NotSoBigBen

Thug - now was that really necessary? I have to revise you on my friends list!

'Raleigh sometimes does' - there are ways to control that stoopid urge! Just check out the Specialized website every time the thought comes up!

No comment yet from the big guy - E-wet? DR - you cut his net again?

RodTi - just make sure it's a Specialized and not one of these other many copied designs If you want real 'objective' advice re the differences and why the Epic is so much more technically advanced lets rather discuss in PM away from these other naysayers (read I don't really know why but I like it!).

For those of us with a 'brain' it's better sort of 'vertically'

DR - the okes are talking serious goeters here not the kind of stuff that would come on a Rally for example. Also can't seemingly be welded with your arc welder at home !

Anyone sell the KCNC gear in the Johannesburg area?

NO I can't weld wood yet!

Hey I am an accomplished bike mechanic! Check this out Bikeweb mechanic's test so I guess you will have to accept my advice from now on na na nana na!

RodTi, OK then lets define 'large to heavy'! About 90kg's and it aint slippin on any bike I own! That's why I'm BIGben you see!

ewep - NOT!

MichH - was thinking the same about what ewep said but I aint talking to or about DR at the moment cause he said my bike is ugly! Have an old Specialized FSR retro I've built up and had the same problem, -2 hasn't given any trouble! HANSIE SLIM - maybe 'Get a 17.0 mm seatpost' not so slim?

Ouch Ok now go out and ride that butt ugly army bike of yours! Looks like a security guard should be riding it at one of those new 'high security' housing complexes in Centurion! BTW - are you going to the Illovo Eston Drifter thing (5/8)?

"The Epic is a very ugly bike !" DR - I would never ever dream of making a comment like that about your bike no matter what it is, I feel personally offended! I believe in each to his own, live and let live etc. Maar also gonna leave the hub with this type of attitude

Everyone seems to agree with me that the Stumpie definitely wins on bling factor! I do still think the Epic is a better XC/Marathon bike - what y'all say?

Marius - Epic rocks!

Woulda been 20 inch spinner hubcaps but I believe thats for Boksburg/Benoni/Germiston only! We'll have to check with Scotty!

DR - You can train as hard as you like but easy to slow you down! Think WildogA with a chain/tyre/ something problem! Like I said before you're a sucker for a pretty girl with a mechanical Sure I can arrange something.

Thug - Sure with all that ueber OTT kit you been putting on lately, bit like putting 20inch mags on a Camry I think but whatever blows your hair back

DR - I whipped your arse on both that old Raleigh as well as that new army bike of yours! It may not have been about the bike though! Ok ok so you were next to the road assisting damsels in distress, that's a good excuse! _BBi_ - Good decision!

Yip I can feel (and hear) the brain working! Is it the best of both worlds as it has been stated? I am not sure but as an overall XC/Marathon bike it performs very well.

IMHO - Stumpjumper = more bling, better for a variety of riding, Epic = more a XC/Marathon bike (i.e. great for Sabie experience type riding!) BUT that is only in my personal opinion! I wouldn't get a Raleigh or one those Raleigh wannabees (i.e. Santa's cruiser etc.)

Tough choice between the 2 Specialized's but I wouldn't get a Raleigh! Personally I would take the Epic (Yes I do ride one now!). Very very nice.

OK then tomorrow!