BlinkFan

The Scott Scale 40 looks pretty cool! Looking at the spec it falls somewhere between the Shift 1 and Shift 2. More towards the Shift 2 maybe. I did notice that they say the Scott frame is made from 6061 aluminium alloy, while the Silverback Shift frame is made from MU9 alloy which is supposedly 2/3 the density of other alloys,and 1/3 the weight. I'm an electronic engineer and not a mechanical/chemical engineer so I don't know if this is true and/or how relevant it is? The Spectra is made from 6066 aluminium alloy which is supposedly 33% stronger and 20% lighter than 6061 Aluminium? http://silverbacklab.com/materials.htm

Am I just being blind? I can't find the Scale 40 on their site... Only the Scale 30 and Scale 70. Do you have a link please?

What is the price of the Scott? Do you have a link or something with the specs of the 2011 Scott? I tried to find something online but couldn't get anything... I'm also looking at the Spectra at the moment. Think it's really good value for money at R11k. It will be a huge upgrade from my 2009 Alpine! The spec of the Shift 1 is quite bit better than the Spectra, and the frame should be lighter and stiffer than the Spectra's. I don't think it will be under R15k or R16k though.. So it comes down to how much you want to spend?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAPXbypyaq0

2011 Silverback Spectra goes for about R11000. Think it might be my next one...

There isn't one anymore, but the Ventura pretty much has the same specs the outgoing Nabraska if I remember correctly.

I had a tumble in Jonkershoek trying to ride/jump over a wet root... damn those things are slippery when wet! Lucky there was not a soul in sight B)

I hope they still have Silverback prices

Well if you're not using it, and it's just gathering dust why not donate it to someone who could maybe use it?

On a related note... I was sitting in the M5 queue this afternoon trying to get on the N1 when I saw about 4 or 5 guys on the other side of the road coming from the N1 direction. That's just looking for trouble!! At the moment the N1/M5 interchange is tricky even when you're in a car, nevermind on a bike! That was a very good example of cyclists being stupid...

This has got to be one of the stupidest arguments ever!?

Needtobreathe - Won't Turn Back

So smaller is sometimes better... Yes! This bodes well for a lot of guys B)

So what is the purpose of the more expensive and more "powerful" brakes then?

Say what? I have a masters in Engineering and I just blacked-out! But you make a good point

@lost frog, I was at City Cycles (Canal Walk) the other day and they told me the Mercury 1 is R19,500. I hope they gave me the right price... I'm also looking at the Felt Virtue 2, R19000.

Guessing a bit more than the Silverback?...

What's the price of the Morewood Zula? Round about...

@lukehardiman, I agree with you. I bought a entry level Silverback (Alpine) a year ago when I got into the sport. It's now more than a year later (and quite a few tough races) and the bike has given me no issues! Sure, my fork is less than useless and Shimano Deore is making my life miserable, but the frame hasn't cracked or broken (just my collarbone). So in short, if the frame could handle my 100kg plus body I'll give it 2 thumbs up!