Dubber88

Lyk goed

TL ready. Its the EVO triple nano compound technology. http://www.schwalbetires.com/bike_tires/off-road_tires/rocket_ron

Sorry dude! I meant back tire. Rocket Ron is awesome for the front. My Bad!

Awesome front tire.

That combo is far more appropriate on a 29er due to the extra contact area on the ground. There's a reason why every Niner pic on their website either has WTB or Race Kings on... The RK may prove to be a bit too loose for the front. Please let us know

Good question. I am willing to go and ride with you early mornings tomorrow and Tuesday.

I would recommend for that type of terrain a Race King 2.2 ( Not for the width but for the high volume of the tire) at the back and a Monorail 2.1 for the front, both normal foldables. This combo will cost you no more than R600. As far as pro's and cons for tire combos, that is something that is specific to your preference regarding handling ect. I would recommend try and test, eventualy you start to realize what patterns are good design and what isn't rather than looking at brands and the price. A good rule of thumb tire combo is a Crossmark/ Monorail combo. That works great for the terrain in PTA - Groenkloof. I was a big fan of a Crossmark until I tried a Race King 2.2. I'm still a big fan of a Monorail 2.1 foldable. My current tire combo is a Racing Ralph 2.25 Back / Maxxis Aspen 2.1 Front. Probably the best tire setup I have had ever. Another combo that is great is a Racing Ralph at the back , Rocket Ron front. Very expensive. If you buy from the from the wrong guy that will cost you approx. R1,300 for the two tires. One problem with a Mountain King is that it wears extremely fast on tarmac. It is a superb tire in moist to muddy conditions on hardpack, such as fountains after a decent amount of rain the previous night or more appropriate terrain like Harkerville. With that rider weight I would suggest riding normal foldables. Hope this helps.

Thanks Johan, What would be recommended for a carbon road/mtb frame ? Also what is the long term side effects of carbon tubes being wet on the inside? Regards, Dub

Sportron Rekindle. I won't use anything else.

If the Merida has 2012 XT components on, I would go for that one, as I think the new XT is far superior over the Sram components. As far as geometry of the frames go, you will have to ride the bike to see what feels best for you. You can replace components but don't necessarily want to do that with a frame. Another thing is the through axle on the Giant can be problematic, especially when you want to upgrade you wheelset.

Maybe wet too, by the looks of it?

Good day Hubbers, Feel free to post some useful info with regards to your plans for the race. Any scenario where you wished someone told you before hand but you learned the hard way.

+1

IMHO. Buy a bike second hand that costs R30,000 new, but still in pristine condition.

Very nice. Bended my rear rim yesterday due to very low tire pressure. But all in all a great wheel set!

http://www.bikeradar.com/gallery/article/cyclepassion-calendar-2012-32426?img=2&pn=cyclepassion-calendar-2012&mlc=news%2Farticle

Brilliant.

Shocking!

+1 On someone helping to measure yourself and fitment on the bike. WIth regards to the setup of an air fork/suspension. It can be very handy especially on a full suspension bike if you can sit comfortably with the correct weight distribution and some else monitors the sag and pressurizes accordingly. A proper fitment is probably the best money you can invest with regards to the long term and ride comfort.

Plus een.

Also consider 2012 XT.

+1. Your seat and the way it bends has a lot more to do with impact absorption on that section of the bike. I must also admit I have ridden both and changed the alu seat post on my Niner to a Ritchey WCS Carbon seat post with 25mm setback. From what I can feel it makes a little bit of a difference, but seriously not the price worth when looking at a comfort upgrade. Regarding the weight difference, carbon usually isn't a weight upgrade, but has more to do with the benefits of the properties of the material(s). Like for instance carbon handle bars goes a long way to reduce impacts that you can actually feel.

I don't know if I must congratulate you on your baby or be sad that you're not getting a new bike A good go to wheel set with adequate weight saving is probably the ZTR Crest 29" in my opinion. I'm more than happy with mine.

Plus een.

Must agree with MS, I rode a large 26" hardtail and am now riding a large 29" Niner. I would suggest looking at each manufacturer's geometry charts and recommended rider height as a starting point, this is brand specific.