Robbie Stewart

same.

I was insured with Budget in the 00's. I finally paid off the vehicle I was driving at the time and bought a second car for the wife. Long story short, after negotiations and threatening to leave my insurance premium was lowered to match the much cheaper quote I got elsewhere for the new car. A few months later I end up in an accident with the paid off car. I get recovered and the next day I receive a phone call from Dial Direct (which I was migrated to by Budget at the time of lowering the premiums) informing me I only have 3rd party cover and am unable to claim for damages. Months of endless back and forth asking them why I am suddenly on 3rd party after being on comprehensive ever since I bought the car, they reckon that when they quoted me the lowered premium it was on 3rd party and not comprehensive. I ended up walking away from the fight, lost a car and changed insurance to Santam because I knew where the broker lives, and told him as much. Since 2008 I have been with Santam and not once have I had claim issues. I won't be changing to these brand insurers ever again.

Taking advantage of zero wind. Getting the big jumps dialled.

If I vreet a couple of pies and don't take a dump for a week I'll be almost two of yous. 🤣

I can't deny that truth bomb sadly.

I am at pretty sure that is the only space a roval works - on the front I am also seriously in two minds about the next bike. Do I get the Status 160 for the rowdy days and convert the Camber to a more tamer, distance friendly bike that I can use for those long days in the saddle? Or do I go the Rapide HT route and build up to the desired level, but then have a trail capable HT? But then the Camber is still just what it is, a bike that is not quite fit for purpose no matter what I ride. Decisions, decisions. At the end of the day, according to my calculations they will likely end up being ball-park the same price. But I am also strongly hoping 2024 is the year to upgrade. Having a 5 y.o. is awesome, but yoh, they cost a ton.

Had a set of Rovals on my bike. They got properly trashed riding enduro, technical trails and jumping. I replaced them with a set of Rapidé wheels that have not shown any sign of weakness in the 24 months I've been riding them. Replacement Rovals cost in excess of R20k for Alu and the Rapidé cost less than R8k. I'm toying with getting a Status 160 soon. First to go will be those Rovals.

Dunno how I ever missed this thread. My two spoilt fire crackers in the lap of luxury. They are sibling Jack Russel Daschund cross sisters.

Congrats on the new bike Henning. Many happy miles. You won't regret it. Don't fret the membership board now. You can pay day pass at most all trails and you'll have hours of fun either way. Also if you ride Banhoek, Boschendal and Plaisir you can do them all on one day pass. Spend that money on a decent helmet rather which you must have to ride trails.

I was just about to ask if you would drop a pin to the trail head.

Some hooliganism and shenanigans at the g-spot in Stellies. I'm holding the camera.

Full finger gloves don't only look cool, they serve a very important purpose. You discover the reason for that the first time you wash out on a berm.

learn to shralp, its good fun.

Learn to ride on flat pedals. Your skills will improve beyond what you will ever learn clipped in, and crashes will not be as serious, because you can separate yourself from the bike as opposed to perfecting the Scorpion. Despite what everyone will tell you, it's the rider, not the bike! You can laugh at Lycra Tigers. You can wave and greet other mountain bikers. They will greet you back, and you are likely to make some friends in the process. Don't ever ride alone. Ever! Trust me, I've got the scars and the medical bills. Look before you go. There is no harm in stopping to scope out a feature before riding it for the first time. In fact, skills are drastically improved when you session a feature. No one is judging you if you push up a steep hill. If anyone does, laugh at their Lycra Tiger uniform. Ride for the fun of it. Enjoy the freedom. Send it!

☝🏻️What he said!!!

Some frames just don't want to be extended on the forks regardless of what the fork manufacturer claims is possible. If you lengthen the travel too much it can put undue pressure on the headset and other parts. OEM suppliers may also refrain from honouring any warranties if a fork is extended beyond factory specifications.

Thanks. This is the plan yes. I am still in the planning phase though and am aiming to spread the load over the course of a year to reduce the need to buy a bunch of parts at once.

Interesting side note to this is the overall economic hit that is created. From people having paid for accommodation, possibly flights, restaurants not being visited, fuel not being bought, expenses incurred that can't be recovered. This must be a tough pill to swallow. I was also planning to head that way to the family and spend the day riding the light - I don't have the legs nor lungs this year for the full judging by my effort during the last round at Jonkers. Thanks @Christofison for taking the time and stress to keep this event on the calendar. I will definitely be there next year.

I have a wheelset from Rapidé that is two years old now. They have done 1576km over the course of 166 hours on trails that are generally avoided by anyone in lycra. I have not so much as had a spoke fail, nor have I needed to have the wheels trued, and the hubs are still in prime condition. If the frame is even anywhere close as good as the rims, I will buy with utmost peace of mind.

Cool idea.

a what now?

This is one of life's unsolved mysteries. Coming from a farm I can attest to the truth of this statement.

flip the front wheel 180 degrees and put the bike on the back of the bakkie with no need for a tailgate protector. problem solved. my pleasure.

But was the bike okay?

What trail types do you ride? What style of riding do you do? I.e. marathon, enduro, jumps? I'm 125 kg on a full suspension with 36mm inner width rims. I ride around 1.9 bar back and 1.7 bar up front on 2.50" tyres with no inserts on variable trails including stock standard single track, enduro tech and flow lines with intermediate jumps. My tyres last, my rims are good and no spokes have broken in 2 years of riding on these wheels.