@Rabubi

Hey thanks for the advice. I went for the bike that tightened my nuts - the Specialized. And on the maiden voyage it impressed the hell out of me. I was a little worried that the Formula C1 brakes would let me down, but they've got some good stopping power. But then again, i've only been out once. I'm VERY tempted to take advantage of the XT Brakes that are on special now. The bike shop also advised to to get more robust tyres - apparently the Fast Tracks are prone to shredding. CWC also has specials on the Crossmark - heavy but bullet proof. But I reckon I'll just ride it until i need to upgrade. At the end of the day, I get excited about the thought of taking my Epic out for a spin.

What have you upgraded on the bike?

I take you point about it being my decision, but I like my decision to be informed by those who have experience with the two bikes. The lbs only let's you take a spin around the shop, which will hardly suffice. Obviously I will take everything with a pintch of salt, but it's still interesting to hear what people hve to say. At the end of the day nobody can fault the Giant - it's almost the 'safe' bet. But who doesn't want to own a Spez? Oh, and then I saw the Santa Cruz Tallboy Carbon and almost gooied in my pants. But i'm not going to open another can of worms in this thread.... :-) Thanks for you advice

I love the Camber, but they can't find a Large frame for me. Concept Cyclery is selling the Camber Carbon for R30 000 (it was R40 000). So it really breaks my balls that they don't have my size.

R39000

I've been doing more marathon XC racing this year. This is how I realised that my body doesn't agree with a hard tail. I'm working towards stage races.

Thanks for your detailed reply. Much appreciated. It so happens that Specialized Melrose Arch is running a special on the Epic Comp now (new models coming in soon) which makes it evenly priced with the Anthem. I'll chat to them and see if I can take the bike for a weekend.

Anyone out there with experience on any of these bikes? I'm moving from a hard tail to full suspention. This is prety much what my shortlist has come down to. Giant Anthem Advanced 29er 1 2014 http://www.giant-bic....1/14825/66150/ Specialized Epic Comp Carbon 29er 2014 http://www.specializ...-comp-carbon-29 The Giant seems better component wise. The Specialized is, well, it's a Specialized - with a mini brain on the rear shock (not sure how much difference that makes). Any views and opinions welcome. Also open to suggestion on other bikes. High five!

I use the term 'trade' loosely.

So I am dabbling with the idea of trading my hardtail in for a full suspention bike, and Cycle Lab just happens to be running a special on a Volcan FS29 XT - full carbon duel suspention. R33k. See full specs below; http://www.volcanbikes.com/bikes.html Seems like a great deal, but the thing is I can't find much information about the brand. They claim to be a Swiss brand, but their website is so dodge, and there is literally nothing about them on the interwebs. Does anyone know more about Volcan? Or this bike in particular? Your thoughts will be much appreciated. Vincent

http://www.mtbskills.co.za/bike-maintenance-course/full-maintenance-course

I'm pretty useless when it comes to fixing thing on my MTB - probably because im terrified that I cock something up. So I innevitably end up taking my bike in for silly things and pricey services. My question is; has anyone done one of these courses? And was it helpful i.e does it leave you with all the knowledge you need to maintain your bike yourself? Thanks.

My new years resolution was to enter at least one stage race this year. The Berg and Bush was an obvious choice, until I saw the entry fee. It's R6800 per team. Does anyone know why it is so expensive?

This was my first Argus, and I was blown away (not only by the gale force wind) by how extremely well organised the event was. I made sure I read the material that I was sent, and found it easy to get to my gate in time. My only gripe is that the beer tent closed too early.

I've had my XTC 0 for a few months now and I'm loving it. By far the lightest alloy bike I looked at including full XT spec (bar the brakes Elixir 7 that squeel a little). Two thumbs up.