Ryan Walsh

Yip, the Matts 60-D uses a Taper-D frame, so they may call it that over there. Here are the 2 local version i think: http://www2.merida-bikes.com/en_ZA/Bikes.Detail.82 http://www2.merida-bikes.com/en_ZA/Bikes.Detail.70 I think you will find that everything that is made by Merida inhouse ( the frame, saddle, and all the parts marked XM-Speed or XM-Sport etc.) will be lighter/better/costlier on the TFS bike. The other bits, like brakes, fork and gears etc. will be better on the 60-D. I assume this brings the price about equal on both.

Look's like you are comparing the Matts 60-D against the Matts TFS-100, right ? The 60-D may well have 1 or 2 things that are higher specced ( like 27 speed vs 24 speed ), but essentially you are comparing a racing bike (TFS) with a recreational bike (60-D). So it depends on what you want to do with it. Racing vs not. Also, in the future if you choose to upgrade part by part, the TFS is going to get you a lot further. Otherwise if you get a whole new bike it's not going to matter either way.

Ryan's Two Rules of Mountain Bike Frames: 1. Carbon is the best material for a bike frame. 2. Never buy a carbon frame. Simple as that.

In rough order of priority: Hex Wrench Set ( 1.5 => 8mm ) Screwdriver ( Flat ) Screwdriver ( Philips ) Adjustable Spanner Tire Levers Brush Set Chain Wear Indicator Repair Stand Chain Tool Lockring remover (Bottom Bracket / Freewheel / Disk Brake) Lockring Wrench Chain Whip Pedal Spanner Cone Wrenchs Spoke Wrenchs Cable CutterRyan Walsh2008-12-10 03:46:08

Did you get maps with this ?

The UST rims (on the left) are manufactured with an insert (or some similar double wall method) so that the spoke goes in the rim like normal, but it does not go through the second layer/wall.

L'Bie, UST rims don't have spoke holes. You only need to fit a valve to the rim. UST tyres have rubber coating inside to hold air. UST Rims + Tyres will hold air, and you can ride without any sealant. (however you will have no puncture/pinch protection etc, so most people will put latex sealant / slime in anyway) Tubless Ready Rims and Tyres are usually designed for systems like Stan's/Joe's/Eclipse where you use a rim strip + valve, and tyre sealant. Normal rims / Tyres are designed to use tubes. These can in many instances be used with rim strips / sealant, ( a bit of trial and error as to what combinations work). Usually the "normal" tyres have thinner sidewalls than UST tyres, so they are lighter, and as a result more prone to leaking and/or punctures.