I won't say it is a bargain. It is pretty much what a carbon bike, with those specs, of that age would cost on the second hand market. If the seller is open to offers, knock R500 off the asking price
I would bitch and moan too. They are obliged to replace your frame with something similar. If they cannot do this, they must cover any other costs (such as the new shock). It is not your fault that their product did not last as long as they promised it would. It is also not your fault that they have failed to maintain sufficient stock to honour their promise to you that they will replace your frame if it breaks. The 26inch hardtail that they offered is clearly not the same value as the full suspension that you bought from them. They are scoring on the deal. If they are going to offer you a discount on the 29er, make sure the discount is as much as the value of your full suspension. I don't know why the font is so small and it will not allow me to adjust it.
There is no way that a carbon tube 10cm or so long can have any benefit over an alloy tube of the same length. The only thing that a carbon tube does better than an alloy tube is to look good.
Phil Ligget is a legend and he needs a little more respect. Say what you want, he is highly respected in the cycling world and takes every opportunity to support South Africa and to "punt" South African teams and riders in the events he commentates on. We are lucky to have him here. His commentary indirectly does more to promote our cyclists than anyone else.
Don't get too exited with the law on this one. Many cyclists will remember Zona van de Wyver. She was knocked down and killed by a drunk driver at 6am. The driver got off scott free.
Setting up a Campag cassette with Shimano and visa versa is a bitch. As mentioned above, the mechanic must know what he is doing. I tried it myself, I got the shifting to work perfectly on the bike stand, the moment I rode it, it was terrible. I would buy the proper free hub and get it done properly from the word go.
Not sure with the 2013 pricing, but the cheapest Scott Foil in the 2012 range was R29 000. If you shop around, you may pick up a bargain 2012 or 2011 bike. For example, the Sports Basement were selling 2010 Specialized Tarmac Comps for R16 999.
The 10% has nothing to do with freight and is not something charged to you. It is known as an upliftment charge and is only added to the value to calculate the VAT. Eg...you import something for R100. SARS will charge you VAT on R110 (R100 plus 10%) and not R100. You won't pay the R10.
You don't mention the specs of each bike, but generally, you will get more bang for your bike with a Titan. Trek normally carry a bit of a premium for their name.
What sort of budget are you looking at? Axis is a good option. Probably the best value for money MTB on the market. They start at R2 000 or so. www.axis-bikes.com
o If the CC was deregistered for VAT purposes, then VAT should have been paid on the assets on hand (including the house) when they de-registered. That means that the house no longer falls within the VAT "curtain" and you wouldn't have to pay VAT. However, there could be some or other factor that you don't know about that could make the transaction VATable. Make sure you do the homework properly. Another factor is that all quoted prices are deemed to include VAT. If you have negotiated on a price and VAT is payable, the seller cannot ask for an additional amount unless the Sale Agreement allows for this. A proper transferring/conveyancing attorney and a knowledgeable estate agent should have already covered these issues.
