Mattman

A bit late on posting some pics, but here is the new Cypher Carbon Pro. A part of me was sceptical about the colour before I bought it, but it looks amazing in person

Coming soon to a thread near you...

Literally just bought the exact same bike, it arrived a few days ago. Fully concur with it being the best value for money out there, and I believe the sweet spot in the Cypher range. Busy getting it wrapped in prep for (hopefully) some big rides over the weekend 👍

I am also 187 and just bought the Cypher in XL. Also had the same question on L vs XL - a friend who is my height rides the Cypher in XL and after testing his bike, I was convinced XL is correct. My previous bike is Scott Spark (2019) in a Large so I do think Titan run ever so slightly smaller (but I have done limited testing to claim this for sure). I came across a video recently which suggests to rather size up than down on frames if you are in between. It gives added control and stability which most people could do with. Downsizing may feel more “nippy” but it comes at a compromise.

Really??? 2kg? Might as well then buy an older, decent, unwrapped frame that you arent too worried about getting damaged, which will probably be lighter overall...

So based on your sizing in Vye shirts, safe to say it supports the notion that they run slightly small? Of course there will be exceptions based on shirt type etc To be honest, I haven’t really struggled with jersey sizing with any other brands, so perhaps Vye is just slightly more inclined to catering for the median (or is less forgiving for the “outliers”). I mean, even the socks I bought from Vye are tighter than other brands 😅 Again, want to make it clear that I think they have a good quality product. Could there be better guidance on sizing? Probably. Threads like this will hopefully also help for those going big next Black Friday…

Yeah I gave them a call mid December and they were definitely willing to assist and exchange - I would have to cover the cost of the courier though they of shipping up to JHB. I was down in CT then but they closed for the festive period just before I got there, unfortunately. I’m hesitant to ask for a bigger size to be sent up without trying it on first though…

I know this is a couple of years down the line, but wanted to give some feedback on Vye shirts (cycling jerseys) since I would have found it very beneficial before buying. Im in JHB so couldnt try the jerseys on before buying. As a benchmark, I usually wear a L in Ciovita Sport Fit and prefer XL in Ciovita Race Fit. I was advised by Vye to rather size up if uncertain, so I went with an XL - I can hardly breathe in the jersey, and it seems to be made for shorter riders as it doesnt cover my stomach when I have bibs on 🤨 The jersey looks great and the material feels good, so I am not bashing Vye at all but it is honestly not very usable. I am also hesitant to size up further since the "crop top" look may not be fixed by going XXL. It is disappointing because I would definitely buy more of the jerseys if the sizing was more accommodating. For reference, I am 187cm and 89kg. Weight is evenly distributed and more "athletic" - around 8% body fat. It seems Vye cater for the more "typical" rider (shorter with very little upper body). Has anyone else had a similar experience with their jerseys??

I think indoor training should ultimately be a tool for an individual to get fitter for real riding on the road/ trail. Racing IDT will never be a fair playing field so I will never take results there too seriously. Just focus on your own gains and compete against yourself, and keep racing for the outdoors.

A little off topic, but on the Titan Cypher, is there a way to conceal the cable into the rear shock a little more to get a "cleaner" look? Anyone tried and been successful?

Thanks for confirming, that puts me at ease before I spend the ZARs on what will hopefully be a very worthwhile purchase. It also didn’t intuitively make sense, if I’m looking to run a 36, the Titan pro team are almost certainly running 38, and only catering for a 34 would limit performance.

@Jacques Joubert WC did you progress with new chainrings on your Carbon Pro? Assuming 120mm i.e. not the RS? I was about to pull the trigger on the Carbon Pro size XL and when asking the bike shop to put on a 36T for me instead of the standard 32T, I was told that their mechanic advised it can’t cater for anything larger than 34!? I find this hard to believe as that would be a serious limitation on the bike given how it is marketed. Anyone else with information on this please weigh in 🙏🏻

Nice. Thats a hard tail though, right?

Agreed. Hoping the carbon rims will make a larger marginal difference. HOWEVER, feel and actual performance can be 2 different things. So while you feel faster on the anthem with carbon rims, does that translate into riding faster? Strava segments improve?

Wanting to keep a consistent thread. A few years on from the last post, I would be keen to hear what dual sus bikes are coming in at. I’m currently riding a Large stock standard Scott Spark 920 (2018) that weighs about 13.5kg with XTR pedals and 2 bottle cages. I’m considering the Titan Cypher Pro which will probably land on around 12kg or just over with same pedals and bottle cages. For the R50k price differential (more or less) my head says it isn’t worth it, but my heart still wants it. Note I don’t consider myself a weight weenie BUT I do feel that paying a premium for a MTB should at least give you a decent saving on weight… (“decent” is of course subjective)

Yes they will. See below feedback when I enquired end of last year (for 1 weekend). If you ask me, this is really steep - it would probably be cheaper to buy a bike on the hub and resell it (cheaper in terms of what you may lose on the resale) Our road packages are as follows: Aluminium road bike R2500 Carbon road bike R3500 Refundable damage deposit of R3000 This includes the bike Pedals of your choice spares Helmet

Hey. If renting from an individual, how would you provide comfort that you will return the bike in same condition? Deposit? Dropping off your passport for safe keeping? 😅

Great reading all of these posts about the Orbea Oiz since it is one I am considering (upgrading from Scott Spark 920). A few months on and I'm assuming there are more hubbers to weigh in on their experience? Cycle lab actively marketing these bikes. Anyone had to invoke the lifetime warranty on frame yet and how was that experience? Looks like good value compared to similar bikes in the range.

Very specific question but has anyone managed to get 2 water bottles on a Santa Cruz tallboy using the holy rail? If so, which model and size bike? Looking at upgrading but really feel like getting 2 bottles on a bike is a minimum criteria when spending many ZARs. Lyne website says “not compatible use 500mm rail” so not quite sure what that means? I’m secretly hoping there is a way to do it as I like the bike. (and yes one can use a hydration pack but I far prefer not riding with one)

The Ciovita corsa bib has been my go to bibs for a few years now and have outperformed several others that I have tried. I find the chamois especially has remained firm for a longer period while other (not cheap) brands tend to flatten out and lose support much quicker. I will agree with previous comments that if you go on rides longer than 3 hours, rather use bibs with a chamois designed for this.

I was on Vitality for about 7 years before switching to Multiply 2 years ago - could not be happier. Benefits of Vitality steadily declined, more hoops to jump through and being coerced into getting more Discovery products for the same level of benefit (Banking etc.). I also joined Vitality cycling club with the hope of benefitting from reduced race entries, but found they would only publish the race calendar a few weeks before the next month, which is never sufficient to plan and train. Maybe they fixed that now but I hence didn’t bother to renew. Multiply shop also offers great discounts including at cycle lab and garmin devices. I have saved a ton at CL over the years.

Can we arrange for my wife to spend some time with yours? I hope such behavior rubs off. I can't remember when I last got an instruction to go ride my bike...

I have heard that the climbing and riding on Shesha is slightly less technical compared to W2W though? More jeep track. If that’s true probably just more general fitness needed. great idea to do both - not sure of dates but if they happen close to each other then us JHB okes can just do 1 trip which makes it very appealing.

I am thinking about entering for the Val de Vie MTB Expedition (sponsored by Shesha Fuels) in 2023 as an alternative to Wine 2 Whales. I have heard that the riding and views are great, its half the price of W2W, and allows single entries (so no worrying about partner pulling out). Seems like a good option - anyone ridden it and can give feedback or a review? Is it well organised? (By the way, could only find a thread on the 2021 cancelled edition)

If you have ever been suffering up a hill and a guy double your weight and age comes cruising past hardly panting, you will realise that ebikes make a difference…