Rayman

I'm kinda in two places on this one. I was in exactly the same place as you when I started. I really wanted to get into the sport, and considered the Raleigh. But didn't want the Makro special. I wanted what was advertised on the 'Murican website...that led me to the SA website...and contacted their Cape Town sales rep. And in my HO is a tool. Yes I know you can't sell direct to the public, but give me price on what I want, and I will be happy to pick up my custom order as Makro or wherever. Anyway, long story short, I still had no cash to get into the sport but fell in love the 2014 Titan 29er Cruz. So I bought it. Great entry level bike, has all I need and fitted into my budget of R5400 for a new bike. Bought most of my other gear I needed at Sportsmans Warehouse and the rest at Mr Price sport as it all fits into my budget. And that was all based on what I can afford, not brand name. So ya, if you can get a kiff Raleigh from the sates, sure..why not. but stay away from Makro specials. I love Titan bikes. Siverback, GT and Merida have great deals for entry level bikes, just shop, pop in and ask the sales guys, and be honest on your budget. I can't see myself buying a Harley for a bazillion bucks, and realizing 3 weeks later I don't like bikes, so why do the same for a MTB. But hey, that's just my opinion and 2c worth. hope you come right.

Oddly enough Gumtree was useless, but of all places, I found one for sale at Sportsman's Warehouse. I did a lot of reading and the best out there seems to be the Tigra Sport Bike Mount. the damage is R530,00 not too shabby for a bike mount, holder and case to keep your phone protected. the nice thing too, is that the case you put your phone in is water proof, so you can toss your phone in the pool if need be, and you can still use the touch screen ( if I heard correctly) and its great coz you can use your GPS or whatever app while your riding. And there is a model available to iPhone users too. SO... I'll be getting myself one real soon, just need my Minister Of Finance to approve the purchase, and I'll do a proper review with "action" footage.

Ok, I managed to find a couple locally in CT.

Hi all, I was wondering if anybody knows if there is a waterproof casing and bike mount for a Samsung S3. I see that a model is available for an iPhone, but cant find any for a Samsung. I see that there is a generic unit available, but it doesn't have the hole for the camera. I'm pretty much looking for a cell version of the Go Pro with bike mount.

@Wubani - I'm looking into going tubeless in a few months time. @Meexo , So I understand correctly, if you can get sealant in, you put it in, pump up the tyre, give it a few spins and then keep on riding? Maybe I should also look into tyre liners...

As a noob I'd like to know if one has a flat tyre already, can you put tyre sealant in your tubes, pump it up and "be on your way" , or do you have to repair the puncture first, then put sealant in? and on the same topic.... once you have sealant in your tubes, do you still need those kits with the patches or don't you need that anymore?

Awesome, thanks guys. I'll probably be popping into sports word as they are around the corner from me and on the way home from work.

Hi All, I'll be getting my new toy in a few days time, and need to get a helmet, or I can't go riding on any decent trails CT. Anyways... I had a look around from CWC, City Cycles, Makro, Sportsman's Warehouse and Mr Price Sport etc. besides price and weight, are there things that I should look for? I honestly can't see myself paying more than R600 when I'm just starting out. Is there anything wrong with using a shops "house brand" Here is what I have been looking at : http://www.sportsmanswarehouse.co.za/polisport-iris-mountain-bike-helmet.html#.U7Ecy1KKApM http://www.sportsmanswarehouse.co.za/sportsmans-warehouse-xactic-cycling-helmet-with-peak.html#.U7EdDFKKApM

Thanks guys. I appreciate all the help and input.

Thanks guys. I'm going to go blow up a ATM quick and get some shiny new toys. So if you see a big smurf on the track, you know it's me. But I'll def let you guys know what I end up getting.

Damn. why does this awesome sport have to cost so much? I might have to start selling my body in the evenings to help save up. But generally speaking though,are the above mentioned bikes are ok to dabble with and see if biking is my cup of tea, and will it last a few rides and competitions?

Hi all. Today is my first day here, but have been thinking about starting and buying a MTB soon. So my question is the same for 99% of us noobs here - What to buy? I'll start by saying I have popped into City Cycles in Canal Walk Shopping Centre and had some awesome service compared to a few other shops, and was told I will need to get a large frame, and a few brands were suggested to me. With doing some reading and asking around I have come to this point on what to buy.... I am about 94 odd kilos, and have a budget ( I hope it's realistic ) of 6,5K to spend on an entry level bike (and all the extras like bike racks etc) It doesn't have to be brand name stuff like "Mc Awesome bike racks" or "Super Duper Expensive" bottles n cages.... Oh, and I plan on riding places like Majick Forest, and joining the TB Mountain Club to get some weekend riding in and a few comps maybe. But no down hill just yet.... the bikes I am looking at are the following : Silverback Stride 10 & 20 (2013 model) Axis - A60 -26er, A80 or A70 Raleigh Talus 29er, Talus Comp and Talus Sport What gets me, is when comparing components, all 3 brands have very similar and in some cases the same components. - What to choose? I would prefer on buying new so I get a guarantee if something breaks due to manufacturing. And second hand I don't mind, but for a few bucks more, I get a new bike. - I'm stuck again. Also confusing is many cycle shops are uber anti Raleigh brand and see them as cheapies or inferior, but for a beginner who doesn't have a big budget and the gear has decent parts - it seems viable to buy. So, I would appreciate some help here. I don't know if maybe I'm looking at it wrong here, but I see this like some cars... you can buy a Proton car...but it has Lotus engine in - is it still a bad car? Or a guitar.... Some middle or entry level gear just needs a few decent mods and it will kick ass. Is this the same for MTB's like the above mentioned Raleigh models or Axis? Thanks guys.