JacquesT

Thanks for all the feedback. Def seems a cheap permanent bike on an IDT is the way to go. Thank you

Hi guys. Keen for an indoor trainer but the idea of having to setup my bike each time I want to bring it indoors seems annoying especially if it’s muddy. What suggestions for a good quality indoor complete trainer like a watt bike type setup. What are options and prices? Watt bike seems very expensive.

My 2009 x1 frame developed a hairline crack in similar place. Was replaced under warranty with a 2011 frame in 3 days. Good reason to buy new! I believe it is not entirely uncommon.

Excuse me for being ignorant, but can someone tell me why tapered head tubes and through axles make any difference to the handling of a bike? I recently had my 2009 giant anthem x1 frame replaced under warranty and i got a 2011 frame with a tapered head tube. I cant honestly say i notice any real differnece. But then again, i struggle to tell the difference between tea and coffee

Good to know. Thanks a mill.

Okay, so i bought some new shoes - sidi dragon 2. Fitted the cleats, tightened up nicely (tight) and then went for a ride. After about 20km the cleats had both shifted slightly and were out of alignment. Tightened again and carried on. Same problem happened again. Only thing i can think of is that the varus wedges under my cleats are causing the cleats to slide around and not allowing the cleats to bight into the soles of the shoes. This never happened on my previous shoes with same wedges. Any suggestions how to fix? - I cannot tighten the cleat bolts any tighter or i am going to break something!!

I am struggling to find a pair of spez to try on. Olympic doesnt have any. Any suggestions of where else i can look? Seems kinda hard to find them.

Tried on a pair of Sidi Dragon 2 mtb shoes yesterday. Wow - fit like a glove! Going to try on some spez s-works and then decide, but for those who have used either or both, please let me have your thoughts on which one you would go for! My only concern with the sidi is that the dial tensioner release looks a little flimsy. thanks

Hi Guys, perhaps you can offer some advice here. I am interested in an item in the classifieds on the hub, but have never bought anything on the hub before. What is the normal protocol for making the exchange. I am obviously concerned about parting with any cash until i receive the goods and can inspect them first. Please advise. rgds

Try Second Skins. Speak to Tammy - tammy@secondskins.co.za He is a good friend and gave me a few pairs to try. I think they are really great. Pricing should be very very good compared to other "Big Brand Names" rgds

A big thumbs up to CYCLE LAB NORTHGATE for their super efficient service! I requested a copy of the invoice for the purchase in 2009 late yesterday afternoon via email and it was in my inbox before 8am this morning! I know a lot of people are quick to complain about bad service but we must be just as quick to acknowledge better than expected service too. Thanks Howard - much appreciated!! Rgds Jacques

I have no idea when the crack actually occurred as I never noticed it. My seat was quite high but presumably not beyond what is in the normal range and I am riding the correct size frame (large). Maybe just one of the reasons why we need a warranty.

My thoughts exactly! I have emailed them and await their response. By law they have to keep it for 5 years and it has to have all my relevant details on it. This is of course the theory and i look forward to getting their cooperation in this regard. Nonetheless, out of interest, can something like this be repaired properly?

Took bike in for a major service today and i have been told i have a cracked frame. Where top tube meets seat tube. Can this be repaired such that is as good as new or is this a poor idea? Bike is a 2009 Giant anthem x1 - aluminium frame. It is under warranty but i am certain i no longer have the original invoice? Trying to get a copy of proof of payment from bank but not sure if this will suffice. Just trying to figure out my options here!! rgds

Sounds like i will just have to try a couple of these recommendations. Thanks for the help.

Who uses a sweat band when they ride? I find I get so much sweat in my eyes and it burns like crazy after a while so that I actually have to stop. I have tried a neoprene band but doesn't work very well though. I have heard that there is some type of sweat band that is highly absorb and and works great. Anyone know what/where..?

I have had an anthem for 2 years now and the bike is fantastic. You do get a bit of bob when pedaling hard uphill if you dont lock the shock, but in reality i find the extra traction on steep loose surfaces more than makes up for any perceived loss of power through the shock. I only ever lock the rear shock if i am uphill on tar or a very hard smooth surface. Never weighed it but reckon around the 12kg mark.I have std 2009 anthem x1. Great bike, but i cannot compare it to the others as it was my first proper mtb and the only one i know. Enjoy making the decision.

44 is right for me. Can you send a few pics - year/model?

I am sure this is asked frequently, but here goes anyway: Currently using Olympic mtb shoes ex sportmans warehouse, but 5 years old and time for a change. Have been recommended to look at specialised bg shoes. Can anyone give me some suggestions as to what is a decent mtb shoe that is value for money. I have no issue with my current olympics, but cant help wondering if spending a little more on a more upmarket shoe is going to give me a whole lot more. Any recommendations?

Did you come right and find something? I need same size 2 max.

Anyone had experience with any of the scott kids bikes? I see they have some quality stuff like the scott scale RC for kids but have no idea of the price? Sure it is very expensive though. I am also looking at upgrading my son from 20" to 24" bike and not sure what to look at. The silverback eclipse he is riding now has been ok but front shock is useless and overall quality a bit questionable. Specialised also has one called the hotrock 24" but also no idea as to what it offers. Really looking for the lightest bike i can find for him as kids bikes normally weigh a ton. Any ideas?

Sounds to me like you have some soul searching to do chap. Life is tough. There are choices. If you think you dont have time now wait till you are married with children and working. Your student days will feel like a holiday on a tropical island. I suggest you stop moaning and find a way to either make some extra money or give up something else. Make a choice, but don't just blame other people and presume you are being ripped off.

Tried a pair after a 4hr hard ride on the weekend. Legs felt good the next day but no way of knowing how they would have felt afterwards if i had not used them. I reckon for us amateurs the benefit is probably fairly small, but if you are a pro every 0.1% advantage helps. Reckon i will try them out for a bit and see if it either affects me physically or mentally - an improvement in either case will prob make a small difference. But hey, if you aren't good at something, at least try to look good doing it.

I thought the mezcal was more of a rear tyre? Pretty low and smooth tread pattern. I have been running mezcal on back and baro mountain on front and it works very well. Just changed to saguaro on back as i find the mezcal too slippery in the wet. Much better traction over roots and also better stopping ability with saguaro on back now.

thanks. it is a silverback eclipse. has been a great bike for him, but it is being tested to the extreme now. i am actually starting to look around for something a little better. Anyone know what the best option for a 6/7 year old would be. Saw a ktm dualie for kids at cyclelab some time ago but not there anymore, besides it was pretty expensive. but would like something a little more "proper mtb" for him soon. Better shock, a few more gears (got 6 on this one). Must say the twist grip gears are a def must for kids and mtb's.