Patensie Posted January 21, 2020 Posted January 21, 2020 My suggestion:Ride the 26er. Convert to 1x, 1x 10 is fine with a 34 chainring. Even 1x9 if you get wide range cassettes in 9 speed. I don't know. Tyres: I'm running a Minion DHF/Crossmark combo. Whould have like something more grippy than the Crossmark, but on the back its fine. Here's a pic of my Inbred. (since then it got a Tmars dropper (thanks Eddy Gordo), 780mm bars, flat pedals and I bumped the fork travel to 120mm).
Shebeen Posted January 21, 2020 Posted January 21, 2020 my 26" Merida Dualy. what year and model is it? there must be some awesome 26ers gathering dust on garages
Headshot Posted January 21, 2020 Posted January 21, 2020 Upgrade the Merida and send pics please. A 1x11 or 10 conversion wont cost the earth. Tyres can be found - Evo have a range of Conti's and Schwalbe I think, and there is nothing wrong with a Maxxis Ardent or X Mark, both of which are also available. On a race like the Sani, which is not known for its rough terrain (compared to say, the events in the Western Cape) you aren't at a major disadvantage. I did a 3h25 Argus on my ancient 26er HT with slicks a few years back.
Hairy Posted January 21, 2020 Posted January 21, 2020 Upgrade the Merida and send pics please. A 1x11 or 10 conversion wont cost the earth. Tyres can be found - Evo have a range of Conti's and Schwalbe I think, and there is nothing wrong with a Maxxis Ardent or X Mark, both of which are also available. On a race like the Sani, which is not known for its rough terrain (compared to say, the events in the Western Cape) you aren't at a major disadvantage. I did a 3h25 Argus on my ancient 26er HT with slicks a few years back. 3h25 .... did you stop for breakfast along the way!
Super Sywurm Posted January 21, 2020 Posted January 21, 2020 3h25 .... did you stop for breakfast along the way! I did the Argus on my HT, 4h20. Had breakfast, took a nap and watched all three Lord of the Rings movies.
Super Sywurm Posted January 21, 2020 Posted January 21, 2020 I would not think twice on reviving the old 26" bike.
EVOBIKES ONLINE STORE Posted January 21, 2020 Posted January 21, 2020 And new 26" RS Recon Air Forks now also available... https://www.evobikes.co.za/rockshox-2019-recon-silver-tk-26-qr-sa100-crn-1-1-8-blk-fork.html
reflexus Posted January 21, 2020 Posted January 21, 2020 This might have been asked before so apologies in advance if it has. What all do I need to get in order to proceed with swapping out a 3 x 9 system to a 2 x 10 or equivalent set-up?How do I know what all will work in terms of BB, crank, chain, shifters, cassette and RD? If I get it all together I don't mind doing a step by step update once I have all the pieces.
Underachiever Posted January 21, 2020 Posted January 21, 2020 Interesting thread. Last year I raced my 4th Sani on a 26er HT 2011 Giant XTC Alu. 3x9 XT/XTR combo. Reba Fork. Maxxis Ardent in the front, Crossmark at the back. Was close to a top 10 in our age group. A bit of a rough ride on those washboard single tracks on day one. The rest was fine. Methinks I'll take the 26er Giant Anthem this year, same spec. I'm getting old, so will be a bit more comfy... So my vote goes to the Merida. Ride it like it is, just take a 9 spd RD as a spare, they don't sell them in the race village anymore if you have a mechanical.
RobertWhitehead Posted January 21, 2020 Posted January 21, 2020 To go from a 3x9 down to a 2x10 in these easy steps: Remove the 9 speed cassette Remove the rear derailleur Remove the 3 speed crank (or if on a budget just remove the chain rings) Remove the shifters and cables (note that some front shifters have a 2 or 3x switch at the bottom of the shifter - again if you're on a budget you'll be able to re-use the 3x shifter) You will also be able to re-use the front derailleur Install rear derailleur, cassette, shifter / s & chain rings or crank, set the gears and BOOM, sorted. Did I miss something . This might have been asked before so apologies in advance if it has. What all do I need to get in order to proceed with swapping out a 3 x 9 system to a 2 x 10 or equivalent set-up?How do I know what all will work in terms of BB, crank, chain, shifters, cassette and RD? If I get it all together I don't mind doing a step by step update once I have all the pieces.
ChrisF Posted January 21, 2020 Posted January 21, 2020 This might have been asked before so apologies in advance if it has. What all do I need to get in order to proceed with swapping out a 3 x 9 system to a 2 x 10 or equivalent set-up?How do I know what all will work in terms of BB, crank, chain, shifters, cassette and RD? If I get it all together I don't mind doing a step by step update once I have all the pieces. https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/181779-mongoose-rebuild-project/?hl=mongoose
Stretch Posted January 21, 2020 Posted January 21, 2020 Interesting thread. Last year I raced my 4th Sani on a 26er HT 2011 Giant XTC Alu. 3x9 XT/XTR combo. Reba Fork. Maxxis Ardent in the front, Crossmark at the back. Was close to a top 10 in our age group. .Last Sani I did...2014 I think...I had a stream of 30 odd 29ers streamlining myself and my partner through the final day flat fast sugarcane fields.... Little wheels leading the big wheels [emoji23]
NotSoBigBen Posted January 21, 2020 Posted January 21, 2020 Repurposed mine as a rigid single speed and fitted 27.5 wheels, an absolute joy to ride [emoji41]
Ashchest Posted January 23, 2020 Posted January 23, 2020 I am in a similar boat. 26" Cube AMS pro that I looked after very well. The fox shocks / suspension are really in such awesome condition and the frame as well - and only need some new rear shock pivots which is freely available. New tyres available such as Ardent and Crossmark - But the challenge and potential costly part is the drivetrain. I would really like to go with a 1 x 11 but to do it the best / right route might be to install a complete new 1 X crankset to compliment the rear 11 speed. I have contacted Bike - Addict and discussed my needs on a budget with them since they move loads of bikes and might be able to help me out with some replaced OEM parts - waiting to hear what they propose and if it will be worth the money. Think it is going to cost me around R7 K to do it all including pivots, self shock services, tyres and complete new drivetrain. I have a feeling that a new headset will also be required and maybe a wider bar which is going to push it R8K to revive my 26" and turn it into a very capable and current little machine.
Hairy Posted January 23, 2020 Posted January 23, 2020 If you had a 3X Chain Ring crank set then the middle chaining arm works well as a 1×11 Setup. It has worked for me like this on multiple bikes .
Hairy Posted January 23, 2020 Posted January 23, 2020 You will need a NW chain ring, smaller chain ring bolts, shifter, der and a new gear cable / housing with chain and cassette ...... done and dusted !
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