Brawler

Depends on what you are trying to achieve and how much you want to spend but a 26er with slicks is absolutely fine for the Argus. I did my first Argus this year on one and it was fine and there were thousands of others as well. I would definitely not buy a new bike just for a once a year event. Are you trying to go for a quick time?

Just to report back: I bought the Stump Jumper and so far very happy!

Do you reckon if I buy it I will be able to resell it for not too much less in a months time if I find it is too small?

I am trying to find a tape measure at work hoping that I am wrong.. lol. It's a really nice bike. Might just buy it anyway and can always sell it again in a month if after a few rides I feel it is too small.

yeah Im going to do a proper fitting and test tide. If its a slightly small I am happy but if I feel its going to make my back sore after 20KM then I'll have to leave it.

Yeah size is my only concern otherwise I would have bought it this morning. I am around 1.88 (I think) so definitely in the large category although a smaller bike suits my riding style. Apparently spaz sizes are larger than normal as well?

So I went to have a look. What a beaut. Only problem is that its a medium.. Was pouring with rain so couldnt have a test ride but will go back tomorrow.

http://ep1.pinkbike.org/p5pb7918400/p5pb7918400.jpg

Think I have found my bike... Going to look at it in the morning.

Thanks. R27000+ before customs.. I'm going to take a look around for a while. I'm not in a rush to buy.

The Commecal Meta AM3 has gone up over the last few days on CRC and will now cost about R30k to bring in :\

Great bike but it looks a tad beaten?

Vredehoek area. @ OP - UCT is quite a nice spot to learn.

Thanks 2teeth! Your 2c are greatly appreciated. I know the Commencal meta AM is a sweet bike. At the moment Im just wondering if its worth the price premium ( considering its bike #3)

I thought I'd not mention who is selling it but if you want to make yourself known that is cool. The other bike on my list is a Trance X2 so the spec is decent. I don't mind a Toyota kind of bicycle as this isn't going to be my everyday bike. I built my jump bike from the ground and up so its 100% custom and although I love it I don't think its worth the huge expense compared to a "Toyota". I still can't backflip

This guy was mentioned earlier: http://www.pinkbike.com/news/Must-Watch-Chris-Akrigg-Trial-Trails.html With my love for 26" BMX - I will definitely be attempting some of that stuff on my dual sus

Ok got ya. Thanks.

Thanks for great advice but can you please translate the first part about the spaz into lay mans terms? What do you mean with "Not with that shock" etc. I'll check your PM out now.

This year. I can't find the link now but if you want the Joyride highlights you will see. He does some pretty huge backflips, 360s and tailwhips. Here is is at Joyride: http://ep1.pinkbike.org/p4pb9979353/p4pb9979353.jpg

Thanks for all of the help so far. Quite a lot of options so far which is a bit daunting for a full susp noob! 1. The original specialised that I posted. If I can get it for about R10k I might be still interested. The age (2009) puts me off, even though its practically new. Resale will suck. 2. New 2011 Trance X2 @ R15k. 3. 2013 Commencal Meta AM 3 @ R22k (CRC import) 4. The 2013 Reign - The guy is selling but he is not sure when, still waiting for his new bike with no specified date.

Sorry. This is it. http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/reign.1/11517/55878/#specifications

Thanks. I saw that the other Trance was sold but now that you have got another one it opens up that option to. Quite a few people have recommended it. Some other options: I friend of a friend is selling a 2013 Reign X for R15k so Im going to go and check it out. Another (dodgy option) is that I have a friend coming from the UK next week and CRC have the Meta AM3 for R21k which is R10k less than it will cost if I get it here. I wont pay shipping.

Also a lot of these bikes appear to be mediums - I'm pretty sure I am a Large. I have a GT Hardtail that I do Argus on which is a large and its quite comfy although even on that I need to crank the seat right up.

Thanks for all of the links. I get the impression the Reign is a little bit too slow and burly (like a DH bike) but I might just go and check it out this weekend. Some of those bikes put that Spaz's price into perspective (They want R13k for it)

Also, about the Trance... isnt it on the more XC side of things? Although I did see Sorge throw some huge backflips and 360s on it @ Redbull Joyride.