Tommohawk

No shots fired, I think the bikes are great, but the pricing should be sharper, especially considering that no dealer margin is factored into the price of the YT. This is supposed to be the strength of the "direct to market" model. Although it's hard to draw direct comparisons on spec you'll note the dollar price is the same, yet the YT is 10% more expensive in our market...

All these models are over-priced... As an example - The Giant Reign 2 aluminium model is R44k with a Rockshox Pike fork, Monarch rear shock and Shimano SLX/Deore drivetrain. Less cash, better spec. The comparative carbon Giant Reign Advanced 2 is R6k cheaper than the Capra CF Comp, with full XT groupset (arguably better than the X1 groupset and RF Turbine crankset on the Capra CF Comp). All this whilst still offering retail stores normal margins before any discounting...

#keenbean

@tommohawk

Event Name: CRAFT Winter Clearance Sale When: 25 May 2015 - 29 May 2015 Where: The Section, 19 Section Street, Paarden Eiland, CT, Western Cape Category: Industry / General CRAFT ANNUAL WINTER CLEARANCE SALE PICK UP SOME GREAT DEALS ON CRAFT CLOTHING, EYEWEAR AND MET HELMETS! LIMITED STOCK AND SAMPLES AVAILABLE SO GET THERE EARLY. TRADING HOURS: MON-FRI, 9:00 - 17:30 Go to Event Page

Hey, yup, that was me. Crashed twice in stage 2 so only managed 8th overall but was happy with my 2 stage wins and 2nd place in the last stage despite losing 30 seconds in stage 2 with the spills. Moral of the story - keep it upright no matter what :-)

Interestingly I've ridden the Trek Remedy 9 26er and the Remedy 9 29er extensively back to back and I find the 29er the more agile bike - just proving that as much as a bike is more than the sum of it's parts, it is also more than just a wheel size and we should be careful not to classify all 29ers as exhibiting specific riding traits. The key to this bike's success under the Trek Enduro Team and Tracy Moseley at the Enduro World Series (1st team and 1st lady overall in the series) lies more in the geometry and suspension design than anything else. I'm probably biased, but the ABP design offers the best rear pivot location any manufacturer could hope for (but can't copy due to patent laws in most countries) and when you combine this with the EVO rocker link and adjustable geometry you get something truly special. Also can't wait to test out the Remedy 650b for a head to head comparison...

The local Trek distributors are importing the Fuel Ex 4 29, which will be at the R20k price point, allowing a great entry level offering on this new 29er platform. See spec here: http://www.trekbikes.com/za/en/bikes/mountain/singletrack_trail/fuel_ex/fuel_ex_4_29/# Fuel Ex 29ers land in Jan 2014. I have been riding the Remedy 9 29 (the only one currently in SA) and raced the Simonsberg Enduro on it last weekend, which is really what it's designed for. Amazed with the bike and got 2 stage wins and a second place in a 3rd stage of the 4 so I reckon that's pretty good evidence of why it is the bike that won the Enduro World Series Team prize this year. Keep an eye on the hub for a first hand review soon.

There are only really 2 applications in SA where a 650b mtb makes sense over a 29er - a bike for smaller men and women who don't feel comfortable on a 29er but want the big-wheel benefits, and the Enduro/All mountain application where big wheels can be limiting in more technical terrain. As much as many people claim to want the option of a 650b long travel all mountain bike, the market for this type of bike locally is minute and better served by the slew of 120-140mm travel 29ers that are available.

Something to give the Pyga a run for its money - the new Trek Fuel EX 29 being released toward the end of this year. Now you Pyga owners can get a fix of carbon...

The 2013 Trek Lush and Lush SL are women's specific dual suspension 26ers and will be available in size 14" in Jan 2013 for RRP of R25 999 and R29 999 respectively. From the horses mouth...

Don't forget Travel Insurance - prob the most NB thing if you need to get airlifted and sent home.

Check out the video Jeff Steber posted of his Intense 2951 prototype and you will pick up that tyres are the only thing really holding back the development of the big wheels in DH. Having said that, the 26" wheel will always be better in tight switchbacks even though the 29" rolls better in a staright line.

Sexy carbon fibre/kevlar construction and dynamic graphics with low weight and a bashguard for extra strength make this cSixx 150gm chain guide the weapon of choice for the discerning gravity mountain biker. Check out the weight of the Prototype version in the attached pic - only 178 Grams!!! The MRP G2 chainguide weighed in at 280 Grams on the same scale! You can find them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/cSixxproducts and on the web: www.csixx.com In store soon!