Mr lee

Ahh....

Won't that cause mud to pack in there as opposed to only around the frame if not used? What is the purpose of mounting it there as I cannot see it stopping mud or water from being flung up onto your back? Just asking cause I have never considered one on the rear...

Congrats Michele! Hope you enjoy your new machine. Hope you come on here at least once (if you aren't already) and post a pic of it in all it's glory

My comment was not related to winning the bike but more to do with what options I would have if I were to purchase one. After all, are we not discussing this brand in this thread? ...and by doing so the organizers and supporting companies are getting just what they wanted....brand exposure ....and believe me if you were to give me one in any colour I would definitely not say no

Aww no more Shimano XT options for the Tallbay CC ...never been a fan of SRAM... Who comes up with these hideous frame colours??? Gloss rust !!! The black is nice but it doesn't make it WOW . I still like the bike but a step back in that department me thinks!

Awesome....now lets see how it looks

I realize that the nearest store is a long drive away from where you are situated but Cycle Lab has the 2017 Merida 96 600 on special for R19 999.00 so you can have a new bike for your budget It is pretty well spec'd for what it is and while it only has 100mm travel and not as relaxed as a new scott spark it should do the trick for the terrain you are riding on! Best would be to try a few bikes and see where your preferences lie and then make your decision. R20K is still a hefty amount to spend these days so you want to make sure you buy right.

But surely this is also benefiting the various brands involved due to the increased exposure! I for one have always been interested in the brand due to XXL frame sizing (Tallboy) which would be perfect for me and due to this initiative I have been back to the web site to "check it out" more times than I can recall I know it is none of anyone's business besides the organizers and involved parties but I would think that the prizes would be offered up at a reduced a rate...

If I was sure that the 2.35 Ardent Race would fit on the rear with minimal frame scrub then I would get one but I plan to go 25mm internal rim width so it would be a waste :/ I would definitely choose the Ardent race or Ardent as a front rear combo over a crossmark or Ikon one! But hey, each to their own

If you look around you will find that some shops are starting to stock the Ardent Race 29x2.2 which would be the perfect rear tyre if you are looking for a bit more grip withot sacrificing too much in the rolling resistance department! If I can find one cheap then I would like to try one in place of the 2.25 Ardent I currently have on my rear. Would have been so nice if CWC stocked the race 2.2 with their current specials....

Entered

For long rides I would say Ardent due to the lower rolling resistance!

And.....?

I ran the Forekaster up front with a crossmark rear late last year in some muddy conditions. It was a great tyre and cleared out well when packed. Grip was also good. It had more rolling resistance when compared to the normal Ardent, more so if compared to an Ardent Race! And it is an audible difference when running on road too! I wouldn't say it is a good XCO tyre but in loose sand and mud and possibly on rocks it should more than suffice. Is nice and light too. Oh and mine is a 29er....

Let us know your thoughts on the tyre

Yup only seems to come in 3C/EXO/TR... The Ardent 2.4 also shows 3C/EXO/TR on the local agents site but I am sure I have seen a few EXO/TR's floating around. As you are not far from Kempton Park Dieter give Finish Line Cycles a call. They have a basket full of Ardents and I am sure it was in there that I saw an EXO/TR or two....that is if you are still looking at an Ardent . I am using the 2.4 with the standard trim 19mm ID rims and it is fine...probably would perform better with a slightly wider rim but it works ok for now and I only run it between 1.4 - 1.8bar lately.

I think it would depend on what you want in a front tyre. The Ardent is definitely the more aggressive of the 2 and I would look at the 2.4 if I was you. Run at lower pressures it doesn't seem to be as sketchy as the 2.25 when leant down in the turns.

My rear shock bobs when on full lockout but I am heavy so probably expecting a lot from the little bugger.... just leave it unlocked now on any terrain I'll deal with the power delivery loss for the comfort

Lots of guys in Gauteng run that combo. If I wasn't a Maxxis Fan that would be my choice. The Saguaro and Barzo have good grip levels with decent rolling resistance....but you have to try them to determine if they really work for you . I have also seen some run the Saguaro rear and Ardent front! Can't see that your Ardent would wear that quick up front.

Just had a good look at the Ardent Race again and I think this would be a better alternative to run on the rear for me instead of the Ardent 2.25! The center tread on the Ardent Race looks as though it would be a better roller as the transition knobs are 1 for every center knob whereas the Ardent is every second. The Race has the outer knobs more tightly spaced so not as aggressive with corner bite. Just a pity the local agents don't bring in the 2.2 wide version as 2.35 might be pushing the clearance a little on my rear frame

Can also use the 2.25 Ardent up front but the 2.4 would be the better of the two

Maxxis Crossmark rear and Ardent front. CWC have specials for both @ R370 a piece so hurry and order now

Ha ha...I learn't this the hard way

Being visible is and should be a matter of personal preservation. I can understand that some people do not like to attract attention to themselves when it is dark as it may alert the criminal element of your whereabouts, but then at least use something reflective so you are more visible to motorists! I use a Lumo yellow Maxed cycle shirt with a few reflective bits on it (Cheaper than the other brands @R200 and fits my large frame well), first ascent arm and leg warmers with reflective bits and the R400 combo USB rechargeable Ryder Crux 250L front with the TRI-LED rear light set. I have the rear set to a slow strobe and the front is more than enough when set to full beam when dark and full strobe during the day or at dusk and dawn. Also use the first accent jacket when it is too cold. Small fanny bag under the saddle also has reflect strip. Not much I know but better than nothing and the light package was really good value for money, especially since both lights are USB rechargeable and you don't have to keep buying batteries or mount a large battery pack to your frame!

edit..... didn't read above post