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).

I hear you but not being the most technical person on the planet I wouldn't know where to start building my own bike so where to I go to get something built? What is SS?

I am looking to replace my MTB and was looking to go Alu Softtail 29er - looking to spend approx R 30K. I saw a nice KTM 1.29 Phinx at the 94.7 Expo at R 32K. I would appreciate views on what to buy.

How much are you looking to spend?

Tag Aquaracer - had it for 8 years

Lot's of difference between road bike and MTB. Biggest difference in terms of efficiency is tyres due to rolling resistance - it is worthwhile

They won't sell direct but I am sure they will help unless there really are stock issues. Give Derek Edwards a call on (011) 363 2211. Good luck

Mine was 6 weeks ago. Unless there are stock shortages due to 94.7. Have you spoken to the distributor directly? I have dealt with them on a couple of occassions on both MTB and road and found the guys helpful and quick to respond.

The slow supply of the bikes is nonsense. I ordered a 2011 Merida 904 race lite from Westdene and they had to get it from Cytek (The Merida distributor) becuase I ordered an XL which they didn't have in stock. It was ready for me to collect within 24 hours.

Go to Westdene Cycles, they have a broad range and the best prices. Check out Merida. Also don't get caught by anybody selling 2010 models unless they are significantly cheaper becuase 2011's are out and with the rand/euro being down in the last few months new bikes are cheaper.

I have only recently started viewing the Hub. I think most people are genuinely knowledgable and helpful. I bought a good quality trainer 2nd hand; I didn't want to spend a fortune on a new one and didn't want entry level. The comments from others regarding the make, model and price were postive which convinced me to buy - no regrets and a win win for the seller and myself. Life is too short to be bitter.