Clinton1

My first thought was second hand but I just found that nothing was coming along that suited my needs and wants. Or maybe I was just being too fussy and not looking hard enough. I also have to factor in previous use and abuse. I then considered going down the path of buying this year's models seeing as though the 2012 are now being released and it has thrown up some decent prices. If a second hand model jumps out at me that suits my needs I'll be more than happy to consider it. I suppose it is a bit like anything though... getting something shiny and new always gives you that extra little thrill W@nna-BE, don't even go there! I already took a peek at the 29'ers on offer. But again I am not fussed with having the latest and in doing so I would be paying a few grand extra for the same components.

@Breezer, yip, that is exactly where I got the pricing. Thanks. The only big spanner in the works is the fact that they only have the Elite 2011 in XL. Most websites seem to indicate that I am near the cusp of large and XL but fall more into L. My "ape index" (ie length of outstretched arms) is about 5cm longer than my height which some sites say means I could well go a size up. I am lead to believe that the stand over height of the Titan bikes is less than other makes though. Perhaps I could get away with an XL? Any comments on this from anyone?

Thanks for the response thus far, guys, much appreciated. @W@nna-BE : Excuse my ignorance but is the cycle hub an online store? I am Durban based. Would be interested to hear what price you got your elite for. I have been offered it new at R4200 while the Sport would be R3900. @Breezer : Yeah, I have read a few complaints about the Suntour fork on the Sport but not certain how much better the Elite one is. Apparently Suntour do not have a great rep. As stated by W@anna-BE it does have the remote lock out which is a nice gadget but I reckon with my type of riding it will hardly be used. PS I am terrible when it comes to buying things and have done some research on the actual components but it is rather difficult with the naming conventions to find everything you need to know on the different parts.

Hi guys, A long time lurker on this forum but a first time poster. I look forward to many fruitful discussions in the future. I currently ride an old Giant Boulder SE that I inherited. It has served me well but the problem is that it is too small for me. It is a medium and I am more suited to a large or even extra large. I am 1.85m tall with an inside leg of 87cm and weigh around 78kg, so feel free to comment on your recommendations on the best size suited for me. I am currently a purely social rider but would not mind starting to do some races. I am currently not confident in the bike and I also find myself getting a sore back etc when riding any distance (which may be a consequence of the small bike?). So I am now considering a new bike. It was never my intention to spend too much but, as is the norm, as you start looking your budget seems to increase as you desire better and better. I initially considered second hand until I saw the Titan bikes mentioned in the title. So I am happy to accept advise on other bikes to look at but I was also hoping for feedback on which of these I should go for. Budget around R4k. Titan Elite 2011 spec TITAN 6061 DB DISC Size 21.5 Color MATTBLACK/RED/WHT Fork SUNTOUR XCR R/L BB Set SHIMANO B-Lever TEKTRO DRACO Brake-F TEKTRO DRACO 180MM Brake-R TEKTRO DRACO 160MM B-Cable attached Chain SHIMANO HG-53 Chainwheel SHIMANO M430 44-32-22T DERA-F SHIMANO FD-M430 DERA-R SHIMANO RD-M430 Freewheel SHIMANO HG-50-9 Grip TITAN PRO H-Bar TITAN TRAILBAR 31.8 H-B Stem TITAN ALLOY 31.8 Head Set VP Hub-F SHIMANO M475 Hub-R SHIMANO M475 Pedal VP ALLOY Rim ALEX TD-17 Titan Sport 2012 spec Frame TITAN 6061 DISC Fork SR SF11-XCM-V3 MLO 100MM (BRONZE Stantions) BB Set FEIMAN B-Lever DRACO WHITE Brake-F DRACO WHITE Brake-R DRACO WHITE B-Cable BLACK Chain KMC Z7 Chainwheel SHIMANO M171 42-34-24T DERA-F SHIMANO M190 DERA-R SHIMANO RD-M410 Freewheel SHIMANO HG-30-8 Grip TITAN PRO (WHITE) H-Bar TITAN water decals H-B Stem TITAN (WHITE) water decal Head Set CONE (white) Spacer 10mm WHITE w/ printing Hub-F TITAN DISC Q/R (KT-WHITE) Hub-R TITAN DISC Q/R (KT-WHITE) Pedal STEEL Rim DS-21, EYELETS (WHITE) Saddle TITAN COMP Seat Clamp TITAN PRO with Q/R Seat Post TITAN water decal Shifter-F SHIMANO SL-M360 Shifter-R SHIMANO SL-M360 Spoke BLACK STAINLESS Tire-F Schwalbe Rapid Rob 2.25 Wire Tire-R Schwalbe Rapid Rob 2.25 Wire Anything in either of those specs that makes the one a definite choice over the other. I'll let you know the price difference after a little bit of feedback Thanks in advance.