kanigit

Shot Eugene - knowing next to nothing about MTB's all advice welcome

Wanting to upgrade and local bike shop has: 2012 Silverback Vida 3 29er @ R7900 2011 Raleigh Nomad (26") @ R5900 Both bikes are brand new, the Nomad supposedly has better gear changers (SRX), but is last year's model hence the price drop. Are these good prices (both bikes?) I'm 1.84m and currently on a bog standard Schwinn Mesa L which is too small for me. And at 44 starting to feel those bumpy downhills, so was leaning towards the smoother 29er, but like the spec and PRICE of the Nomad. Thoughts from those that are experienced and knowledgeable pleeeeez??

ok - cool - any idea what and where I can get it?

I have found I get a skin reaction to the whey protein in supplements - I'm sure it is a reaction to the whey because I react this way to too much dairy in anything. Does anybody else have this problem, and is there a solution/alternative? What protein supplements DO NOT contain whey?

Umm, ok that all makes sense..............so how come all road racers don't use TT bikes given the time savings?

As a point of curiosity for a newbie(I'm not a roadie - yet), why are TT bikes chosen for triathlons/ironman events, as opposed to std road bikes?

This would be totally kosher, depending of course 1) on the TYPE of suede shoe (are they genuine Rhodie veldskoens?), and 2) if he can be persuaded to wear them whilst on his bike as well. Both 1) & 2 ) have to be ticked otherwise it's just another pseudo. PS: after much consideration, it would be permissible if, in the absence of veldskoens being used as riding shoes, said person was using one for a water bottle instead.........

Ah ok - just down to weight, easy as that. Thanks guys!

........have disc brakes ? SOrry, typical newbie question

Guys, thanks a gazillion for all the advice, it is REALLY appreciated.............(yes, you sensed it, there's a BUT coming on) BUT....... you do know there are more dumn ass questions coming So, please scuse the ignorance Went for a lekker ride this evening.....and I've got to say that bike FEELS small for me. I keep finding I want to sit on the back of the seat...... @MorewoodMad : you ask good questions, and quite honestly I can't even begin to answer the first one - I actually don't even know the different types of riding and races. But that will come........for now, I am just going to concentrate on the basics, getting fitter, and learning the ins and outs of maintenance as I go along. Am super impressed with the heaps of responses to my post. Cheers!

SOunds like what I need - never get to JHB though. Anybody to be recommended in Cape Town doing the same?

LOL, ok, I'll google....

Hmmmm, ok. SO lots to think about there. From the little reading and talking I've done, i thought having lockout on a FS bike will stop power loss. Can somebody explain what is a bib please ? I think I made the right decision not to get the Specialised, even if it was a great price. ANother thing - I'd really like to do my own maintenance, so practicing on the Schwinn is probably a better idea than on something with expensive components LOL

@hboli4 - don't you get punctures with tubeless? What then? Never had punctures when out on a ride YET - just using normal tubes plus 'puncture free'

Awesome stuff, thanks guys, please keep it coming. Re. new bike - I missed a Specialised full suspension, ally frame, 600km, for R7k - didn't want to commit as I just don't know ANYTHING about bikes. Also wasn't sure about sizing. I hear the comments about staying with the SChwinn and getting to know MTBs better before buying - makes sense

Cool - thanks for the info. I had bar ends put on for the 2 races, they help to an extent but once the numbness/pins'n needles start they're there until I get off the bike. Might try changing the grips. Never considered tubeless - what's the advantage? is there a big weight saving? ANy input on going for a full suspension bike? Oh - the saddle, I get both chafing and impact soreness. The latter is definitely better when I've been riding regularly.

Hi - shot for the quick reply. ok, I bought a Schwinn Mesa, it says 21" (centre to top) and the guy who sold it to me said that is the biggest size - I am 184cm tall. Hear what you say about upgrades costing - and I have had no problems with Schwinn, just punctures plus breakages. The races I did last month (both 65km) had no problems at all. Could do with changing the angle of the bars/grips as my hands go numb on a long ride.

Hi guys 'n girls! Am really new to this sport, although i bought a Schwinn Mesa in 2007, only did my first MTB ride (which was a race) last month, followed by another. Am proud to say I finished both, leaving me hooked! What I found was: the Schwinn is HEAVY. downhills kill my legs, no ways could I sit on that bike. The saddle, the saddle, the saddle - WHO the f%%! designed that thing? It is one up on Chinese bamboo torture (IMHO). So...........am looking to upgrade, budget ZAR7-9k, and I don't mind going for a good condition 2nd hand bike. Very much doubt I will be a competitive racer, but doing rides and races for fitness, balance, endurance - also to complement enduro riding. The problem is, I have no idea how to measure up for the right size on my next bike. Will rear suspension help with those loooong downhills? WIll I get a full suspension bike for my budget? What bikes should I be looking for? Any makes to avoid, or pitfalls to watch out for? WHAT alternative saddle types are there? (preferably ones that won't neuter me) Oh, what does "BB" stand for (as in "frame size measured from BB to top of seat post") Cheers & thanks for any input!