Gareth1982

Thanks guys I will consider removing the bullhorns/bars. I did take the bike in for a service and according to the owner the bike is 100% I will buy some chain lub next week but I have bought everything I need to ride races so I should be set.

Here are some more.

HI all. here are the pics I promised you yesterday. sorry for the poor quality pics. please tell me what you think

Hi guys and Girls I just want to know if there are any riding groups in the Potchefstroom area or Klerksdorp area. does anyone know of a place that I can do some mountain bike riding with a group or alone just to train in these areas?

I will post pics a bit later tonight.

Sorry my bad the question is Did I do the right thing by purchasing the bike and the value of this bike.

I have taken your guys advice and bought a second hand bike for cheap just so that I can start with the bike riding and entering competitions. I bought a 2006 Mongoose Tyax Comp.Was this a good Idea? I know this is not the best buy ever but at least it is a bike that I can use and it was cheap. I just want to know by you guys is this an ok Bike, was it worth R1700? I am just doing 10km races for now and I am saving to buy my self a Merida Matt 800 or 1000 is it worth it to upgrade this bike abit maybe some better rims or Disc brakes and so on? Please let me know what you think. I appreciate all the help you guys have given me this far.

I am going to have give up a few thing so that I will have money to save....lol the goes my fish tanks... Just want to make sure with all you guys, I heard that this sport "slows" down in the winter and picks up in the Summer, is this True?

Congrats Teppla I hope yo are very happy with your bike. I have decided no to buy s bike yet I am going to hold out a few more months then I can get a better bike and spend about R6000 to R8000 on a decent bike.

That is what I am worried about, that if I take a cheap bike and I do 1 race and it brakes I am going to be a bit cheesed off but I am also scared I don't like the sport then you sit with a expensive bike that just sits in the garage.... I read the post thatsaid I sould borrow a bike from someone but I know no one with a bike to lend from.

ITs true, the bike really does catch you attention and you think thats the one. but the problem was that is how I felt when I saw the ATX375 but it has changed now tot he merida 100d but lets wait and see....lol

This is just as bad as tring to buy a car.....lol I have now gone and looked at the Schwinn and at the scott and mongoose.... I thought this would be a easy choice to make but I was wrong it is much more than just a bike, there are so many things to look at..... thank you guys for all the help and advice so far please keep it comming.

It is at the LBS here in Potchefstroom why?

What do you guys think of this Bike Schwinn Moab Comp I found it on www.bicycling.co.za at is retail price is R4500 here is the link for it http://www.bicycling.co.za/bikes-gear/guide/moab-comp-0

Here is a nother Question I know it is stupid but I have to ask. what is the differance between race and Leisure I see that is the 2 options on www.bicycling.co.za.

OK I have gone and found out a bit more on the bikes that I can afford I have to decide between a Giant, Avolanche, Merida and a titan. this is what is on offer in my price range and I also have to keep in mind that I need a R1000 to buy the extras. The Avalanche that I was looking at are ATX 375 and ATX 575 (R2900 and R4600) then THe Giant was the entry level same specs as the ATX 575 (R4700) the Merida is the TFS 100 d (R4200) Titan was the Spark or start or some thing like that but it was exactly the same as the Avolanche ATX375.(R3000) The main thing I have to keep in mind is that I don't have a big budget and what if I ride 1 race and feel that this is not for me and I never do it again, I will never get a decent price for the bike and I don't want to hang the bike it the Garage and never use it again. My Girlfriend will never forgive me if that had to happen....lol

Thanks for the Advice guys, keep it coming. SO if I understand you all right none of the Avalanches are really worth it? but I am off to do some window shopping now so will let you guys know what I find a bit later. Thanks again.

Thanks for all the advice so far I appreciate it. I am going to do a bit more window shopping and I will post the specs here so you guys can help me make the best choice.

Thanks for the Advice Polo I will go tomorrow to the LBS and get the full specs of the bike and a few others and i will post it here. as far as I know this bike has got a 9-speed cassette at the back. The biggest problem for me is the budget and that is why I was looking at the Avalantche ATX375 but I will have a look and see if I can't maybe save abit longer and buy something better.

Thanks Patches it does help and I was looking at 2nd hand mountain bikes but I can't find any in this price range at the moment. I found the Avalanche ATX375 at my LBS and he is the cheapest in Potchefstroom and that is why I was wondering about it.

Hi all I hope I am posting in the right section. I am looking to buy a Avalanche ATX375 Mountain bike for R2900 and as far as I can understand it is a large frame My Question is this, is this bike a good entry level bike to do a few small races and so on, is the price good and what should I look for on a bike? I have no previous experience in Mountain biking so your Help and input will be greatly Appreciated. Thank you in advance.