Christopher Brunsdon

I will have to disagree here with you 100%. Biggest misunderstand insurance is what its all about, its about insuring a risk that cannot be predicted. Insurance (medical, life, tangible goods, etc) is like tax. Yes, some people see more of its value than others but it has a positive affect on our lives when we are in the pool. You cannot insure yourself from the beginning as how will you be able to replace your R200K car if your just starting out? Are you going to match the value of your goods with that money in the bank?

My last order took less than 3 weeks and that was during the strike.

How much are you paying for the bike? The Reno is still V-Brake and its not worth upgrading to Disc

Bummer, Hope he recovers soon.

Learn rather how to service and maintain those gears. I got Alivio (2yrs now) and I've got no intention of upgrading at the moment as I service my bike when ever it needs attention. There is more to good shifting on your bike than just the derailleur.

I think Helloise has the 1000 (she will confirm) 800, very very nice bike and if my bonus is good to me this year, I will also get one. Good price for that 800.

Don't forget to factor in your gear, that can eat at least R1500 of your budget just to start off.

What got me with the "wing" was I thought it was the clamp position. My bike uses a top swing and I bought a bottom swing off a Hubber as I mistook the terminology.

I wish my ex-wife would take this advice. She lives her life through our daughters and it only causes problems. But there is nothing wrong with encouragement.

Go the Raleigh, its near similar specs to the Mongoose but newer. Your going to learn all about component wear and unless the Mongoose was owned by your 99yr old grandmother with no legs, your going to regret it. Your also going to learn that frames are all sourced from a handful of manufacturers (brands just slap on their stickers), both these bikes are 8spd so your going to have to upgrade the cassette, shifter and derailleur to go to 9spd (but 8spd is good enough, been on it for 2yrs when I started and still happy with it). The component your going to be most concerned about is the fork and the Suntour XCT is a rather basic, non-serviceable fork (got one so I should know). Not going to help you much if you discover after a few trails the fork is shot and now you need to spend another R1K on the bike. I can find no fault in the Raleigh.

I would say speak to your Doctor as well. Pushing a 7yr old can be treading where Angels fear to walk. I would also side with Slowbee on this as my daughter was push by her mom to try too hard with sport at the age of 7, she ended up hating all sport by the age of 8 and that is not what we as parents want.

Oh, and welcome to The Hub, your new home

Depends on how much your paying and what condition the bike is in. Both bikes have a similar very entry level fork but you can always upgrade (I actually just put a new fork like this on my ride in Jan so its good enough for the basics) But either way your going to be upgrading parts before you know it Also remember that your going to be buying extras like pump, bottle, bibs, helmet, glasses, camelbak, etc, so get saving.

I see CRC has nothing on record, not even out of stock items, but wiggles still has http://www.wiggle.co.uk/mulebar/cycle/

I can afford cycling because I don't own a car ... and with the petrol increase, my wife can walk to work (its only 800m from the house) instead of driving her car (and she can save R250 by giving up her parking bay).

That Garmin is so bright, even Aliens on planet Zorg can spot you running with it I think I even saw it on Google Earth this morning

Agree. The problem is that many of these organ donars purchase headphones & earphones with noise canceling technology thus increasing the risk even when there is no sound coming out but still plugged in.

I'm not so sure what our "new" insurance is going to cover but I've been quoted R60 for R12K. We are taking out a complete package (business, home, car, bicycle) and was very happy to see how much we are going to save. Speak to your broker and shop around. (Our "rough" quote as the broker first needs to see our exact needs, is cheaper for all 4 things than what we are currently paying just for the car and business)

Yeah, I need to put my light back on. Have noticed the last few days how "invisible" I've become on the road even with my hi-viz jacket. Nearly road killed two pedestrians this morning at the taxi rank while they crossed the road. Even a cheap light from BOB or Mr Price is all one needs. Cheaper than a stay in the hospital.

Well so is the Garmin 310XT

Well done CWC and also to FRAIL for giving credit where due.

I feel the same and the only reason why I've not joined. (Actually I got a contact at Lourensford I'm allowed to abuse should I want to go there at any time )

You had most of us in stitches with your search for your WIG

I must say a good end to what can only be the funniest thread of the year

Yeah, I lost 4kgs in the last week thanks to some bad food at Spur 2kgs was lost Wednesday night when I got home and the other 2kg seemed to have been lost yesterday. So I'm down back to 95kg from 99kg a couple of days ago. Now I just need to find some more dodgy food so I can get do my 90kg quicker Jokes aside, I actually feel 100% perfect after loosing some of this bloat. Its amazing how ones weight effects ones health.