I sit here writing with a heart that is completely torn. It is both excited and at the same time hurting. As in all typical relationships my head is wanting to take over (which is probably sensible) but my heart is still winning. I’ll try explain: I am back in the front seat of Full Sus after Seamus has left us for different pastures. This has not only given me a batch of new grey hairs but has also contributed to the hurt side of things. Seamus and I started Full Sus together and he without a doubt had a lot more to do with the success than I did. He is a great scribe, level-headed bloke, dry-humoured and a fantastic editor. I miss him big time and wish him well with the great folks at Dryland. On the other hand we are really lucky in that we have found a great new guy and fellow Boishaai alumni in Frans le Roux. Current sport journo for our alma maters district newsie, Frans is a keen and competent cyclist and if his writing credentials are anything to go by, a dedicated journalist that is sure to continue the foundation laid by Seamus and take Full Sus forward gallantly. My heart is excited!
I took my bike in for a pre Wines2Whales service and was told everything looked good, only to get a call from Chris Nixon from the workshop to tell me we have a BIG problem. In a nutshell the bike had a frame issue – not all was lost as it was covered by the warranty! The dichotomy continued: broken frame (aaaah), new frame (yaaay). Not quite so simple though, it has proved to be a saga of extreme proportions. The new frame arrived within days, again my heart was excited. The frame design had changed significantly and most of my existing parts would not fit on the new setup – so the fun began. To the manufacturers have been brilliant in trying to ensure that I get back on the bike, covering all the costs and facilitating the learning curve, as this was probably the first warranty with these issues that we have had locally. My baby is almost ready for its maiden voyage and my heart is truly excited. Not only do I get to try my “brand” new Fuel EX but I get to try it on the stunning trails of W2W.
I hope that you will all give Frans the support you have given Seamus and the Full Sus team to date. I look forward to Frans introducing himself in the next issue and now that I think about it… my heart is quite content!
See you on the trails!
Apologies Tallboy!
We completely mixed things up in last month’s bike report and we would like to apologise to Santa Cruz. We incorrectly quoted the RRP of the Tallboy 3 CC X01 – as tested, the correct RRP is R116 000
The equally impressive Tallboy 3 CC S 29 has a RRP R82 500 – see the specs below and one can see how this bike offers amazing value for this price tag!
We apologize for any inconvenience that may have been caused by our error.
RRP Tallboy CC S 29 – R82 500
Spec sheet:
Frame Material: Carbon CC
Fork: FOX 34 Float Performance 120
Shock: FOX Float Performance
Rear Derailleur: SRAM GX 1×11
Shifters: SRAM GX
Chainring: Size 30 Tooth
Crankset: Race Face A effect AL
Cassette: SRAM XG1150 10-42
Brakes: SRAM Level TL
Brake Rotors: Avid Centerline; 180mm
Headset: Cane Creek 40, Integrated
Bars: Race Face Ride Lo-Rise; 760mm
Front Hub: Novatec D541; 15x110mm; 32h
Rear Hub: Novatec D542; 12x148mm; 32h
Rims: Race Face AR24; 32h
Seat Post: Rock Shox Reverb Stealth
Saddle: WTB Volt Race
