ValeYellow

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.