KennyZA

Must say after reading this thread I'm doubting myself here! I'm currently on the 'Registered Testing Pool' and I was under the assumption that should you test positive they cannot publicly out you. It needs to be a clean cut positive to publicly call you out on it. Obviously with a race like Worlds fast approaching this may change but in reality the tests - even in SA - are quick quick. The way I understand the procedure to be is that IF you test positive for a minor amount they approach you in a private capacity and you have the option to appeal by requesting the B sample to be tested. Nobody else is allowed to know the results of your test until it's clean cut and in that case they put it onto the WADA website where your name is etched into history with what you doped with 🤷‍♂️ Should all this come out as being a false positive, I'd imagine he'd have some serious legs to stand on to sue whoever released his results! And then all the prize money stress is gone.. but either way there will always be a question mark next to his name. But, now I may go read through that - what I thought was silly - flash drive they sent me to find out more details 😂

Thanks guys. Think an upgrade to a 30mm inner width and rebuild is the answer then. @nick_the_wheelbuilder thanks! Will definitely reach out later this week!

Looking for some advice on my continuous battle with popping spokes. I currently have a pair of Bontrager 28H Duster Elites which came on my Trek Top Fuel which I bought last year June. Since then I have popped about 12 spokes between the front and back wheels. Probably 2 thirds rear. They have also been a combo of on the nipple/rim or hub side. I'm about 110kgs all up when I ride and I am not a hard rider, in the slightest (bar being a chunky oke) - the latest rear spoke to pop was on the hub while riding up that little hill rolling through Simonstown on a road ride 🤦‍♂️ My questions are - 1) Are these **** wheels? Should I bother rebuilding them or just fork out for a new set? Ideally I'd like to keep my DTSwiss hub which I absolutely love! Or should I get new hoops? 2) Is it worth getting 32H rims? Are they stronger or is that not the point?

Stolen: Merida BIG.NINE 7000 2016 When: 13/04/2021 Where: Saint JamesCape Town, , Western Cape Large Frame, Lyne Contour Dropper Post, Black ESI grips, Fox 32 Fork, New Vittoria Grey walled tyres, Ryder Saddle Get further details about the incident in the Stolen Bikes section.

Stolen: Merida BIG.NINE 7000 2016 When: 13/04/2021 Where: Saint JamesCape Town, , Western Cape Lyne Contour Dropper Post, Black ESI grips, Fox 32 Fork, New Vittoria Grey walled tyres, Ryder Saddle Get further details about the incident in the Stolen Bikes section.

Stolen: Merida BIG.NINE 7000 2016 When: 13/04/2021 Where: Saint JamesCape Town, , Western Cape Lyne Contour Dropper Post, Black ESI grips, Fox 32 Fork, New Vittoria Grey walled tyres, Ryder Saddle Get further details about the incident in the Stolen Bikes section.

I bought a 2015 Carbon Merida Big Nine 5000 for R17k in Mid May. It's my 1st bike and basically had all those specs. Has given me SO many happy hours already and no issues. It looked the part, I looked at the picture of it every 15mins and I never doubted giving the previous owner my cash - despite it burning the pocket. It's all fine and well getting something with heaps of travel or some fancy geometry but the reality is that when you do end up venturing out onto the trails and see your 1st drop or rocky single track you're not gonna be too fussed on the suspension but rather how the heck you're gonna walk down it nevermind ride a bike! And that's only after the initial 1st few weeks learning how to uncleat ha ha.. My point - get something that YOU think looks sexy, is well looked after and you don't doubt having spent your R15k. Once you've done some/plenty hours on the saddle you're gonna start understanding what you really want! I speak from experience with having been new to the sport in May to now riding almost every day and learning tons every time I go out! What I thought I wanted in a bike is now very different to what I want now.. and likely that'll keep changing as I do more hours learning and narrow it down! Pick the bike that has the most views in your browser history and I guarantee in 6 months time you're gonna be able to know exactly what you need in a bike. Then you can look out for 'The One' all while still being able to ride you're 1st steed and enjoying the sport.

Did you end up buying the One? What do you think of it?

Shot for all the advice guys! Probably feeling more unsure on what to buy now with the new info but pretty sure I'll have a goodish understanding of what to look for in the bike! Think I am going to do a bit more searching on 2nd hand bikes before I commit to buying a new bike off the bat. Cheers

So basically I'm not that interested in single track riding - well interested I guess but rather looking at another form of cardio training that can take me further than running! I would like to one day maybe do some like Wine2Whales etc. but probably not on this initial bike. I've heard that Dual suspension is better for the naught! One day when I'm big.. I'm looking at a budget of R20k all in with kit - which seems to pick up only Hardtails in the R15k margin? I'd like to get something that is reliable and not going to be out of date in a year or two's time! Am I wrong in believing that 2x drivetrains are on there way out and I should be looking in the 1x 11/12 area of SRAM or Shimano? I see a decent pair of kicks and a helmet will set you back R3k before you've blinked! Thanks guys!

Hey guys, I am completely new to MTB - don't even have a bike yet. I swore to never ride a bicycle but after looking at some of the bikes available and videos I seem to find myself drooling over the thought. Several of my mates ride and I am eager to get going once we are let out of our cells! I have not riden bikes before, just grew up riding MX bikes. I have done a few sessions on a road bike indoor training thing and am a fairly decent athlete in other sports so am pretty capable physically. I've had my eye on the Specialized sale - the 2019 Chisel Comp X1 to be exact. And in other brands the Merida Big Nine Limited AL. What are the thoughts on these bikes and their components? Also are there any other suggestions on what bike to get being a kook and what aspects I should actually be looking at? Much Appreciated! Kenny