Ratty

This is the frame I'm getting, minus the front shock. Its very pretty. http://i17.tinypic.com/62fplid.jpg

At least most cyclists indicate with their arm if they are turning!

Thanks for all the advice guys. It looks like I've managed to organise a really sweet deal on a bike. I won't give you details now, but will takes pics as soon as I get it. It just needs to be built up first. Can't wait. Oh its a full suspension so my ass is going to be happy Don't know about the legs on the uphills but will soon find out.

CWC, I had no idea you had an online store! This post was most useful to me as I love shopping online. Even if I dont buy stuff online, its nice to be able to see prices etc. P.S. You might want to get your website fixed and tell the developers to put some decent error handling in. Got the following error when trying to see MTB frames: You have an error in your SQL syntax; check the manual that corresponds to your MySQL server version for the right syntax to use near 'AND specials.idcategory=30 ORDER BY specials.idproduct Desc LIMIT 0, 8' at line 1

My friend (85kg +) often rides his Carbon bike on the trainer and has had no problems. If it can handle his weight I'm sure it is fine. It's working wonders for him to lose weight and get fit for mountain biking.

Ok, so here is another question, if I want to go look at some of these bikes whats the best shop (Western Cape)? Definitely want to look at the Anthem mainly because that seems to be the most popular suggestion and no one has said anything bad about it.

Mintsauce unfortunately I am in a rush to buy. Either that or I need to spend some money fixing mine (again). I'll go insane without a working bike especially with all the mud around. Will make sure I buy the right bike this time!

I prefer the womens specific bikes because it saves me from making my handle bars narrower and putting a shorter stem on but its not an issue if I have to buy a mens rather. So far two of you have mentioned the Giant Anthems. Which one? (There are 5 models as far as I can see) and any idea on the prices? MichH, I was originally in it just for fun but my competitive side has taken over. I've still got a long way to go but am working towards finishing higher up in races. I've given up two of my other sports so that I can concentrate on my cycling. I was hoping to keep my current bike a bit longer and save up more for a really great bike but after having it in for repair 8 times already in less than a year I've had enough. It is awesome to ride when it works, unfortunately this isn't very often.

I've got a choice, replace almost every component on my current bike (the frame and wheels are great) or buy a complete new bike. I'm going with the latter but have no idea which one to buy. I've been looking at the women's specific ones and so far the only one I really like is the Specialized Stunt Jumper (Hardtail). Only problem, they don't import them into South Africa. They import the Womens Epic Comp which is a REALLY nice bike but I'm not sure if I want a full suspension and also its getting a bit pricey at R24000. My questions are: 1. Do I get a hard tail or full suspension bike? 2. Why are none of the nice hardtails imported into SA? 3. What other brand's / bikes would you suggest? My budget is up to R20000. The majority of my riding is the races in and around the Western Cape. If I ride for fun then I generally find as much singletrack and downhills as possible, not a fan of jeep tracks. Hoping you guys can help!

My first bike was a Giant Rincon. Its a really nice bike and in your price range. I did a couple of 100km + road races (with slicks) and quite a bit of mountain biking with it and had absolutely no issues with it even though the poor thing got washed about twice in 2 years and never got any lube!!! Good luck! If you are anything like most of us, you will be spending way more than your budget in future! Ratty2007-05-21 06:28:18

MichH, you are in the process of buying a bike from them, that would explain the good service! I don't know the bike shop so can't comment on them, but have had a lot of issues with other bike shops. The one I bought my mtb bike from gave me great service until they had my money. From the start my bike had problems with gears. It went back to them twice with no success. Took it to other shops, one eventually fixed it but stuffed up my brakes. On the way back from a ride I took it to a shop which is 35kms away from me. They fixed the brakes, serviced the bike and now it works better than it did when it was brand new. They suggested my set up wasn't correct and said I must bring it in sometime which I did. They didn't charge me a sent (Place I bought the bike from initially charged me R250)! They also offered me advice on how I should be braking, tips on tire pressure etc etc and also what shoes I should buy (mine are crap). The shoes they suggested aren't ones they are allowed to stock so they weren't even being salesmen. What a pleasure going to a shop like that. They have me as a customer for life. Ratty2007-05-09 07:20:30

A bit more info is posted under another thread https://www.bikehub.co.za/forum_posts.asp?TID=10537