TheEd

I'm all for practical jokes! Love them to bits and have quite a few tricks up my sleeve. I, however, stop to think about the consequences and do not act upon any impulse if someone could possibly get hurt or incur any costs... Everybody loves a good joke, but damn! At some point things get out of hand and then it's not cool! I hope you heal up soon and that the prankster gets a gatkramp!

Isn't Makro and Game part of the same conglomerate? (Sorry OP, I could not resist)

Don't stress it! Silverbacks are great. Reliable and fun. And even a mediocre air sprung fork will pretty much always be better than a coil sprung fork. If it's a 2016 model Spectra and has an air sprung fork, then I assume it's a Spectra Comp, which will most definitely have better components than the "Makrodales". Ride and enjoy!

Failed to spot the "Makrodales" in Bloemfontein... As usual, I'm guessing we'll be left out of the loop! Not that I care anymore... Found a second hand bike in the classifieds with better specs for cheaper that satisfies my urge to commute!

Diamondback caters for all types and markets. They make everything from "don't touch that thing with borrowed braai tongs" to "don't touch that 'cause I can't afford it"... As with most nice things, just not a significant enough footprint in South Africa...

LOL

All I can say is "WOW!"

Hang on... I know this oil rig thing is funny and even I joke around about it... But I did just realise that one of my university classmates' dad did actually work on an oil rig! In Nigeria of all places... And he was fond of classifieds and sent both his sons (and even a few times his wife) to conclude transactions and/or pick up goods while he was out of country!

Made me laugh!!!

I ride my tyres in a similar fashion to the way I wear underwear... Go with it for one month and when it's crusty, turn it inside out and you're good for another month! Then, after that (crusty both sides), just tear of the elastic band to wear and you're good for at least another month. I know, I know! It won't offer any real support or protection, but at least you'll look like you're wearing undies... After turning a tyre inside out, I'd replace it though... Riding with sidewalls only to give the appearance of having tyres will be harsh on the rims!

When starting out and you aren't sure that you'll really get into it seriously, I'd say go for the Spectra Sport. It's cheaper and reliable as dirt! If you already made up your mind and want something that will last you longer before needing/wanting to upgrade, I'd definitely recommend the Spectra Comp with air sprung fork (if it has 2x10 drivetrain also, even better). The air sprung fork will cost slightly more in terms of maintenance, but if you go with a coil sprung fork and start to get more serious, it'll be the first thing you're going to want to upgrade. Hence, getting it from the start is just better... Also, just ignore everything I've said above and get the Spectra Comp with air sprung fork and 2x10 drivetrain, because you'll love mountain biking and the Comp will be better in terms of quality, comfort and longevity!

This the one you were referring to: https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/327251-silverback-sola-1/ ?

If a kid forgets his/her helmet, it might be worth it to "forget" to feed them for a month to recover the cost of a new helmet Just saying... It might be an actual consideration, seeing how raising children properly by means of an old fashioned hiding (not a beating or assaulting) gets criminalised, but "rondkyk twak" gets decriminalised... Can't say I know the feeling... Yet! Our kid is but a couple months old...

I'll have to agree. The others might have lighter frames, but you'll be compromising on components... Plus, I'm no weight weeny. And last I checked, Silverback still had the lifetime warranty thing on their frames. I don't know if any of the others offer the same.

First electric bikes and now electric helmets!?!?!? Where will it end? Jokes aside... I don't have experience with either of these, but they will probably do the trick. As others have mentioned, a proper fit is important and goes a long way. Personally I would not go for anything cheaper than R600, keeping in mind that the quality should justify the price point, as a R1000 tag on a R10 helmet won't make it any safer... If a decent protective IPhone cover goes for R400, surely it's worth considering dishing out more for a "dop vir jou kop".