Helga

I've been offered a brand new 2011 Silverback Spectra with Surplus 1 frameset for R16k. I'm not sure what the Surplus 1 carbon framesets retail for alone, but it is about R7k more than the standard Spectra @ R9k. Is it a good deal and does anyone know much about the Silverback carbon framesets? Essentially the spec @ R16k will be as follows: 2011 Silverback Surplus 1 Carbon Frameset Rock Shox Recon Gold TK Solo Air 100mm Fork Alex XD Lite Rims Silverback Novatec SL Sealed Bearing Hubs w/Disc Kenda Small Block Eight 26" x 2.1 Tires Shimano SLX 10 Speed Rapidfire Shimano SLX 10 Speed FD Shimano SLX 10 Speed Crankset 24/32/42 Shimano XT Shadow 10 Speed RD Shimano 2 Piece BB Shimano HG81 Cassette 11-34t Shimano PD-M520 Pedals Shimano M575 Hydraulic Disc Brakes Any thoughts or alternatives to look at in the same price bracket? Thanks in advance

Thanks for all the replies guys. I think ill make the trip to CT and see Jeroen and have the setup done. I am hoping the MRI will reveal something the other guys have missed with their exams and x-rays, etc. Saw Ponky in Jan, he told me there is nothing wrong with my knee and recommended phsio. Physio has helped to releive the pain but I still can't do more than 8 to 12km offroad without the knee starting to niggle!

I don't know all that much about Chiro's so who would you recommend in the Jhb area?

Curious to see what hardtails would be considered good value for money/bang for the buck in the R8k to R12k bracket. If I can get my knee to come to the party I am in need of a new mtb and have been looking at the Silverback line-up of bikes. I considered the Silverback Shift 2 but it is apparently unavailable locally leaving only the Spectra and Ventura. What other bikes from different brands would you guys recommend I take a look at? The KTM bikes at Cycle Lab look neat, but aside from that I haven't really looked at what is available yet

Hey all, As I mentioned in my intro thread I posted, I have struggled with a persistent ITB injury over the past 4 or 5 years. I have seen a few physio's, bio's and 2 different knee specialists here in Jhb with no success as yet. Having done a little searching on here there seems to be 2 guys who's credentials stand out. Daan in PTA and Jeroen in CPT. I suspect the issue may have something to do with a less than ideal bike setup, or perhaps a foot problem I am unaware of. I am considering packing my bike and going down to see Jeroen and having the full exam, bike setup and MRI done to properly assess what may be wrong with my knee, or other areas which could affect it. I have also seen and read alot of posts on here recommending bike setups by Specialised and a few other guys which makes the decision of who to go with difficult. I would assume that each fitter has their own ways/means of deriving the final fit on the bike based on their experiences. I am leaning toward the fitting by Jeroen at this point, but I wanted to hear what other bikers experiences have been like with the various guys in SA

+1...I was gutted to hear they don't import the Shift 2 as it offers excellent value for money as well!