Nikolais

It is black magic!!!! HAHAHA It is a device/guide that stops the chain from jumping off the chainring over rough terrain. On DH bikes only a single chainring is used on the front, and without the guide the chain bounces off. There is usually a guide at the top to keep the chain running straight and a roller at the bottom to keep the chain tight onto the chainring. It is mainly used in Downhill, Freeride, 4x etc and there are even devices that are compatible with double chainrings.

Good point Nige - makes sense to have a bigger wheel for guys closing in on the 2m mark like me....

I do think that 29er DH bikes would have to have a lower COG to aid agility as Omega Man said. But I do not see Pro's cutting their times down solely due to running 29" wheels.... I do think that other advances in technology will aid this, but wheel size... I am not sure. That said... If pros ran 24" wheels I am sure this would hinder rolling momentum - So I am unsure.... As I said before I have ridden my Old Mans 29er when I was in the Uk and I did some single Track and trail - I didnt find the handling much different as I rode the same trails on a standard 26" bike as well. And it was rather rooty and slightly tech in sections - but then again, I am a hacker!!!! HAHAHAHA We will have to see what becomes of this.

Ok, thanks Patches - I will have a look. What was the entire cost of the E13 (Shipping import taxes etc)?

Great, thanks guys. Yeah, I meant the old style BB mount - not ISCG. I ride a 2002 Orange 222 - before ISCG came into being. I know of Take 2, but didnt realise they sold chain devices and all that - I knew they were good for Music. I can get a Truvativ Box Guide for R700 from my LBS, but finances are tight and I was hoping someone would have something for half that?? But I guess I should just pull the trigger on the Truvativ. Had a cruddy experience at the last provincials where I lost my chain on both my race runs!!!! It was infuriating to say the least, but I am bodging something for the race this weekend and then I will get a device (2nd hand or new) after pay day. Thanks again for the help.

I am looking for a BB mounted chain device for less than R500. That is all.....

No stress, I am keen to see what becomes of this...... I agree that the frame shape makes the wheel look WAAY huge on the 951 But how hectic are the wheels (in the above article) on the 2951?? And the 26 Rear/29 Front combo - a modern take on the 'Big Hit's of old.

Ok, I have read up on what you said patches. http://www.vitalmtb.com/features/One-Year-Later-Intense-2951-29er-DH-Prototype,112 The standard 951 is just a normal 26", but Intense are working on a 29er prototype - the 2951. This is interesting.

WOAH!!!! i did not know that? I am behind on this one. The 951 is sweet.... I rode my Old Mans Gary Fisher HiFi 29er when I visited them in the UK, but feel any noticeable difference from any 26" trail bike?

I agree with MXKid, It is a good start - you would not want to shell out 20 grand or so for a bike until you are sure that you are following the right discipline!! Downhill in South Africa is forgiving enough for the bike you have - I raced my first season on a 4" travel Schwinn 4Banger with 4" forks and managed to get a few respectable times. Then I slowly started upgrading, starting with the forks and then the frame, then the comps. Keep at it and welcome to the world of DOWNHILL!!!!!

Read the following article on a tour around Treks HQ in waterloo. http://www.pinkbike.com/news/trek-tour-29er-proto-2011.html One of the prototypes they had was a 29er DH rig!!!! Now I always wondered if 29ers would stick, and it seems they have, but I have also wondered how soon it would trickle into DH? The Trek had 29er specific Dorados so I am guessing that they are looking into it quite seriously? What are your views?

HAHA, she had just arrived and was not set up - hence the blurriness of the photos - unless we were just going WAYYY too fast???

Same step-down, but this is later on in the day during my race run - with no chain.

Me hitting the Step-down at the PMB GMR Dh race this past weekend. The landing is just off-camera. Will post a better pic from a different angle later. I had some technical issues during the race and lost my chain on both race runs about 1/3rd of the way down the course, this step down is near the bottom, so I managed to keep my speed up (even through a gnarly rock garden) and hit it both times with exactly 0 pedal strokes!

Greg Minnaar Racing in PMB (Boom Str) Used to be called 2 Wheel Inn. I have been going there for as long as I remember. I still use the shop even though I now live in Durbs. Amazing service, Old Man Mins (Jeff) technical knowledge is second to none. They always make a plan, especially with tricky parts/fittings, I currently have a few parts on my DH bike that where hand machined my Jeff himself!! Jeff and Jackie are always keen for a good chat and have always got time for you.

Good point, it is a tough one... The only way around it is bicycle lanes - but they would very soon become the new Taxi Lane/Rank!!!!

My 2 cents worth... (I have no idea as to the ins and outs of the Death of that poor little girl, so my text has nothing to do with that incident, or any incident in particular) I remember reading Lance Amrstrongs 'Its Not About the Bike' and if i can recall, he said that he had lost count of the number of times he had been knocked by cars. I rode to school on a bicycle from Grade 5 right up until Matric. I then also used to commute to college (+-8km, PMB Central) every day . Recently I also commuted to and from Work for a spell (+-12kms, DBN Central). In all these years I have never once been even close to being in an accident. I keep to sidewalks and try to keep my speed down around pedestrians. Some people might not agree that cyclists should ride on pavements but I base my reasoning on one simple fact... Before a car is driven on the road, the actual vehicle needs to pass a roadworthy test, the driver needs to have a drivers license (This is of course omitting the many illegal road users out there). Now bicycles dont need roadworthy tests and Cyclists dont need to pass a license This means that bicycles have no right to occupy the road as a vehicle. (A cyclist could ride on the road with a brakeless bike and with absolutely no knowledge of the basic laws) If we allow cyclists to 'Claim their Lane' as I have heard stated before, then there should be no problem with Skaters, Rollerbladers and even toddlers on push bikes being on the road!!! Or any other form of Transport, no matter how unroadworthy for that matter!! Nothing separates cyclists from these other forms of transport. This is why I believe that cyclists have no right to be on the road, but... This is a grey area and I do believe that if cyclists wear all the correct lights and Hi Vis vests and they obey the rules of the road then they are welcome as a GUEST on the road.... They should make themselves as little of a hazard as possible and always think ahead. Anticipate ANYTHING and EVERYTHING. This is my honest opinion, I am not trying to create a stir. Nic

Generic bike sale post ____________ Fro Sale: Raligh Down hill bike or can be used for crossing countie Hydrolic Breaks Manito Minut Shock Fox spring back shock ____________ Sellin for frend as he is now overseas and wuld like to sell to help cover the cost of the move {Note; no punctuation)

Yeah, I am going to hook some of the riders - but it seems that the shots are going to be completely saturated by full DH machines and as we all know DH is not nearly as big as XC as a discipline. The mag needs some diversity. I will also be racing this weekend!!! Going to be be awesome to meet some of the Gautengers!!

Freeriders in KZN!!! https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/84064-freeriders-in-durban/

Please SMS me with your contact details if you are a freerider in Durban and will be able to make it to Giba this weekend. A well known SA magazine is doing a shoot for stock still footage at Giba over this long weekend and the more riders the better. It doesnt pay - but it will be good exposure. Nic Venter 0847527157

If you did black decals onto the bare carbon frame!!!!!!!! WOW!!!!!!

I am a Downhiller, so Road bikes usually dont catch my attention.... BUT..... When I first saw your Black Spade Prototype builds etc they really caught my eye. I like this artwork, but preferred the bike when it was Pure black!!!! I know that is not how you wanted it - but the 'Stealth Bomber' look is so Immensely awesome. But all-in-all I think the artwork is great. I am a graphic designer so I hope my opinion counts. Keep up the awesome TT bikes!!!!

Ha, the Bazooka was one of the 1st DH bikes I ever rode - it was my Buddies bike. We referred to it as 'The Sint-Hefty' haha, and the rear had so much lateral flex it made you seasick!!!! The frame is still floating about somewhere. Good times tho!

Here is my Bike. Old pic taken with a cell though. Blew the back shock the other day so i am looking for a replacement.... So if anyone can help, it would be appreciated. 2002 Orange 223 (Ex-Team GLobal [GM]) 2002 Marzocchi Shivers XT Hydraulic stoppers with floating rear brake. (Most brutally responsive and powerful brakes I have ever used) Buggered Rock Shox Pro Deluxe Prototype floating chain device (I will post more pics of the 'device' when I get a chance) XT/LX drivetrain T.H.E Saddle, easton carbon Seatpost. Tioga bar and Stem Mavic/Velocity rims Pic taken after a muddy ride, so excuse the mud guard