EvilRabbit

Pretty broad statements. I think more of the youth identify with mountain biking especially as the sport has spawned freeriding, dirt jumping etc. Quite frankly it is a culture thing, if you grew up in France you may be more inclined to ride road, if you grew up in BC you would be riding an mtb bike. I don't relate to lycra, shaved legs and simply pedaling for hours without much technical challenge. Other people don't relate to technical climbs, drop-offs and getting air and falling in the mud. Different strokes and all that.

Glad to know we won't meet on the trails...

So here on earth... I have mates on both sides of the fence and without a doubt road riding is more elitist and hostile especially at the casual level. Mountain bikers are druggies? showing some ignorance there mate and losing some credibility in your statements. Road riding has been around since late 1800's or so I think. Mountain biking only the last 20 or 30 years. Of course there will be your "legends" in the sport as it has been around over 120 years longer and would have a wider support. But realize more mtb bikes ared sold now than road bikes and mtb has progressed into one of the fastest evolving sports at an equipment and skill level. Not sure how much tech skills have changed in road riding over the last 15 years by comparison. Road bikes are on ave more expensive than mtb bikes so not sure where the elitist statement comes from, in fact do get where any of your statements come from.

Dirt jumping

On that note. 2 years ago, I bought a "last years model" xc race bike and got about a 25% discount. If you are prepared to ride last years model and push the guys a little it could be a good option. Had great service from the guys. Defs worth exploring. Savings mainly come when you are buying boutique brands made in the country your are importing from. What you looking at getting?

Tried to buy a particular bike from local stores a few weeks ago - a top selling mtb bike o'seas. 4-6 week wait no fox 36 forks in the country - and not available till after May wheelset not available tires not available pedals not available additional +R20k in price All these items are hugely popular items overseas. Most items not available or out of stock at wholesalers and it was an additional +R20k Bought the bike while on a overseas trip a few days later. On another note - I recently called a top suspension supplier here in SA. I wanted to buy an additional shock. Again, no stock and double the overseas price. Stock would only be available in May/June. Not sure who is stealing from who mate. My camera equipment in the states is only about 15-20% cheaper, but stock is available locally and once you take VAT off (business expense) the prices are not that different. I am happy to pay a little more for the warranty and to support the locals, BUT 50% more is acknowledging I am an idiot and not quite ready to admit that yet...

Think a full bike is 40% duties?

Think there is a lot of truth to this post. When riding the fantastic singletrack in Tokai, I always see tons of guys in tight lycra who only seem to ride the 4x4 roads. All this beatifull trail and guys just stick to the jeep tracks? Singletrack and getting dirty on trails is what got me into mtb. Seems the sport is splitting more and more. Not sure you can say road and mtb riding anymore. mtb now covers xc, freeriding, downhill, dj, trial riding - each a different sport and culture.

You must be taking the piss...

I'd look for a second hand dual. Don't see the point of a hardtail unless you are super excited to start racing xc seriously (even then the benefit is a hot debate). A dual will be way more comfortable, allowing you to spend more time in the saddle, and more fun to ride. There are quite a few decent duals going for 12k in the classifieds. Make a reasonable offer and you could walk away with a great deal that could last you a little longer than a hardtail. Just my 2c A quick check and I found: https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/936-giant-trans-x2-2009-med-brand-new/ https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/1138-trek-2011-fuel-ex-5-full-suspension-moutain-bike/ https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/473-giant-anthem-2008-medium/ https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/374-scott-genius-mc40/

Anyone have any helmet cam footage up anywhere of local trails around CPT - downhill, freeride, jumps, xc whatever...

SC VPP! Have owned a VP-Free and now a Nomad C and it just works, pretty stable on the ups and plush on the downs. Had an epic expert 2 years ago and loved the bike, but the spec proprietary rear shock was a lemon for 1-2 years when it came out. Have pedaled the maestro and seems to work pretty well too.

Just rode Tokai - been 2 years since I have been on a bike and was a little sketchy, but loved it. Was out on the new bike and really happy with her. Seems quite a bit of work as been done to the trails - thanks to the builders. Mamba and Boomslang seemed to be really rutted out and wonder if they need a rest for a while? Perhaps a new alternative could be looked at allowing them to recover/be repaired? They used to great trails for me to take beginners on as an intro to the sport and now saw a few guys struggling.

Check the airlines websites. Some allow it for free and some charge. SAA was free

love the quarter pipe at 2:02

Link to some Monday Morning inspiration. Taken from Kranked 8 - amazing skills, creative trail building and top notch cinematography.

Had to speed through 5 pages of posts ;-) Think a paid/serviced park is an great idea - as a business model I am not sure as you are challenged by the the amount of time people have to ride - mainly weekends. Can that sustain itself? Winter becomes more challenging. I have ridden mountains like Whistler and Thredbo in Australia and can vouch for the success of the mountain bike park provided it offers something different and better than local trails. That last bit is the key. To simply build some more singletrack may not be enough. Freeride areas, Downhill runs - serviced shuttles for an extra R50 on weekends, a pump track and jump park are needed as well as 4x course. A night lit xc course and jump park would allow later riding bringing in more rev. There is enough single track around especially in Stellies it seems. Think you need to offer more.

Not sure I understand why? The shock is one of many components and can be swapped out for various options to suit riding styles. I guess you could say the same about the drivetrain, brakes, fork etc too. If anything the frame would be the most NB thing as it costs the most...

40% on new complete bikes and only VAT on components. Just say you are here to do some races, they will see the bike is not new - if they do stop you...

Hey Guys Not a dirt jumper at all, but have a stretch of land near me that could do with a few jumps to get learning on. The soil around the area is not really usable and was looking to get some decent dirt delivered. Anyone recommend something to order? Any builders in the Gardens area, CPT, pm me. Peas

Just brought a bike in. Bagged it in a bike bag and walked straight through customs...

makes good sense

Yip, looks great. Should have the DHX RC's available in May. Was going to buy one now while in the US, but thought I would hang on for the 2012 stock. Will match the Kashima Talas nicely...

Apologies for missing the date, pretty bad as I started the thread, but have a valid excuse as I was away in NYC. Has another date been set?

Maybe I want to discuss something with a bike store owner and that's why the post was directed to bike store owners.