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MTB Gear
Noobs first MTB choice...any comments?
G`day all,
Im new to mountain biking and am currently bashing my hybrid bike up riding at red hill.
Im looking to but a new biking soley for the mud and this is what i am thinking about purchasing.
I have found a shop that will sell me this new for $900.00.
any comments?
Spec is as follows:
Manufacturer Merida
Model Matts TFS Trail 700-D
Frame size 15", 17", 19"
Frame MATTS TFS-Trail-Disc
Colour silk matt black (mango)
Fork SR Raidon RL Air 120
Front derailleur Shimano Deore
Rear derailleur Deore XT
Brake levers attached
1x9 using triple crank
I want to set up my steel hard tail (currently a pretty frame on the wall in the spare room) as a 1 x 9
I have an old set of RF Evolve cranks in the spart parts bin - I want to leave the middle ring on the crank spider, remove the big and small rings, remove the front mech and operate as a 1 x 9,
Given a reasonable chain line with the cassette, I can't see any issues with the above - will I need to get a specific chain ring? I can see advantages to getting a thicker middle ring without ramps and pins to increase longevity.
I may also need to get narrower chainring bolts.
Brake Upgrade
I'm looking to upgrade the Juicy 3's on my XTC 29'er. They are useless! I've decided on getting some Elixer R's. The current brakes are running 160 rotors. Should I be upgrading to 185's or will the new brakes be fine on 160's?
brake leaking
topped up the resovior on my hydralic brakes- mrb525 shimano and when i hit the brakes i have oil leaking out of the resovior. it said to fill to top in shimano tech docs- any idea why it does this or how to fix it?
New or used?
I was wondering if someone had any opinions or experience in regards to buying a bike new or used.
First question: Should I even consider buying a used bike?
Second question: If I choose to look for a used bike, what to look out for and how to check that it is in a decent condition?
At the moment I'm considering a hardtail 29er. Been mainly looking at the Gary Fishers and the Giant XtC
A nice surprise in the mail
Got home after a very ordinary day at work, and look what was waiting for me 
'Tis a Spot Rocker 29er belt drive single-speed. First time for me on both a 29er and a singlespeed.
The weather looks promising for the weekend, although unfortunately the Dam is probably still going to be too wet. Once I've had a couple of rides by myself to get used to the thing, I'll probably organise a Show and Tell ride for those who might be interested. 
Downhill/ All around protection
Hey everyone,
So, I went for my first race... and got absolutely mashed! I had a great time overall, but I was wondering if I could get some recommendations on what brand and model:
-Body armor
-Shin/knee guards
-and full face helmet to buy
Thanks everyone! 
Trance x3 review?
Hi everybody,
I'm thinking of buying a Trance x3... I'll be using it for Manly Dam and the likes (maybe occasionally a bit of downhill), but i was wondering if anyone here has any previous experience with the x3 or any of the other bikes in the trance series, any advice or opinions would be greatly appreaciated. 
Cheers, Boulder
old shoes need cleaning
hi all, used to ride a while ago but back problems put me out for a good 2yr, now going to a mates to service my bike and replace the brake ppads on wednesday before we go for a ride. going through my gear i got my shoe out but there got a bit of mould on the outside from sitting in the bottom of the wardrobe, any ideas on the best way to clean them and what to treat them with- the materials suede. thanks in advance.
