LazyTrailRider

Except that Spez bolts all sorts of proprietary stuff onto their bikes which only they support and provide spares for.

...and the opinion of someone who hasn't ridden much other than Spez. Nothing wrong with Specialized (they build great bikes), but jeez, there are also amazing (and quite often much better) other machines out there.

So sad. Amazing how carbon is supposedly "always better" than alloy. Back to the topic on hand: Dawels, seeing as you've taken a Stumpy for a spin already, find a Pyga to ride first and then compare. You may be surprised...

Sure, except that a Carbine frame on its own is about R35k...

Interesting. -Yes, it's not light (I think my brother's Intense Tracer weighs less. -Yes, the seat tube does extend high, but in proportion to the top tube is purposefully low to provide excellent standover height. Also, on a large the top tube lines flow almost perfectly into the seat stays, which gives it that subtle sleek "something just looks right about this bike" feel. -As for specs, pffft. -Even if the geometry is old school, the ride's not at all...

Don't worry Luke, I think Nico was actually just surprised that it didn't get a sparkling review, knowing how highly rated it is around here. Anyway, looking forward to the pics!

Haha, don't let your excitement be killed. I've ridden more bikes than 95% of people here on the Hub (I've been racing MTBs since 1989 and have owned dozens of brands) and I can say without any doubt that the OneTen29 is one of the best - if not the best - bikes I've swung a leg over. Remember, reviews are always biased, even if they try not to be. All other reviews so far have been (correctly, in my opinion) overwhelmingly positive.

That's a nice, reliable build spec you have there Really cool birthday present!

Link?

Cap, where did you get your Magic Marys from? I'm running a 2.25 Perfomance-line (yeah, the cheap ones) Rocket Ron on the back together with a Pacestar HD on the front. The Ron wears very quickly, exaggerated by the fact that I ride to/from Tokai on mostly tar, and the Pacestar HD is of course quite hard. I'm thinking of moving the HD to the rear and donning the front with some Magic once the Ron is kaput (likely not long).

Yep, Hans Dampf seems to be the way to go, generally speaking. I've only done two rides with one on the front, and it's not spectacular, but it's pretty predictable. Braailegend, have you really been riding with tubes all this time?

Exactly. It's amazing what people commonly refer to as MTB riding these days.

Largely correct, but short can also be used on a 1x10 setup. I run it this way with a 11x36t cassette and have almost zero chain slap (bearing in mind it's a clutch derailleur). Sidmouth, you can run a long-cage with any setup, but medium or even short is better if your specific setup can accommodate it.

These. (Edit: updated to point to the MTB version, not the road version)

Yep, I concur.

Blaster socks, nice and long, very comfy with good arch support!

I got them from Dial'd: http://dialdbikes.co.za/dakine-syncline-short-with-liner.html Swindle also stocks them: https://swindle.co.za/shop/bike/pants/mens-syncline-short-with-liner.html R1399 from both.

Some new threads to go with the new bike...

Fully agreed. I've never ridden or owned a Fox fork/shock I've really liked.

I've had the 520 (SLX-level I guess), 780 (XC-style XT) and now 785 (XT trail, very similar to what you're looking at, just lighter). The XT-level pedals are pricier but offer in my experience: - Slightly less weight - A chunkier clip-in feel. They require more pressure and solidly thunk into place. There's absolutely nothing wrong with a 520 set though, so the 530 should be fine. I rode 520s for several years, they're probably the best value and most robust pedal out there.

I have to admit, the change to Solo Air has reduced that amazing small-bump compliance just a tad. I love the feel of a correctly set up dual air fork...

Ah, I think we may have tracked down your problem, maybe you're using cheap knock-off Shamino cleats instead of the real Shimano models?

I'll give you my full take on my Revelation RCT3 (2014 internals, also features the whole Dig Valve and Rapid Recovery story) sometime this weekend. Took the new Pyga to Tokai for its first ride on Saturday and spent just a little bit of time playing around with the new damper settings, but not enough yet to reach any conclusions (was enjoying the bike's playful nature too much ).

Yep, these or DXs. You'll continue to struggle with the set you have, they're designed for "touring" use on the road, and not for constant varied clipping-in/out action. That, and the fixed cage design makes for a horrible shoe/cleat interface.

No, they're not. You're much better off researching what Capricorn and the Captain have proposed.