deonkretch Posted August 23, 2011 Share I'm doing my first stage race in October, the Cape Pioneer Trek and I'm looking at 29ers, some advice from people in the know would be greatly appreciated. Firstly some background, my current ride is a Merida 96 Carbon, 2x10 setup which works great. I ride a medium size frame (18). I'm not the most gifted cyclist nor do I have the best technical ability. I like the point and shoot attitude of the bike on climbs but I'm quite jittery on technical downhills, been OTB once or twice with it! I usually finish in the middle to top half of the field in races such as Barberton. That should give you some background.. I have done some research and other than the hype around 29ers there seems to be some sure advantages behind them, especially for longer stage races due to comfort etc. My choices are currently;Santa Cruz Tallboy - or - Ellsworth Evolve.I'm planning to move my XTR from my Merida over to the 29er and build a decent 'lightish' set of wheels (Hope, Stans ZTR Race) so weight should be in the region of 11,5kg's to 12 kg's which I'm happy with. Fork would be a Fox F32 29er RLT. I'm in two minds about which bike is more suited to my needs. I like the point and shoot attitude of the Merida but would like something a bit tamer on the rough stuff without feeling like I'm on a Lazy boy, and something that would work well for a couple of days in the saddle. Any advice would be appreciated! Thx,Deon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rouxtjie Posted August 23, 2011 Share Lekker problem to have...if it was my money, the cruz thanks so much. Here is a lekker review for it http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/frames/mountain/product/tallboy-frame-with-fox-shock-10-37519/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Polo Posted August 23, 2011 Share Lekker problem to have...if it was my money, the cruz thanks so much. Here is a lekker review for it http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/frames/mountain/product/tallboy-frame-with-fox-shock-10-37519/Jeez that thread went south quickly! Ironic that we are discussing the bike in the 'third world'! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rouxtjie Posted August 23, 2011 Share Jeez that thread went south quickly! Ironic that we are discussing the bike in the 'third world'!huh? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TNOSE_E Posted August 23, 2011 Share Tallboy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xak1 Posted August 23, 2011 Share My link Imported by Dragon, so service is also good. Go for UST for CPT, even if they are heavy in 29er version - terrain is tough on tires. Have Maxxis Ardent front and Crossmark back - works well in Klein Karoo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caerus Posted August 23, 2011 Share huh? I'm thinking the same thing Also I would go with the Tallboy, awesome ride Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big JD Posted August 23, 2011 Share I have had the Tallboy for almost 6 months now and it is a fantastic Stage Race bike. Comfy for multiple days in the saddle, but nimble when you need it to be. Using Spez UST tyres, The Captain Control in the front and Fast Trak at the back and had no problems in most conditions and rolls well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chubba Posted August 23, 2011 Share Tallboy. What a bike! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Polo Posted August 23, 2011 Share huh?Half the thread below the article on Bikeradar is about whether it is morally acceptable to buy a bike that gets manufactured in a 3rd world country, because the workers don't receive a living wage. Nothing to do with whether a Tallboy is a good bike (which it is!) or not... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
covie Posted August 23, 2011 Share Doing the pioneer as your first stage race dude your nuts. Or in good Afr jy gaan klippe ***, of wag kom ons se rotse ***. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newboy Posted August 23, 2011 Share Have not ridden the Tallboy. I have ridden a Evolve for 2 years now and it is by far the most comfortable bike I have ever ridden. What MTB August edition rate these 2 bikes the best 29 er full suspension bikes available so I guess you can not go wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GLuvsMtb Posted August 25, 2011 Share If I was in the market for a 29er, I'd look at the Niner Jet 9 RDO http://www.ninerbikes.com/jet9rdo Or if you are a little more adventurous, the Niner R.I.P. 9http://www.ninerbikes.com/rip9 Why would I choose a Niner? I tend to trust they guy that specialises in one technology more than the one that is simply moving with the times. Many of the 29ers out there looks like modified 26 inch bikes and that to me is a clear sign that they have not yet commited to the concept. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deonkretch Posted September 28, 2011 Share Just a quick update. Decided to go for the Santa Cruz Tallboy and after a couple of weeks on the bike I can say that I'm very happy with the decision. Awesome bike! Climbs like a mountain goat and the descends are pure bliss. Now to go and '*** some rotse' as Covie mentioned in his post! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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