nookie46

Thanks for the replies so far guys..DJR, that was the one thing that was in the back of my head the whole time..will i regret not getting a dual with a lockout rear shock because of "bobbing" while climbing..but i've read some reviews which rates the Trance's suspension as excellent so its good to hear that it is not necassary to lockout the shock. Reason why I cant just go out and buy a R15k-R20k bike (which i want) is, i came from an entry level hardtail, mainly wanting something with hydraulic disc brakes as the bike i had still had mech disc brakes..so i decided on getting a Merida TFS 800 (air shock, hydraulic disc brakes, slx/xt components etc.) for about R8500. So I'm already stretching my budget from R8.5k to R11k. so a further R4k+ is really not possible for me. otherwise i need to go back to a higher spec hardtail, but will still ride on it with the thought of wanting a full suspension each time I see one. So do you guys think it is still worth going for an entry level full suspension? Any further comments on the 2 bikes will also be much appreciated. In the meanwhile im also keeping my eyes on the classifieds..thanks

Yeah there prob is but its difficult to find a good deal, ive been in and out countless shops in cape town. The thing is, i can get the Trance X4 for a very good price +-R11k brand new. Then you get a really good frame and Meastro suspension which is used right through the more expensive Trance range.You dont get the higher end components, but how much of a difference is it really going to make? maybe 10 or 20%? I've only started out trial riding a couple of months ago but feel my skills has rapidly improved as i did some bmx'ing as well in my earlier years and would like to get on a full suspension. What do you guys think of the Trance X4 or the Merida for that matter??

Hi guys, I'm currently looking for a new bike and have narrowed it down to one of the following: Giant Trance X4 or Merida One Twenty 800D. Yes i know both are entry level dual suspension bikes, but i feel the need for one but cannot afford the minimum R15k - R20k for a decent one. I mainly do single track riding. Currently I'm leaning towards the Trance X4. Reasons for this is the high quality frame which is used throughout the range, the Maestro dual suspension setup and the R2k price difference. The Merida has the better components all round, but how big of a difference will this make at the end of the day? The only thing which is holding me back on the Trance is the shocks..rear one is Giant's own in house shock with no lockout. I'm thinking with 2k in hand i can add some more cash and replace this once the original one gives in or as my skills improve and I feel the need for one. The front shock is a Roxshox tora tk, 120mm lockout.how is this shock rated. The merida has air shocks all round with lockout. Looking forward to your comments Thanks

Hi guys, I need some advice on what to get between the following bikes: Group A Merida TFS 300 Giant Talon 3 Group B Merida TFS 500 Giant Talon 2 I initially thought to get a bike from group A but can stretch my budget a bit to get a better bike from group B. I would also like to know if its worth looking at something from the Scott stable in this price range or any other bike worth looking at?Any comments will be much appreciated. Cheers