Op1

thanks for the response guys - I dont mind the scratch on the bike - just wanted to know if I need to worry about it and have it fixed. If not il put some Armour guard and continue as normal

Going to look for a wrap or get VPS on it

Morning everyone I guess this was bound to happen at some point- but my bike slipped and fell and the handlebars scratched the toptube. Looks like its gone through the clearcoat and paint but not through the carbon. I dont see any visible fibers but Looks like a tiny nick on the carbon ( almost like pressed rather than scratched ) Looking for some advise if this needs to be repaired or can I put some clear coat and just monitor it. thanks all

I think this is a different company https://thepracticesa.co.za/

Hi Guys Anyone have any experience using the Practice- Linden ( Tim or Alasdair) for a MTB bike fit ?

Boost with SLX hubs , thruAxel . I placed an ad but price is neg https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/mountain-bike-wheels/610286/merida-expert-cc-rims-and-rotors

Hi Guys I couldn't find a thread as such after searching , so I decided to create new one on fair price value of items we looking to sell. I have a set of Merida expert CC rims with SLX hubs and rotors( 180 and 160mm) - brand new not 1km on it Not sure what is a fair market price ? Mods - if this thread is not allowed - please delete it

Hey guys so quick update - Cycle lab has put me into a medium and it feels better ( more nimble )- now I just need to get a proper bike fit done. What are your guys thoughts on 100mm suspension in terms of riding our general trails( hennops,vangaalens) and perhaps rides like Sani2C or Karoo2coast etc.

Thanks Guys. They used a RAD tool and I think that pushed out the LRG recommendation. Merida uses a smart-fit widget and using my inseam and arm length etc - it suggests a MED.

So Cyclelab put me into a large as I said im looking to be more comfortable on the bike. However I rode it and it feels ok.but I need to get a bike fit done though. but was just overthinking and wondering if a large will be ok based on my height. Im 172-173 and Merida recommends a Medium - Should I try to get it swapped for a medium or stick with the Large - thanks for the advice in advance guys

Hey Guys So I pulled the trigger on the Merida 96XT and slapped on some carbon rims as well - Im super happy and it does feel great now that it has been setup Thank you all for the advice and the support whilst I was so indecisive

, so as a last attempt im going to make a dash to cyclelab again and ride a few bikes and get a feel for them. The only thing I found really strange on the Trek was the 800mm handlebars - Trek said they can shorten it for me. but I dont know what I dont know (ie: whether 800mm is better in the long run). Suffering from analysis paralysis at the moment

Hi Robert, im 174cm tall and ride a medium at the moment but on the merida im a large and OIZ also Large

I forgot to mention that I had a professional bike fit done on my current bike. So I guess that both test bike would feel very odd

Hi Guys So I visited cycle lab and rode the merida, its feels similar to my momsen ( wrt to position ), overall it felt ok and something im used to. Not sure if im suppose to instantly feel that this is the right bike.The twist lock is something id need to get used to...its super light. I didnt get a chance to climb up an incline to get a feel for it though. second- I visited Trek and rode the Top Fuel 9.7. It felt big and handlebars felt really wide.overall I felt like im riding a big bike and sat slightly high and fairly upright-something im not used to...but it felt really good climbing hills. In the end, I left Pretoria feeling more confused and wondering if I should put off the purchase until I get more information. If anyone is willing to meetup at Cyclelab/Trek and offer some expert advice so I just finalise this damn purchase. -Lunch will be on me.

Thanks for all the advice - Will update you guys on what happens this week - going to ride both of them .

Trek9.7is going on a special at the moment for 70K for the 2023 model ( brand new ) https://www.trekbikes.com/za/en_ZA/bikes/mountain-bikes/cross-country-mountain-bikes/top-fuel/top-fuel-9-7/p/35178/?colorCode=black I also am viewing a 2nd hand one tomorrow - 2020 model -44k https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/478889994330870/?hoisted=false&ref=browse_tab&referral_code=marketplace_top_picks&referral_story_type=top_picks

Option 1 - https://www.cyclelab.com/product/1017166-bike-mtb-ds-carb-merida-ninety-six-rc-xt-my22 Option 2 https://www.trekbikes.com/za/en_ZA/bikes/mountain-bikes/cross-country-mountain-bikes/top-fuel/top-fuel-9-7/p/35178/?colorCode=black

In not sure what model it is..cyclab refers to it as a 2022 model but a friend of mine has the exact same one and he brought in 2020 or 2021

Thanks all, you are all amazing Last question,. I was told that the Merida only has 100mm travel and won't be sufficient for technical trails etc. For example I'm planning on riding the sani2c and wondering if the 100mm will be a limitation...bear in mind I wiegh 94kg Else I got a great deal on a trek full carbon 9.7 top fuel. At 68k...so now I feel like I'm back to square one on decisions.

Hi guys, So I found a trek top fuel 9.7 carbon....2020model. going to have a look at it today. Anything I need to look out for on these bikes? Owner says it has about 1700km on it already.

Thanks, I do alot of gravel and long rides (4hrs+) and want something comfortable and fast. I don't do alot of downhill and technical already I really do enjoy tech rides a few times a year So between the Merida and the trek then?

Thanks guys, I will have a look at the Trek bikes as well...any comments on the OIZ H20?

HI Guys I am currently riding a momsen hardtail and started doing longer rides 60+, with the intention of training for the race to the sun and other similar long rides. I realized quiet soon that a hardtail is tough on the body esp on rough terrain. So im planning on getting a dual sus in the next couple of weeks. but would like something that is comfortable and easy to ride during longer rides but can also handle the occasional rough trails. I have pinned it down to the following ( purely based on it being on special at Cycle lab for December ) - I know there are better options but I dont know what to look at - your advice would be greatly appreciated. Merida 96 RC XT -https://www.cyclelab.com/product/1017166-bike-mtb-ds-carb-merida-ninety-six-rc-xt-my22 Orbea OIZ H30 and H20 XT https://www.cyclelab.com/product/1016522-bike-mtb-ds-alu-orbea-oiz-h30-my22 https://www.cyclelab.com/product/1016513-bike-mtb-ds-alu-orbea-oiz-h20-my22 outlier of the group - KTM skarp 294 SX - https://www.cyclelab.com/product/1010739-bike-mtb-ds-alu-ktm-scarp-294-sx-12-spd thanks in advance guys

Morning all, Hope everyone is have a good start of the week, I need some quick advice on a replacement chain for my 12speed MTB bike I'm running sx chain at the moment and have got about 3000km on it... current wear is 0.5, so it's time for a replacement.. My options are sram gx chain or KMC x12 chain. I'm not sure which is the better chain to buy...I'm happy if the new chain last 3000km plus as well. Need your thoughts and advice. Setup is SX deraileur and SRAM cassette