andretraut

Ruan, check out fellow hubber, iragr's post in this regard!

Hi Kieran, thanx for the compliment. It is a 2010 XC HFS 1000 D. Comes with a XT group, and Hayes brakes. I have changed the brakes to XT, with new imported XT rotors, pedals are CB Candies, and I am rolling on Vredestein Killer Bee's tubeless with a Stan's conversion. Almost the way I want it, just waiting on my XTR RD!

New pics of my ride!

Just called the Camps Bay Police to enquire about the circumstances, and they no nothing about it. If it was serious then obviously it would be a matter for the authorities, otherwise the parties can report it later for insurance purposes. I just hope it is the latter, and that the guy, or girl is ok!

Hi Baie Sukkel You will be able to mount the XT calipers on to the same mounts, and you can use the same rotors , however, I can offer you a pair of Shimano XT six bolt rotors (160 &180) in almost brand new condition for R400 for both. Only covered about 150 tarmac k's. I have recently replaced my Strokers with XT on my Merida, and kept the stroker rotors, but performance was a little bit compromised. I then decided to fit XT rotors, which made a big difference. I then finally received my new XT rotors (half alu, half stainless from CRC), therefore my standard XT's are for sale. Stick to XT, you will not regret.

Zipp, I mean sh*t, but it is nice.... the bike is ok too!

I agree Jughead! Nothing comes close to the new Ultegra on looks.

Absolutely Cateye , what else?

Rydons are designed to keep the wind out of your eyes, and are not supposed to cause any wind irritations as described in your thread. Start by playing around with the adjustable nose-piece and arms, and if this fails, try smiling while you ride..... raising your cheeks should help seal the deal for you! lol! Good luck with your Rydons, they are awesome specs!

The HFS 1000 is an awesome bike, fast, light and as stiff as a homeymoon dick, only one minor problem, the Hayes Stroker Trail brakes are not for me! Once I replaced the brakes with XT and completed the entire XT group, I was satisfied. I also went tubeless and saved some weight by replacing the heavy metal Shimano M520 pedals with Crankies. This bike rocks... get one!

I concur, Merida HFS 1000, comes with XT and is a much better bike than both options. Will have to stretch your budget a bit though!

Too technical, I prefer fast rolling singletracks!

Can't wait! The hotter the better. Would have complained if it was raining because I can not find traction in the mud! Good luck hubbers!

Hi Chubba, for 6k you can get the Trek1.1, good entry level leisure bike specced with Shimano 2300, but digging a bit deeper in the wallet could let you ride home on the Trek1.2 with a Sora/Tiagra mix. Great bike for starting out on tarmac.

I look at what the tyre says on the sidewall and follow the instructions carefully. Minimum for off road and maximum for tarmac. ( 2bar and 4bar)Works well for me. Running tubeless and I weigh in at 82kg.

Stans is great for tubeless, but in road tubes rather use Sludge for Road bikes. It is light and very effective for the smaller puncture normally encountered with road use. Also comes with an aplicator for presta valves, so no need to remove the valves.

Thanks for your opinions, Peter and Chris. The Silverback seems like a good deal, but my mind is set on the Merida, as I ride a Merida MTB with full XT, hence my interest in Ultegra. Only problem is that I will have to wait a month for the Merida, aposed to an immediate delivery for the SB, but I suppose there is a price for all the good things in life!

I am keen on going road bike, and would like to hear opinions from Hubbers on my two choices. Option 1: Merida Scultura 905 full carbon with Ultegra and Alex Road Aero rims, weight approx 8.6 kg. Option 2: Silverback Kansas full carbon with Ultegra and Ultegra tubeless rims, weight approx. 7.8 kg. Can get both bikes for more or less the same special price, which I will rather not mention. So money is not the real option, more the quality of the bike. Your valued expertise in this field will be highly appreciated.

My Merida, sporting XT all round!

I have looked at the Kateys, and must admit that they are well specced and handsome looking steeds, but I must agree that pedigree is just as important. Kateys are swinging slow at the CT labs, cause buyers opt for trusted race brands. Rather go for a similar specced Merida with a more affordable price tag! atraut2010-02-17 05:39:35

Nice rims Raptor, pitting they will be getting dirty in Majik Forest on Wednesday!

I am currently using Shimanos, but just bought a pair of Candies today, and will fit them tonight. Bought the Candies for the weight benefit, far better clip-in method, better in mud and good looks. I am changing brand because Shimanos tarnish very quickly, and after a couple of rides they seem worn and scratched, which could be a bit of a problem if you like your steed to look impeccable after a good bike wash. Also because they are heavy.

A considerable difference! Fit hydraulics, and you will have a ball going downhill, and enjoy your mtbiking experience much more. Hydro brakes ensures far better braking power, and has a nice smooth feel, aposed to mechanical ones. Two bikes ago was fitted with a mechnical setup, and at first it was ok, until I used hydro, and believe me, you will know immediately. Mechanical disk brakes are glorified V-brakes and it is my opinion that they offer more cosmetic value to your bike than anything else.

Xt is an excellent complete groupset at a reasonable price. I would stick to Shimano, and depending on your application, even consider a cheaper alternative for brakes such as SLX.

I use Stan's neat in my tubeless setup, and so far I have not experienced any problems. Keep you bike as light as possible, and avoid heavy mixtures with OKO.