andretraut

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.

Thanx Shamus, I also prefer to stay with Schwalbe, as most highend bikes are specked with them! had a look at the Smart Sam, and I think that this will be my next tyre.

Thanx Hubbers! I have looked at Maxxis, Kenda and Geax on the web, and although I am very tempted to get the much bespoked Furious Freds, I will choose one of the recommended ones, once I have visited my favourite LBS.

I am looking for advice on a good all rounder mtb tyre. I want a fast rolling tyre on tarmac, which can handle the once or twice a week hard pack off road trail, and is relatively puncture resistant. To much asked? I use my mtb 5 to 6 days a week on the road, and do a trail once or twice a week. Currently I am am rolling on Schwalbe Rocket Rons tubeless with Stan's latex. I have considered the Furious Freds but were told that they are puncture prone, with or without Stan's. What is the opinion of the Hubbers?

Thanx Cassie and FP! I failed to mention, but the mechanic at Cycle Lab offered an inexpensive method (probably ghetto or some orther method)on converting, however the mere thought of turning my new and shinning Merida into something called 'Ghetto' made me reach for my wallet! I did some googling on ghetto, and are yet to be convinced.

My steed is called Merida HFS 1000 and we are rolling on a pair of factory fitted Schwalbe Rocket Rons. I am considering going tubeless, and the guys at Cycle Lab offered me a Stan's conversion for around R1000, using the Rockets Rons. Any advise or suggestions in this regard will be appreciated. Is the Rocket Ron sidewall strong enough for this conversion and will I notice the advantages of rolling tubless?

I took sweet delivery of my Merida TFS 800 D yesterday from Cycle Lab in Northgate Island CT.... what a awesome bike. (...and awesome service and customer care from the guys at CL) It is lightweight and has great handling and traction control. The Deore XT at the rear triggered by the SLX Rapidfire shifters makes gear changing a pleasant experience, and reminds me a lot of the smooth tiptronic gearbox on my Jetta V. The hydraulic disk brakes are great compared to the mechanical ones on my Avalanche, and gives you a dead stop when you need it most. My maiden spin was however not entirely incident free ( boss calling on my cell + over tight cleat = disaster ), and I will have to live with the a few minor scratches on the bar-end and rear skewer. Nevertheless it was still a great ride. This morning's 25k in a windy Cape Town was fortunately without any mishaps, and a great early morning ride. The bike is super fast, and I can only imagine what 1.5 slicks will do on tarmac, but for now I am keeping to the original Merida Race Lite knobblies, at least until after the Cape Argus MTB challenge. For anyone wanting to spend around R12 000 on a mtb.......get the TFS 800! atraut2010-01-09 05:46:47