Monark

if it is going to be muddy then def go for the Karmas!

Been riding there quite a bit recently and cannot seem to find one that I do not like... Am loving the purple 26km trail but wish that there was more single track...

WRT the rolling resistance you are right, they roll much more efficiently than the Karmas as well... I guess that it is always going to be a trade off!

Hmmmm... I used to run a Kenda Karma 26 x 2.2 on the front of my Anthem but it was worn and had a few dings so I changed to the Maxxis High Roller when I converted to my new rims (Gippieme Kenya XC - review to come later) after much deliberation and discussion with fellow MTBers and my LBS. Now, the tyre is new so maybe I am being a little unfair but the grip that I was getting on Sunday through the single track at Holla Trails here in KZN was not very confidence inspiring. The pressure was a little on the high side though... Does any one else on this BB run the High Roller upfront? What tyre pressure are you running and what is your view on the tyre?

okay... wow what a wonderful change! the 11-34 really suites my riding style and I am finding that I now live in the middle ring... I did a 30km run this morning and feel fresh! Thanks for all of the opinions and guidance chaps.

Left work early on Friday and disappeared to GibaG, it was misty but as humid as heck and the ground was damp... what a ride! Was with 2 great mates and we just sat at the restaurant after a 2 hour thrash grinning and sipping on some cold ones... Priceless!

Thanks for the responses chaps. I am on an Anthem X2, 3 x 9 speed, 26 inch wheels. I enjoyed the 11-32 but felt that if I had a 34 I could climb anything in the middle ring upfront... I am going to order the 11-34 and test it out.

Hi Please could you let me know which cassette is better to use on a XC bike. I need to replace mine as it is worn and I need to make the decision.

I agree, look at the Giant Anthem X1 it weighs in at 11kgs and is full alu! You now get some fancy new Meridas that are full carbon and weigh in at 11.2kg! Who needs carbon?? I love the look of the carbon bikes but would hate to drop one whilst riding down a rocky trail.

I must say that here in Durban we have a cycle lane on NMR and I have quite frequently come across roadies riding 4/5 abreast which results in them spewing out into the lane designated for my truck and I... I hoot and then pass on the outside, trying to give them more space than they are entitled to. Recently I have had one stop at a robot, after I had hooted, and he had a few colourful words for me. I simply responded by saying that I would wait for him to ride off from the robot so that i could run him down... my truck loves a little off roading so I never saw a hassle tackling him and his carbon stead... Sadly, the minority always ruin it for the majority...

I agree with some of the comments above, I do not know you or your GF but you need to realise that she will need to make the decision as to whether she wants to be with him or you and whatever you choose to do will have no bearing on that... I say let her go, pony up and be a man about it.

Maybe she had had one too many?

I have a Ventura in my garage together with an Anthem X2 and I must say that the Ventura is an incredible little machine. Just becareful when it comes to sizing, the SB frames are almost an inch smaller per size so the bike looks very small for a medium but trust me, it is perfect! The shock is nice and plush for its spec and the brakes and gears are awesome. The medium that we bought is under 12kg and climbs like a mountain goat. I have never owned Alexrims so I cannot comment on the wheels but they are holding up just fine. A great buy, you will not look back.

But is it still cool to wear it if you are not the world champ? By way of example, those Renaults that come out with stickers that say "F1 Edition"...

Mmmm... Steers is great but their burgers seem to have shrunk in size this year... A King Steer used to be too much burger for me to handle... now I can klap one without a hassle and I am smaller now (81kg) than I was a few years ago (88kg)... MacDonalds is a fail... In Durban we have Johnies Rotti... mmmmmm....

Yeah stay in the middle ring on the front and then find a gear on the rear that you are comfortable in to both climb and do some flat work in... rather be in a slightly bigger ring on the rear so that if a nasty little climb comes out of no where you can react and get over it. Also, keep as much speed as you so that you hit the little climbs with momentum. I am still learning the art of taking the correct line, now that I ride a dual suss I have beome a little lazy with my lines...

Hi My Anthem X2 came with entry level Shimano hydraulic disk brakes. The pads are the resin type. I used to lose all brake feel when running hard so I upgraded my rear brake setup to an SLX calliper with XT pads and disk(rotor). Can I use a non-Shimano disk with my SLX calliper?

So, after reading all of this I must ask if XT wheels worth buying? I am looking at upgrading and they are one of my options. I want a wheel for XC racing that has sealed bearings and dont weigh a ton...

Hi All A mate is looking to upgrade to a dual susser and the 3000D (sounds like a double cab) is one of his options. What should he be looking to pay for one of these? Any owners here that can comment on the bike?

We have a SB Ventura (the sexy matt gold one) in the family and it is an incredible bike for the price... no scratch that... it is an incredible bike fullstop! I ride a 2009 Anthem X2 and love it to bits but I am growing fonder, by the day, of the Ventura's great looks and the way that it performs (fork is great, brakes are great and the gears are spot on)! The Ventura is a very capable bike. Beware though, it is intended as a racing XC bike, you will be stretched over the frame.

Thanks Johan. I see what you are saying, the current hub has bearing issues and the freewheel body is worn. I will rather save some more and build up a new rear wheel (hub, spokes et al) I was concerned about spoke length to begin with. Thanks for the advice.

Hi My Anthem X2 came with a Shimano Deore rear hub and Mavic 117 rims. The rear hub needs replacing. Can I swop it out for a Stan's ZTR Disc rear hub? I can get one at a really good price and would like to only replace my current hub with something with sealed bearings. Any input is appreciated.