dracaena

Thanks for the responses so far. I was leaning towards a backpack for the following reasons: I've got a large Camelbak filled with everything but the kitchen sink. I have used it on 4 hours plus rides, without any side effects. Something on my back does not really bother me. (Must be that monkey.) I've been meaning to get a proper camera backpack for my DSLR and lenses, and wanted to get something large enough to throw a few changes of clothes in. BUT after reading your helpful responses I will look into the panniers and handlebar bags: The company we're using for the tour does have to panniers and handlebar bags to rent. So I will definitely look at that. However I am still leaning towards a backpack for my camera and lenses. They are purpose built and protects the camera a bit more than what a pannier will. And having it on my back is not that must worse than secure in a handlebar bag. You are going to have to stop and take it out from somewhere when you need to take a photo. Methinks. Oh and the main aim of the tour is sampling wine, eating food, sampling wine, admiring the French scenery (female and country side) and sampling wine. So there will be loads of stops and hopefully beautiful scenery to ogle. XTC1: If I get a big enough backpack I can stash the podium girl in there :-)

In September, we're going to spend 5 days cycling through the south of France. I need a backpack that will meet these requirements: Comfortable enough to endure 40 to 70km a day easy cycling. Roomy enough for my SLR camera and a few lenses as well as 2 days worth of clothes. (There is a baggage service halfway through) Ideally small enough to be able to take it as carry on luggage on flights. Does anyone have any suggestions, please?

Has anyone communicated with Maryke since Thursday?

Thanks Nobody. I was thinking of just sliding it underneath the tonneau cover. This way it won't bounce out and less likely to get stolen. But do keep it from getting scratched, I'll need to line the bak with foam or padding. Surely there must be a smart aleck hubber that came up with a solution?

Any advice pls? Or did I use too many words?

I have a Nissan Hardbody DC and bought a Thule Bed Rider to safely transport my bikes. I don't think the Thule Bed Rider is the best option for me. The bikes don't fit in to bed of the "bakkie" when attached to the Bed Rider. I have to let the back wheels rest on the "back bak" and secure them with some rope. So the bikes are not riding in the bed of the bakkie but rather on top. Make no mistake, the Thule is well designed and is great for race days when I have to safely transport more than one bike. BUT for most other days, I want something where I don't have to take the front wheel off and can basically get going with the minimum of fuss. I have been toying with the idea of getting a thin piece of foam mattress to put in the bed of the bak. (Covered with some waterproof cover of course.) This way I can just "throw" the bike in the back and be off. Does anyone have a better suggestion or know where I can buy a custom mattress?

Thanks Mampara!

I don't have any suggestions. Just really wanted to commiserate. It is really crap when you work so hard and don't see the results. Sending you Happy thoughts.

Thanks for the heads up Stewie. Let us know how the first ride go.

Does anyone know who stock the Lizard Skins Headset Cover locally? Also interested in those cable "routers" - little plastic thingamajigs that you glue on to the frame to route the cables away from areas where it rubs the frame. It uses double sided tape I think. As you can probably deduce I am in the market for frame protection against cable rub. Thinking of getting the Lizard Skin headset cover, because 2 cables in front rubs nicely there. Pretty soon it will be groovy.

If TimHenWoman reply to your post, just ignore it. I bought one 2 weeks ago and am very happy with it. For 10k you get good value. Not the lightest bike on the market, but it's only 1kg heavier than a certain brand's model that costs R70 000. This is my first dual suspension bike and my impressions so far: The bike is not the prettiest out there, but it goes with no fuss. The components are good value. So if you are a Brand Barbie or a Weight Weenie, then don't buy it. If you are looking for a no nonsense dual suspension bike that are not too far behind the more expensive models out there, then go for this. If need be you can always slowly upgrade the components to XTR or whatever. Hope this helps.

Thanks for this. Makes me feel even better about my purchase. Still getting used to "sitting inside" the dual suspension. Am used to sitting on top of a hard tail. Going to test mine out at Jonkershoek on Sunday.

Has anyone bought that refurbished spinning bike from Solomons? (It's on their sale page that is advertised on a banner on the hub.) R999 sounds like a good deal but I'd like to hear from someone that's got one, before I hand over the cash.

Ha Ha, Thanks RacingSnail. Tim take a chill pill. I'll buy you a beer. Obviously a brand of your choice.

"Jenna", I understand people being skeptical when there is a flood of posts for a particular brand. BUT think before you blindly attack people. Covey did a quick search on my previous posts and from that could clearly see I am not involved in the industry at all. I can understand when you are skeptical if the post comes from a Rookie. I have over 120 posts and none of them have ever been about selling or punting any product. So either make the effort to get some facts or, as you said yourself, DON'T READ THE POST.

Bugger.Thanks for letting us know. I needed to do a 50km ride this weekend and Koeberg is perfect for that. Anywhere else I can do that mileage? (Not tar)

The official dates are between 4 June 2010 and 18 July 2010 (period of worldcup soccer). Does this mean it will only open on Monday 19 July OR will it be open from Sunday? Or is it open already?

Let me just make this clear: I DON'T work in the cycle industry. And yes, Covey, I did look for cheap MTB tyres before. I have also placed a group CRC order before. Some hubbers here in CT can attest to that. I have also bought some second stuff from people. I have NEVER placed a "For Sale" ad. I can go on and on. Thanks to those guys that appreciated the spirit behind this post: It IS a good deal and I wanted to share it with you all. To the "timmys" out there: Well the less said...

Got mine on Saturday. Have only done 2 rides, so cannot rate it fully, but I think I would still have been happy if I paid R18 000 for it. I LIKE.

I noticed that earlier. looks like it is back up though. Have a look at: http://www.silverbacklab.com/int_site/specs/mercury_2.jpg

If your LBS stocks Silverback, they should be able to match this price. Got this mail originally from www.cyclefactory.co.za. So I mailed my LBS (Life Cycles in Parklands) and Corne said they can match it. There you go :-)

Got the mail below via a cycle shop mailing list. My question is, any reason NOT to buy this brute? I mean come on, they sold them for R18000 last year. This is surely a bargain? Or is there something else NEW that one can buy for this price? A FULLY EQUIPPED FULL SUSPENSION FOR UNDER 10K? Silverback has just landed the 2010 version of the Mercury 2. XT REAR DER. SLX FRON DER. DEORE HOLLOW CRANK SHIMANO BRAKES SLX SHIFTERS FOX FLOAT R REAR SHOCK ROCKSHOX AIR TORA FRONT FORK SHIMANO MT15 RIMS AND HUBS WTB PROWLER TYRES SHIMANO SPD PEDALS ANODIZED SUSPENSION PIVOT POINTS This bike is stunning and is 100% the best value on the market. All this spec. for just R9,999! Hurry there are limited numbers of these bikes. Why pay R3-4,000 on another brand with similar spec?

Great. Thank you for your advice, i appreciate it.

Finally a pro 8-speed person! :-) Thank you Johan, your reply has set my mind at rest.

Hi, Is there a sound non-emotive reason to upgrade from 8-speed to 9-speed? (MTB) I currently have the following components: SRAM X5 8-speed shifters. Alivio Crank Alivio FD SRAM X7 RD (recent, used to be X5) I know I'll have to replace the FD, crankset, shifters and chain to upgrade. But will this be worth the expense? I DO compete in races BUT NEVER to finish in the top 20. It is an experience and not a race for me. Only reason I am considering this is to get better quality components. The Alivio and X5 are the top end of 8 speed. If i go to 9 speed I can upgrade to Saint, SLX, XT, XTR, etc. Will these expensive components last longer than the 8 speed entry level ones? I don't want to be "all the gear but no idear"