NC_lurker

Hey Splat, what time did you leave Tokai? I was passed by a big 4x4 (maybe Landcruiser) with a shiny looking Anthem on the back, on my ride home from Tokai. Think it must've been around 12'ish.

Checkout this link for all the detail on the cheap "Ghetto" Tubeless option: https://www.bikehub.co.za/forum_posts.asp?TID=24545

BigH, read the 1st 2 pages of the Topic, BigBen even included pictures..

Not sure how BigBen's conversion is working, but mine is holding up 100%. No air leakage at all so far.

If you do manage to test drive any of these bikes, pls let me know how you organised. I'm also in the market, but it seems very difficult to get bikes for a test drive. I'm looking at: Mongoose Canaan Elite GT marathon 1.0 Giant Anthem & Trance Merida Mission 2000-D Commencal Meta 4.2 Felt is unfortunately out of my budget range. Currently the Mongoose is top of my list due to cost vs components.

mmm, ok that might be an issue.. Could you use something like this: http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/12562-050_PRMHB3-3-Parts-49-Cables/Cable-Guides.htm Don't know if they would stick..

Wouldn't it be possible to replace the cable guide under the BB on your S-works with the same one used on your Epic? Then you wouldn't have an issue with fitting the continuous housing.

If cost is a factor, why not try the "Ghetto" Tubeless conversion option. Chat to BigBen. See the topic: https://www.bikehub.co.za/forum_posts.asp?TID=24545&KW=tubeless+conversion Surely the Karma's would be fine, don't see why you'd have to replace the good one as well.

I'm so clever that I got my LBS to do the "Ghetto" conversion.. (Thanks for the vote of confidence BB!) Yup, was talking about using one of those super big syringes (without a needle) to squirt into the valve (with core removed).

How do you check? I assume if you can't hear any sloshing around in the wheel, then it needs a fill? With removeable valves, I assume I just use a syringe & squirt some in with the valve at the bottom of the tyre?

Cool, lets see how long they last. How frequently do you normally need to top up the Stans? I assume as long as the bike is ridden every week or so, there's no worry of the sealant congealing in one spot?

Yup, sounds like it. So why use Stans strips instead of this cheap option, why aren't more people going Ghetto tubeless?

Well, I've ridden my Ghetto tubeless about 3 times so far, about 7hrs total time only. No issues, air pressure seems to have stayed constant since it was done almost 2wks ago. Remember though, that I'm using UST tyres & Stans sealant inside.

thanks KonaFan

Hi I urgently need to get hold of ShaunH with regards his Sign-Up campaign. A connection of mine is meeting with the Public Safety councilor in Cape Town to discuss the recent spate of cyclist related accidents in the Milnerton area. It would be great if he could chat to Shaun before the meeting later this week. So, if anyone has Shaun's contact details, please PM them to me. thanks..

Slowbee, since you're in the Cape you should perhaps look at a bike with a Rock Shox instead. They're serviced by Cape Cycle Systems who generally are quite good. Having said that, I've recently purchased a Marzocchi (got awesome deal overseas) and I don't even know if there is still a service agent in the Cape!

As Velo said, compare the support & service costs of the two shocks. You don't want to save a few rand now only to have to "k@k and betaal" when it comes to servicing..

Marius, Dischem has been slightly cheaper for a while. Perhaps they buy a few more than 1 tin each time and therefore get a slightly better price from keith..

Yes you do, think the ones my LBS used were Conti with presta removable valves.

Sorry, forgot to add.. I've switched to Crossmark UST tyres (standard rims) since my old Crossmarks were a bit poked. I'd picked up the new tyres cheap-cheap last year. Some leftover Epic spares from a mate. Question, am I going to struggle to get these tyres off my rims? I assume the UST tyres are a tighter fit than standard non-foldable tyres? So if I get a big puncture, I assume those "snot" repair strings are the way to go? ANy idea of cost?

I was researching this the other day after my LBS suggested he do a cheapo conversion for me. In the US it's called "Ghetto Tubeless". Checkout this link: http://www.gotubeless.com/ So, had the LBS do the conversion yesterday, will ride it for the 1st time Sat & Sun, will report back. I got my LBS to use BMX tubes with removeable cores, assume I'll be able to top up with a syringe. I had a half full bottle of Stans, so used this as an initial filler.

I picked up an '05 model Schwinn Moab (Deore parts, v-brakes) in May 06 (bike was new & unused)for R4500 (included in the price was a towbar bike rack & Specialised mtb shoes) . I upgrade the brakes to Avid V's. I've ridden most of the rides you've mentioned (except Epic!) on it, no problem. Been very happy with the bike, Schwinn is definitely worth looking at.

Hey Oom, think you should perhaps read Tubed & GoLefty's posts again. Both of them were in fact supporting your original post..