ChigginLeg

Where do you get these in SA - had a BelAir which was the bomb.

Solomon's is a firm favourite of mine - always good service, always stock (or they make a plan) and always good selection of gear. I do service my own bike so no comment on their work shop. Big up to Achter for correcting the issue.

Do your own thing - we sorted ourselves out for last years tour and had a blast at a fraction of the cost.

To cut a long story short - I took my road wheels to Tim at Solomon's to get sorted for loose spokes, they came back just before the long weekend not quite right and I let Tim know there was an issue. First thing this morning I got a call asking how they can solve the problem. I dropped round at 10am, Tim jumped on it and insisted I stay until it was resolved, solved the problem and changed the bearings in about 30 mins. Talk about turning the problem around and winning loyalty - well done and thanks to Tim, Achter and the team. PS. Another customer came in and personally thanked Tim for sorting his MTB wheels out - further evidence of customer satisfaction.

Polaris Bike Box - I have one and have used it many times. You still need to pack your bike carefully and protect with foam lagging - as for any bike box - but it works lekker. I got mine from Solomons. http://www.bikebits.co.za/store/products.aspx?pid=6408&cid=

SDG Bel Air rocks - especially in snow camo.

Complete Cyclists rocks - great good technicians, beautiful bikes and happy to fix my "weekend mechanic" c*ck ups. And the best looking club kit, especially if you got the Jose Cuervo edition.

Fit the granny, unless you are fitter than a granny. Seriously fit the granny as not only is it steep but quite rocky in places. riding from the top is awesome and there is a visitor center/ bar at the top that does lunches, snacks and beer. Enjoy

Try the Complete Cyclist - Sorted my Easton's out pronto. Going to Omnico means going to Apetown and that could mean weeks if not months. Also Complete Cyclist is open all the way through the holiday period.

Look at the Niners if you want to buy a frame and "pimp yo ride".

So...what about steel. Seems to be well represented in Europe and some beautiful frames on offer but you hardly see it in South Africa? Mr Bornman - Johan - (and the rest of the peanut gallery) your thoughts please.

Have a chat to Ruan at Spokeworks. He just built me a set of 26inch - Hope/Crest and suggested SuperComp spokes. I weigh 75kgs.

I have heard horror stories of getting Mavic wheels repaired in SA so think about local service, spares etc. (6 months for a broken spoke and it still has a pig tail twist in it)

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=18083 Chain Reaction Cycles sells them - but be warned - fitting a headset can be a challenge. Rather go to you Local Bike Shop and get it done professionally. I'm sure the distrbutors of Hope in SA can get you the right headset.

Rubber mallet - you don't break stuff easily.