Chavo

While I certainly miss my 110, the only downside I found when building it up as a more trail orientated bike (i.e. with a 140mm Pike) was that the rear triangle is designed for skinny XC tires. A 2.3 Maxxis Aggressor on the back could only just squeeze in the frame and then any little trail stones collected by the tread would brutalise the frame over time. The rear triangle could only really accept a 2.2 width tyre (by Maxxis standards at least). So when speccing a burly 2.5WT up front in the Pike, the rear end looked a bit skraal by comparison and couldn't accept an equivalent burly tyre to compliment the front. The skinnier XC orientated tyres also generally don't come in stronger casings so for me it was a limitation (I tried a Maxxis Icon but cut the sidewall on its first ride). But then I did acknowledge I was building the frame up a bit beyond its intended use so worked within the limitations. It still remains the one full suss bike I have felt the most "at home" on (granted I have not ridden an extensive list of full suss bikes).

There's already a forum thread on this with a similar title. You should be able to find guidance there https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/184808-where-to-find-aggressive-hardtails/?hl=hardtail

https://m.pinkbike.com/news/merida-lunches-uk-influenced-big-trail-140mm-hardtail.html

I had the same experience yesterday but the payment still went through despite the Paygate fail. Order was then processed and at my door within 24hrs. Perhaps it's because everything i ordered was in stock (and I'm in cape Town), but overall I can't fault the service despite the Paygate fail!

Rear looks the same, front much less so

A thread of great interest to me as the wide shoe problem is real! My biggest issue with local stock is very few (to no) brands bring in anything bigger than a EU48 and even these are in short supply. So getting anything to first try on is near impossible as most companies don't want the liability of holding a large size (and wide) shoe that may not move. I understand the sentiments but it's average as a consumer. Mini rant aside, I found Pearl Izumi to be one of the better wide shoes BUT I had to import these and was only willing to take the risk because of an awesome special through Amazon. But if you're wanting flat pedal shoes? Pffft, good luck finding anything local that is big enough (i.e. EU49)

Once upon a time Mr Christmas Tree was the ultimate proponent of this and it caused much consternation (they're still around, just with a new username). The free market argument wins out each time for this type of activity though.

With Adidas having bought 510 I think the Terrex are relaunched as under the Five Ten banner as a Trailcross shoe https://www.adidasoutdoor.com/five-ten-trailcross-lt-men%27s-mountain-bike-shoe/EPB22.html Hopefully they bring these to SA

Goedgedacht Trust in Malmesbury have a bicycle project they run as part of their Path out of Poverty programme. If it's still active, it may be something they would be interested in https://www.goedgedacht.org/path-onto-prosperity/our-projects/ There's also the Bicycle Empowerment Network https://www.benbikes.org.za/

Only Large and X-Large available, but seems a good price for the Fox Proframe helmet https://www.onedayonly.co.za/proframe-mink-helmet.html

Just get flat pedals, then you can use any pair of sandals

If there's a group option developing, I would also be keen to get on board. Will keep tabs on the thread

Is the connectamajig the plastic piece on the brake lever that covers where the hose connects to the lever? The only way to get it off is to cut the olive off (you can screw out the barb for SRAM levers - I think). The connectamajig (if it is what I think it is) will then easily slide off the hose and the hose will fit through the internal routing holes. Brake hoses are pretty standard diameter so a new hose won't change much. If cutting off the olive (with a hydraulic hose cutter) just know you will have to fit a new one (along with the barb) for re-installation of the hose to lever

https://www.instagram.com/p/CBqDHEagGprjVbs1PChwyOvHzCl4Wo7fy_G_5Q0/

BaGearA, did you find these shims at all? I might have what you need...

Check out Summit Bikes http://summitbikes.co.za/index.php

Yip, had the same on many an occasion. Seems not everyone actually wants to sell things they list

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAZpQzKAD6_/

Those Zee's are awesome - saw the deal and it tempted me even though I already have a set! Paired with 203mm rotor up front and 180mm out back provides stopping power for days! I like this virtual build project...problem is it creates an itch that becomes difficulty to ignore

Have a look at this thread for some inspiration - at least the more recent posts. The Slade is a good option and has a good local following. Unfortunately I don't think there are many local options in the party hardtail category though but there are some (Trek and Niner as Jewbacca has indicated). There is also Dartmoor which Trail Tech Cycles can assist with (frame only or full build), but there would likely be a waiting period for this irrespective of the current climate. Otherwise there are plenty frame only options that you could consider if you're willing to import on you own - but with the way the ZAR is going this could be a costly exercise. Check out the On-One frames for example https://www.planetx.co.uk/c/q/frames/mountain-bike-frames

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-bu4BsngkN/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9tnyDup0dG/

Recently switched from a full sus to this beast and couldn't be happier - 160mm of steamrolling radness. Ups the ante on the trail and is such a fun ride! Hardtails certainly aren't dead IMO

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9WZIx9nGzH/