fred

Thanks for all the replies! I am not trying to start any debate, I can see from my research that it has been debated to death with no clear victor. Was just curious to the 26 vs 29 debate for my custom scenario....basically top 26er bike or middle-low end 29er. I think on a equal spec level the debate is more intense. For now I might stick to just riding my current 26er a bit and getting fitter. Then I will probably upgrade to a 29er.....but first test drive it! As I have seen that being tall does not equal to liking a 29er. Lots of tall people still prefer a 26er. My trusty Scott will have to do for the meantime! I might just look a for cheapish 29er 2nd hand.....to try out and play with! best of both then I guess.

I need some help in a decision, haven't been riding for a few years and want to get back on a bike. Not as hectic as before, just a few fun Saturday sessions and occasional holiday sessions with the family. So I am in two minds and it fluctuates constantly....as soon as I make a choice a few hours later I second guess it and go with the other option! so I will give a few details and hopefully all the clever people can make me stick to one choice!! my details : height : 1.90m weight : 105kg -> hopefully getting it down again with riding :-) inseam : cant remember ...but my build is not funny like long torso or long legs, lets call it avg. my seat height BB -> Top of saddle was usually 87-90cm if that helps. type of riding having done the 5-6 hour Saturday and Sunday slogs, I am not keen on that. So no road riding due to traffic dangers and not liking to ride in roadie groups. So I want to do Mountain biking mostly. It will be on weekends, maybe a weekday here and there as I actually drive past groenkloof to go to work ! so who knows. I will mostly go to bike park places like van Gaalen, Red Barn, GroenKloof, Northen Farms if I ride. Like the safety aspect as I will be alone or with my wife. So the bike should probably be "fun" as well as capable. Will probably do 2 hour rides maybe 3 hours at a time. No Racing in the foreseeable future. budget I would say 8k-11k max. Options So most of you probably know this is going one way........... :-) the 26er vs 29er debate...so humour me , and look at the info above versus choices below and tell me what option will be better 1) There currently some awesome deals on 26" full suspension bikes. I can get anything from a Giant Anthem, Specialized Epic Comp to a Yeti ASR5 close to my budget. These bike have good to great components (XT etc) and usually have pretty decent wheels (Crossmax). They are also pretty light for Full Suspension (sub 12kg). It is the most logical choice for fun and value for money. Only issue is , I have never felt that in control on any of my MTB's (various makes and sizes) . I always had this feeling of going over the handlebars in technical sections. It might have been my setup, lack of skill or way to much speed due to misplaced trust on my skill! But it has pointed me to the 29er bible of bigger buy -> bigger wheel mantra.....Honestly I think the 29er thing is a bit over hyped , in the end you still need to peddle the bike, and no wheel will change that. But just maybe........................it is the answer to all life's questions... ;-) 2) So...onto the 29ers, in my budget I can get a entry to mid level 29er hard tail. I can get a Momen 329 for 8k new, 2013 spec. Also looked at the Titan Comp bike for 9300 odd, momsen 329 , 2014 spec for 10k. Bikes seem nice, components is a bit low level, but might be sufficient for the limited time I will put on them. For some reason I just think the bigger wheeled bike will fit my frame and length better, but it might also be the Achilles heel......I am not sure if these bike's wheel sets can handle my weight? no use going 29er and me folding a wheel on the first out the saddle climb and bit of pressure I put on the wheels.......also they are hard tail.....still think FS will kick any HT on a bit of ruff stuff! they are heavy ...12.5kg + , so no gains on weight versus the 26er FS. So I guess it comes down to getting a 30-50k bike at a real Steal price.....or buying into the hype and getting an semi-entry level bike 29er and then preaching to all about the awesome rollover ability ...............It is just very confusing....as soon as I choose I walk into a bike shop and see a 29er and start wondering ......damn marketing people! I must say I am leaning towards option 1, can someone convince me otherwise?

Come on .....that is not good......How do I contact them ?? website....? do they have a workshop somewhere?

I got a Scott FX 35 for my wife, the rear lockout is not working, so I want someone to look at that and service the shock...Who is the best to go to ? in PTA area, and even Jhb will be fine.

any Cannondale Boffins out there ??

I need some help to determine a Year model. I am looking into buying a Cannondale Jekyll for my Wife to try out some MTB action. I do not want to spend big bucks, but do want a dual suspension. I found this small Jekyll on Bikebay , it states it is a 2004/2005 year model, yet with me searching high and low it looks like possibly a 2000/2001 model with rear chainstay design, I cannot find Jekyll bikes newer than this with the same design......am I wrong?? Also I might get it for R5500 ish.....which is not to bad, but it is old (in theory) and has v-brakes....Must I offer less??? say R4000 or try and get a new 2008 Mongoose Otero for R7000? Help please!!!!!! fred2009-06-12 00:39:40

Sounds like it is the route to go, just a pity there are not a lot in the 2nd hand market.....and new Dual Suspension WSD bikes are out of my price range.......

there is a julianna on Gumtree , but the oke wants 11500 bucs......so it is pushing my limit for a bike that might be ridden 3-4 times a year (hopefully the bug bites!!.....but for now not)

Hi, My wife wants to start riding occasionally with me and maybe ride a short race once in while. She is not into Cycling at all, so I need to get a bike for her that won't scare her of Cycling totally, but I do not want to break the bank either. It has to be a MTB, and I personally think a dual suspension(the whole comfort thing and not killing her backside) . My price range was more or less 7k - 8k. So it has to be second hand. Now my question is this, is it really necessary to get a WSD bike or just get a 16" normal bike. Does the WSD bike really make a big difference.....? Maybe some of the ladies can comment on what MTB's they ride and what I must look into and take into consideration. I currently looking at two 2nd hand options(non WSD) : * Giant Trance 3 (about 9K ---bit expensive) * Cannondale Jekyll ( about 7K ) what will be the best options.......please I need help!! fred2009-06-05 02:08:29