JacoM

Took the Spez for a proper test tonight in Geelsloot in Somerset West. Now I am even more confused. The Spez handles great. The shorter wheel base (about 50mm compared to the BMC) does make a difference. It feels more like my 26' - which was stolen hence the reason for my shopping for a replacement! The suspension on the BMC does feel "higher quality) - both front and back. The brain on the Spez does feel very stiff, but gives you a perception of "speed". The test BMC was not set up properly and did not have the longer travel front suspension shock. Stock is only arriving Wednesday so I will wait and have it set up properly for my size. I am 1.89mm and weight=88kg. I am more into XC than trails. I think the Spez will be faster on single tracks with short/sharp bends.

I have taken the BMC for a proper trial and ...I am impressed. Not considering the Spez. anymore. Can see myself getting frustrated with the "brain". The BMC suspension is very "solid" and moves only when it has to. However, the Scott SPark 910 seems to be good value for R. Cycle LAb (agents for Scott) closed down in Somerset West, so I could not compare the Scott with BMC. Your views and experience with the Scott (and BMC)?

BMC FS02 XT/XLS vs. Spez. Epic Comp Carbon

Nobody? What is your experience like with the BMC?

Both priced just below R50k. (mid R40k after discount) Both carbon frame with alum back triangle. Anybody here with experience of both? Ride quality Durablility etc. I know, it is a very subjective Q, but which one is the better bike? Thanks

Hi there, I need the above for my wife which started MTB'ing recently. Seems nobody in S/West stock them?! We have looked at Motocross type guards over the week-end, but most of what is avalaible are too bulky or "unfit" for cycling. She used to be quite competive on a road bike, but I am concerned that she will "right herself off" before she start enjoying MTB'ing! Please help! She is quite small, so anything to fit kids or XS to S will be concidered Thanks

Thanks to the organisers. Well done. I will be back. Maybe there is a lesson somewhere for someone.... I had a blow out on the front at about 33km's. (Last downhill, close to the front. I could see trhe first guys) The tubeless tyre was badly cut. Took out my brand new , never used tube and put it in, only to discover it has a leak. Out again and eventually find the small cut. (Remember, by now everything is covered with slime.) Took out my (also new) repair kit. (made in Taiwan nogal). Cleaned the spot on the tube, opened the solution tube, only to find it is completely empty. It was never filled in the first place! After about 1 hour and what felt like 200 riders passing (of which most offered help I must say, but no one had solution with them), a guy stopped and helped my with solution. I eventually got going and finished just before the cut-off time. Lesson learnt - check your emergency repair stuff regularly! Thanks to the guy with the blue-ish riding gear who stopped! I will be back next year....

I will be there. Would have loved to be fitter at this stage but will just take it slower and ride "slimmer". This my old home town so I can't wait to be back! What Robertson valley achieved over the last few years is really amazing. Even some older wine routes are trying to catch up and copying this recipy. Well done again to all involved.

Hi SteveCT, I agree 100% with your comments. The money lost is not the major issue (allthough it was was a very nice, small pump!) Not sure why I stopped (maybe just good nature on my side??? ) My wife and I finished second in the mixed pairs, only a few minutes behind the 1st team. The stop was on a steep incline and I had to stop twice after that to organise my chain+ gears again! We were sort of in competition mode. Next time I will offer to have help send out when I get to the finish line! Fun rides and tours are something else and I believe to stop and offer help is the right thing to do. What do you think?

Hi there, Not sure if this is the best place to post this, but lets try... On the mountainbike leg of last week-ends Totalsport Challenge a guys in front of me had a tyre blown out. He offered help "borrowed" my pump, spare tube tyre levers. He had nothing with him. We missed each other at the finish and I would like to make contact with him. Have no name!(All I know he had a strapped knee and can not be an experienced mountainbiker - no spares with him and tyre pressure equal to that of a roadbike by the sound of the blow out! Anybody know this guy? Regards

Hi there, Would appreciate some opinions on what is the most cost effective thingy to measure/record/show/indicate the distance done on a MTB. I swopped road to MTB recently and have completed a few MTB races without any indication of distance travelled. The long route on this years Argus MTB convinced me do get some ODO meter before the next race .(Not nice when you are slowly dying and in need how far still to the end...get the picture?) Is there anything availible , simular to cable + pic-up for road bikes that will last in offroad condistions or is the GPS option the only option? RegardsJacoM2010-03-17 08:56:22

Hi Wes, We have met some time back on a m/cycle trip. In my opion you are a (Large. On a medium frame your weight will move too much "over" the handle bars and technical rides (downhills) will be more challenging and uncomfortable (neck pains, etc.) I am 1.88 and my Merida XL is just right. my 2c's JAcoM

South Africa Cytek Cycle Distributor 10 Derrick Drive, Unit 2 Somerset Business Park Somerset West 7130 South Africa info@merida.co.za T: + 27-21-8520509 F: +27-21-8519562 info@merida.co.za

17h15 at Lebanon today, 17/2. Want to join me on the long route? Bring R20-00. Should I wait for you? Phone zeroeight2eighttwo5onesevennine0 Regards Jaco Marais

Hi there, I work in Elgin and frequently do some training after work on my own. Had a fall this week on the Lebanon trail that "convinced me not to ride these trails alone. (Luckily did not break anything) Anybody here that would like to join me once or twice a week, say 17h15 at Lebanon or etc.?. My current fittness - I did the longer route in 1h30-40. The route was changed recently so I am not sure about the length. Regards