figjam_sa

Good Morning everyone! So while I wait on my new bike I was thinking about everything I'll need when I approach an XC race. 60-100km. A couple of years ago I bought this set from CWC. https://www.icetoolz.eu/en/icetoolz-tool-set-82a8-ultimate-29-parts-grey/a5375?c=3615 So this is what I already have.... I don't like to carry too much stuff on me and prefer not to carry a backpack. So I was thinking something like this for my tools and waterbottle (as I'll need a bottle cage anyway).. https://www.evobikes.co.za/lezyne-flow-storage-bottle-cage-incl-multitool-co2.html Anyone use this model or have any issues with it? And for the tire repair I was thinking the Sahmurai Sword - https://www.evobikes.co.za/sahmurai-sword-single-unit-v2-0.html A spare tube (if needed) I can strap to the frame. Snacks/Gels, cellphone and keys I'll keep in my pockets. Would this be sufficient? Other options I looked at as well: https://www.specialized.com/za/en/swat-conceal-carry-mtb-tool/p/157285?color=232294-157285 - The Spez SWAT tool that goes in the steerer tube seems very basic compared to the Lezyne? https://www.specialized.com/za/en/mountain-bandit/p/155910?color=229850-155910 - I looked at the Specialized SWAT Bandit but it's only for a Spez saddle. https://www.specialized.com/za/en/mtb-xc-box/p/155412?color=229357-155412 - I could go this route with one of their bottle cages.. https://www.syncros.com/za/en/news/syncros/trail-essentials - Seems ok. Few reviews complain about the cartridge being very difficult to get back in if there's mud/dirt. Rust seems to be a problem as well. Not convinced I NEED a pump in a race if I have enough c02, so that's extra weight as well. https://www.topeak.com/global/en/products/ninja-series/837-ninja-tc-mountain - looks good as well https://www.on-lynecomponents.com/collections/the-holy-rail/products/holy-rail-triangle-storage-box-kit-quick-draw-multitool - I like the Lyne model as well but the multitool doesn't have a chain tool as far as I can tell. Sorry for all the links, but you guys can help me make a better decision if we are all on the same page, haha. I could just run a saddle bag with a multitool/chain tool/ C02 from my tool kit as well. Will it work? I'll still need a bottle cage anyway. Thanks guys!

Thanks Ruan.. My back is alright, I was merely hoping to buy a dual suspension for a long term "investment". Luckily I'm not in pain everyday with my back. I'm leaning towards XC as we don't have any trails, so doing km's for training on dirt roads and tar roads with a trail bike defeats the purpose? Thanks for the input on size. I was thinking the same way, Unfortunately bike shops aren't close by so I can't just go compare.

Hi guys, the topic is taking a turn, but here is the update.... I decided to opt for another hardtail, my wife can take over my Silverback and we can do a couple of races maybe and see how it goes from there... I was looking at the Merida Big Nine xt2 - https://www.merida-bikes.com/en/bike/555/bignine-xt2 (missed out) Now I can get a Big nine 600 (2019) for a good price - https://www.merida-bikes.com/en/bike/46-46/bignine-600 (under R16k). Stocks are very low at the moment and after looking around I am now waiting on a quote on a Scott Scale 950. https://www.scott-sports.com/global/en/product/scott-scale-950-bike It seems almost the same specs as the Merida xt2. I take it the Fox Rhythm shocks are decent? Compared to the Markhor? One last potential problem is I (again) fall exactly between Small and Medium on the Scott sizing haha. Anybody around 1.7m with a Medium Scott Scale? I looked at the Titan Drone Elite as well, not the best looking bike in the world to me and doesn't seem very light for the specs compared to the Scale 950? But the specs sure are attractive! There's probably nothing wrong with the Big Nine 600 but if I want to upgrade in the future it will probably cost the same as these other bikes. By now you know I'm looking at a XC/marathon bike Once again, thank you for the input

Sorry, missed where you said 11-50 on sx/nx... The 10/50 and 10/52 cassettes are way lighter than nx. And then I'll need to change the hub. But not for Shimano cassette if I understand what you are saying? The nx eagle cassette alone is over 150g heavier than GX eagle. The question basically - it seems that upgrading the whole groupset in the future will be more expensive or should I stick to nx eagle?

11-50 cassette on the nx eagle

Ok, I'm looking at a bike with nx eagle groupset 1x12. If I understand this correctly I will not be able to upgrade it in the future to GX Eagle without upgrading the hub as well? Was originally looking at a bike with xt, but missed out unfortunately. I will need to upgrade the hub to get xt as well on the nx eagle? As I understand the nx eagle is fine, but considerably heavier than gx,slx,xt...

With all the talk of larger and smaller chainrings and all that I'm just as confused as in the beginning. My issue was that I don't understand what cranksets go with what groupsets, bottom brackets and all that. But I hear what you guys are saying. I think for now.... I will probably get her a women's specific saddle, get it setup for her and leave it as is for the time being. In top gear I get the bike on a nice rolling pace at 28-32km/h. Only once went over 40km/h and that was downhill and I couldn't pedal anymore.

Maxxis crossmark. Yes it is converted to tubeless

Yeah, but the 3x10 has lot of useless gears, basically the whole lower gear. For what she does anyway. So I just figured she'd have more useful gears and "possibly" lower weight. Also, I was hoping for a bit more top end speed for the tar. I know a gravel/road bike would be better suited, but the mtb is still more versatile for our location. But I didn't understand what I needed to look at. I'm not that familiar with all the gearing possibilities and combinations. I see wheel was recommended a couple of times? Anything in particular that is considered value-for-money?

Good info guys! Besides weight savings, will the change help for some more top end speed?

something like this? https://bike-addict.co.za/products/shimano-slx-2x10-crank-36-22-w-o-bb

Good day guys! I've been trying on dr google, but I get more confused with every article that I read. I have a Silverback Slade 2 (2014) model. 3x10 speed. http://www.bikeroar.com/products/silverback/slade-2-2014/specs My wife recently started riding it as it fits her pretty good so I'm thinking of getting something else for me and upgrading a few things on the bike...What would be the best route? I was thinking something like Slx groupset with 2x11? Will the XT rear derailleur still be usable? If I go this route, what do I need? Groupset, Crank... Bare in mind it is mostly ridden on tar and some gravel/farm roads, but I think she would gain from better gearing. I know it's and oldish bike, so I don't want to drop a ton of cash obviously. Just considering options going forward but the frame is pretty light in my opinion and a good fit for her. Thanks

Any reason why the Merida Big Nine Xt 2 would not be an option? Seems like good specs at the price? https://www.cwcycles.co.za/product/merida-big-nine-xt-2-2020

Thanks DCJ. For the type of riding I describe.. Am I looking at the right type of bike? Or should I rather look at a better hardtail? Since you're recommending the merida, I saw the Big Nine xt 2 is going for a pretty nice price at the moment.

Thanks Headshot. Seems that I'll be bang on in a Medium with a Specialized. But something like a Giant I'm on the edge....

Oh, about buying secondhand... Firstly the biggest problem for me is I'm 1,71m so I'm right on the Edge of a small/medium. Some brands a Medium fits better and some a small. Second problem is, I don't live near the city where I can actually view the bike (especially with the current situation).

The more I read the more I'm leaning towards this, will the Brain 2.0 maintenance come bite me in the ass later on? vs something like a Giant Anthem or maybe the Trek?

Thanks for the input anyway

Hi Kameel, well yes. I always look at Silverback for value for money, but the frame looks very odd to me.

Hi Guys! It's been a couple of years now, but still reading and following some topics. Few years ago I bought a Silverback Slade 2 (27.5). Haven't ridden that much - small kids, other hobbies, life. Nothing "wrong" with the bike, but now I'm looking at a possible scenario and I need some expert input please. Recently my wife started on the indoor trainer with my brother's old Giant mtb with slicks on and after a couple of rides outside (tar as our dirt roads are very sandy when it's not cold/wet) she is getting the hang of it and starting to enjoy the hobby and exercise. As with most things borrowed it will have to go back sometime eventually or I need to get her something in it's place... I think you are catching my drift now..... My bike has done probably less than 300km and is decently spec'd for what she wants to do and it's fairly light and the size is fine. Problem is she will not like this idea as (you guys know) this sport costs a lot of money... But let's say I can go this route - A friend and I wanted to a local race, the Muisbos 2 Rooibos this year and I started looking at something like this, and it seems Karoo 2 Coast could also be something like this (not sure). So XC, with very little trails and I started checking out bikes. These bikes are way over budget for now, but I'd like to get a shortlist and maybe check for end of year sales. Originally I decided on R25k. I started looking at the Merida Ninety Six 400 - https://bike-addict.co.za/collections/merida-29er-dual-suspension/products/merida-ninety-six-400-2020. T hen I saw the Merida Ninety Six 3000 - https://bike-addict.co.za/collections/merida-29er-dual-suspension/products/merida-ninety-six-3000-2020. Yes I know it's almost double the price, but it's carbon and better spec'd. I'm just scared that I want to do a few races in the year and after I upgrade the shock and the groupset then I could have bought a better bike to begin with. So shopping around and I see the Trek Top Fuel 8 - https://www.trekbikes.com/za/en_ZA/bikes/mountain-bikes/cross-country-mountain-bikes/top-fuel/top-fuel-8/p/28012/. Like the look of the bike alot. Reading a few thread's on here and then I started looking at the Scott Spark 940 https://bike-addict.co.za/collections/scott-29er-dual-suspension/products/scott-spark-940-2020 and the Giant Anthem 2 https://www.giant-bicycles.com/za/anthem-29-2 - Haha! I really like the look of these 2 bikes but they are R50k bikes. Also see the 2019 Scott Spark 930 in this price range. 2019 Giant Anthem 2 a bit cheaper, but I like the look of the 2020 model more. And now I see Specialized has sales. Liking the Epic Comp Evo - https://www.specialized.com/za/en/epic-comp-evo/p/171236?color=264107-171236 and the Epic comp carbon - https://www.specialized.com/za/en/mens-epic-comp-carbon/p/154345?color=239075-154345 . Or should I go with the cheaper regular Epic Comp? I'm sorry for the long post, I know everyone has a preference, but I'm struggling with deciding do I need something like this or go for the cheaper versions of these bikes, although upgrading them would cost a lot more. I know the newer trend is for a bit more travel and slacker angles, but although I'd love to do trails, there's not just any in my area as it's too sandy. So most of the training would be on the road or dirt roads, I'd have to drive somewhere to get to some single track or open trails. I know a lekke hardtail would probably work, but I have a slight disc bulge so in the long term the dual suspension would (I think) be better for my back. Last question - The spez bikes looks really inviting at those prices compared to the other bikes with similar pricing and specs, but does the brain really need more or more expensive maintenance. Keep in mind I'm in the west coast area with Cape town being over 200kms away. Thanks a lot for the input and critique guys, have a nice weekend.