If you had to sit down and take the time as to the actual cost of mountain biking, I seriously think that the sport would not be growing as fast as it is in South Africa. You initial cost of establishing yourself in the sport with bike, kit, shoes helmets etc is a tidy sum. However, when you really get into the sport and start doing the hours it really does star to add up. From the supplements, race entries - it all starts to add up.

The reason for my rant on this topic is that I have already spent about R5000 on servicing of my bike already this year - that is simply just to keep it going - no upgrades or anything just simple part replacements and servicing costs. And it looks like I will be spending at least 3/4 of that now with my next visit to the LBS.

I will give a breakdown of the costs when I get the bike back - but this is really beginning to add up - I am a little bleak right now - what with not having a bike for a week - and having to fit the big bill afterwards! Leaving a bit of a sour taste in my mouth...