hear what I'd know. Oh, God, forgive me when I whine. I've been blessed indeed, the world is mine.

You used to be able to buy aluminium steerers - manufactured by RST. If you can source one of these, and a good fitter and turner, they'll be able to remove the old one and press fit a new one. Last time I managed to buy two steerers from Westdene Cycles - about R200 a piece. Good Luck

You can try Big Foot Express,Time Freight, PostNET, The Post Office, Taxi Trucks, DHL, TNT, FedEX etc. etc. It's more about time and price General size of cardboard bike box is 1370 x 780 x 200 Couriers work on volumetric weight as opposed to actual weight

Does anyone know who the agent for SRAM is in South Africa ? I phoned Chris Willemse Cycles yesterday to try and get a price on a set of SRAM BB7's and the sales bloke told me that they'd been discontinued ? Bizzare, they are still listed on the International SRAM Website, and they're offered as a 2010 release from Chain Reaction Cycles, and just about any other reputable international on-line store. I'm assuming that the salesman at CWC was just trying to sell me Elixir's ...

Have to agree with tom893. Mate of mine just bought a merida with full XT, tubeless wheelset and a Fox shock for around R15 000

A couple of years back i went riding out in Muldersdrift - Logwood Farm. Bike jackings weren't as prevalent back then, however I met a local bloke on the trail, who'd been riding their for years. His advice - " i never ride without my two best friends - Mr. Smith & Mr. Wesson !"