MTBRIDER1234

Not necessarily cycling-related related but still relevant. I lost a dear friend of mine in a motorcycle accident a few days ago when a driver failed to stop at a stop sign, causing my friend to have to swerve out of the way, and unfortunately an oncoming car hit him when he was swerving and took his life. Drivers are far too distracted and don't give a sh*t about anyone not in a metal box. Being seen on a motorcycle is already hard, on a bicycle we are as close to invisible as you can get. Whether road or MTB, what we all enjoy is dangerous. Just this year some people I ride with have broken both arms, broken both wrists, broken fingers and I believe a young man at the enduro also sustained a brain injury when he crashed. We must be more vigilant than ever. It seems like a piss-take to think that we do all these dangerous things on 2 wheels, yet we are arguably more likely to die from some idiot who is texting/distracted/drunk and behind the wheel.

Yeah. The rocker links are exactly the same. I know this because like I said, I have swapped shock, swingarms and rocker links between hyraxes and slaklines with no ill effects. Glad this has been cleared up

Maybe he was mistaken because you can easily swap from a longer stroke shock to a shorter stroke shock and vice versa. As a matter of fact, my frame was owned by a PYGA employee, and it started life as a hyrax, then was turned into a slakline before I purchased it. I have also done it to several other hyrax framesets. Just be sure to up the fork travel to 170mm.

Actually you can get 160mm of travel without any risks. You could probably push it a bit further, but it may be at the expense of suspension kinematics etc. Not many people know, but the only difference between the 160mm slakline frame and the 140mm hyrax frame is simply the shock stroke.

Not enough bike. Buy a cheap DH bike and use that for the trip then sell it. Unless you are a crazy skilled rider or are gonna take is super easy, you will have much more fun on a DH bike. You can go way faster, send way harder and make more mistakes without the risk of bombing through your travel. Don't get me wrong, I love my slakline and it copes with gnarly stuff well, but I would never take it to a real bike park abroad. IMO 180mm travel minimum.

On gnarly stuff this holds very true. Just remember that any chilled trail will become a chore on a big bike. They soak up a lot and are generally pigs at anything that isn't fairly high speed. When riding my enduro bike on flattish trails, you better believe that I have to work that thing HARD to keep speed. For example, when I rode Rhebokskloof I was pumping and using all I have to keep speed through the flat sections there. Big bikes also climb not so lekker and if you have no lockout and DH tires like me, it can become a bit irritating when you are slugging up the hill, using the same amount of power as you would on the xc bike, just to go 1/2 the speed.

The rating system can be abused sadly. I got a 1 star review from someone who didn't even do business with me. He offered me 1/3rd of asking price for a pair of brand new pedals (ridden twice) that were already less than 3/4 of what they cost new. I simply said to him why do you lowballers always think I will take such low offers. He took extreme offense and left me a 1 star review, which is very unethical IMO, especially considering I have done business with a few big hubbers and both parties had a successful transaction. I am still transacting/chatting to one of them a few years on.

Best bet is to see the parts in person. I bought a bunch of second hand parts for my bike, and every single one of them is still going strong. It's about knowing what to look for and actually 'feeling the parts' like spinning the bearings on the hubs, checking the shifter has all clicks engaging nicely etc. It certainly helps if you know what to look for, but if not, bring a long a mate who does, or alternatively, meet at your LBS and get them to check it out. Also don't get desperate. If it is too good to be true, it generally is.

I could care less if they are vegan, but I still far prefer how they look. But I guess that's why different looking shoes are made. I could personally never bring myself to spend over 250 dollars on shoes, but if you have the money, go for it.

Why not consider adidas velosamba? IMO waaaay more good looking, and only 100 dollars retail overseas. No idea how much shipping and import duties would cost, but they will still end up cheaper than the 250 the stomp lox go for (and you get way more style points).

I second this. I use a photo, and have had no issues. Quite a few guys I ride with just photoshop the date when it expires. They don't care. If this money was going towards the trails, I would tell them off, but instead, the money they would have spent on the card now can be used for a tokai MTB board.

If your E bike uses the same motor and battery system as a spez E bike, why not take it to west rand cycles? Also most shops know E bikes. They really are no different when it comes to non E bike specific jobs. For example, servicing suspension, setting gears, bleeding brakes etc. is exactly the same. Also servicing suspension is something you can do at home if you have some mechanical inclination (pretty much every other bike related service can be done at home if you have the tools and knowledge) It sounds like you are quite confused, so rather watch a video if you are comfortable to keep on trying, or better yet, take it to a bikeshop before you damage something.

Probably going to get blasted for saying this, but have you considered buying 2nd hand? If you don't feel comfortable telling what is/isn't a good deal, get a buddy who knows a lot about bikes, or even your LBS will be willing to help. You could get a much nicer spec carbon bike second hand, then you every could new. (Another benefit of second hand is you don't have to take the hit of the brutal depreciation on bikes as soon as they leave the shop)

Yeah for sure. A singlespeed wouldn't work to get to my house, as it is on the top of a pretty nasty hill. So I guess a 9spd would work, but then I also feel like I could put some of that money towards a cheapish first moto... tough choices for sure. It's also more convenient to ride a moto to friends houses and school than it is on a bicycle, because you don't arrive all sweaty - cause all I would probably wear is some short boots, gloves, a jacket and a helmet. (I already carry enough *** in my schoolbag, so a change of clothes isn't viable) Thanks again for the input, and whatever it comes down to, I will have to buy an alternate form of transport to commute, as my current MTB pedals quite badly (maxxgrip tires and 160/160 no lockouts) and even though it is insured, I want to minimize the risk of bike theft.

True, but I chose GX because it makes it that much easier to sell. I used to ride 1x11 and had no problems with it, but I got the gx cassette for free as well, so that was a huge reason why I went with it. I guess I am just interested to try motorbikes and see how they stack up. I like the adrenaline from riding mountain bikes, and it looks like riding sportbikes give you all that rush (and more).

By commute to work and back, I assume you mean by bicycle? Yeah it will be nice to save money, but I honestly think that if I like motorbikes more, I may just sell my mountain bike and keep the money. MTB is extremely overpriced and I am sick of buying blatantly overpriced products. For the same price as mtb shoes, you can buy moto boots, same goes for pretty much every other type of clothing. It also appears that it is cheaper to replace the drivetrain on a motorbike (sprockets and chain). A gx cassette is around 4k, and an xx1 chain is about 2k. Paying 6k for that is a complete ripoff. Honestly it looks like for the same price as a well specced enduro bike (MTB) you can go out and buy something like an r6, which looks way more fun (and can serve as a mode of transport). As much as I love riding mountain bikes, at the current rate it is costing me, I don't think it's sustainable, especially when I will have more expenses when studying.

Ok cool, thanks. The only thing I was thinking is surely I can't register a bike over 125cc in my name if I am not old enough? Or maybe I am making this up haha Honestly, a drz400 looks like a lovely choice, and the police probably won't even care to check if you are allowed to ride it. One of my buddies got an aprilia shiver 750 as his first bike, and has had no issues. You raised a good point that I forgot about, rebuilding the top end every 25 hours or so will be expensive (I can do labour, but the parts are north of 2k) and a pain in the ass. Looks like 4 stroke is the way to go. Sorry for derailing your thread, and thanks everyone for the advice. My dad doesn't seem to mind, but I think convincing my mom will be a bit harder...

I am most likely to take a gap year and work during then, and I will probably work 25k or so maximum from my house, so nothing very hectic. Budget is somewhat of an issue now, it won't be so much when I work, but I still won't be earning a hell of a lot. Biggest issue right now is the law that I have to ride a 125cc or smaller bike. Otherwise, a crf250/drz400sm would be my bike of choice. Not sure on the short to mid-term goals... something I need to give more thought for sure

To me, it isn't a problem because browsing bikehub between/during classes for a minute or 2 at a time doesn't cost me anything. If I was working while doing it, I could understand how it may be an issue. Then again, if you work for someone else, and you manage to get your work done and still be able to scour the classifieds, then good on you. I guess in my specific scenario, I almost essentially got paid for the time I spent scouring, because I saved a lot of money. On a sidenote, how do all you guys with jobs manage to be so active in the forum and actually get anything done at work haha

Hey man, out of interest, how good are you at riding? If you are going to most likely be a pro, or have a huge social media following, you are likely to get sponsored. If you are an average rider, there isn't really any benefit in a company sponsoring you. A sponsorship is a 2-way street. The sponsor provides you goods/money/services, and in turn, you win races/promote them to your large audience. For example, I would love it if PYGA sponsored me, because then I could upgrade from the slakline to new enduro bike for free. But I realize there is no chance of getting a sponsorship. I like to think I am quite a bit above average in terms of my riding skill, but nothing compared to the top guys in the country. If getting a sponsorship was so easy, all of us would be sponsored. Lastly, if you need the sponsorship for financial reasons, why not get a part-time job, or negotiate a loan type agreement with your parents where you pay them back in installments? *also it's afternoon haha

I understand where you are coming from, but I can't afford to buy new. I can only work on the weekend, and there is no way that I would be riding the bike I am if it was new. I also save thousands working on my own bike, and you can service your suspension super often for literally pennies. Servicing is a hidden cost that most people don't consider when buying a bike for sure. I am a bit different to you in the sense that I don't want to lose a crazy amount during resale. New bikes depreciate more than a Maserati, and I simply can't afford to have my most expensive asset depreciate like that. Hence why I buy 2nd hand, so you only lose a bit when it comes time to resell. If you know what you are doing and have a lot of time/patience, building up a bike from 2nd hand parts can be cheaper than buying a 2nd hand complete. It also allows you to better check the condition of every component. It becomes more expensive when people don't have the skills and means to build it themselves, and they have to pay someone to do all the work.

I stay in Tokai For my motorbike selection, I don't have a lot of money to burn (if I enjoy riding motorbikes more than MTB, then eventually selling the enduro bike would allow me to buy a pretty nice motorbike). My budget is probably 30kish max, but I would like to spend less than that because gear is expensive also. I am not flustered doing work to the bike if it means it costs me less upfront, as I enjoy working on all things mechanical. Ideally looking for a supermoto or similar, because with a change of wheels, removing number plat and indicators, and some tweaks to the suspension, I can go ride offroad with all my buddies. 125 road bikes are kinda pointless, because if you get a streetbike, then it should be quick IMO. In a few years, a built drz400sm looks tempting, simply because from what I have heard, they are bulletproof and not so fast that you will kill yourself. I am also wondering whether my bike handling skills on the mountain bike would transfer to motorbikes at all? Anybody's input would be valued.

I know a 2 stroke pollutes more, but less than most cars on the road (especially here), and like I said, it's cheap to buy and easy to fix. The fuel consumption of the one I was looking at is just a liter or so less than your harley per 100km, which admittedly is pretty terrible for a tiny engine. I'm also not old enough (just) to get a bike over 125cc, and I have been told that 125 4 strokes are frikken gutless. A 125 2 stroke sumo is definitely a fun and nimble first bike from what I understand. Yeah having an EV does definitely become a lifestyle with having to always factor in charging points and range. Also in dense urban environments, a bicycle is the way to go. The power of riding on pavements and getting through tight spaces where a motorbike can't is extremely helpful. The only advantage of a motorbike is lane splitting, but that can be very sketchy at times. I didn't even consider the battery point to be honest. I guess it requires a larger amount of capital to start the business, but swapping a battery is definitely akin to fueling up in how long it takes. You have raised some very good points, and considering that you used to work as a bicycle courier, you are definitely more knowledgeable on the subject. These are the type of respectful and engaging conversations that I like to have on forums. I have learned a lot talking to everyone here.

I understand that buying new is less daunting if you are a beginner/don't have the desire (or time) to work on your own bike In my experience, you get way better spec 2nd hand, and if you know how to work on bikes, fixing any slight issues is very easy. I bought a frame and rear shock last year for a very good deal from an employee at PYGA who had just upgraded to the MOBU. All it took was a simple aircan service, which took me 20 minutes at a leisurely pace. I then got some 2nd hand curas. I completely flushed them, took the pistons out and cleaned all the seals. The lyrik I got was dialled, and it just had the charger 2.1 rebuilt a month before I bought it. All this cost me half of what the bike costs new, with better spec fork, brakes, wheels and seatstays. Additionally, the bars, wheels, tires, cranks, drivetrain (except the cassette) was brand new. No matter how you flip it, a saving of 50k is always lekker.

It's gonna be mostly used for commuting, but also somewhat of a hoon bike... I know 2 strokes well, so working on them and doing all my own servicing isn't a problem. I also think a 750 may be a bit much for my very first bike, and probably a bit heavy/daunting to ride at first. I honestly didn't even consider the cycle of petrol coming from the source to your tank, but I guess it's also kinda similar for lithium and other minerals. I get your point about solar, and many people are indeed using it, as if you have the money to go full solar, it means no loadshedding, and cheaper electricity in the long run. Just not sure if they really provide any meaningful power in winter. I think both ICE and EV are bad for the environment TBH, I just think here in SA, a cheap motorbike is easier/more practical for doing lots of deliveries in a day compared to an E bike. In town, it may work, but where it isn't as dense, there is a lot more gradient and distance to cover. Also if you think about it, your average speed on a motorbike is probably 45 km/h when there's very little traffic. On an E bike, it is half that, so you could theoretically do 2x the amount of deliveries on a motorbike. The other big concern is that you would need 2 or 3 E bikes per day if you were doing a lot of deliveries, simply because the charging is so time consuming. I think more people would drive EV cars if it was as quick to charge them as it is to refill a tank. For the people wealthy enough to buy high-end EV's, time is money, so they are looking for convenience. Completely off-topic, but I have seen a few E-tron Gt 's, and I wouldn't mind one of those... (but would still prefer an rs6 haha)