Heading to Killcare over the long weekend. Has anyone got some local knowledge for the area or advise on any close rides? Any advice most appreciated.

I can't decide if this is a good idea or not.

http://www.gizmag.com/veleau-bicycle-mounted-hyd...

I like that the weight is off your back, but it seems a little too high & would affect balance - especially if its half-full (or half-empty) & the water is sloshing from side to side through tight turns.

I'm tossing up the idea of investing in a remote seat post. I've read plenty of mags with reviews although I'd like some first hand wisdom from the real world.

[Mod. moved to MTB gear]

It's a fact bike shops are losing business to the internet. Many of us on this site use the internet to buy cheap parts. If you read the local bike magazines the topic rears its head occasionally. If you talk to bike shop owners, the topic rears its head often. Can the 2 (internet and shops) coexist?

Hi all,

I was hoping for a bit of advice. I've got my nice new Carbon Fibre frame, but the paint is getting rubbed off in a few places from brake/shifter cables near the headset, as well as from my bike rack. The bike rack actually chipped the paint some, which I'm not happy about at all!

I'm hoping someone may have an idea of how to protect the frame from this type of wear? I was thinking a thin plastic shield would work really well, along the lines of what I've already got on the bottom of the down-tube.

I'm in Newcastle on Tuesday 10th May to see some clients. I'll probably be finished around 3pm and was thinking about riding Glenrock immediately afterwards.

As I gather Glenrock is hit and miss if you don't know where you're going, I thought I'd see if anyone was available for a early afternoon ride & guide.

Any takers?

[Mod. Moved to Newcastle & Hunter]

Just wanted to call out the incredible customer service from cellbikes.com.au. I have no links to them other than being a customer. I searched everywhere for new "bite valve" for my Camelbak. Found it online at cellbikes.com.au - ordered 2 last night (Sunday) and have just had the package delivered to my door by courier less than 18 hours later.

I have bought quite a lot of odds and end from them over the years - never a stuff up or problems. Well done to them - keen to see if others have a similar experience with them.

[Mod. moved to shopping]

Can anybody tell me if the Cascades are ok to ride given the amount of rain over the weekend? Do the trails have the same erosion problems as Manly Dam? I want to ride this week and with Manly Dam being my local ride I am obviously avoiding that area until it dries out. I didn't want to ride the Cascades area (which I have never ridden before) and get in trouble for doing so.

Can anyone advise?

Cheers

Hi all.

I've recently discovered the Manly Dam trail and really enjoyed it. It's really well looked after and tricky but fun at the same time. I'd like to do it again soon and some of the other trails in the area, the only thing is my $200 Diamond Back, Big W special isn't up to the job.

I'm not loaded with cash and only have about $600 to spare. As I see it I have 4 options.

1) Go to local bike shop, hand over $600 and come away with a Malvern Star or low end Giant, Trek etc.

2) Find something on Ebay.

3) Save a few more $ till I reach $???? for a really good bike.

thinking of heading to aaaaawaba for a few laps on good friday, if anyone wants to join in would be great ,it's a social ride so just for fun ,morning preferably any takers? or maybe a track crawl ,first ourimbah then Awaba?

This is actually a motorbike incident, but looks like he was going slow enough so guess our could easily happen to a cyclist too.

Warning... Not for the squeamish!

http://youtu.be/3ImuTpUYa-4

http://youtu.be/YgWzPDB-Jq0

This section is basically all downhill. to get to this place the quickest and easiest go to -34.027541,150.994417 There is a car park and a tap here as well.

[Mod. moved from comment on status update]