Was told to leave luggage

I flew from Johannesburg to New York on 11 December 2015. From there I had a connecting flight to Reno with Jet Blue. No problems with flight or luggage.<br> <br> On 8 January 2016 it was time to return. Flight was from Reno on Jet Blue to New York and then with SAA to Johannesburg. When I wanted to check my luggage for my flight I was told that SAA would not allow my Bicycle as the dimensions was to big. I told the lady that I flew in from JHB with the exact same luggage and there was no problem. <br> <br> The lady spent 45 minutes sending emails and on the phone with SAA. She was told that because my first flight out of the US is on another carrier they would not allow my bicycle to be checked as baggage. <br> I had to leave my bicycle at the airport and now do not have a bicycle anymore. <br> <br> The cost of my bike is R40 000. Who is going to replace my bicycle? I do not have the money to replace it. I payed my air fair and had no problem flying there. Why was I not told that I would not be able to return with it? <br> <br> I am very disappointed in SAA and would not use or recommend SAA to anybody in future.