I recently upgraded from a SL3 to a SL4. There is a significant difference in stiffness, handling and comfort. I can highly recommend the Spez, on condition that you build it with matching components and wheels. (No Force or Ultegra, or budget wheels should be attached to this awesome frame.) Then again Tarmac's Revenge opted for a Oltre after being on Spez for long, and he is very satisfied. Comes down to what you want, and what you like, cause both bikes are great.
Every 3 to 5 months I give my wheels a sealant - service. Remove the tyre, loose the old sealant, clean the rims and tyres, add new fresh sealant and off I go. The only way I get proper peace of mind. Works for me!
They use something almost as durable as permatubes, but without the disadvantage. Their two boxes of Sludge Uniseal were delivered the day before the Epic to make sure that they can concentrate on racing and not on fixing punctures. Same stuff that Erik and Ariane has in their wheels.
Why the foul mood dude? Just because you still ride an old school bike, does not need to make you miserable. Old school could be cool, just think of bell bottom jeans, long side burns ...
Same sh*t, different day! Those on traditional mtbikes must justify their decision not to progress by making fun at those who did. If you are not in a position to get a bike used by the majority of pro's, or don't want one, stay in your camp and shut the f.. up!
BLACKvoodoo used his common sense and noted that the way mingmong used the term 29er, that he was sick of jealousy for not being able to afford one. I am also getting a bit sick of people who has much to say about things they know little about.
A guy with R50K in his pocket should know exactly what he wants! Not knowing, makes me want to suggest an entry level bike to try out the sport. If he is already a hardcore mountain biker, and still don't know what to get, I also suggest an entry level bike.
I speak under correction, but the guy on the 29er stayed with the VB break group until Suikerbossie, where I passed him, and did not see him come pass me at any point, unless he took a ride on the beach. He was really strong, but then again, it was a S-Works Epic, and not just any 29er!
Good luck with importing a Specialized product. If you succeed in buying the Spez helmet online, please pop me a pm so that I can also shop there please.
