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The duct tape came out again - think it was prologue one of them had to tape up a shoe (after a crash admittedly) and today again but on a climb.

Last year Nino’s tires. This year Kim and Vera’s shoes. Anyone know what they’re using? Cos I won’t be buying them 🤣

Be patient and look for a Silverback Slade - the upper spec one is one of the best bikes I’ve had.

If you go 6mm offset chainring it’ll probably work with a 38.

Another vote for the Jazz. Or Mazda 2 or Etios. That Etios feels solid on a dirt road and services etc will be cheap.

Underberg / Sani Spoors has some great trails and there is also Drak Gardens that has a cool loop.

Good luck with the decision and agree that the savings on fuel etc are not to be ignored

(And I’m not immune to the “more” when it comes to bikes - just look at my listings online 🤣) These articles were a really good heads up and made me look at what one actually needs vs what you are told you should have. https://www.outsideonline.com/culture/active-families/embrace-your-inner-dirtbag/ https://www.outsideonline.com/culture/essays-culture/money-problems-outdoor-dirtbag-culture/

I hate to be that guy but here goes. Trek’s cheapest eMTB is R 50k on special and I assume would be the one you’re looking at if it’s mostly for commuting. On The Hub classifieds are the following that you wouldn’t need to finance (maybe) but regardless will allow you to put your hard earned cash into savings or investments etc. https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/hardtail-e-bikes/612910/avalanche-medium-mte-e-bike-2022 https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/hardtail-e-bikes/609906/silverback-s-electro-trail How we have been convinced that we should spend so much money that we need to finance a primarily leisure activity is one of the big mysteries to me. If you can spend R 50 k cash and not blink, fine, but otherwise save harder and make do with less flashy stuff that will still do a great job - just honest opinion and meant to help.

Interesting - what pressure do you run? No personal experience with them I’ll be honest, but there’s a lack of knobs to protect the casing for really rocky stuff it seems 🧐. Would ride them here in KZN but the Cape rocky tracks are hectic

No not Maxxis. Aspen. Ardent Race would be the right tyre for Attakwas.

https://m.pinkbike.com/u/seb-stott/blog/why-you-shouldnt-worry-about-weight-much.html For the average semi competitive rider, 1 kg probably makes 1% difference up a climb. Aero, rolling resistance, skill and reliability of bike are way more important. But bikes seem to attract people who want to show their wealth and / or buy “performance” more than any other sport.

Anyone who has commented and doesn’t know the type of dog is underplaying how this can end. Anatolian Sheperds are big, strong and bred to be angry / guard their flock against wolves etc. I would definitely find an alternate route as if they get hold of you with their aggression / excitement levels up it might not end well.

Hi Brad There’s a wealth of rides in the area and if you aren’t scared of climbing, the Dusi / Umgeni Valley is endless. Sent you a PM for contact details

For the cost of 2 x coffees seems like a bargain

Controversial incoming… Is there any possibility that riding on the road and feeling (even if it subconsciously) threatened by cars could lead to a higher likelihood of road rage than for mountain / gravel riders? Honest question, I literally poop myself riding on the road and feel pretty stressed the whole time I hear a car behind me. As much as it’s exercise with the associated endorphins and socializing with friends, does road riding not come with higher adrenalin and cortisol levels, even if not something that a rider is conscious of? Such a pity we don’t have dedicated, barriered off cycle lanes.

Relevant if you’re following the Rhino Run (2500km non stop gravel race), Kevin Benkenstein (leader) swears by Privateer brand bibs.

Check on Benky Rides Facebook page he has had some great articles about prep, training, gear etc too.

Benky in Solitaire. With the extra sleep he’s had, if he could be gone in an hour Abdullah likely won’t see him and not have a carrot to chase. Who knows. Maybe he can push without another proper sleep (maybe a 20 min roadside nap worst case) to the end?!

So basically whenever I get to ride with him 🤣

If ever there was someone who lives the lifestyle he sells it’s Kevin. So cool. Amazing. Inspiring.

As compared to 70-100kg of person sitting on the saddle? Think there’s a bit more force being applied every time you ride the bike than just a static load on the post while in a specifically designed clamp.

Exactly - hardly slower than the 700c bikes on the tar but geez it’s fun on the dirt, already ridden a bit of singletrack and one day soon I’ll try some of this…

This is my new dream machine. I’ve wanted a Curve GXR / Kevin of Steel for years and Mr Benkenstein finally had a used frame available. It’s the perfect mix of used frame and wheels and new parts that I see being in my life for a long time! Took it out for my first ride over 100km in ages, on a great route around the Midlands on Sunday, and it was perfect. Loving how the 650b x 2.25 Rekon Race option rolls and manages the rough stuff. The Ratio kit to make the Rival shifters work with the GX Eagle derailleur is flawless and the 40t combined with 10-52t at the back has serious range. Weird to say but I am enjoying a no suss steel bike even more than my fancy carbon dual sus Stumpjumper.

Thanks guys will check these all out!