SilverMountain

I think that those of us with a Mongoose Canaan feel quite secure in that the wannanty will be honoured should a problem occur with the frame as what would be done with any of the top MTB brands. As PappaBear has mentioned he has been riding for some time without any problems. Although I am slightly lighter than him, my bike takes a hammering during a race but the Canaan is built and meant for cross country. I am not sure as to when they have experienced problems with the frames. It may have been with massive drop-offs as seen in some of the MTB parks that most of us are not involved with and in that case I am sure other bikes would have a similar problem.

My LBS informed me of the problem they had had previously. Believe that Mongoose will honour any problems with the frames. The 2008 frame was strengthened on the seat end of the top tube. I however got the 2008 model with the 2009 frame (gray/ blue in colour). In regards to the weight, it may be heavier than the top end bikes but if you are not going to be right out in front of the race, to me it does not make that much of a difference.

I rode through the river because I had new shoes and riding with cleats it was easier to stay on the bike (First race I was trying this option as I am used to running shoes. I didn't think it was a good idea to fit the goose with flat pedals). The river we had in the 25km was possibly a lot smaller than you had in the in the 40km.

I entered the Golovane race last night however I will only be doing the 20km ride. Need to get in some training before the longer ones. Have not been to Holla Trails since the race last year.

Now that I have a Canaan, I look out for the others in the race. Have however swopped my gold goose for a gray/blue one . Will look out for yours in the future races.

Have heard quite a few of the guys complaining about the longer race. Sounded like you had a bigger river to cross and a lot of sand.

Did the Baynesfield 25km race today after taking delivery of my Mongoose yesterday. Although I am nowhere near riding fit, I was very impressed with the performance of Canaan. It seemed well suited to the cross country terrain of this race. The rear shocks also made it easier over the distance whereas previously I was quite shaken up towards the end of a race. Swopped to the Shimano SPD cleats and although this was my first time with them, managed quite well except on one occasion when pedalling up a steep path, two guys stopped immediately in front of me and with no space to get through and not able to get out of the peadls, I ended up taking a dive with the bike onto the rough. Have since washed the bike however cannot find any marks from the incident. Am overall happy with the performance and look forward to the future races.

Also not an expert on tyres, was asked if I want to swap if I want to change to Kenda Karma or Nevegal however I have also heard the Crossmarks mentioned. Were you recommended to swap for an all weather tyre? At this stage I am undecided whether to keep the standard tyres or swap them out. As Stretch has indicated, if you are not out in the front of the race, possibly they don't make too much difference.

Stretch, have you got the standard tyres on your bike. The Comp has fast dry conditions tyres however not sure how they are especially through the KZN mud.

Thanks, will appreciate the DS especially on the rough tracks. Will probably take a while to get used to with a few additional features over my Silverback.

May try it out at Baynesfield on Sunday, however will be trying out MTB shoes & cleats for the first time. May take it easy and challenge the Raleighs next time round. Can't see anything on the site about late entries however I am sure they will accept entries on the day.

Am taking delivery of a goose tomorrow. Have noted that you seem to be happy with dual suspension. Will have to try it out over the weekend.

I have had my Silverback Reno now for 18 months and have done many MTB races with it during that time. Only thing I have had to replace is a chain and rear cassettev otherwise have been very happy with it and I think they are very underated. Should consider Reno or higher models.

Bob, sounds like you are positive about the Mongoose. I am still waiting for the one I asked the LBS to put together. Was hoping for this weekend however it seems like it is going to take longer.

Do you find it a problem at all checking which is the correct side when getting on your bike?

May be best to speak to Thule direct. Know they have a Durban office, should have one in the Cape as well....

Thanks...will have to start practicing when I get the bike. Have heard that it is a lot more efficient as you mentioned.

Thanks, the Comp comes with Eggbeater Candys however I was not sure whether they were OK or needed changing when I get the bike. The bike shop said that Shimanos may be better but if it is a problem getting out of them then the Eggbeaters may be better. I have also seen the one that is flat on the one side and accomodates a cleat on the other,....not sure whether these are any good.

I have not tried cleats before so I need to find out what will be the best option in terms of pedals with my new bike. Don't need the same problem however it may be an improvement on whatever I have compared with flat pedals.

Will have to decide on Giba or Glengarry. Long drive to Glengarry from Durbs unless staying over the night before. May freeze in the campsite unless the chicks keep us warm........

Bob,.........what goose are you getting built up. I am waiting for a Comp but it will also probably only be ready next week. Am used to flat pedals so I think the Raleigh is definetely at an advantage for the first challenge.

I am also thinking the same thing, a clean new bike may go a lot easier because of less resistance.

.....sounds a good idea however some of us may need a little practice riding with cleats etc. for the first time. Could be a good idea to have a raleigh goose challege within the birthday challenge