timM

Sexy stuff......hold on, I need a tissue....aaah!

common sense seems to have prevailed - good outcome - although I am sure some other won't share my view!!

For good value, look out for a good second hand GT avalanche 1.0 If you want to go new and stick to your budget then the 3.0 is a good option.

Andrew was one of the most special friends one could hope for. He was just 47 - married to Ursula. He was the Godfather of my boys - Matt and James. He had a great love for the outdoors and was just getting back into Mtb, a sport he loved. I was privileged to be with him on his last ride on Sunday along with Mike de Villiers and Andy Howard. His spirit will forever be in the Silvermine breeze and his memory in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Goodbye my friend. Tim Mosdell

buying a decent bike and using it!! also did my first stage race - lord of the chain rings!

you guys are all weird!

The specs on the phoenix are better, but I ride a Giant and it's been bullet proof. In this price range I would also seriously consider a GT Avalanche (2.0 or 3.0) especially if you are heavy on bikes. A year old GT avalanche 1.0 would be a really good buy for you - you should be able to get a 2009 or 2010 for 5.5K

Bad news guys - but pleased to hear that all is going to be well! Wish your wife a speedy recovery. Big up to you guys for being so philosophical about the incident!

inspiring - good stuff!

Anthem X1 67kg Fox 100mm travel fork RP2 shock Front 65 Rear 160

Depends by what you mean 'a lot more' and by how heavy you are on the bike. I would guess that an average rider would need to service pivot parts every year or two and replace bushes etc every 2 years or so. At a guestimate I would say that you would be in for an extra K every 2 years in servicing costs compared to a hardtail. Others may have different views!

It's true, the pivot parts do need to be checked and serviced periodically. The key thing to ensure is that the frame is not cracked - that would be a real mess. I went for a 2009 Giant Anthem X1 which I got for about half the cost of a new equivalent (the 2010 X2). Before buying the bike I got the seller to service the front and rear suspension. I have been delighted with the bike!

Don't forget to let us know how it goes

Going to a wedding on Saturday so we are staying in town. Taking the kids to do some single track in Tokai in the morning before the wedding, Then a nice long, easy ('cause I've just done the K2C) ride around the peninsula on Sunday to test my new road bike!! Then light a fire and chill!

She's a beauty alright - enjoy her!

Great shots dude!

Noordhoek peak on Saturday, Blockhouse on Sunday, Spinning this morning!!!!

lol!!

agree!!

Went up Noordhoek peak via Tokia and Silvermine gate - unbelievably clear views - this is why I ride!!!

You can download spinning podcasts at http://trihardistpodcast.blogspot.com These can be used with either a trainer or a spinning bike. Great workouts - different themes like cadence, hill-work, endurance etc.

Does your wife have a sister? Preferably a twin!!!!

I bought an Anthem X1 (2009) 10 days ago - what a dream. I had the shocks serviced and checked out before I signed on the dotted line! I too moved from a HT and found the sensation a bit weird at first but after 2 rides you won't look back. The Anthem is actually a great climber which is quite surprising. Go for it!

Have just signed up - good luck!!!!

Not at all - its a personal preference. My wife, for example, prefers the normal GT avalanche 1.0 to the GTW Avalanche 1.0!