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So you do your own wheel building, BB facing and headset installation then? Seriously, brake bleeding must rank as one of the easiest tasks there is, on Shimano that is. I was scared of forks until I took mine apart and discovered how simple a full lube and seal service actually is. Best of all, if you do it yourself the workmanship is guaranteed for life.

See my answer above...

Nope, that sounds like the sensible approach. The shifting on my SLX rear derailleur is not as snappy with clutch on which is the only reason I like running it clutch off.

I managed to throw the chain off my RF N/W ring running the clutch off and no guide. Clutch on its been bomb proof. Anyone have any ideas on chain length - I havent shortened mine. Would it help make the chain even more secure?

Sounds like a defect in the pedal itself. If you havent got Shimano SPDs and they offer you a new set get the genuine Shimano pedals rather. The 520 version are cheap and I have yet to break a set in about 18 years of mtb.

My 34t set up works a treat - my legs are going to get stronger. If they don't I see a 32 or 30 in my future, which would be a pity because the 34 gives a good speed spread.

And then there is the most significant performance enhancer of them all - the placebo effect - which most of these products produce in bucket loads. Problem is you don't get the effect unless you dish the BS big time.

Buycycle got their pricing wrong and only realised after they had sold a few - they came in at under R500 incl courier...The US price is about $45.

Got my 34t on Monday and fitted it to my Reign immediatley. Running an 11-36 ten speed out back and was able to lose the chain guide (MRP x2) and was happy to do so. The x2 does a very poor job of retaining the chain unless the clutch is on - my chain managed to come off twice despite the guide. Bonus is my dropper post lever doesnt have a shifter pod to worry about and is easier to actuate in the revised position. I have done one test ride so far and rode the bumpiest lines I could find - clutch on and absloutley no issues at all - except for my legs which didnt enjoy the uphills as much as the 26 tooth granny I had before. Time will tell whether my legs can grow into the revised gearing...

Ya, Mamba is looking good - just have to work out how to carry enough speed into the third jump. Thanks for all the hard work trailbuilders!!!

Look up i-ride africa - Dan Dobinson runs it. He is fast and skillful and woulde be able to help you learn and improve all those skills. Look at Fab Barels AM riding skills vdeos on the net - he covers everything and the videos are excellent.

I also like Spank - those wheelsets and rims are beaut - when I upgrade or break my current DT's thats where I will go.

Nick, if the frame is a deal and you can get it here go for it. The review is brilliant. I think William (bike shop and SC smous) down here rides one - says its so good he cant see thereason to get a bigger wheeled SC.

That a great bike AFAIK - I havent read the tests or ridden one though. You should look for a 130 mm to 150 mm travel bike with a slackish head angle 68 - 66 degress. . I am not sure how steep and rocky the Giba area and the rest of KZN is so maybe something more towards the 130 mm end of the spectrum would be enough. I ride a 150 mm sixer and its a treat, but many people ride and race enduros on niners down here - eg PYGA 110's. Something like a Spaz Stumpie might be the answer for you although they are apparently not as nimble in the tight stuff as shorter 26"wheeled bikes. A good bike will help, but its all about learning the skills too. After a year, you still have a massive amount to learn about bike handling and so on, so perhaps, persevere with the Epic for a while, get some skills tuition and see how you do. With some experience and skills you'll have a better idea what kind of bike you need...

Thats definitely not Cape Town today - when is summer going to get here...???

I only have sketchy information - male rider injured while riding at JH leaving him with serious internal injuries and in a critical condition with ventilator support as of late last week. Anybody know what happened?

Hope the rehab goes well for the rider. Thanks for the updates guys.

Which explains why the big S continue to use CnC bearings in their hubs - they last. I have 8 year old XT hubs on 717's that still work fine despite not being maintained that well...

wow, looking good guys - a far cry from how it looked after being laid out a few weeks ago.

So you are saying the people weren't to blame and it was actually the dogs who took them for a walk? That will stand up in court for sure.

Those rock gardens look like fuuuun...

Looking good - well done guys.

someone needs a k@kking out for what happened - did the shop overtighten the pedal or make it too loose and it then messed the thread up when it worked its way out?

How long is a piece of string? You don't really think asking a question like this on the Hub is a good way to make a decision do you?

Dale, its time to get an MTB, you know you want to get off that tar...