Search the Community

If you are sensitive to self scrutinee and constructive criticism. Dont bother reading any further. you will find this offensive!!! I recently got off my IDT to allow enough oxygen flow through to my brain to have a "Eureka" moment..... we (cyclists) are all idiots!!! yes....u heard me right. And here is why: Every single person i know in this sport act like a school boy being caught in the act fapping in a cubical during break time when they are ambushed into a conversations on topics other than cycling. If we are seeded anywhere in the single numeric of the Argus, we believe it is one of us that will podium on the day and sitting on the cross bar of our bikes (pre race) are going to get us a spot on the Intellibus team. --- idiots We also believe we have the right to shout commands such as "MOOOVE!!" and "KEEP LEFT!!" all the way through each ride so we can be respected as the faster rider (only to be caught later in the race) --- Idiots Strava is the latest tool to show that you are into this game and mean business. Even though you might find this hard to believe..... no one checks what you have done except your stupid cycling mates. --- idiots Having a Pimped or lighter bike is only a indication of your stupidity level in this sport, and some oke on a Raleigh RC3000 is waiting to kick your butt. Or maybe he has already. But you pretended not to notice while you were busy scanning your stupid monitoring equipment indicating how much fart you have accumulated from the last banana consumption......... Yes you!!!..... dont look behind you....... you know who you are. --- idiots having a friendly chat with Joe Soap of cycling in the local bike shop and then ignoring everyone at Killarney with your kit on is absolutely rediculous. You do realise people still recognise you with cycling kit on? ---Idiots even if you did make it onto the Pro scene does not take away your courtesy and personality. You are still allowed to act like a normal decent person. --- idiots Going to the local Pub with a Specialized shirt on means nothing to the chics. They dont cycle and they dont care. Its how you get her home that matters. And taking chics to your Moms house aint cool. --- idiots Why do we act like @ssholes towards cyclists when we drive cars, and the same when we ride our bicycles?? --- idiots This sport is becoming more and more brain dead as it grows. And the more i think about it.... the more i am starting to believe the bicycle has a slow releasing brain killing poison which is transferred into the @sshole of the guy / girl riding it. I am one of the idiots, so dont criticise me, rather try and understand and make sense of this theory.

Hi Guys So I only started riding in the beginning of the year, and have done quite a few xc races this year, they've been fun and great. Then I did the "Giba gravity enduro" which i loved 10 times more than any other race I did, and realised that enduro riding is what I wanna do. So currently I have a Specialized epic 29er, and its great and everything, but for trail riding I must be honest I don't find it very confidence inspiring. I dunno what it is, probably the head tube angle, but it feels twitchy in corners and it just doesn't feel quite right for riding at places like Giba Gorge etc. (even my cheap Titan Comp 29er felt better in this regard). Anyway so I'm in the market to sell that bike and get something better suited to trail/enduro riding. So can anyone advise me on what to get for around R20k??? I'll probably get around that for my Specialized. I've been looking this week at the the Santa Cruz Blur LT 2.3. I can get the frame brand new for 900$, and won't have to worry about import duties or VAT etc cause I have a friend coming over from the States soon who can bring it for me. Here some links on the spec of the frame, and reviews etc. http://www.bicycling...update?page=0,0 http://www.santacruz...feb10_LT2_O.pdf http://www.santacruz...s.co.uk/blurlt/ http://www.santacruz...urlt/blurlt.pdf http://www.bikeradar...e-only-09-36977 So here's my thinking it's a 26er, which means I should be able to pick up wheels and a fork for pretty cheap (in comparison to 650b or 29er). And should be able to complete the bike for around 20k hopefully. Is it worth it getting a 26er? I see all the new AM/Enduro bikes are going 650b/27.5 (whatever you wanna call it). Would love to get a Santa Cruz Heckler 27.5 full build, which is 3000$, a bit pricey though. Sorry bit of a long post, but I'm new to the enduro/am game and my knowledge is limited. Any advice/comments would be highly appreciated. Thanks Nick

A colleague of mine's bike was stolen out of the back of his bakkie last night. He stays in Tokai, please be on the lookout. Black/Red Specialized Epic Comp Carbon, 2013 Model, Size Large Thanks

So it seems like Max has gone back to Ghost after his announcement a few weeks ago that he is going to focus on Cross Country for the 2014 season. I find it very interesting that he is leaving Specialized, or was it more a case of Specialized letting him go? https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.770555482971683.1073741853.316003618426874&type=3

I ordered a X01 groupset, but need the help of a DIY expert too install it. I'm not too keen on getting my LBS do it. I want somebody that will take the time & due care to make sure it is "perfect", Preferably someone that has done it before. I have a Specialized Epic Comp Carbon 2010 model. Live in Mpumalanga, but will travel to Jozi or Pretoria. A Saturday would be great, since I would like to drop off the bike & "assist" with the installation & take it home on the same day. Will reward the person for their time. Please PM me. Cheers R©

Last year we where robbed and I lost my GT i-drive. I was gutted and insurance didn't want to pay out as I didn't have a photo of myself with my bike. Fast forward a couple of months and a customer got chatting at work and I left late. The stars aligned and I was parked in the front at a robot and a white GT i-drive with white Fox forks came riding past me. I had a closed look and there was a Specialized Carbon seatpost and a Rasta on the saddle. I jumped the red robot and followed him into a busy street full of commuters heading home. He had no idea I was following him. I called the cops and they told me to wait 40mins until a vehicle was able to come out. I parked my bakkie and ran after him. I pulled him off my bike and a small crowd formed around us. I took a chance, loaded the bike onto the back and him in the front praying he wouldn't stab me. I sold the idea of a reward but he soon realised we where heading to the police station. He begged me to go to the taxi rank and talk to the person he bought it off. I started to nip myself as he was getting desperate and people do stupid things when desperate. He bolted out the bakkie and I didn't give chase. I just went to the police station to have it struck off the A1 form so if insurance ever did investigate they wont see the bike I said was stolen in my garage. At the police station the police wanted to charge me with robbery as the previous "owner" needed to accompany me. After going back and forth a senior member had a listen, explained I couldn't have done it in a worse way from a legal point of view, but he understood the circumstance. He took my number for any further questions should they crop up. My friend the Rasta hammered the breaks and I am busy replacing them, broke the wishbone, gears needed to be reset and fiddled with and added lots of dings to it. All in all, bikes back, last correspondence from the cops was positive and although it started off as a ball ache they followed up and apologized and patrol our street often now. http://i1154.photobucket.com/albums/p534/snowbeast26/utf-8BSU1HLTIwMTMwMzIwLTAwMjQ4LmpwZw.jpg My boet giving it a once over before the CANSA 12hr relay in Winterton - First ride since I got it back http://i1154.photobucket.com/albums/p534/snowbeast26/utf-8BUGlldGVybWFyaXR6YnVyZy0yMDEzMDExNi0wMDEwMy5qcGc.jpg 5mins before I was reunited - the cops could not use the picture as you cant make out his face

Any views on riding 25cc over 23cc? Other than a more comfortable ride. My new specialized 25cc turbo also have zero tread...should I be concerned?

Have the option of a 2014 Specialized Rumor for R20 000 (an entry level model) as an upgrade to a R10 000 hardtail trek that is 3years old and weights 14kg. I am getting into stage racing, ride about 3-4 times a week in the mtb (and other days on the road) I do a fair number of 30-60km MTB events and am of above average ability - but not amazingly talented or by any means near a podium finisher. just fit and only because i work hard at it. would value any thoughts and comments on whether this is good value or money and a good move in terms of an upgrade.

i heard there was a sale at Bridge so stopped off after work to have a look see. got a pair of Specialized Mtb sport for R750 and a pair of comp for R1200... there were also S-Works for R2000. theres also racks of craft bibs and tops and specialised... all at around R550, i also got a pair of craft loose shorts for R300 that were marked at R800. just wanted to spread the word in case you're looking for a deal!

Advice needed please

I'm looking to buying a new carbon frame bike. I am big guy clocking in at 110kg in the nick. I currently ride a Specialized Comp Epic aluminium frame. I have broken the back triangle three times now. Although Specialized have always been honourable in meeting the warranties, I really want a frame that can deal with my weight and bad riding. I have heard that the Santa Cruz Tall Boy is very strong and so I have had a look at it. I will really appreciate some advice. Thanks all.

Hi Guys I'm upgrading to a 29er and have been given a price of R17,819 for a NEW specialized Stumpjumper HT Comp 2014. Retail roughly R21,000, from what i can find online The bike is light (roughly 10.7Kg, no pedals - current bike is 14.5Kg) Goupset is mix of Sram X9 & X7 Just wanted to check if this sounds like a good deal & if anybody that has a Stumpjumper, what their reviews are? Also purchasing the specialized 2013 PRO MTB shoes R2300

A truly inspirational story of Theo Ngubane, who grabbed a once in a lifetime opportunity and charged forward to pursue his dream. Click here to view the article

The first thing I would like to say is thanks to all who have supported my efforts in getting my blood sugar under control. You all know who you are. My bike Giant Anthem X 29er, Giant wheels and cross something tyres, Fox RP23 Rear Shock, All XT components except for the XTR rear der, brakes G2 cleansweep discs with Sram XX World Cup, Ritchey Carbon Riser bar, A Ritchey 110mm stem Ritchey Carbon layback Seatpost, Specialized saddle (Henge 143mm) and a Rock Shox SID XX 29er tapered 15mm through axle and a Specialized helmet. And before I forget my old weight lifting gloves. So the ride started well. Out the house HR 75 BPM down the road going like a bat out of hell pulled the 185 XX World cup brake on and thought I was going over the bars. Thankfully I did not. First lesson the brakes are good. Started the first climb not big but heart rate now up to 135 little out of breath but doing well. Gear not sounding so good as I tried to push up the hill a friend riding with me told me small front and small back gear selection not good and large front and large back gears crossing over also not a good thing to do. Second lesson dont cross your gears. Ok been out for about 25 min heart rate at 145 and now starting a long climb up to the top of the village. Stopped 3 time on the way up HR 175 out of breath friend riding with me looks like he is falling asleep told him to check the route ahead, cars going past me people laughing but hey I am having a great time. Lesson three the hill is bigger than I thought. Ok so we are at the top of the village and Eugene said were does this dirt track go to? (Should have said I don’t know) I realised then I was in trouble but as us men do I plucked up my remaining testosterone and said my son said it’s a great way back home he used it many a time on the 4 wheeler lets go back home that route. Fourth lesson don’t think with your nuts and don’t listen to your son’s advice. After getting 90% of the way up kill e man jaro Eugene who has by now been up and down about ten times said he went right at the top and once again my nuts started to think for me and out my mouth came the words you should have gone left (oh why did I speak) Lesson five keep my big mouth shut. Right he says lets go. That is where the wheels fell off. I was in the lowest gear and I was told to take it easy so I pushed like hell it was up hill remember, there I popped my first wheelie and the next thing I felt was my head hitting the ground and I remember looking at Eugene who was on the floor laughing. I was ok but my pride had a dent. Lesson six listen to advice. Ok so off we go again finally I reached the top HR 175 and climbing it was about now I remembered the doctors words ringing in my ears do not go above 110 HR and walk as exercise. We are now at the top looking down across a dirt track between the fields and I can see all the these flashing colours in my eyes and my legs are shaking. Lesson seven always take the advice of your doctor. There is a big discussion about the technical route it went something like which way I said thinking with my nuts the steepest and fastest. Oh boy was that a mistake and it’s starting to go dark. Off we go Eugene in front and me catching him at a rate that can only be described as suicidal the bumps are causing me to see double and me thinking these monstrous brakes if I pull them they will send me flying so what do I do as Eugene takes a left turn I call him a sadistic AH and go off I go into the freshly dug sugar cane. I have never been so happy the dirt just brought me to a grinding halt my HR is off the scale plus the sweat is burning my eye so I cannot see. Lesson eight a mixture of lessons four and five. Still only 1/3 of the way down and I am thinking what now walk or cry well let me tell you this is where I moved into top gear, the thought process was at its peak I was again using my nuts as my brain and because I thought my son loved me and he though his route was great and I thought that I should stick with it and the thought of my dear wife who was sitting at home having a beer my mouth got the better of me and well I said lets race to the bottom and off we went. It was clear from the start my 60 minutes experience of mountain biking was all coming together the suspension going downhill was set at hard the hand eye coordination with the brakes was in tune and just because I could not see in the dark hell what could go wrong. I have lost all feeling in my bum Eugene is now at warp 9 I am close on his tail and thinking am I insured enough. It was then I though suspension should be set as soft!!!! Suddenly out the dark I hear Eugene shout watch out its soft!!!! WTF is he going on about I thought then another command ringing out go left WTF !!! is he on about. Out of the darkness I see a wall of thick bush approaching me at speed and Eugene going off to my left so this time no choice I go left. It was about then I though what was he going on about soft!!! This is the same time I saw this sand approaching my head the front wheel slipping gently away. Lucky for me no damage except once again Eugene is on the floor laughing. Lesson nine brakes are good, don’t cross your gears, hills are bigger than you think, don’t think with your nuts and don’t listen to your sons advice, keep my big mouth shut, listen to advice, always take the advice of your doctor, mixture of lesson four and five. So I make it home in one piece and my bike is fantastic had the best hour and a bits worth of enjoyment I have had in a long time. Lesson ten Get yourself a bike All in all a great ride and I will be doing many more. orsum

Hi guys. Our gardener which stays on a plot in the Olympus area Orange Diamond Back mountain bike was taken from him by 4 guys just across the road from the mooikloof northern entrance. It's a old bike. It was mine looong ago. It was his wheels to go anywhere. Now he is stuck. It is fitted with specialized rock hopper tires. A RST front fork. It's got indola Stickers down the underside of the down tube as well as a rock shox decal in the BB area. On the one chain stay there is a area with no paint. Been sanded down due to chips that were there. It's got a shimano A rear deraileur and combined shifter and brake lever. The gear indication dials are also not there anymore. I know a lot of guys ride in this area and just maybe spots the bike. Please phone me on 082 651 473 three All the best Meent

Hi. I am looking for the mechanic that used to work at Mikes Bikes. He had shoulder length blonde hair. He did a good job on my Momgoose, and now I want him to work on my specialized. Phoned Mikes, but all I could get out of them was that " he left to work at a supplier" If you know this dude, put him in touch with me. Brendan 0836590473

question to all SW specialists out there I need to replace the bearings for the BB and pivot on my SW (after only having the bike for 2 months...sounds a little ridiculous) can anyone tell me if I can just use the normal R10 bearings from The Bearing man or do I have to pay R120 for one bearing because it is specialized?

Situated at Somerset Mall (Somerset West), Helderberg Cycle World has signed an agreement with leading bicycle manufacturer, Specialized, making it the very first Specialized Concept Store in the Western Cape. Helderberg Cycle World will join Concept Cyclery Burry Stander (Ballito, KZN), Concept Cyclery Melrose Arch (Melrose Arch, Gauteng) and Lynnwood Cyclery (Pretoria) on the list of current Specialized Concept Stores in South Africa. Click here to view the article

Hi All. I am looking for something to hit some local trails with (Tokia / Jonkershoek kind of thing). I come from a Dirt Jumping / street BMX (I have a 26" NS) background so need something that can take a hit or two but I am not expecting to do road gaps or anything on this bike. I don't really want to spend too much as this will be bike #3 and I ride the others pretty much every 2nd day. I have also never really done AM so not sure I will get into it but I'm sure I will. I was originally looking at the Commencal Meta AM for about R24k but there is no stock locally. I have come across this bike: 2009 Specialized Enduro SL Comp. http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/archive/2009/enduro/enduroslcomp#specs I have taken a look at it and although its a 2009 its in pristine condition and hasn't been ridden much at all. Some questions (some are noob as this is my first Full Susp) 1. Am I mad to look at such an old bike? I originally wanted something newer but I kind of like this bikes geometry. 2. Will parts be an issue especially at the rear triangle? 3. What is a decent price to pay for such a bike considering its age? I know bikes tend to have poor resale. 4. Any other advice? Thanks

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/61948-specialized-transition-tt-bike-56cm/ Its mine..............

I need some help in a decision, haven't been riding for a few years and want to get back on a bike. Not as hectic as before, just a few fun Saturday sessions and occasional holiday sessions with the family. So I am in two minds and it fluctuates constantly....as soon as I make a choice a few hours later I second guess it and go with the other option! so I will give a few details and hopefully all the clever people can make me stick to one choice!! my details : height : 1.90m weight : 105kg -> hopefully getting it down again with riding :-) inseam : cant remember ...but my build is not funny like long torso or long legs, lets call it avg. my seat height BB -> Top of saddle was usually 87-90cm if that helps. type of riding having done the 5-6 hour Saturday and Sunday slogs, I am not keen on that. So no road riding due to traffic dangers and not liking to ride in roadie groups. So I want to do Mountain biking mostly. It will be on weekends, maybe a weekday here and there as I actually drive past groenkloof to go to work ! so who knows. I will mostly go to bike park places like van Gaalen, Red Barn, GroenKloof, Northen Farms if I ride. Like the safety aspect as I will be alone or with my wife. So the bike should probably be "fun" as well as capable. Will probably do 2 hour rides maybe 3 hours at a time. No Racing in the foreseeable future. budget I would say 8k-11k max. Options So most of you probably know this is going one way........... :-) the 26er vs 29er debate...so humour me , and look at the info above versus choices below and tell me what option will be better 1) There currently some awesome deals on 26" full suspension bikes. I can get anything from a Giant Anthem, Specialized Epic Comp to a Yeti ASR5 close to my budget. These bike have good to great components (XT etc) and usually have pretty decent wheels (Crossmax). They are also pretty light for Full Suspension (sub 12kg). It is the most logical choice for fun and value for money. Only issue is , I have never felt that in control on any of my MTB's (various makes and sizes) . I always had this feeling of going over the handlebars in technical sections. It might have been my setup, lack of skill or way to much speed due to misplaced trust on my skill! But it has pointed me to the 29er bible of bigger buy -> bigger wheel mantra.....Honestly I think the 29er thing is a bit over hyped , in the end you still need to peddle the bike, and no wheel will change that. But just maybe........................it is the answer to all life's questions... ;-) 2) So...onto the 29ers, in my budget I can get a entry to mid level 29er hard tail. I can get a Momen 329 for 8k new, 2013 spec. Also looked at the Titan Comp bike for 9300 odd, momsen 329 , 2014 spec for 10k. Bikes seem nice, components is a bit low level, but might be sufficient for the limited time I will put on them. For some reason I just think the bigger wheeled bike will fit my frame and length better, but it might also be the Achilles heel......I am not sure if these bike's wheel sets can handle my weight? no use going 29er and me folding a wheel on the first out the saddle climb and bit of pressure I put on the wheels.......also they are hard tail.....still think FS will kick any HT on a bit of ruff stuff! they are heavy ...12.5kg + , so no gains on weight versus the 26er FS. So I guess it comes down to getting a 30-50k bike at a real Steal price.....or buying into the hype and getting an semi-entry level bike 29er and then preaching to all about the awesome rollover ability ...............It is just very confusing....as soon as I choose I walk into a bike shop and see a 29er and start wondering ......damn marketing people! I must say I am leaning towards option 1, can someone convince me otherwise?

Has any one changed ther specialized future shock (fox) or is it possible to do so its for my 2010 stumpy.i increased the preasure but the sag staying the same.. Need advice please....

Richard Murray finished the ITU World Triathlon Series in fifth place overall after Sunday’s grand finale of the World Series in London where his fellow Specialized athlete Spain’s Javier Gomez was crowned World Series Champion. Click here to view the article

I have a Shimano M762 XT custom for Specialized Bottom Braket on an 08 Specialized Epic. The thing is dying making all sorts horrid noises and stuff, but Im not sure what they mean by "customized". Will I have to get it from the specialized agents or did they just "customize" the branding on the BB so that I can replace it with any other external bearing bb. http://www.chainreac...et/rp-prod41445 This is the one I'm looking at getting, its looks simmilar to mine.

Hi, I am interested in this bike but whould like an unbiased, user review not the marketing speak one gets online. Anyone got one that they enjoying/not enjoying. Specifics would be appreciated. thanks