doppelganger

No, specs as per website. Unfortunately I can't spend more. I agree most bikes in this price range is still quite heavy. I will just have to make the most of it and enjoy it regardless...

I also like: Giant Talon 0 29er Merida Big Nine 500 With these bikes I can also afford a tubeless conversion...and Tubeless tires.

My budget was R10 000..

Hey guys...saw this bike in a shop today...man I am in love, and is in my budget too...well almost Anybody here own one? http://www.cube.eu/uploads/pics/29-acid.jpg

Great thanx! I am making a note right now...really keen to come along

Any news?

Awesome dude I am there...please beg the other okes

I am keen...would it be ok if I tag along? I have not done 80km before....only 60km. I think I will manage though.

What was the pace? I would be keen...I couldn't make the last one

I am keen!

Bloody hell! Now I just want to rip everything off my bike and start a new project

Ok thanx, I am not sure if I can do the 80km. I also don't want to do 35km only...

So who is going to the blockhouse and then back? or you guys all riding further and then back...

Also is it 35km to the blockhouse? And the "80km" ride...do you guys return to the nursery or get picked up at another point?

Me neither...but I am sure I will keep up

Hey okes...can I join? I see remarks about roadies and MTB...just to make sure...which is it now?

Wouter I would not mind joining you and some other guys for a ride. I live close to the start of the ride.

Thanx man, I think you are right...I will be hunting soon ...

Thanx man that will be great.

Thanx Big Ben ...I am no great stakes either...so any advice will be great. I started riding in November last year and have not done much riding. Hoping that will change now...

Scotty now that is interesting. I was hoping somebody that rides Rietvlei would comment. I will be doing most of my riding there for safety reasons. Not many places I can ride alone where i stay. I will have to try and see for myself I guess, I just find bike shops unhelpful. They seem to want to push the stock on the floor in stead of trying to help me find what will work nicely for me.

I hopped on a Cannondale SL29 hard tail today at a bike shop. I enjoyed the feel of it, and yes I only rode it in the parking lot...so can't say exactly how it will feel off road. The lightness of the bike was a nice feel...my Merida can lose a few grams I don't ride competitions so I am not cared for scraping 1 sec off my best time. I just want to enjoy the ride. But DS 29ers are quite expensive, that just throws even more complication to the party.

Guys please don't let this become a argument of which is best...I just want some insight ask to what will be best for me.

Hey guys I have ben toying with the idea of getting a dual suspension bike. I currently have a Merida hardtail 26 inch. While I enjoy the bike I do find I struggle some times. I am not sure if it boils down to leg strength or bike setup. When riding on trails like Rietvlei I feel uncomfortable going down hill as my seat feels too high. When I lower my seat I struggle up hills. That aside, I am looking forward to a soft tail as the ride will be more relaxing? I am not a hard rider, but also want to progress to be able to ride through most scenarios on a trail. So, should I look at getting a 29er hard tail, 26 DS or 29er DS? I have seen people mention that 29er DS bikes are very heavy and not as responsive? I am roughly 1.9m tall and weigh around 90kg. I feel lost... so many options and I am getting so many different answers from the guys at bike shops. Can anybody help with some ideas?

Thanx Richard...that sounds great. I might be able to do Thursday...will let you know