Da Vinci

Ok so i'm gonna add my 5c worth. I'm pretty certain that none of you guys moaning about being told to wear a helmet have ever fallen off you bike or in my case off my bomb proof perfectly well behaved pony when he shifted to one side, without a helmet- i hit the side of the stable block - a rock would have done just as well. This while my significant other watched, had to mop up the blood and drive me to hospital all while i repeated the same questions over and over again (concussion does that). It was incredibly traumatic for him (all i was worried about was my horse) - head wounds bleed a hell of a lot. 10 stitches and a night in hospital - CT scan was clear luckily. If i had been wearing a helmet i would have had a bill for a new helmet and maybe a bruise or 2 - the fall was not dramatic at all - i just slid off sideways. He still relives that moment every time i take a tumble on the bike - is it really fair on your loved ones?? And before ANY of you say a horse is an unpredicatble animal - that was the first and only time i ever fell off him and i had him for 2 years after that incident - have fallen off my bike far more that off any horses.

I'm a little dissapointed as the glasses that were delivered were not the ones I bid on... I'm gonna try them and see if they will work for me but I had originally bought them for hubby and now they are girls glasses... Anyone else have the same issues?

On that Note: Time in the saddle is great and it works BUT having someone 2 show u how 2 do things properly is even better even if it only a one day session to cover the basics - i know i have definately benefitted hugely from just one session with James.

Mtb Guru - James Thornhill-Fisher is great. guru@mtbguru.co.za www.mtbguru.co.za He is based in the Northern Subs but u never know your luck in a big city

Ok - rode Bastille in them and as it was so wet my feet went under water a few times. The socks worked really well to stop my feet squishing in my shoes. My feet were by no means warm but they were also not icycles either - they definately helped diminish the discomfort factor. I don't find mine tight at all and my shoes fit just as well with the sealskins or the thinner mtb socks. I also bought a pair of the liner socks which are lekker warm but 2 thick 2 wear both pairs together 4 cycling. As for poor circulation - they are not tight as in compression garments and they do act as a sort of insulator trapping what warmth is there - rather than a thermal warmer (at least in my case). Think im just cursed with ice blocks for feet. Next step Snow Socks!

Hehe - love the Cookie Monster

Mine are on their way to me - i seem to have permanent icy feet and booties don't work so well if u are a mtber and have 2 hike a bike. Bought mine on recommendation from friends who also mtb. I justified the cost by firguring i woud pay 180 to 200 for a pair of booties (if not more) and the inconvenience factor - should i loose one or damage it having to walk. Will let you know how they work.

Thanx again for all the input - have been made a great offer to test ride a couple of bikes - sadly not from a shop that is selling them tho! MtbCrazy sadly i reckon i am too short for a large but lucky sister you have! Will see where things go from here... Newboy i know this was satrted on a very old post but if you do get this did your wife like the Saffire?

Ok cool - so far I'm getting mostly positive stuff but every one is focused on the Spez bikes - is that cos they are the best? What about the Meridas and GTs - other brands that have womans specifics? I won't say my budget is unlimited but I am prepared to pay if I'm getting value for money (it always boils down 2 the money doesn't it?) I have not seen a Myka but have looked at the Safire and Era but some ppl say Spez are overpriced?

Ok I'm gonna put on my big girl panties and not get them in a knot around some of the sexist remarks made cos I genuinely need advice... I am a fairly serious rider both trail and xc. BUT I am pretty clueless when it comes to the tech side of things - I have a good circle of ppl to bounce queries off regarding the components and things but here's the rub: I am a woman. It is now time to upgrade my Giant hardtail (mens small) to a dualsusp and have no idea if it is worth looking at a womans specific. How many serious female riders out there have made the switch and think it was the best thing they ever did? And who went back to the mens bike? Obviously everyone says u must ride the bike 2 get a feel but how many dealers allow this esp on an offroad trail which is the only place one really gets a feel for the bike? And take for example the womans Anthem really seems to be a specced down version of the mens with a womans saddle...

Fanx All!! Top of the list is now Mountain King II Protection - jus don't know if 2.2 or 2.4 - prob need 2 ask my LBS what will work on the bike (if it makes a difference). For a front Tyre Currently running 2.1 Maxxis Crossmarks and did Argus on them so a bit worried 2.4 will be 2 much tyre for the Dirt Road stuff (think K2C) or am i wrong there?? And then X King Protection for rear - assumably the same width as the front.... Man there is sooo much 2 learn and figured out....

Hiya! I am (Very) new to Mtb and my current tyres have come to the end of their shelf life... Also am wanting to convert to Tubeless.... Ride mostly in the D'ville hills XC and ST but like to get out and explore. Riding Houw Hoek Tour in May and am training for K2C. Still a bit Nervous (Ok a bit more than just a bit) so def want good grip, speed less of an issue -just got 2 get fitter! Recommendations so far: Kenda Nevagal, Specialized captain controls (Can't seem to find them tho!) Continental mountain kings Rocket Rons Racing Ralphs Knobby Nics. Goods and Bads please - lets say price is not an issue but a good value tyre is important.... Also back, front combos to look at... Thanx