MTB Definitions (is this the right place to ask this question?)

[worriesnot]

Yes there are a couple of enduro events but they are few and far between. Generally you need lots of steep gradients for enduro events with minimal pedal sections between the timed segments. Unfortunately SA just doesnt have alot of this terrain also its quite intimidating for someone starting out due to its technical nature.

 

Example of a trail bike is something like a giant trance. The difference between a trail and a marathon dual sus bike is really the amount of travel on the bike. a Giant anthem(their marathon bike) comes with about 100mm travel whereas the trance has 140mm. Also trail bikes generally have 26 / 27.5 inch wheels and marathon bikes 29 inch. Again its a not a make or break thing, you can do events in either format on any bike really.

That's probably the best comparison of bikes for trail vs. marathon, from the same manufacturer... I thought of exactly the same thing when reading OP's question.

Listen up OP - you getting some good advice here

[Bomberman]

" A trail bike is typically a do-it-all bike. They usually have 120-150mm of travel and they are usually full suspension. It can be best described as a bike that is light enough and have suitbale geometry to pedal up any climb, but the longer travel and slack(ish) geometry inspires confidence to tackle tougher obstacles and descend fast as well."

 

I have a Merida 120 d 500, love it......

[GrantRH]

do we have enduro events in SA? With reference to your earlier comment, you said Enduro is a race format that would use trail bikes - what is an example of a trail bike? If I choose a full sus bike, is there a difference between a full sus enduro bike from a full sus marathon bike?

 

Trail bikes are generally better suited to more travel and 27.5. I would stay away from 26ers. They are becoming harder to find spares for.

 

Marathon bikes, IMHO, are fine with 100mm travel, but definitely favour 29 and full-sus. Some hardcore guys prefer hard tails for marathons but that takes it out of you a little more, very bumpy and uncomfortable if you are in the saddle for 3 days.

 

Those events you mention are definitely marathon events. I would go 29er full suspension. There are great bikes out there that cover this category. The "big name" bike that many favour is the Specialized Epic, which is a marathon thoroughbred. I am biased as I have one. As a good balance between trail and marathon, the Specialized Camber is awesome. Other great brands include the Momsen Vipa as a marathon/trail mix, Santa Cruz tall boy, and the Yeti ARc. These are all expensive bikes. Cannondale Scalpals are also highly recommended, but again, expensive.

 

Slightly less expensive are the Giant Anthems and Merida Big Nines. I am sure that others have good recommendations as well, but those are the main ones that jump to mind for the cycling you are focusing on.

 

You can test ride many of them. Take the opportunity to see which one in your budget you prefer.

 

Last piece of advice... spend as much as you are comfortable with. Penny-wise, pound-foolish will only mean that you will want to upgrade to the better bike in +- 2 years time.

[Vangar]

A trail bike is typically a do-it-all bike. They usually have 120-150mm of travel and they are usually full suspension. It can be best described as a bike that is light enough and have suitbale geometry to pedal up any climb, but the longer travel and slack(ish) geometry inspires confidence to tackle tougher obstacles and descend fast as well.

 

I am a trail bike apostle, I ride marathons such as Attakwas on my 150mm travel machine, but I also ride downhill and XCO courses for fun on it. Extremely versatile and helps you to push the limits of your skill.

 

However, the type of riding you want to do will best dictate what type of bike will be best suited to your needs.

 

I have to second this from my experience this weekend on the Silverstar race. On the rocky descents the extra 120mm travel up front and bit in the back on my Sprada helped a lot in keeping speed up and even passing a few people off line in single track, but it's still about 13Kg with a dropper post so light enough to not be a tank.

 

Trail bikes make sense for me in Gauteng if you are only going to have one bike for everything and want to try everything. (Disclaimer: Within reason, mileage my vary, all opinions expressed are IMO and should be taken as such. Batteries not included )

Edited September 8, 2014 by Vangar

[Rocket-Boy]

scorpion king....the ultimate trick you can do

 

Its only a good scorpion if your feet touch the back of your head!

[rouxtjie]

Its only a good scorpion if your feet touch the back of your head!

ah, but if you stay cleated in and the wheel taps you on your helmet it scores even more points, I have only seen this done once....thing of beauty I tell you, ask chukky, he also witnessed it.

 

Over to you jcmeyer, please give some insight and technique tips

Edited September 8, 2014 by rouxtjie

[jcmeyerSS]

Hahaha Chop.

 

ah, but if you stay cleated in and the wheel taps you on your helmet it scores even more points, I have only seen this done once....thing of beauty I tell you, ask chukky, he also witnessed it.

 

Over to you jcmeyer, please give some insight and technique tips

 

Hahaha chop.

 

[ChUkKy]

ah, but if you stay cleated in and the wheel taps you on your helmet it scores even more points, I have only seen this done once....thing of beauty I tell you, ask chukky, he also witnessed it.

 

Over to you jcmeyer, please give some insight and technique tips

 

Execution was fantastic! Scored a 9.4 out of 10

 

Marks were deducted for not falling into the drink and bending the left elbow

Edited September 8, 2014 by ChUkKy

[rouxtjie]

Execution was fantastic! Scored a 9.4 out of 10

 

Marks were deducted for not falling into the drink and bending the left elbow

Dont confuse a scorpion king with the very rare "up periscope / duikboot". Have never witnessed one myself but they are out there.

[GrantRH]

Had one of those (scorpion) 2 weeks ago on the spruit of all places. It was also at speed so I would have scored myself close to a 9.7.

Edited September 8, 2014 by GrantRH

[Nayr]

Hahaha Chop.

 

Hahaha chop.

 

 

Hahaha...brilliantly executed scorpion, not sure what chukky is on about!

[eddy]

I wish the hub had a dictionary of terms used by mtb'ers including abbreviates such as WTF etc.

 

 

WTF is simple: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. i.e. the run up to the weekend..

[flat29]

Hahaha Chop.

 

Hahaha chop.

 

 

Hahahahhahahahhahahhaha... have not laughed like that in a long time 10/10

[MTB-BFK]

Big thank you shout out to all posters here - incredibly helpful

[MTB-BFK]

That's probably the best comparison of bikes for trail vs. marathon, from the same manufacturer... I thought of exactly the same thing when reading OP's question.

Listen up OP - you getting some good advice here

agreed - good bunch of chaps here

[kosmonooit]

And you have to get your trails from your trials right!

 

http://www.tribalzine.com/IMG/jpg/L_INS_Arcade_RH_Side.jpg