MintSauce

If it is bike-related, it won't necesarily affect both hands. It might just affect one side as there might only be nerve-issues in that hand. Does it feel like the numbness is only in half the ring finger, next to the pinky? If so that tends to indicate to me(non-expert) that the problem relates to the ulnar nerve, which serves the lower part of the hand. I'm not saying your issue is the same, but perhaps my experience will help you identify your problem. I had the same issue on my left hand. Generally, it's not related to cycling. The problem lies in where the ulnar nerve crosses the outside of the elbow and is known as ulnar nerve entrapment. It is this exposed nerve we hit when we talk about hitting the funny-bone. As an example, mine was as a result of sleeping with my arms sharply bent under the pillow from a young age and also often sitting with my one elbow on top of the desk as I work. It basically caused damage/collapse to the tunnel that the nerve passes through. I changed bad habits and did some exercises for a while and the problem is now gone. It took about 8 weeks for the numbness to disappear completely. If that doesn't help, then it can be treated with surgery(cleaning out the tunnel or relocating of the nerve to the inside of the elbow). Again, don't assume that this is your problem. Try and play with the setup on your bike to ascertain whether that is the issue. You need to try and figure out the cause first. It is possible that, even though your symptoms might indicate issues with the ulnar nerve, there is some other cause. What complicates things is that even if the bike is setup correctly, the issues could possibly be caused by your position on the bike/handlebars. Sit on the bike and try and gauge whether your wrists are in a straight line(from both the side and top views). Allthough I doubt gloves alone could be responsible, it can't hurt to try something different. If that doesn't resolve it then it might be worth seeing a doc, preferably an orthopaedic surgeon if you can get to one without a referal from your doc.

Not necessarily Bat....research seems to indicate a prevailance under sportsmen partaking in events that place high levels of stress on the wrists, ie cyclists, weighlifters, rock climbers, golfers and teenage boys

I'm no expert and open to correction, but I've had some minor numbness issues, so have done some research. If the problem persists, it's best to have it looked at. Which fingers exactly are affected? Not necessarily what your issue is, but there are two specific issues that involve 1)numbness affects thumb, index, middle and half the ring finger and 2)the pinky and half the ring finger. In both cases the palm area relating to either group will be affected. These are normally related to issues with the nerves in the wrist or arm. If it's not those specificly then it might just be related to your position on the bars or perhaps the amount of bend in the wrist when holding the bars. This is sometimes affected by incorrect brake lever positioning. It's important that there is no bend in the wrist when holding the bars.

Was at Olaf's a few weeks ago and he'd sorted all the **** in his messy workshop and had all his toys hanging on the wall....Frejus, Hetchins, full Super Record 70's Raleigh team bike, 60's Cinelli... It appears he's not selling a whole lot of them. He's a bit of a horder, but you can't really blame him.

Sorry, I didn't mean to imply that the spokes were a cause of the dings in the rim. Specifically, the problems I had were 1) Dings in the rim and 2) after a few months the wheels would go out of true after every single ride. At the time I was advised that overall the wheel was too weak for heavy riding with the suspected causes being too light a rim for no.1 and a combination of too light a rim and spokes being the cause of no.2 Agreed on the larger volume tyres being the only real solution. Never thought about it, but have seen dings on DH rims as well so it makes sense.

ps. Ride a 5inch trail bike

I have/had a similar problem. I ride technical/rocky/downhill sections as hard and fast as possible because I love the rush. I don't want to ride higher pressures because of the loss of traction. I don't want to ride slower because it's not as much fun. I'm already picking lines as best I can, and riding as light as I know how and my friends say I'm a smooth rider. Thus I've made peace with the fact that dinged rims, occasional buckles and the odd cut tyre are par for the course when you ride aggresively. I wore out my previous rim, a Mavic 717 laced with Revolution spokes and mostly run with Hutchinson Python 2.0, in 6 months. That combo was simply too light. Switched to a DT EX 5.1D with Competition spokes and higher volume tyres and it's still running after more than 3 years. Lots of scratches and a few serious dings, but no major problems.

+1 what goatman said. If you prefer comfort and technical terrain then it's a no-brainer. Trance X is one of the most playful/fun bikes I've ridden. Don't own either but have demo'd both.

Yes please

Thank you

I had to unsubscribe from Bicicletta's newsletter twice. That's why I added his name. And on this thread he admits to not having sent any mails for a few months, so we still don't actually know whether they took my name off their list. Bicycle Power Trading doesn't know where they got my address. I was in correspondence with them before posting. But in case you were in any doubt about how I feel, let me be clear.... I don't care what they think

Well, I wasn't expecting any love from hubbers on this one so the responses don't really surprise me. The bottom line is that I get to decide what I use my data and time on. If I decide to spend time and data on the hub, then that's my business. Companies sending unsolicited mail abuse my rights/time/data/energy etc etc and I have NO respect for them. That is what this rant was about. If voicing my opinion on something that irks me makes me a cock or a tosser, then so be it (BTW, thanks guys...very mature) As for Shamus, I haven't heard anything from him. The other company in question has been very responsive and apologetic, but are still at a loss as to how my address got onto their mailing list since they insist they only email subscribers....who knows

What are you trying to say? Maybe he didn't take my name off my buddy's email but instead purchased a list...? Any company that buys email lists and sends unsolicited mail is breaking the law. It is their resposibility, not their marketing companies'. So if Shamus did that, then I have even less respect for him.

Seeing that you never supported him before' date=' I dont think he minds much.[/quote'] Very true Muds....but before the emails and based on his dealings on the Hub, I had a lot more respect for him and his business. Which granted he possibly doesn't mind either.....who knows I have my own business too and times are tough and I'll do anything to promote it, but I'll be damned before I start abusing people's rights and privacy.

I unsubscribed from your list Shamus. I must say I was surprised that I didn't get any more mails. But seeing as you haven't sent anything out, I guess we'll see if I'm off the list when next you do. So, now everybody want's to know why Shamus is mentioned if I didn't get anymore mails from him. Here's why. Because I know where he got my email address from. He took it off of one of a few group emails sent by a friend of mine. At least that is what I suspect since that is the closest I've come to having any interaction with him. As much as anyone on here has good things to say about dealing with him and the good service he gives, taking email addresses of group emails and adding them to your list is not a classy thing to do. Guess what Shamus....you're on one of my lists as well and it's not the Xmas list.

Hello Big H and Muds.....I know where the delete button is. Thanks anyway. It's such a cliche but I'll use it anyway.....It's about principles....they abuse my time and money and it's not right But I guess that's just me.

Edman....in my books unsolicited emails = spam. Period. Yes....even just ONE.

Sorry Pretorium....the fact my girlfriend is away for 10 days for work has nothing to do with it....honest Mecnic....I have never(and I mean NEVER) had ANY dealings with either of these companies. Not in ANY way. I'm fully aware of those little tick boxes because I ALWAYS untick them. However, I have never even visited either of these companies' websites or entered any competitions. As for me having to provide proof, I have the emails don't I? Speaking of proof, I do believe that legally THEY are required to provide proof of where they obtained my email address. And really, I would LOVE for them to try and cause me trouble in this regard. Really...I would LOVE to see them try. As for your comments regarding it being childish and unjustified, that's your opinion. I'll have my own thanks. The fact is that these guys send content rich emails that I didn't ask for and it costs me money. Did you know that it's actually against the law...? I get more spam than I do actual normal emails. Maybe I'm just not popular enough, but that's besides the point. I can't do anything about Dr.Peter McWealth who emails me 17 times a day about my unclaimed funds but I can kick up a fuss about companies that have a public image....and I will

It's simple really....both these companies have sent me unsolicited promotional emails or 'newsletters' as they like to call it

These are two companies whose goods I will never ever buy, use or promote. Why you ask...? Because they are SPAMMERS! To both of you....if you happen to read this, here's a little message from me to you... www.amishrakefight.org/gfy/ MintSauce2010-06-17 01:37:45

Ja Para, I figured, but that Adidas jacket might just be the thing he needs. I actually think it's too hot for the Cape. I've only used it about 6 or 7 times in 3yrs and only once was I actually not too hot...that was when I was crossing a big, open, logged, clearing up in the mountains in Grabouw with a proper Cape wind(not like the breeze you guys get up there) and in driving rain.

I sometimes use a base and armwarmers with a normal top, sometimes if it's very cold or when it's raining I add a Capestorm windbreaker. If it's freakin freezing I use an Adidas Adistar CP Storm jacket. Even with just a baselayer it's sometimes too hot due to it being completely waterproof and thus not breathable. So, I inevitably end up riding with the zip halfway down. It vents pretty well that way. Not what I paid, but when I got it 3yrs ago they were about R1700 I think.