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7 minutes ago, Barry said:I would think there is more behind the reasons for just sending it back after testing. Maybe condition or misleading ad. I wouldn't sort shipping make payments etc for something I didn't want but I would send it back if it was not as advertised or in a condition I expected. I would hold payments release till sorted that's what BHP is for.
But put on your Dexter hat quickly: Let say I have a race coming up and I know that I will need a new piece or hardware for this race. I then scroll through the classifieds, put an offer on BHP, pay the amount, receive the item before the event, do the event and return the item 🫢
5 minutes ago, Hairy said:It almost comes to the point where a seller has to take a comprehensive set of pics at the time of boxing and shipping?
One can never tell if you're joking 😁. I mean I know that the seller takes comprehensive photos of the item he / she sells but one ride may not cause damage to your product, I am merely concerned about the elapsed time and or the ethical side of things
@ 1.94m You'll need an XL - you could even get a XXL but they're not always available.
For a budget of R15k I would consider one of these:
https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/dual-suspension-bikes/713025/paul-bothma
This seller has a set of Spank wheels as well, maybe there's a deal to be had:
https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/dual-suspension-bikes/715451/trek-superfly
I thought about an interesting loop hole this morning when using BHP. So let's say I am the buyer of a certain item or kit. I use BHP and the item arrives on a Friday or even a Thursday for that matter. I then decide to fit the item to my bike and take it out for a test run before confirming that the item has been delivered. After testing it I then return it and claim it to not be what I am looking for / want. Is there something that safeguards the seller against something like this?
10 minutes ago, Anthem24 said:When I saw this from Daryl Impey after watching his Epic videos, it was food for thought:
I will support the lbs' more if and when:
1) Their prices are more competitive, I don't mind paying more than the webs but some saving would be nice
2) When the lbs stop thinking they know everything and start treating people with respect and not just milk the client for everything they've got
3) When they employ specialist to solve the problem and not just spare part fitters that only know the basics
And just because his got a platform to spew his opinion doesn't make it a good one
4 hours ago, bebnin said:An update, all my stuff arrived. See photos attached. Also bought a couple workshop related things. But the bike stuff is the interesting stuff. Tax was about 10-15% of the order. Shipping free.
Cranks (170mm, including bb, protectors, bolts and narrow wide chainring): r788
Headsets (34-34 and 44-44): 187 & 203
Rotors: r87 each
Seat shim: 73
Presta caps, crank protectors: r18 each
Rotors bolts x12: r54
Oil slick disc brake Rotors: r818
Handlebar grips: r25 per pair
Brake and shift cable housing: r125 per each 3meter length.
Cassette thread to 6bolt Rotor adaptor: r34
Managed to get some coupons on all of the above by playing the right temu "games" and spinning the wheels etc. Saving about 15-30% on the prices above.
Awesome man, the market is opening up nicely. It is very exciting to say the least 😁. I read an article earlier this week trying to put a new spin on things trying to warn people against Temu and Shein as they may "encourage forced labor" in China.
Guess what: if you have debt then you're also in a forced labor situation 🤣.
4
I saw a place a few years ago which I wanted to give a shot, wait let me look for the link........
2 hours ago, mattrat said:54/56cm
The Topstone is a L which I believe to be a 54/56, the other one is a S - 48
31 minutes ago, mattrat said:Hey everyone.
Asked the same question a year ago and was thinking maybe there’d be more hope this time round.
My brother and I are participating in Race2Sun this year in the 30-34 age category and are interested in doing it on gravel bikes rather than our MTB’s. We are both strong MTB riders but are looking for some skinny wheels for that extra touch of speed.
if anyone knows of someone/somewhere that rents out gravel bikes, please let me know.
We are considering buying but our budget doesn’t put us in a great category of bike and so we are searching all options.
thanks in advance 🙏
Glitch if this message goes through twice: What sizes do you ride as I currently have two which I've been meaning to finish
On 4/13/2024 at 10:15 AM, madmarc said:3801 2 RS - 8 off (21X12X8) - Last paid R 299 each (this was the killer same price overseas)
6800 2RS - 8 off (19X10X5)- Last paid R 80 each
17286 2RS MAX - 4 off - Last paid R 80 each
I also had a Superfly - bearings were fairly cheap to replace - Different story with the Fuels
Ok, so I have made contact with my connection in Hanoi this morning. Here's the prices I can find on the codes provided, I have multiple options (Unit Prices listed below) so I will list them in descending order:
3801 2 RS
6800 2RS
17286 2RS MAX
Yes, I know exactly what your next statement is going to be: But the quality is sooooo much better on the more expensive bearing and therefore it justifies the additional cost. I have attached an interesting article and you're welcome to make your own conclusion
https://www.hambini.com/ceramic-bearings-vs-steel-bearings-an-engineering-analysis/
My statement still stands: The high service charge is made up because of % profit added onto the stock items on top of the labor charge, so the lbs buys a bearing from a middleman (not the supplier directly) for lets say the top one: R 151, they then add their mark-up and attribute it to fuel costs and lunch for the driver and and and. So they then charge you R300 and you then ask them to fit it for you. So instead of charging you a reduced rate of lets call it R200 and add a labor charge of R150 they keep the price at R299 each and add a labor charge on top of that.
The way suppliers protect this monopoly and the whole supply chain is to not sell directly to the public.
The other way is to just not bring in the part needed to repair it. So you sit with a R20k trainer which you cannot fix because you don't have access to the part. This is where places like Shein, Temu, AliExpress, Alibaba etc. are opening the market and allowing the consumer access to parts.
8 minutes ago, Me rida my bicycle said:Or a Fuel EX with I think 8 or 10 pivot bearings. I would like to see where Rob gets good quality ss bearings at R40 a pop.
Gents, gents, gents. I own a Trek, slightly older, Superfly (2013) but ok. I am willing to go through the hassle of trying to source some pivot bearings, does anyone have a code close by without having to strip a frame? Let's see what I can find
1 hour ago, Eugene said:taken my bike to a bike shop. I have always done my own servicing.
This^^^^. If you don't have the skill to DIY then you're gonna have to pay someone else to do it for you. A lbs has overheads and staff. I know the folks at HS quite well, heck I stay 1km from there, nice bunch of guys, even the new ones. But, if I want to do something I DIY until I run out of talent.
7 hours ago, Phillippe Coetzee said:Also debating going HT, the cost on Dual sus is a lot.. more comfortable but yeah 👀
I see this statement a lot. Why does everyone say the dual is so much more than the HT?
The major difference:
Rear shock - R 1 100.00 +/- for service
Pivot bearings - R 40.00 each x 4
I can't think of anything else. Ya, if you go to your lbs then the above will be way more but still, the rear shock won't need a service with every interval and the pivot bearings will only need replacing once they're worn, so I don't see it
1
1
That's more or less right but there's quite a few bucks IMO that you'll be able to save
https://www.stretchingsa.co.za/ - their name is very misleading but you can thank me later
I reached the peak of my slump as we hit the main road heading into the Baviaans kloof on raceday in 2022. I gave my supplies away and turned back to Willowmore. In 2023 I've only been outdoors on the bike twice, once to test solo and once to test along with two other riders.
My point: everyone will have a different recovery rate and opinion, only you will know when you want to get back out there.
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I am with Sir on this one. If you currently have a 3x in the front then why bother with more range at the back?
To explain my point: there's no particular hill or combination of hills in Gauteng where you will need to use your 22/42T & still be upright. If you're struggling to pedal up a particular climb there's no shame in getting off to push, increasing the range will just increase your cadence and slow you down
Experience 
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So here's my 2c and please note:
"I do not know everything, take what I am saying as an opinion & not fact"
1) Confirm and decide the discipline you and your son want to pursue, I assume from the list of options that it will be trails, the question: Will it be limited to trails or are you going to once in a while join the friends out on a marathon to go for pancakes in another province? If the answer is maybe then you need to make peace with the fact that your trail bike will be somewhat heavier and slower than the other marathon bikes. Also, if you want to use this bike to compete in stuff like the Trailseeker or so then a podium position won't necessarily be in the cards.
2) There's quite a bit to look out for when going for a viewing but I normally look at the wear of the chain (worn chain can translate into a worn cassette, chainring, pulley wheels). Also request the service history of the fork and shock.
3) If you can get an SME (Subject Matter Expert) involved in your buying process then it will save you quite a bit of frustration and issues down the line
4) Don't be too phased about the items fitted on the frame as they're all consumables and or can be swopped. If you do not like the look and feel of the frame then you won't ride as much in any case .
There's more stuff but the above is a good start 
On 3/25/2024 at 7:45 AM, michaelbiker said: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.
I have a lot of spacers but I can recall they're mostly 2mm. You're welcome to a few
On 3/6/2024 at 2:09 PM, Diedrich said:Hi Folks, I'm looking for a 12x142 thru axle with a 1mm thread pitch. I made the mistake of buying one with a 1.5mm pitch 🙄 Didn't realize there so many different options. Anyone in the Gauteng area that can assist / trade for one? Thanks
Hey Diedrich, I believe I will be able to help
The Topstone I currently have on the stand (to complete) has a 2x in the front, I am not a roadie / groovy (I just made that up 😁) but I assume the current gear ratio is more road: 39/52T. I don't know if this will be an issue but the plan is to go 11 speed at the rear. Looking at it now I actually think it is going to work lekker
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Definitely, agree