Wally39 Posted April 23, 2015 Posted April 23, 2015 Greetings all I'm pretty much a beginner mountain biker. At the end of last year I upgraded to a 29er Scott Spark. A "from me, to me" Christmas present. The bike is really nice and handles the jeep tracks and roads well. However I find on the single track I have lost all the confidence I had when I was riding my 26er. As I am wanting to do more trail oriented riding I want to know if a 650B, with more travel and slacker head angle, is a better option or should I just up my game? Also where would I be able to get a demo bike to see if it would help? Appreciate any advise.
GoLefty!! Posted April 23, 2015 Posted April 23, 2015 ok so original post deleted again... 29 er is not for everyone. the 650B wheel might be better for you but suggest you go and ride a few bikes first before making another mistake
Wally39 Posted April 24, 2015 Author Posted April 24, 2015 Ja, that's what I thought. None of my mates have a 650B trail bike and I need to find a shop in the Somerset West area that has a few demos. Guess I need to do some investigation.
Slowbee Posted April 24, 2015 Posted April 24, 2015 Velo life have a few models in the trek range. I have not been into williams for a while - but he might have. The new rockhopper store is a good bet as well. With a long weekend you might have some fun. Actually a brand that has a demo day at the Southeys Vine track will make a fortune!!
Patensie Posted April 24, 2015 Posted April 24, 2015 Full suspension trail bike options (120mm -> 140 mm 650b-s): Giant TranceSilverback SliderSanta Cruz Bantam & 5010Trek Fuel (& Remedi ???)Rocky Mountain ThunderboltMerida 120??Cannondale Trigger (don't know if the supplier brings in the 650b version)Pyga 120 650b & Pascoe(non-exhaustive list of brands supported in S-West & Stellenbosch - what I could think of) All depends on your budget though... starts from +-R25k (Slider & Trance) and the sky's the limit if you start building carbon wheels, etc. But chat to the LBSs to see if they have demo bikes. Some do, some don't/are not forthcoming.
Wally39 Posted April 28, 2015 Author Posted April 28, 2015 Thanks for all the info. Sounds like I could have some fun doing research. Hinted to my wife this week-end about maybe getting another bike and she said: 'It's your passion and you earn the money so OK.' I think I'm being set up for,' Honey I need a new.......'
GoLefty!! Posted April 28, 2015 Posted April 28, 2015 In Somerset West you have two good options. Williams Bike Shop can probably assist with a Giant.Fluid Lines in Gant centre can assist with a Orbea Raddon if you ask very very nicely. At least they will let you touch it
Wally39 Posted May 12, 2015 Author Posted May 12, 2015 Took a few bikes for test rides. Euodia Cycles in Hermanus, you guys rock. Last week I tracked down a demo 2014 GT Sensor, which I bought. Taken it for 2 rides and all I can say is WOW! Seriously rediscovered the love. Thanks for all the advise. Much appreciated.
rudi-h Posted May 12, 2015 Posted May 12, 2015 in the order of importance according to Me: (if you want to direct your effort at being a better / more complete technical rider) 1) Dropper post - This makes you a LOT safer and boosts your confidence more than anything else 2) Flat pedals - This forces technique. If you have the technique (i.e. can bunny-hop more than 350mm and land 1+m drop-offs with flats) then you can ride whatever pedals you want. 3) Slack geometry - Lifting your front wheel and getting your weight back is key to riding rough stuff. If you ride a hard-core XC racing bike with a negative angle stem, you are bound to OTB when the going gets rough unless you have Schurter-like skills 4) Travel - 140mm is great for enduro type riding and still very capable for longer / dirt-roadie type rides 5) Wheel size - Major consideration for me wasn't 29 vs 26 vs 27.5, it was more a case of what wheelsize do bikes come out with that have 140mm travel. The answer is mostly 27.5, thats why I bought it. PS I think you are on the right track with a 140mm 650B, just sayin!
Maniac Merv Posted May 12, 2015 Posted May 12, 2015 in the order of importance according to Me: (if you want to direct your effort at being a better / more complete technical rider) 1) Dropper post - This makes you a LOT safer and boosts your confidence more than anything else 2) Flat pedals - This forces technique. If you have the technique (i.e. can bunny-hop more than 350mm and land 1+m drop-offs with flats) then you can ride whatever pedals you want. 3) Slack geometry - Lifting your front wheel and getting your weight back is key to riding rough stuff. If you ride a hard-core XC racing bike with a negative angle stem, you are bound to OTB when the going gets rough unless you have Schurter-like skills 4) Travel - 140mm is great for enduro type riding and still very capable for longer / dirt-roadie type rides 5) Wheel size - Major consideration for me wasn't 29 vs 26 vs 27.5, it was more a case of what wheelsize do bikes come out with that have 140mm travel. The answer is mostly 27.5, thats why I bought it. PS I think you are on the right track with a 140mm 650B, just sayin!spot on !!
Wally39 Posted May 12, 2015 Author Posted May 12, 2015 in the order of importance according to Me: (if you want to direct your effort at being a better / more complete technical rider) 1) Dropper post - This makes you a LOT safer and boosts your confidence more than anything else 2) Flat pedals - This forces technique. If you have the technique (i.e. can bunny-hop more than 350mm and land 1+m drop-offs with flats) then you can ride whatever pedals you want. 3) Slack geometry - Lifting your front wheel and getting your weight back is key to riding rough stuff. If you ride a hard-core XC racing bike with a negative angle stem, you are bound to OTB when the going gets rough unless you have Schurter-like skills 4) Travel - 140mm is great for enduro type riding and still very capable for longer / dirt-roadie type rides 5) Wheel size - Major consideration for me wasn't 29 vs 26 vs 27.5, it was more a case of what wheelsize do bikes come out with that have 140mm travel. The answer is mostly 27.5, thats why I bought it. PS I think you are on the right track with a 140mm 650B, just sayin!Yip, that's pretty much what I got. 130mm front and rear68.5 degree head angle650BNow just waiting for SARS to give me my refund and the dropper post is sorted.
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