Jo Han Solo

Finally, committed and got myself a 2022 Trek Top Fuel 5.

@Stephen25 Any feedback on your purchase?

Titan looks interesting, but seems there is no stock, dealers seem to have no ETA either.

Really great comments, thanks all. The Trek warranty definitively seems superior to that of Scott, and probably makes resale later one much easier. I would agree Deore would be my preference as well and the Top Fuel 5 already gives that to me. As for the additional R10k to go from the Top Fuel 5 to 7, need to justify that to my pocket. How much value will I get? For all purposes, as Jewbacca posted I am not in the league where these minor differences in components will impact me. There is stock available from my store in both the 5 and 7.

I've managed to find stock of both these bikes in my size (first problem to have solved), around R5000 price difference between Top Fuel 5 at R40k and Spark 970 at R 45k. I really like the look of the Spark, that it is probably a better climber and bit more more of a XC bike than the Top Fuel. That said, the Trek has a better fork based on feedback from some forum posts. Which one to go for?

Thanks, good call.

Additionally, there is no Cycle Lab in the Western Cape. Will any bike shop be able to service the bike and obtain parts if needed from them?

The Fuji just seems to have a better rear shock and is also about 1kg lighter than the Silverback, is the fact the Cycle Lab is the agents a good enough reason not to go for Silverback?

Dropped you a PM.

Hi all, I'm torn between these two dual suspension bikes 2020 Fuji Outland 29 1.1 and 2020 Silverback Stratos AL5 29, can get both for around R20k with tubeless conversion. Which one would you go for? The only difference I could see is the rear shock configuration, in-line/horizontal X Fusion O2 RL Rear Shock on the Silverback and vertical RockShox Deluxe Select+ RL on the Fuji. http://www.fujibikes.com/usa/bikes/mountain/trail/outland/outland-29-1-1 https://silverbacklab.com/bike-model/mountainbikes/stratos-al-5/ Would like to hear your opinions? Thanks

Hi all, a more direct question regarding the safety at thaba and rietvlei trials. Has there been any recent incidents and is it safe to cycle on your own?

I wonder what gets put in the camelpack then

It's a beautiful bike, really like it. shimano deoro XT components for this price, great!

I picked one up this morning, brand new at Cycle Lab @R6999. RRP on Fugi's website is $1290

Hi all, I would appreciate your thoughts specifically on the following bike. Fuji Tahoe 29 1.5D http://www.fujibikes.com/images/bike/tahoe-29-15-disc/highres/2015_FUJI_TAHOE%2029_1.5_side.jpg Thanks

I'll keep my 26" and just add the 29er . thanks all

Hi, thanks. Most of my friends have 29er's and I struggle to keep up with them on longer stretches. My confidence on more rocky courses has also taken a knock with a number of falls. The guys on the 29er's seems to get through a lot easier than I could.

Hi there, I currenlty have a 2008 Raleigh 26" HardTail MTB which has served me well. I'm really looking forward to move to a 29er. I would appreciate it if you anyone could advise me whether is worth going for a low-end dual suspension R18k or rather spend R12k on a Hardtail. As for drive trains, anyone know of bikes that come with a 2x?? configuration? I found with my Raleigh that I hardly used the top gearing. Thanks. Johan

Thanks @porqui, @BSG and @Mongrel. All valuable points.

Hi there, I'm in the processs of buying a Merida Ninety-Nine 9.600 Full Suspension bike, but due to new models coming out end of August all stock seems to be exhausted. Not only on Merida but various other makes. I have managed to find one of the last ones available at R 15k from a reputable dealer, they normally go for almost R 25k. So really a good deal. Only problem, its a XL and based on my height of 1.82m and inside leg of 86cm I should buy a L according to the guide. What potential issues would I have if I went to the XL? It might not feel to bad when testing, but over time....., Stage races, etc? Regards, Johan