Nope. And I haven't had the time to send it back up to Jhb either, so its just hanging in my garage unused at the moment. Its definitely not the batteries, I have about ten of them now that can attest to that. Thanks for the reminder, I need to send it off to get fixed.
I figured this was a better place than the classifieds. I'm getting rid of my Bike magazines from 2003 to 2011 (minus the photo issues, I can't part with those). Anyone that wants them, PM me and you can collect. I'm in Cape Town.
I've got a 30T on the front, and regularly still use the 42 on the back. I'm considering a 28T for next time. But then I don't ride long rides on dirt roads, my trails are straight up and straight down.
You've highlighted the reason I don't ride any of these paid events any more. Unless you are racing (which means at the front), its far cheaper and more enjoyable to go ride your own tracks on your own time, without the inconvenience of hordes of plonkers. And if you do want to compete in an event, I recommend an enduro race if you can find one, where you have individual starts and generally more considerate riders that you're likely to be chatting with on the liasons.
You'll notice a difference with the shadow+ rear derailleur, but the other upgrades you're thinking of will be a waste of money. Either start saving for a frame upgrade, or put the money into some nice bike clothing, some bike tools so that you can service the thing yourself, bike DVDs for inspiration, etc. Those will add more value to your cycling enjoyment.
Get a new chain. 1500k's is my limit for a chain. I asked what brand chain you use because I tried running a SRAM chain with XTR cranks for a while, and it gave horrendous chainsuck. Went back to Shimano and it was fine. But in your case it sounds like a simple case of worn chain.
