Jester6

Check out the Mountain Bikers do it downhill group on Facebook if you can, someone just made a post about selling his large Shova if you're keen

Haha ok that is quite a bit longer than I was thinking, thanks for the heads up!

Was looking at ordering a Zama but now I think I'll wait a bit longer... See what "nothing" turns out to be

That is awesome!

Maybe post a link to this thread on their FB page??

Awesome

So anyone tried this or should I look around for a different frame?

I got some pretty awesome insight into some of the styles you mention and the bikes used here 》 https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/142560-dh-vs-am-vs-enduro-vs-freeride-etc-help/ Hope that helps!

Yeah just a bit itchy A lot of that does worry me, I've had a look around for 650B frames I can buy new locally and just get the frame and they seem to ne few and far between, or incredibly expensive, I'd much rather use whatever I get as intended, but yes I'm worried in a few months I won't be able to get 26'er anything for it.. I have nothing against the wheelsize at all..

Haha I'm not aiming to mess it up or anything, I'm looking at building one up and am just a bit worried about getting 26'er rims, tyres etc. locally

I'm wondering if anyone knows whether or not the Zama can be converted to 650B? Not looking to start a wheel size debate or anything like that, just wondering if it can be done and if it would work well enough and not overly compromise anything? ?

Thanks Ben! I like the way you think, I obviously have to work within what I can afford, and I am aiming to have fun. Can't really go wild with bikes as some the setups mentioned here are waaaayyyy out of my affordability scale... I have a decent entry level hardtail and I'll try the awesome looking things on it first But I'm also going to save up All the other info is awesome too, because before this thread I had no idea where to start or what style was what. And everyone has helped a lot. Styles, bikes, events etc. so thanks everyone!

Thanks again for the great breakdowns! I must admit I like the sound of "bombproof" I was just wondering if there is any room for Hardtails in disciplines like this? I spotted a few threads where guy's have been posting "All Mountain" hardtails, or do I have my wires crossed and that is something totally different? Forgive the possibly daft questions, total noob at this

Ok so it's a tad more complicated than I thought But what you say makes sense, not really a one size fits all kind of scenario.. I must admit the geometry side of things is something I need to invest some time in, because people mention head angle etc and I have no idea what it actually means, or the actual effect of changing it, so I shall do some studying on that and the general jargon so I have a better grip of everything. You mention the wheelbase affecting speed and handling, I'm assuming a shorter wheelbase would handle better and a longer lean more towards speed? All the marketing stuff is what got to me, I had a look at a few bikes and couldn't really tell the difference, as they all kind of seemed the same to me, irrespective of the style label, then again until reading your post and patches the main difference for me was simply hardtail or dual suspension. Can hardtails be used for any of the more hectic stuff like this?

Wow thanks for the awesome responses and explanations Patches, I think I have a much better idea now of what's what and where I should start, have a lot to watch and investigate now!

So if I have this right I should look into an Enduro/Freeride bike with around 160mm of travel? And I should be good for pretty much everything? Within reason obviously, Wheelsize a factor?

Thanks everyone, will check out the FB group and some Enduro bikes @DubbelBuys where on the spruit would you suggest? Emmarentia dam side?

Thanks for the feedback! @Capricorn are there any events you'd suggest I check out? Definitely better than an armchair trial you're right! I'm in the JHB side of the world but no issue travelling a bit.. @sakkiebomskok ok cool thanks, I'll check out those bikes!

Hi All, I'd like to try out some "different" styles of riding, but I don't really know what is what, what each of the above entails and where would be a good area to start for a noob, I started trying to look at more capable bikes than my rather basic hardtail but realised I am out of my depth a bit. So before I even know where to start I need to know what is what Any advice or pointers? thanks!

Precisely what I'm trying to say

Apologies for the slight aggression there, this kind of thing just hit's a nerve with me and quite a few people I'm sure. I have read through her report and it isn’t exactly brimming with details, how exactly he fell is up for debate definitely, and it’s doubtful the kid could even tell anyone for sure if he was pushed intentionally or not. She does mention that there was no warning and that the rider just kept on going though... I hope it wasn’t malicious, but irrespective, the person that decided to put his race time above someone else’s health and wellbeing is a douche. Yes the track could be redesigned to avoid this kind of thing, and it’s a good plan, or start times staggered etc. There could also be a bit more info on what to do when someone is passing you, etiquette for the race etc. none of that changes the fact that someone, intentionally or not, caused some serious damage to this kid. And the right thing to do would have been to stop and help. Not run off chasing a finishing that was most likely nowhere near podium.

bull****. A fraction of a difference in where the lever skewered his leg and the kid could've bled out. If the "high level" rider intentionally pushed the kid out the way or over then the term culpable homicide comes to mind had that happened. Thankfully it didn't. There is no way someone should get away with something like that and attempting to defend such actions IF intentional is pathetic. Besides if it was an accident any half decent human being would've stopped to help the kid or at least check on them. Mini rant over.

Awesome thanks! Will give them a shot

Anyone know of a few good places to buy bmx spares and tyres and stuff in or around JHB?

Must be a new Camelbak attachment