MartynS

http://www.gedibikes.co.uk/image/432

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http://www.discobrakes.com Anybody bought items from this on-line shop? Are they original manufacturers items or generic? Experiences?

Earlier this afternoon I was attacked and robbed at the bottom of the Falls, accessed past Delville Wood Station. (S29 50.080 E30 43.383). Two fine examples of indigenous youth. Saw them lurking near my car, but we greeted each other in a casual fashion. However, as soon as I was in the car and the engine started they smashed driver's side window and pulled my right arm thru' and backwards, cutting my forearm on the shattered glass. Despite my resistance, they forced the door open and I was hauled out. At that point I realised the amount of blood I was losing and gave up the fight. They ransacked the car; took phone, camera and cash. Left my wallet, ID and cards behind. So guys be careful in that area. I've been there plenty of times (by car and bicycle) before without incident, was I just a statistic waiting to happen? Yes, I was alone. No 2 specimen kept saying "dont fight, keep cool". No 1 kept asking "where's the money?" I only had R7 in change :-) Won't bother reporting to the police, not sure I'd keep my temper. Hospital visit planned for tomorrow morning once the swelling has receeded. PVC tape is holding the flesh nicely in place for now and I'm not brave enough to try removing it!

I'm not that brave :-)

Rough roads, i.e. dirt roads, animal tracks, footpaths, the byeways of Africa. But because of spares issues in Africa I'm sticking to 26" and steel. e.g. http://www.on-one-shop.co.uk/?p=2633 MartynS2009-10-08 08:21:45

Anyone in Natal ride a 456 26er and be willing to let me 'test ride' it? Building up a rough road touring bike and want steel frame.

I like the idrive design, you don't, thank heavens for choice. And the ability to disagree - amicably :-) If you build a bike in such a way that you feel the need for a whateveryoucallthatjunk needs to be used to "protect" your pivots then you are doing something wrong !!! And yet the replaceable derailleur hanger has become almost universally accepted as a simple solution to another 'problem' area. Many forks and shocks have lockout facilities and yet this feature is also designed to 'fail' (yes I know, not break) in cases of extreme loading. Very few design features/solutions are out and out "wrong". Not liked by some, accepted by others :-)

You mean the dog bone? It's designed as a fail safe part, rather break that instead of the pivots. View it in the same light as the derailleur hanger. But if your breaking this piece regularly, your probably riding the bike beyond its intended use.