Racer X

Okay so it lacks a certain degree of comfort, but hey, looks good. Maybe Mr Lopes has one to comment on.

So why not carbon?

What a Hardy Dar, that may make for a uncomfortable ride. Please see my comment about the swiss woman in the Sapim thread. I promise you they will be a much better ride. So how did you get an Alu Ibis, the bike not the bird?

Well what do you expect, he is a muscian. If you go riding with him there are going to be strings attached

Zorg - Whats the matter with your Jockey?

That is of course if they respond.

Yes carbon tends to shatter when it's smashed in an ice shelf with a huge warhead behind it. I can't imagine why though ;-)

Yes but just ask the Cannondale/Vredestein guys how many punctures they got at the Epic. Just cause they rode home on an SLR at the back it does not mean that the rest of us should.

Okay so its 12 grams. I humbly apologise

Hmm, you not keen on the DT Swiss EXC 150 then....... Now Crow, whats all this EA70 nonsense. I thought that you were an enlightened soul. You forgetting KCNC's SC Bearbone riser bar. 250 grams, 31.8, 710mm wide or the 25.4 version at 20 grams less.

Hey, we agree sweet. I upgraded my set, yes XT hubs, ZTR's and Revolutions with some aluminium axles that I machined out a my mate's dad's engineering works. Still working on the cones which are prooving to be more challenging. I then chucked on pair of Salsa Flip Off skewers and saved 85 grams on the wheelset. Must agree with you on the hubs, they are bullet proof and light.

www.sportsdirect.co.za The website is under construction at the moment but you can still email them, a very co-operative bunch people. Check out Extralite's product line at www.extralite.com I have used their products and must admit that I was very happy with them.

Can you stretch your budget to 5K, if so go for ZTR Olympics on XT Hubs. Add some revolution spokes and you are looking at +- 1500 grams. Later on you can upgrade the set with decent skewers and Dura Ace Axles. Knock off some more weight.

Correct me if I am wrong but a compact drivetrain uses a crankset with smaller rings, the exact sizes escape me. Normal ratio drivetrains use a standard 39 - 53 set up at the front.

Nokian Gazza. Comes in at 550 grames for a 2.1. Brilliant in all but the dogiest of conditoins.

Azonic, what ratio you running up front 29 or 32: 44

Are those Spank rims? Whats the weight?

Try emailing the guys at Cape cycle systems for Sram info. capecycles@intekom.co.za

Yes you can. Just go Fulcrum, if you go Campy you will be burnt at the stake by the obsessive Campag followers.

I like my 32-44 x 11-34 combo, I f decide to fit my granny I go for an 11 -32 on the back.

Try poshbikes.co.uk

Thanks Swift

Hi Christie, According to Schmolke the TLO bar has a 26mm diametre. http://www.schmolke-carbon.de/carbon/carbon_uk/race_bar.htm

And if I use Edman's Helium it'll go down to 4054