dee_biker

Everyone on the Hub will tell you it depends what type of riding you do. If quite technical, then the 26'' will serve you well, if XC and racing, then 29er is the way to go. If it was my money and the two options above, I'll go for the Morewood. More bike for the money.

http://www.stevestenzel.com/photos/bikeshorts2.jpg

I bought 3 First Ascent bibs for Sani last year, and for me they are FANTASTIC. At R700 a bib at Sportsmans they work very well. I wear them sometimes twice a week (6 times) and still going strong!!! All my rides are 1:30+. Long rides of 4 hours +.

I am 1.85, with a 88cm inseam. Yes I know I am built like a mongrel, but I ride a large 19'' MTB. I would guess that you make it work with 110cm stem, etc...

Take the plunge... I did, and never looked back. Can't get better value for money that that. Also, best suspension in the business.

Lets put it this way. If I had to buy the frame again, I would buy the Alimunium one. Carbon not worth the extra $$$. I bought the bike complete.

I did the same move about 2 years ago, bought the frame and built my bike over. IMHO is this the best frame for that price range you will find, nothing comes even close. And the suspension works very well! Just check, you will probably need converters to switch to the Giant Overdrive 2 sizing, but all the LBSs should have them. I now have the Advanced, but the specs are the same, only difference being the carbon model.

This is going to make the Epic this year very interesting!!! Rabon + Sauser Huber + Platt Two very strong teams, and do not forget about the locals!!!

They have a big 27.5 drive, but still have the 29ers in their line-up. It is purely a marketing hype. It will blow over...

Just one question, if they are both new, why the funny build for the 2013 Advanced? I have the 2013 Advanced, but have the XT groupo with SID fork (standard). I would personally go for Bike 2. If you want specific reasons, PM me.

*** idea, try again.

No.

Extreme Lights... I ride mine ALWAYS! Road and MTB. With 3/4 settings for intensity, it's fantastic. If you're worried about singletrack / trails, buy 2, one for your handlebar, and one for your helmet!

If you're not a super-human, you learn to run with niggles... I have done all my Comrades with over-use injuries... That's why I stopped. Can train much longer and harder on my bike without any issues.

Sounds about right?!? If I could swim, I would have attempted this too!!!

Well, I have not done IM yet, but have done a couple of Comrades. My suspicion is that you are a good marathoner, as for IM training you should be able to comfortably run a marathon. My feeling is that if you, after IM, are able to fit in at least 2 LONG runs (55k +), then you should be A-away!

I'm lso in Also in G this weekend. Say hello when you come past!

My Anthem X1 29er was also stolen in Somerset West last year. Bummer, hope you get it back. Keep an eye out on Gumtree!

In that price range I will go for the Momsen AL429.

If you decide to do Dual suspension, it is a whole different story though, then I would say the Giant Anthem X1. Especially if you're getting into the technical stuff and planning to do 2-3 days stuff...

For 25k, and a hardtail, there is nothing that will beat your gut. That Momsen SL729 is a fabulous bike!

I had the same thing last year, luckily my budget was little higher around 35k, but could not find anything close to the Anthem Advanced. If I had 25k to spend, no question, the Anthem X1 without a doubt. Best suspension in the business. This bike is happy with the smooth gravel as well as the gnarly stuff. It was the only 29er 100mm travel bike in the Trail Bike of the Year 2013 finalists. That says a lot. http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/mountain/product/review-giant-anthem-x1-11-40872/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNENJFxwpfE

I think for 12k you'll sell it VERY quickly... You might get more than that if the bike is in good nick.

In!!!

I had the full range as well. Went from 26er HT to a 26er DS because of the majority of riding I did being quite technical at that stage. Became a bit faster and started doing more and more XC stuff, so switched to a 29er HT. I had the same problem as SeaBee, with difficulty to control the bike on technical stuff (back wheel danced around like crazy). Bought a 29er DS two years ago, and never looked back. Also switched to a carbon model. Long story short. If you're used to a 26er DS, and you DO want to go the 29er route, stay with a DS and get a 29er DS. You'll thank me later.