scotty

Its a bigger tyre therefore you need a bigger patch.

I have Nalini, Assos and First Ascent, Nalini i find very comfortable but the stitchings not the greatest, First Ascent also good but again both pairs needed stitching work to be done, my Assos so far has been the best.

You should get the Spectra for similair price as the Merida you were offered, at a squeeze a bit cheaper. I saw some shops with a price tag of R11500 for the Merida when i was shopping around.

Identical components to the Silverback Spectra, R9000 is a good price for new. The only thing i did not like on the Merida is the wide handle bars, but that just my taste.

They have an 18" size at Complete Cycles, nice looking bike and well specced.

I have not been to Dunkeld or Northcliff, I have been to Mikes bikes a few times and found them ok but have heard from a few people that they tend to be bike brand snobs.

I was in the market last year and looked at a number of bikes, ended up buying the Silverback Spectra , good value for money and fitted with componets other brands have on more expensive bikes. If you do decide shop around for prices, i found Finish Line in Kempton Park offered the best.

Interesting, so the guys are paid to promote 29 by riding them for exposure rather than performance. That would mean they would risk having egg on their face if they were beaten by a team riding a 26", that cant be good then. I know if i was a sponsor i would want my team to ride the quickest bike 26 or 29. Sales ?? Cyclelab has more 26" on their floor than 29, now why would it not be the other way round. Methinks if AM had mentioned last night on SC that 29 were cr@p and punted 26, he would have just as many people commenting that he only said that so he can flog his existing 26 stock.

The latest online MTB mag covers the question as well http://www.mtbmag.co.za

I only have one and its a 26HT

Why not discuss it, its the talk at all MTB races and events. AM was merely giving his opinion as someone who has ridden both 26 and 29, Kevin Evans commenting on the Epic show also mentioned he prefers 29'er as have others. Judging by the Epic where last year about 2% of the bikes were 29 this year it was 30-40%, thats quite considerable growth.

True and that the part i have trouble with, they know who the investigating officers , they know who the prosecutor is (he/she should have guided the police on areas lacking)but what will happen, Nul. IMO they should be suspended,their conduct investigated and either dismissed or sent for retraining so this type of thing does not occur again.

I'm expecting that this year at the 94.7 as it will be my 10th

And the orgs have not adhered to our complaints on the Hub...again.

Streamers, vuvuzela's, loud cheers...i want it all.

And what do CSA contribute for open riders who represent the bulk of entrants at a road race. I've observed they are only interested in the lic riders, once the lic riders are finished they pack up and go home leaving the orgs to handle all the rest, and for this part of my entry fee goes.

Was thinking the same.

Well there did not appear to be bad blood at the end of the race, Merida went over shook Songo's hand and embraced them on their win.

Yip, and both said they will be back next year.

I was not much a Bulls fan at the start of the Epic but Platt and Sahm really showed guts and class.

Sorry no direct number but last time i phoned Avnic (Jhb) my call was dealt with pretty quickly.

Mine are in the house, they even have their own room.

Road accident should take care of medical bills, but be warned its a long process which the lawyers acting for the RAF drag out as long as they can (I'm waiting almost 3 years now). Some law firms work on a % of the claim but don't charge if its unsuccessful.Bike damage can be claimed from drivers insurance, but IMO if he does not have insurance then write it off as the hassle to to claim via the courts is very costly.

Bike thugs will quickly realize that and remove it.

JB (Yellow Saddle) lives in Jhb and runs the Jhb course from his house.