mountain_lion

Stopped by my LBS (Flandria) and they will order a pair of the Olympics for me. However with the long weekend, it will only arrive towards the end of next week. Will have to wait and see if they fit / work for me.

I have a pair of Diadora Jellepenos; 7 years old, well worn by now, but not falling apart. Comfortable, but although the uppers have stretched to fit my foot, the sole is too narrow to properly support my foot - gets painfull after 1 to 1.5 hours. mountain_lion2007-04-26 09:16:40

Thanks Guys. The Olympics do look nice - Mason in Stellenbosch has been promising/trying to get me a pair since Monday... no luck yet Will see if I can make it to Wille E today to have a look at what he has. I have been cursing the Italian shoemakers with their small narrow feet for as long as I can remember!! mountain_lion2007-04-26 01:31:07

Looking for new MTB shoes. Nothing fancy, say R550 - R750. Want something that you can actually walk in and has some grip on rocks. A "Tekkie" with a stiff sole that can accommodate a cleat will be fine. Looked at the @ttitudes at Rapid Sport, but they are not comfortable. Still trying to find a shop (Stellenbosch/Cape Town) with stock of a Shimano or Merrida shoe in my size (they look nice, but too small, too big or out of stock). I have broad feet and cyclying shoes generally do not come in half sizes Any suggestions?

OK, just one more... well made video too.

Spectacular MTB video! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmXfBWX3P8U

Here is another... Some really good stuff on YouTube, but you have to search through the cr@p to find it.

Bit late now... None of the dealers I visited in Stellenbosch / Cape Town N-suburbs area could offer me Trek - I did ask about Trek (although not specificly for the EX5). All said that Trek did not have a XC full sus under R13k.

OK, since nobody replied to my question from a week or so ago, here is what my own research found: There is only one choice if you want a full sus XC under R13k: Giant Anthem. I could not find any other quality full sus bike in this price range. Strictly speaking there are 2 options: Anthem 2 & 3. If the budget is really tight, you can get the Anthem 3 - lower spec components. I understand this model is done specificly for RSA this year; does not even feature in the catalogue. Approx R11500. I went for the Anthem 2. Shocks and some other components are upgraded from what you get with the Anthem 3. All that I need to add were clipless pedals and computer - total just under R13k. The jump in price to the Anthem 1 is substantial (R18k+). But this is components only (which can be upgraded at any time) - frame is exactly the same throughout the Anthem range. So far I am very happy with my Anthem 2. It handles well on twisty single track, climbs well and of course it screams down hill. 3.5" travel is sufficient for my riding style. Juicy disc brakes give full control. All in all a very nice budget option / entry level full sus XC bike.

I have just bought an Anthem 2 (budget and riding profile did not justify the Anthem 1 ) Frame is the same, but components are slightly lower spec. This is my 1st full sus bike; Still getting used to it, but so far I am very satisfied. It is very responsive on twisty trails and climbs well. Downhills are a breeze and the Juicy disc brakes provide good control. Can't comment much about the other bikes on the shortlist - they were not on mine. Anthem 2 was supplied with Kenda Blue Groove front and rear tyres. I will try them for a bit longer - not sure if I like them, especially not in front. Any other suggestions for all purpose XC use? Perhaps Maxxis Crossmark? mountain_lion2007-04-03 15:22:30

My Trek 6000 hard tail MTB is now 7+ years old. Time to upgrade! Considering full suspension. What does the forum suggest for a middle of the pack XC rider with above average technical skills? Budget R10-13K. Brand / model?? Thanks. PS Anybody in the market for a used 18" hard tail (with new drive train) which should be up for sale soon?