DJ84

Do you understand that there are 3 results in test. A draw from here for SA is almost as good as a win and the same as a loss for the Ausies. One of the biggest upsets against Australia was when we managed to draw in Perth. It was a phenomenal effort as this will be if we get it right.

I have a XTR (non clutch) long cage rear on an 11-32 at the back and have had no issues. Dropped the chain once and that was on a big tumble. I ride like a plonker on the rough stuff and have been very impressed so far. I agree that the short cage is better (will go that route on my next build), but don't see the point of replacing a derailleur unless it is damaged.

Eish, feel for him, really has struggled against the Ausies. Lets hope the rest can put it together.

So they declared, 511 is a mammoth task, but the way the pitch is playing and at a run rate of 3.75 anything is possible. I hope Biff goes out and bashes a double and we take the match. Would be a miraculous send off but it also wouldn't be the first time SA has produced the impossible.

So just admit it, As an opener he is still class (not a has been) and more than likely would be for years to come.. You can disagree on his captaincy, but you cannot say he is anything but exceptional as a captain. More than a decade, most caps as a captain, nearly 2 years in the No.1 position and has beaten everyone away and home except the Ausies in SA. You also have to remember he took over a team that was so poor they never even made the quarter finals at Home.

The stat that MTBeer put out did not show the India series showing his 62 average 1st Test 68 & 44 2nd Test 47 & 27 not out Straus was never a consistent performer and unfortunately for Cook has not proved to be either although I rate him as a batsman. Smith is currently ranked 13th (second opener) As for scoring the way he has, that is the curse of most openers. Either go out for a low score or go big. Consistent players in terms of getting a 50 every game are generally your 3/4/5 As for chirping his captaincy you really need to take another look

Nice stats those, 93 average just 4/5 months ago in a series. Misses the 60 plus against India as well.

Agreed, but doubt they will be too radical with changes.

Ponting never got scooped up, he went and played there. Smith was offered a massive contract and the option to end his International career, small difference between the two. As a captain, he is the best the world has had for some time. As an opener he is the best the world has had for some time. Name one opening batsman who has consistently been in and around the top 10 other than Smith. He is still right there as of today.

As for how they will replace him, Elgar to take the opener roll with Alviro AB to take the captaincy and QDK to take the gloves as a number 6/7

He now has an Irish passport and is playing in Great Britain, if he wanted to im sure he could make the Irish team in a few years once he qualifies.

Averaged over 60 against India averaged over 70 I think against Pakistan so he has performed recently with the bat.

Well then one of the best counties in the world are a bunch of idiots and they are paying him a massive salary to join. We as Saffas are the only people that wouldn't want him in our team. Stats don't lie, only peoples opinions.

I don't understand what you mean a great captain in HIS TIME? He is still a great captain, we have the highest aggregate rating points we have ever had (maybe anyone has ever had) He, apart from this series has averaged 40 over the last year. As an opener he is still the second highest ranked batsman in test with only Warner ahead of him who is in sublime form. Everyone who disses him as a captain/player and wanted him gone is an absolute idiot. I understand personal things, but lets be honest, no one here actually knows him to make up any opinion. As for what he has done as captain and player, the team admires and respects him and that is the only thing that really matters. Go back to rugby world cup 2007, all those tossers that wants John Smit gone, then he won the world cup and he was their favourite player. This is a sad day for SA cricket and I worry that we are going to slowly crumble over the next 2 years.

If you are going to use it, buy a trainer and a spare wheel with a trainer tyre on it. you will have far less chance of re injuring yourself on a trainer than a roadbike.

Nope, more difficult. More in front the heavier the gear but faster you go at the same cadence (pedal speed) More at the back the lighter the gear and you go slower at the same cadence. http://www.bikecalc.com/gear_ratios Go look at this site, it gives you a speed vs. cadence and your gear ratio. Will help you understand which does what.

The one that gets you up the quickest. It depends on you and how you climb. I ride a 1x9 (36-11/32) which is pretty difficult on the big climbs. looks like you have a 32(Front ring)-11/36(cassette) which should be ok depending on you. Best way for you to know what the ultimate climbing setup would be is for you to go and ride the hills.

Because Clarke is a No.4 Marsh is playing 3 until Watson returns.

if it feels heavier when picking it up then as everyone suggested. 1x10 drops weight quick and cheap. if it feels heavier on the ride maybe check your bearings, or you just tired and don't realise it(can happen when on a strict diet)

After trying various shoes the Specialised were the best for me. Are you looking for carbon soles? surely you can find the normal shoes within that range.

Race Face NW 36 tooth in blue eXotic Carbon Rigid fork Blue ESi Chunky grips

Jeese, I think the fork has seen more action than me. It felt good on the short test run. will put it through its pace's, hope I enjoy the rigid. The reason I went for this fork over a blade fork was because reviews said its more compliant.

Pity, When you back maybe we can hook up for a ride. Need to get used to having my teeth rattled out. Thanks Vetseun

Will finally get to see this weekend, Thanks for the fork I think it looks great on the bike. It was a mission to get the IS adapter though.

Hi All, Just wanted to share my build. Finished it up last night and will test it out this weekend. She comes in at 9kg's on a old scale so not 100% but close with my XT wheelset. Have a set of Carbon Tubbies that I will use again once im used to the rigid which will bring it down to 8.2kg's Build: Trek 9.8 Frame (2010 model) Exotic carbon fork XT Wheelset (Bontrager XR2 team edition tyres 2.1-back and 2.3-front) Deore M596 Brakes (old deore rotors) XT Shifter Xtr Rear derailleur XT Crank Look Pedals SLX 11-32 9 speed cassette Race Face 36tooth NW Chainring Gobi Saddle Fizik seatpost FSA carbon Bar and stem There are a couple areas I can drop weight and probably will once I have built up my 29". Rotors Cassette/Chain Tyres Will easily get it below 8 with the Tubbies.