Aggies

Ask RudoJ to take a break and visit the shop. They have the prices on the wall and he can quote it via a post in this topic. I know that a Minor Service is something like R180 and even include checking the Stans in your tires. Some examples: 1. A friend took his bike (Old Giant base model) in for a service and the crank was making terrible noise = R205 2. Rock Shox Reba total rebuild = R450

Very Good. I must confess that everytime I received excellent service and then quite shocked at how low the price was. Maybe I must not have said it - just incase someone sees it and up the price. Yes, price is important, but I am totally willing to pay for excellent service. General item prices is also very competitive and they have decent stock for a small shop. I could even get all KCNC parts that I could not get at any of the BIG shops!

Highly recommend Epic Cycles in Centurion. I saw that you are from JHB, but it would be worth taking the drive and trying them out. Service is just awesome.

Once again I can vouch for awesome service from Andre. Where have you seen another shop where the "owner" takes personal pride in doing the service himself? All my friends have drawn the same conclusion and this is the only shop that we all use for service.

SRP is R29900. I've got mine for a couple of Rk less. PM me for details. Still one XL available. The XL is basically 20.5" and for riders with a height between 6'1" and 6'6".

OK, glad to see you are a full born racer If you are so worried about weight, just stick to 26 HT (even get yourself a 24" HT) Weight is only assisting you while climbing and in certain aspects it makes the bike more nimble. If you have a comfortable bike that handles all scenario's with easy, but slightly heavier, you will overall still be faster. Ns. If you are over 85kg's, forget about the weight of a bike!!!! I can change my bikes weight from alu to carbon by dropping 2kg's of my tube. At zero cost!

Difficult to compare as my 29er is 10speed and the granny is 36. This makes the ratio the same as your granny that is 34. The 29er definately out performs a 26 on steay climbs. On short steep climbs, the 26 have a slight advantage (acceleration before the climb), but once on the climb, it is the same. Make the climb just a touch rough as well, then the 29er is supreme again.

No comparison for me! Once you have used Crank Brothers and compare it to SPD's inconsistency in cleating out (they sometimes "bite"), you will not use SPD again. Only one way to cleat in. CB have 3 options. Same as SPD by stepping in and down, sliding foot forward, sliding foot backwards. SPD - Terrible in mud. CB - Not as tough as SPD when it comes to hitting rocks, etc. I rather use a pedal with slighly more maintenance, that is realiable and consistent in the cleating out scenario!

Size XL and with Crank Brother Candy 3 pedals it came to 12.2kg.

The flatbar is absolutly terrible. Was swopped with a riser bar from an Anthem X2.

2011 Giant Anthem X 29er 1

Just bought my 29er. Giant Anthem X 29er 1. I can still get one XL as it is the only size that arrived. Extremely well speced for the price. Full XT 10 speed, Fox F29 RLC Fork, Fox RP23 boostvalve and Elixir CR brakes.

Only XL arrived later Friday. Allready sold out at most shops. Other sizes will only arrive within the next month.

My Giant Anthem X 29er 1

Soft Tail

Looking at this topic and the complete history, it seems like a lot of people is searching for cheap bikes or components, then find it, but don't trust the source as it might be a scam. On this note have anyone ever visited the site http://www.mtbikeonline.com/ If you look at the prices, it is waaaaayyyyy lower than what you would pay in SA (even with the 15% import duties and 14% Vat) Once again - can you trust the source?????

Considering to buy my first Specialized bike (a Camber Pro 29er). What is special about Specialized and what is not. How is the ride? How well does the suspension work? - This model does not have a brain. What issues might you have, etc. What might you miss compared to other brands?

That is exactly why I have started this topic. How do you get the best advice? It is from seeing what worked for who. Every person is different and the same frame will not work the same for everyone. What is the two most important measures? 1. Inseam as it determines the saddle height and to a point the frame size (let's settle for seat tube length) 2. Effective top tube length, but length does not have must to do with it. Most important is to fit the frame size to your inseam measure. If not you end up with a seat post way to long for the frame. Fact is that you cannot change the "frame size". Overall reach is however very easily adjusted by using differnt stem lengths. Example: the effective top tube on a L can be 600 and on a XL 620, this is a difference of only 20. You do however get stems ranging from 60 to 160 giving you 100mm to play with. Step 1: Match frame size to inseam. Step 2: Match reach with stem length. As mentioned, I am 1.88 with 92.5cm inseam. My one friend is 1.88 with 87cm. This indicates that I have relative longer legs and he have relative longer torso. I will need a bigger frame with a shorter stem. He will need a smaller frame with a longer frame. And we have not even looked at the difference in arm length. If we have this complete database, you can map your measures to people with similar measures and see if they liked the fit or not, giving you a much better idea than any scientific formula would.

Everyone has different views on frame sizes and I have seen a lot of people that is clearly on the wrong size. Mostly the frame is too small. Let's build a database on MTB rider sizes and everyone can then refer to this topic for advice. The two most critical items is your inseam to determine frame size and top tube length, but the latter can be changed with differnt lengths of stem. State the following (if you know all): Length = 1.88m Inseam = 92.5cm Saddle Height = 81.5cm (Centre BB to top of Saddle) Frame = L 20" Bike = Merida 96 Dual Suss Comment = Feels to small as seat post is very high No road sizes please.

Have a look at Ventana USA. They have bikes of 25". I am 1.88 tall and have a tall friend who have one. His saddle fits under my armpit when I stand next to his bike. I know some shop in Krugersdorp deals with these. You will find all info on the net.

What do you think? Rock Shox – SID Team front fork, XT combo shifters, Full XT brakes, MT65 tubeless wheelsets, Maxxis Ignitor UST tyres, Shimano M520 Pedals (clip), FSA carbon reinforced seat with titanium rails, ZOOM seat post and handlebar, XT Front derailleur, XTR Rear derailleur, XT crank, 3K carbon frame 10,3kg One 19” and two 21” bikes available R21500

All you thousands of Specialized riders. Where can I get/buy a Specialized Stumpjumper FSR 29er XL (am I correct in saying that XL equals 21"). I would prefer to get the frame only and build it up as I prefer my own components. Also had a look at the Ellsworth Evolve, but I am struck between the 20" and 22". I will even import if required. You must be able to point me to the best place, where I can find it at a good deal.

Lucky that I still have a copy

What is clear from all these comments? You are all conservative and does not want to move with the times. I would bet that most of you still favours HT vs dual sus. Challenge to all the 26" believers - use some BMX wheels on your bike and see the diff! Simple logic, you will turn faster, you will have more impact, you will stop at small obstacles, you will go slower down a descend than the old tannie walking! Do you still cycle or do you have a vehicle? Why don't just cycle if you think that the development of the vehicle was just a development for no reason? Ns. I am riding a 26", but I will definately be going to 29" with my next bike. Burry weigh the same as my left leg and..... First he went for dual sus, now a 29". Only in the exceptional event of very tight turns, he reverts back to the 26" dual sus.

:rolleyes:Everyone wants a bike that is good for a couple of years. I am a non racer doing a lot of marathons for the reason of totally enjoying the sport. I am concidering the option of buying a frame and then to slowly build it up to a complete bike. My preferance is a more relaxed type of setup. More of a Trail bike than a Race bike. The one option that I am concidering is the Ellsworth Evolve (Full Suss 29er). Any comments from anyone? How about sharing info if you have one. The other option that I looked at is a Mootz Mooto-XZ. http://www.ellsworthbikes.com/bikes/mountain/evolve/