Rickb33

Hey YetiFan, sorry to hear about your ordeal. I also ride by myself often so hearing yet another story like this does make me wonder. You mentioned the homeless guys helped you - I have often wondered if they are a help or the ones behind these incidents. Theoretically it is in their best interests to not have incidents along the spruit so that their illegal dwelling is not at risk - but I am not sure.

Thanks shaper - greatly appreciated

Is it the same on frames? Does it make a difference whether new or 2nd hand? What about complete bikes? I assume it is the same if buying from Ebay? Appreciate any guidance - thanks

I am finalising my decision regarding a new MTB. On the shortlist is the Cube AMS 29er Race, it gets great reviews in Europe and although Aluminium is highly spec'd. The only concern I have is the rims are DT Swiss CSW MA 2.0 and I cannot find anything on the internet regarding these - any opinions appreciated.

Even if you have had a basic bike setup done by you LBS spend a bit of money and get Richard Baxter and Arran Brown to do a comprehensive bike setup including cleat position, pedal motion etc (www.cyclefit.co.za) - you won't regret it.

Thanks for the comments - will check them out

Hi, I need new road shoes and from what I recall most cycling shops have a limited selection. I have no idea what brand as the fit is more important. What shop has the best selection? Thanks

Scott claim 12,4 kg's - don't know for sure. XL Momsen dual link 7 with full XT, ZTR rims and standard steel pedals weighed in at 13,0 (Saw that first hand today). With the Scott I got put off by the amount of upgrade possibly required and DT Swiss feedback.

Thanks V, I appreciate the comment. I was thinking of going for it and changing the brakes and shifters to XT as you mentioned - makes it a good value, great quality bike which also looks pretty good to me

Hi, looking at the Scott 29er Elite. I am not sure about the rear shock ie DT Swiss M210 as some reviews say it is higher maintenance than Rock Shox and Fox and also I have seen a post on bikeradar which mentions it could not handle the riders weight of 96kg's. (I am 92kg's). Any comments? I am also looking at the Momsen Dual Link 6 and the Fuji Outland 1.0 29er. Also I am 190cm tall and seem to be on the cusp between a L and XL - all the bike shops say L is fine but I am not sure if that is because of what they have in stock.

Thanks to all of you for your comments - some great views and great bikes. Unfortunately I need XL frame so some of the one's posted wont be suitable - pity though but will keep watching the hub for classifieds.

Great thanks - I am having a rethink and will spend sometime on the hub and exercise patience as suggested - I am not in a rush

I am just wary of 2nd hand as I have see what a MTB gets put through - how do I know what I am really getting if I buy via the Hub or even through a bike shop

Thanks for all the other comments - I will check out all the suggestions

Yeah but why do we buy half of the things we do? - because we can. If it was just a case of being practical we would all drive a R 10K car to get from A to B , never go out for supper because it is more expensive etc etc. As you say I will die one day so enjoy life while you can. PS - I don't buy things to impress other people, I buy them for my enjoyment. Incidentally I currently have a Merida Matts 60 which cost me R 5,5K and was great for getting me started - I didn't by that to impress and if I did it didn't work I do hear you on the fitness aspect and I know many people who have bought I lighter bike etc. I have about 3 kg's to lose so could and should lose that and can save R 15K. (R 5K per kilo). Ps - R 110K for your bike is a bit expensive (R 11 0000) I want to go 29er because I am 6"4 so figure it might be a better option but don't know if I am fooling myself. I also want to start doing 3 day events and thought a Softtail would be a worthwhile upgrade. To a point I agree with you, I can do basic servicing of a bike but I do not have the ability to build my own - it took me an hour and a half to realize that a replacement chain needs to have links taken out (I almost took it back to the bike shop).