Do we really need long travel bikes in SA?

[Nick]

I got over taken by a guy on his Capra last weekend going up to Cobra in Tokai... at pace so  didn't have any reservations about that side of things and for me a climb is just your dues to get to the fun part if you get there slow or fast doesn't matter. 

 

Gee on the other hand has been reading reviews of each endlessly and from the Hub review through to Flow, Bike Radar, pink bike etc all seem to end off their reviews with the same kind of sentiment that it's a wicked bike but do your trails actually need such bike. 

 

"The YT Capra CF Comp exceeds expectations. It is an outstanding enduro bike that does its best to make riding downhill as fast and fun as ever. The Capra has a special ability to make the rider feel like a mountain biking god. Throw in all-day pedalling comfort and you have a great bike.

 

My only doubt is that the Capra may be too much bike for most South African trails. We simply do not have the steepness or big bike park features that our friends in Europe and the Americas enjoy. If you are considering the Capra as your only bike, this is a bike best suited for big hitters, be honest with your riding habits. That being said, who doesn’t enjoy a bit of excess in life? And, if it has to be a YT, there is always a Jeffsy."

 

Yeah, I still stand by what I wrote about the Capra. Awesome bike! But it does require some serious thrashing to come alive. That's why I prefer the Jeffsy 29, it feels good on all trails, not just those with double black markings.

 

On the Jeffsy I felt like my input was meaningful while on the Capra I felt like the bike was achieving things, not me. I like the Jeffsy feel, another rider might prefer the Capra feel.

 

In my reviews, I try to show both sides and let the reader decide what they value. There can be no rule of general application on this question. Every rider is different. But there is one thing I'm certain about, both bikes will make any rider happy.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Yeah, I still stand by what I wrote about the Capra. Awesome bike! But it does require some serious thrashing to come alive. That's why I prefer the Jeffsy 29, it feels good on all trails, not just those with double black markings.

 

On the Jeffsy I felt like my input was meaningful while on the Capra I felt like the bike was achieving things, not me. I like the Jeffsy feel, another rider might prefer the Capra feel.

 

In my reviews, I try to show both sides and let the reader decide what they value. There can be no rule of general application on this question. Every rider is different. But there is one thing I'm certain about, both bikes will make any rider happy.

Like my reign, I'm only just beginning to scratch the surface of what it can do. But joh, do I like what I feel!!! 

 

That it does the other things just as well as other bikes with far less travel is also a great thing. The only thing holding it back is me. 

[lechatnoir]

You don't need a 4x4 for the freeways, but on the odd occasion you go on a camping trip once every two years, you'll be bloody balling your eyes out if you take your corolla, whereas Petter Solberg will be laughing all the way to the top of the mountain if he took his corolla. 

 

Isn't there a thread currently about S-works toys? 

 

You, not you Myles, the COLLECTIVE YOU, don't have my abilities, just as my purchasing ability/justification is not the same as yours. So who cares as long as you're having fun?

 

If a rigid enduro unicycle is your thing, then I'm not standing in your way.

 

Personally, any time on my bike is probably the most fun I've had all day, road, mtb, whatever

 

<edit: Myles, I guess we're saying the same thing>

[T-Bob]

I guess the question should be turned around a bit to the fact is a Capra a bike that is usable on a day to day basis on the kind of trails around the WC rather than looking for the few steeper things we have. Do you find that you're riding a bike that really only starts to come alive 25% of the time? I know it's a stunning bike, Gee knows it's a stunning bike, the SC V10 is a stunning bike but it'll be a struggle to live with day to day. The idea was to find out if a bike that is described as enduro super bike is that niche or can you can actually have it as a 1 bike or would you feel a bit over gunned and frustrated for alot of trails. 

[Jewbacca]

Bikes aside, let us always remember that 'a lot' is two words... Carry on

[Hairy]

Guys Guys ... sounds more and more to me like this "friend" is looking for a Banshee Spitfire

 

160mm Travel up front and 140mm Travel for the rear ... like a reverse mullet, business out back and party up front! 

[T-Bob]

Bikes aside, let us always remember that 'a lot' is two words... Carry on

 

I blame aout correct fail... 

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

I guess the question should be turned around a bit to the fact is a Capra a bike that is usable on a day to day basis on the kind of trails around the WC rather than looking for the few steeper things we have. Do you find that you're riding a bike that really only starts to come alive 25% of the time? I know it's a stunning bike, Gee knows it's a stunning bike, the SC V10 is a stunning bike but it'll be a struggle to live with day to day. The idea was to find out if a bike that is described as enduro super bike is that niche or can you can actually have it as a 1 bike or would you feel a bit over gunned and frustrated for alot of trails. 

No. Stick the suspension into trail mode and enter full assault setting. Be amazed at the overarching suitability of the bike. IT BE FUN!!!