KevinV

Good thing you so skinny P, don't think those seatstays would take my weight! Enjoy!

Any progress with your search for a bike yet?

Cycle Factory were my first call, no stock unfortunately. Getting this bike for R5200 so think that is a good price. Meant to say getting tubeless conversion. The tyres it comes with are decent I think (WTB weirwolf). Any recommendations on ladies saddles?

Success! Found a small Silverback Dakota. Reckon I'm gonna go for it and get some tubeless tyres put on it.

Bwaha!

Rub it in!

Eish! Looks like Silverback is really popular. Still looking but sold out wherever I go. Can't find a small frame. My LBS has a large Dakota, and it looks a really nice bike so gonna keep looking. If anybody sees a small Nabraska or Dakota in the Western Cape please let me know!

Ok, no worries. Catch you soon.

Bummer, how about the weekend then? We are looking at a sunday ride somewhere local. Weather depending we may ride saturday arvie too.

Hey Slowbee Wanna come ride on the Helderberg tomorrow after work? Those tracks will be a great testing ground for your newly lubed-up discs! Seriously though, lemme know if you keen for 5pm.

I want to surprise her with the bike as a birthday present. She has been wanting one for a little while. I agree with what has been said about lady specific bikes being a marketing gimmick to a large extent. A small frame with the correct stem and a ladies saddle should do the trick. The Silverback still seems like a good option, but I wanna see one in the flesh first. I have a month to look around, so will certainly keep my eyes and my mind open before making a final decision. Good to see that so many hubbers have girlfriends riding MTB!

Thanks holy roller!

He he, nice try. Looked at lady specific bikes, they are either very expensive or very heavy. Also curious why they never fixed the spelling on the Nabraska. Gonna swap that derailleur on the sly for sure!

Cool, will look it up. Thanks.

I'm keen any day during the week. Usually able to ride from 5pm or just before. I ride with one or two friends on the Helderberg wednesday after work if you are keen to join. Where is Majik forest? I want to learn of more places to ride?

Thanks guys, seriously looking at the Silverback Nabraska. I bit more than I wanted to spend but very well specced (think I might put the XT rear derailleur on my bike and give her my LX!) and a reasonable weight. Will definately get a ladies saddle and make sure the setup is right.

Yup, you're right. I've looked at that many bikes I'm mixing up names. The Giant I was thinking of is the Alias I think, but I was referring to the Scwinn when I mentioned weight. It seems a nice bike but it's just too heavy.

Thanks for all the input, I will definately look at the Silverback Nebraska this week. It appears to be one of the lighter bikes in this range, and the specs do look impressive. It appears that local IS lekker. Was thinking of the Giant Mesa but the weight did not impress me. At just under 13kg the Silverback looks like a good bet.

There is a good review in the May/June 2008 Bicycling mag with 5 entry level bikes evaluated. They are: Mongoose Tyax Super Disc Raleigh Ridge Silverback Phoenix Giant Rincon Disc Specialized Hard Rock XC Sport They are all in your price range so you should find the article of value. Take your time deciding and you will find a good bike to start off on. Let us know what you choose.

I'm sure others have already put this question out there but as there are new bikes coming out all the time, I am looking for fresh advice. I want to get a mountain bike for my girlfriend, something in the R6000 range. Some bikes in this range seem ok but weigh a ton. Obviously I want her first rides on the bike to inspire her, not put her off. I know that discs are heavier than v-brakes, but would still rather get a bike with good disc brakes. What do you guys recommend?

Pity the driver didn't leave a number plate behind too. Sad news indeed, condolences to Allan's family and friends.

Got hit by a bakkie that went through a stop, and on another occasion took a serious tumble as a result of my chain breaking while standing on the pedals. Almost forgot, was taken out by a car turning into a parking bay without indicating. The close calls are too many to mention, as I'm sure you all know. Also been hit by stuff thrown from vehicles, maybe that's something for a separate poll: what's the worst incident you have had involving a motorist?KevinV2008-05-20 02:14:25

Thanks for the input guys, will get tubeless asap for sure!!!

Thanks. Got brand new tyres on so don't want the expense of replacing them right now (although I will if I have to). They are Maxxis Crossmark, dunno if they are ok with tubeless conversion. Had 4 punctures on saturday, all from thorns, and am tired of this!

I have had enough of punctures on my MTB and hear that tubeless is the way to go. Any comments?