ValeYellow

Hey ScottC-M, You mention that you will take around 18-24 months to save up for an upgrade? What rand value do you intend saving up over this period? The Scott or Silverback would be fine - for now - afterall, its not about the bike, its whats in the heart of the rider If you intend on saving up say 6k (or more) over this period, then I would say go for either the Scott or Silverback now, cause in 18-24 months from now, and with a possible budget of 6k+ to spend on a bike, the upgrade will be very significant in comparison to the option you elect to go for now - especially if you look around, on the hub, for a deal.

sounds like someone is a little green at the fact that a heavy MTB was able to keep up with a feather weight carbon roadie - hahahahaha

Thanks for the advice... I think I have certainly under estimated this project, so for now will put it on ice and revisit in the near future - thanks for all the tips and advice guys....

series 7900

Yeah I did a little more research today and I certainly have seem to have inhertited some great stuff. Hellocolour am I only able to then use Dura Ace brake levers? The STi's are indeed pricey - so givin what I have, what do you suggest as a possible alternative for break levers - or is it dura ace or nothing? Have trawelled the hub and cant seem to find the dura ace levers, will try out gumtree....

So - through a friend of mine, I have inherited a few items as follows: Wheelset - Easton Ascent 2 with dura ace cassette Dura ace archers Dura ace crankset incl BB Bars Dura ace front and rear derailleurs 2x gatorskin tyres Condition of the above is great, odd nik here n there, but in good condition overall. I dont have the braker levers or STi's, can anyone make a suggestion what I should look for and what will be compatible with the dura ace stuff? I feel like such a tool asking this, but is the dura ace good stuff? Ask me anything MTB related and I am as sharp as a nail, but clueless come road? With the above items i inherited, i guess a frame set, chain, and a few odds n ends, like stem and so forth will still need to be bought, but it looks like I am moving in the right direction. Your advice on the above would be greatly appreciated.

Solid advice and thank you all for your input - I certainly feel a little more confident in shopping around now. Question in terms of frame size - if one straddles over the bike and the top tube is just under your, er um - well you know what, would that be the size frame to go with? I am 1.71m and weigh 90kgs?

Hey Rock, thanks...... Have had a look at the classifieds on here and i am just clueless on what makes up a decent road bike? Top tip - thanks.

The std rims on the AL129 are the Weinmann CN 520 - and from what have seen (a mate of mine has the AL129) they are not fantastic, almost having to be trued every three rides or so (he is built like a rake and must weigh no more than 70kg). I have the AL229 which for what you pay is a good value for money ride. It serves me well, but I will say that the one component on the AL229 which really lets the whole "package" down is the terrible front shock it comes with std - Suntour XCM. This lasted the sum total of 4 months whereby it required a rebuild, so I opted to rather upgrade and make a significant weight saving in the process. From what I have noticed with the Momsen entry bikes, which is anything from the AL129 right up to the AL329, is that the bikes are spec'd reasonably but there is one component (normally a critical one) that is the spoiler of what could be a really good overall product. In my view the rims on the AL129 and the front shock on the AL229 are the culprits - such a shame......

Hi there fellow Hubbers, I am an avid mountain biker but have decided to broaden my horisons and try out the road. It must be said that I am in no way considering a move to the road rather than the trails, I just want to give it a bash. Plan on doing no more than two events in a year, more than likely the 94.7 Cycle Challenge and The Argus - and will most likely hit the road twice a month? So, my question is, what road bike should I be looking at? I am wanting to spend as little as possible, but also dont want to buy something that is a dog? Budget would be 4k at an absolute maximum.

Back in Jozi, the guys at Linden Cycles (ask for Edu) are really great. Needed a few new bolts and the same thing, after a bit of scratching about, hey presto he found them, and when I asked how much, they were on the house..... Customer service in general at Linden is top shelf, well my experience, and goes a loooong way....

Have you looked at http://www.tourdefrans.co.za/ they are in your neck of the woods? They have a few deals on at the moment - in particualr - Cannondale MTB SL4 Was R9000 Now R6500, Also includes accessories to the value of R500?

For what it is worth, I would only buy a 2nd hand bike from a very reputable source, for example your LBS... there are some very good deals out there on both 6ers and 9ers - one just has to invest the time in doing the homework. Do you have a preference between a 6er or a 9er, I think for the 6k mark, it is going to be neither here nor there.... as mentioned, the more you pay, the less it will weigh ;-)

I have a 229, came with, IMHO, the biggest piece of sh*t fork out, Suntour XCM. Lasted 4 months and I had to replace it, upgraded to the Recon Gold - what a significant difference!!! Granted the bar was not set high with the original shock, but the upgrade has made it feel like I am now riding a race machine.... Also upgraded the brakes from the std Tektro HDC 300 it came with to Elixer 5, have had the known Elixer issues creep in, took a bit of time to get them 100% dialled in, but since then, they are superb. I did buy these 2nd hand for less than R800 (Fr & R) - saving some cash and want to look at ultimately going the route of Hope X2 Evo. Other noteable upgrades, running tubeless on the Crossmarks (came std with small block 8's) Upgrade the shock - it will be the most noteable difference, the rest can come over time.... IMHO...

Hey Rookie, I am also pretty new to the sport, found a great deal at www.bicycle-trader.com They are in Fourways which is a bit of a schlep from the East, but may be worth a try? Their website is not all that great but in-store they do have a great variety.