crankset can make alot of difference in terms of weight. and using 9 speed crankset with 10speed drivetrain might cause shifting problems.

dont ask about frames from brands like XDS/Exitway/raleigh/lerun/RMB.
not being brand snobs, but we havent tried most of these brands and cannot really recommend these.

although my first bike was a lerun solaris, and the frame was as stiff as noodles. changed to tbolt but pedaling was shit too, so changed to merida HFS. 1.4kg frame, triple butted, 6066 aluminium, stiff as hell. press on pedal bike shott forward. and not to mention the geometry was good for xc and climbing.


we stick to mostly popular brands, cos it is easier to find reviews, and if any1 asks about these brands/frames there is a higher chance that we would be able to give our opinions on it.

excuses:
1. no time to ride
2. changed hobbies
3. kiara not xc, my bike is xc

99% of the bikes at that price are about the same. we can't really help you. which is why the 1st page is up there.

what we would expect you to do if you want to ask a proper question is to go to a few shops, shortlist a few models from a few brands/shops that you are interested in, let us know the specs, then maybe we can help.

sorry if we cant help you, but if you cant ask a proper question then we cant give a proper answer.

u want ride AM or DH?

if tube for 1.8-2.25" tyres rm15, chain depends how many speed groupset. 9speed rm90-200, 7/8 speed dunno, 10 speed still new, dont think any bike with 10 speed chain would already need changing yet.

tried my friend's heckler. pedal bobs like hell if using a shock without propedal. and its not for standing pedaling either, will pedal bob more. other than that its quite nice.

good luck bro. merida still got decent market, last week go KSH tmn bahagia full of customers. and xc riders quite like merida since hermida is riding one. current world xc champion.

but i retired liao, any decent brand also i buy if better value

mau cari salesman ka? technical knowledge not bad, engineering graduate

for 29" bike i would get from reputable brand. raleigh i scared geometry no good, ruin the whole experience.

get chamelion put in 150mm garpu get AM HT liao.

errr u want AM bike but u want hardtail? not many choices already then

sell merida frame get ibis frame is ok. get trek superfly frame i dunnolar. superfly made for 29" wheels, later geometry masuk longkang

training consists of volume and intensity. volume=distance. intensity=how hard u push yourself.

if ride solo use meter (minimum), try to improve time for every ride, if more serious get a heart rate meter, train at an average heart rate of zone 3. and if got HRM can estimate calories burnt. some sifu here can burn 1000Calories in an hour's ride, considered quite intense workout. just keeping up with them also almost die already

or can do interval training.

more info can use google.

actually........ carbon fibre can repair one

but trek, giant, specialized all dont want to give out their alu grade, cannot compare. but M5 alu>m4, so assume m4 is 6061 i guess.

reynolds 953>all other metals.

what's more important than faulty bearings is broken pawls or engagement teeth. hope can get replacement parts. cheaper brands need to change whole hub.

---

Added on March 16, 2012, 1:55 amoh and i would consider dt swiss hubs. under rm1k can get the ones with star ratchet hub. bullet proof, not using pawl system, wont break. and can upgrade the outer part, double the engagement points.

This post has been edited by radmaszeal: Mar 16 2012, 01:55 AM

use demo also can endo ar? fuyoh

spez frame lifetime warranty last i heard.

go cameron never invite