Dubber88

This will be my second Sabie 73km, and rode the first time with a Crossmark - Monorail combo on a 26" FS. Raced with a Race King Monorail combo last year, and was very happy. Unfortunately I don't have a Race King 2.2 as they are quite rare. It's definitely not a marketing ploy, as the tire with the smaller gaps will not let the tire move too much in a upwards and downwards fashion opposed to a very aggressive tire, when rolling on a smooth surface. The same as fitting BF Goodrich tires and seeing your consumption decreasing, opposed to high terrain tires. I have both sets and still need to test out what rolls faster going off road. Also , a high volume tire at lower pressure is more efficient on an uneven uphill, irrespective of the tread, as the tire rolls trough the obstacle opposed to over it. But, would like to hear what the hubbers think

Any comments?

Awesome event and awesome race!

The best tire I have seen self cleaning ability wise is definitely a Schwalbe Rocket Ron EVO. A good all round combo would be a Race King 2.2 Monorail 2.1 Combo, or Rocket Ron - Racing Ralph for a more aggressive tread. Also very popular is the Crossmark - Monorail Combo.

Have been using Sportron's Blitz for a couple of years, but unfortunately it has been discontinued. That stuff really worked for me. Tried Oros and it always took my sugar levels too high or too low. Now trying USN Cytopower HP, and am very pleased so far after first training session. I train on apple juice, 60% juice 40% water with another bottle with only water. Works perfect for me.

Twinlock system is only on the Spark series. In my opinion it's definitely not a must have. Depending on the rear suspension, to lock out front and back on the suspension itself isn't a problem. The brakes are the 2012 SLX models. Still very good. The big cliche remains : " Go and test drive both bikes and see which one fits you best , and works the best for you" Keeping in mind sizes and stem lengths on both models. A full XT groupset with SLX brakes will keep you happy and trouble free for a very long time. Also look as a starting point at the size charts for both models for different rider height recommendations.

Second hand XT wheelset. Keep the original wheelset and sell with the bike when you build/buy a new bike.

Good day Hubbers, Quick question. Which one of these two tire combo's would you suggest for the Sabie Classic? - Rocket Ron 2.25 rear @ 585g , Racing Ralph 2.25 front @ 520g. Evolution tripple compound. OR - Ikon 2.2 3C rear @ 580g , Aspen foldable 2.1 front @ 585g. I own both sets. In my opinion the Maxxis tyres would have less roling resistance to help for all the climbing, whilst the Schwalbe's have allot more volume which will help allot with a more comfy ride at the right pressures. Any suggestions/comments... Regards, Dub

Looking at those pictures, the choice is so much harder. I think both are really beautiful bikes. Saw the Scott earlier in the year and fell in love with it. Mercury really got some nice looks, opposed to how it looked three years ago. One thing is for sure, you won't need to upgrade anything on that Mercury, and those wheels will probably outlast you. Like a Land Cruiser 78 Series. You won't break it, it will break you. ( Not referring to the harsh ride ). When you buy the Scott be prepared to upgrade after a while to the things that the Mercury already have fitted. Ie. all the components the Mercury has that the Scott doesn't will make a very big difference to your riding experience. If the price is exactly the same, I would definitely go for the Silverback, because you're just getting so much more for your money.

I have no idea. It would be fair to assume the Scott is lighter. I know the mercury bikes are definitely on the heavier side from testing both out.

Tough one. Spark is definitely the better and lighter frame, but components are not that good compared to the Mercury. Shimano components on a Silverback money wise is hard to beat. You're not giving any information regarding what year and what specs these two bikes are. Is the one new and the other second hand...? At what prices are you getting the bikes for? More info, more answers

Awesome race series. Will be doing race 2# and onwards.

+1

Followed the first couple of pages on this thread. I went out today for a training ride from 12:00 to 14:00 in Pta, Klapperkop, Rigel, Louis, Dely, Rubenstein, and really made a conscious effort to abide all rules of the road and make responsible decisions whilst being courteous to car drivers. As far as I was concerned I received the same attitude back from the drivers on the road, especially the people that saw my attitude on the road. I'm definitely not saying that you can expect the same from everyone's reactions, but was pleasantly surprised what went on today on the road whilst I was out. Regards, Dub

My vote goes for the Crossmax wheelset.

Ask weight weenie. He would be able to help you out with a proper answer. He own R1's on an XTR groupo.

I have found full susser bikes are easier to bunny hop opposed to hardtail bikes, as the compression helps allot when pushing down and pulling up the wheels. Haven't tried this on a FS 29'er but have with HT 29" HT 26" and FS 26"

Hi Mr. Pants, If you are keen for a harder pace 30km/h plus. I would be keen. I live in Moreletta. Regards, Dub

Like Weenie said... Always keen to ride with people in the area. I live in Wingate Park. Feel free to PM or Email me. Regards, Dub

My vote goes for BigNine or SL729. The 2012 XT is seriously good.

That A1029er is shockingly good value for money.

Good question. Warranty is a good place to start. Both brands have decent back-up service. If everything is the same at the end, look at geometry and try to ride the bikes and read as much as possible reviews and what people complain about.

I thought The Hub was already a MTB only forum Just joking

Racing ralph 2.25 back, Aspen 2.1 EXO front.

Precisely for 24-25k : Momsen SL729 complete bike. Full 2012 XT Groupset, carbon frame, ZTR Crest rims on Sram X9 hubs. Also looks good. I've seen it for less as recommended retail on the site. http://www.momsenbikes.com/bikes.cfm?prod=sl729_12 Also look at building a bike. I built mine up for 20k. Weighs 11kg's. Niner EMD9 Frame, Full 2012 XT groupset, ZTR Crest wheelset. 2012 Reba RLT.