Scooterza

Good suggestion. But for me the biggest need I have is help with a short list of the top few bikes to think of getting. I think there's only a small chance I might convert to 650B but if there are perhaps 2 bikes in the final shortlist that I really like and the one can convert, that will clinch it.

Thanks DJ84, I actually have the Lector in my sights.

Hi guys, I am on the hunt for a new MTB bike. My Merida Matts is seriously long in the tooth and needs to be retired to doing less of this: and more things like this: I know a bit about bikes but to be honest, the world of MTB is confusing to me. Airshock, Rock Shok, Manitou, RP23, Scott Spark, Scott Scale, Giant Anthem, Giant Trance, Merida, Santa Cruz, All Mountain, Cross Country blah blah etc. So here's what I do know: RIDING STYLE - mostly 20 to 50k's, with the odd 80km distance thrown in. Multi-day racing MAY happen but not often. Mostly it's a Saturday morning ride. I ride the Braamfontein Spruit, Northern Farms, Single Track where possible. Enjoy doing small jumps and riding tricky lines over roots and rocks, up steep hills with a sharp turn at the top etc. I do race, but not to win - I race to enjoy pushing myself. And it's not often either. BUDGET - Whilst I don't have a 100% fixed budget, I don't want to go much beyond R10K and preferably more like R8000. If I find the absolutely perfect bike at R12K, I will find the money. But R25K is not possible. BIKE WHEEL SIZE - As I see it, a 26" bike offers so much better value in the price range I am working in. I am 38 years old and so a full suspension makes sense to me. Might be nice to get a bike that COULD be converted to 650B later. For the guys who understand what's what, can anyone suggest a few bikes to look out for? What are the great bikes from the last 3 years or so that might be worth looking out for. Eg it seems the Giant Trance range is considered a good option. There are just so many bikes and I don't have time to drive all over Gauteng test riding them all, so if I could just shorten the list to a few bikes, that would really help me out. Appreciate your input! Cheers

Any other comments? Really appreciate any feedback!

Agteros, I live in Randpark (not Randpark Ridge) and I would be interested. Not sure about every week! My neighbour is a fanatic rider and often rides. He is super strong and I know he does ride with others. I am a 26km/hr rider - maybe 27 at a push (or in a week or three). But yes, I would be interested! Might have to motivate myself a bit to get up that early - eish! What route? Not sure what E2E means.

Thanks Richie! Thanks for your input!

Hey all, I am about to step into the world of dual suspension having ridden my Merida hardtail for the last 5 years. I am on a budget of around R8K (could stretch a bit) So I am weighing up a few bikes: 2009 Giant Anthem for R6.5K http://www.gumtree.co.za/cp-sports-bicycles-fitness-in-bryanston/giant-anthem-x1-544675927 These giants seem very popular and get good reviews. ?2009 Gary Fisher Hifi Deluxe (front shock needs a service). for R8K https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/69822-gary-fisher-hifi-deluxe-19-large-26er/ 2007 Santa Cruz Superlight for R10K https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/65189-santa-cruz-superlight/ (Worried this is quite old but like getting a bike that is less commonplace) Ghost Lector for R10K https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/67451-carbon-ghost-lector-7400-26er-in-great-condition/ Based on the front chainring, bike has done some work. Any thoughts or opinions on these? Should I run a mile from any? I am 5'11" so on the cusp of medium/large frame. I tend to ride trail rides, single day events, riding along the spruit and northern farms - that type of thing. I do enjoy jumping (nothing hectic) and tackling the trickier technical bits. Any input is appreciated. I hope to ride both shortly.

Well that's pretty impressive. You made sub 3 by a country mile!

Jeez - Top Billing and Jeanie D especially but basically the whole show gives me a rash! Wow! Talk about annoying. Bunch of LOMBARDS (Lots of money but a real d*&s). I detest that show!

Don't they say that a good starting point is 30% off the new price and then 10% per year thereafter. So if it's a 2012 bike that sold for R13K, it would be: Less 30% R9100 Add in perhaps R1000 for extras (I am afraid I don't know what the add ons would be worth) But then there's the hectic drop in value of 26" bikes. Bikes are dropping in value like mad. My guess would be around R8K to R9K.

I would agree that in this situation, simply joining is not cool. But a guy belting it in TT position riding solo - hooking onto his wheel for a few k's - is there really a chance for a little "hey how you doing? My name's Mark...Cavendish"?

As I have often noted, some cyclists seem to take themselves WAAAAYYYY too seriously. So he sat in this guys' slipstream. As Eldron noted, the ONLY reason I can think of why this would be a problem is in case he braked hard or something (ie safety) and granted this is a potentially biggish reason not to want someone behind you when you are not aware of it. But this guy seemed annoyed to be "doing all the work" so to speak - nothing to do with safety. If someone sits in your slipstream, you cannot see them, cannot feel them, are often (usually) unaware of them. So what's the big deal! You would be no better off on your own (in fact marginally worse off as a rider behind you helps with aerodynamics slightly.) Too many prima donnas around if you ask me!

Yep, but remember, you are seeing the edited version. LOTS of bloopers behind the scenes. Not trying to detract from his amazing videos and skills but just saying - he falls off like the rest of us. Just that he falls off trying to do a level 8 trick whereas most of us fall off doing several levels lower!

I have ridden with 2 straps before. A bit porno but it does the job. Not a problem.

Guys check this site out. Spoke to Ian who was MOST helpful. He had stock and gave me great service: http://www.iqabi.com/contact-us/

Men have been missing the nubbin for generations.

To err is human, to fall on your ass is bovine.

https://maps.google.com/maps?q=486+Transvaal+Rd,+Kimberley,+South+Africa&hl=en&ll=-28.667015,24.77638&spn=0.152126,0.280495&sll=-28.73701,24.76317&sspn=0.009502,0.017531&t=h&hnear=Transvaal+Rd,+Kimberley,+Diamandveld,+Northern+Cape,+South+Africa&z=13&layer=c&cbll=-28.667015,24.77638&panoid=RrYkl_bFyf210OSw5mZIjQ&cbp=12,289.84,,0,21.81&source=gplus-ogsb Hmmm. Maybe the flamingos are selling the bike?

Anyone seen or tried this? http://www.integratedtrackers.com/GPSTrack/Spybike.jsp Help you find your bike if it gets stolen! Might be good to get if your bike costs over R15K or so?

Thanks a stack for all the replies! I had a figure of R15k in my mind so that price seems about right.

Stop teasing us and show us the whole bike!! This really is like porn where you get shown "bits and pieces" until finally...when you think the tension cannot get higher...

Hi guys, my brother in law upgraded from his Gary Fisher 26" to a Specialised Epic 29" Anyway, he has offered me his Gary Fisher which is really in superb condition. Problem is, I don't want to be the screwer or the screwee in terms of price! I have looked around online to get an idea on price and there just aren't many of these bikes around. Details are: Year 2009 (Bought new in 2010) for R33K (marked down from R53000) SRAM X0 rear derailleur XTR Cranks XT Front Derailleur Avid Juicy Ultimate Brakes Fox shock (though not sure which one) front and rear DT Swiss rims New tyres replaced mid 2012 at R400 per tyre. Also replaced the entire rear wheel because the bearings on the free wheel hub had worn away - replacement wheel is better quality and paid about R1,500 for it. (Not entirely sure what my BIL means by "wheel" though! In October Dunkeld Cycles replaced the entire top half of the shock and serviced it. Full service done in November this year Bike is in good condition Done a few races but nothing MAJOR and my brother in law really looks after it well. Cleaned after any riding in mud and it is always immaculate What would you say is a fair price for such a bike? Any ideas? If my BIL (Bro in law) and I can agree on a price, THEN I will start getting my hopes up, give it a good solid test and obviously if all is well, upgrade!

Have an option to buy this bike - 2009 model that is in very good condition. I would say it has done maybe 1 stage race and around 10 one day races. Really looks good. Anyone care to venture a fair price? It's a 26" SRAM X0 rear derailleur XTR Cranks XT Front Derailleur Avid Juicy Ultimate Brakes Fox shock (though not sure which one) front and rear DT Swiss rims

Quick thinking on taking those pics and don't feel bad about not confiscating the bike. If the guy had stabbed you, people would have told you you were silly to get involved. You can never please everyone. What you did is brilliant. OP - keep the story going. We want to know what happens. Surely with this evidence you will find this guy?!