robbybzgo

Cane creek is an option but not cheap. I'm looking for a similar headset but my bottom bearing is 55/40 Tapered. Complete set is about R1400.

I've used the Rudy Project Rydons (with inserts -bifocals) for years now. As there is a fair amount of curvature in both lenses the vision isn't 100% but more than adequate for cycling. Fogging up is only a problem if you stop cycling or if there is no breeze over the glasses. Get underway again and they clear fairly quickly. I don't particularly like the Rydon shape but I notice the Fotonyk (bigger and more mod) also takes the inserts so might consider then as a future upgrade.

Good technique can trump anything. Little gains are achieved here and there with most upgrades. It is incredibly difficult to evaluate changes to your setup coz you can never ride in exactly the same line each time with different changes in your setup. Wider tyres will not necessarily make you ride faster but they are designed to give more grip. More grip can certainly assist in riding faster in certain circumstances.

A wider rim simply helps to put more tread on the ground and allows you to run at a slightly softer tyre pressure. So, more tread and more comfort. 2.35 tyres are a great tyre size compromise between trail and XC.

It depends on what bikes you have here. Holla Trails (BALLITO) have easy routes. Rail trail in KLOOF is a relatively easy 20km with a couple of short technical sections. Shongweni trails starting at the Polo Club are generally easy. You'll need to get an EMBA day Pass. For the last two you'll probably need someone to show you the routes the first time unless you check them out on Strava.

Might prove a problem if a taxis wants to stop there...?

Another factor could be the overall weight of the bike. I'm used to my lightweight carbon hardtail but took a bad downhill tumble as I couldn't straighten a 160mm aluminium Enduro bike after a sharp turn and a quick drop off. I'm quite lightweight so a heavy bike feels quite sluggish to me at slow speeds. Check your tyres as older tyres seem to get harder and less grippy. Enduro tyres with bigger knobblies should give more grip. Schwalbe Magic Mary up front with Hans Dampf on rear seem like a good combination for me. Maxxis also have great Enduro tyre combinations.

Aspen's are lightweight tyres with minimum tread. Fast on dusty trails but will be fast wearing especially on tar.

Maxxis Crossmark II are relatively hard wearing...

The shoe tree isn't (unfortunately) in the shape of one's own foot. Take the back part of the shoe tree and attach your own foot shape to the front...and you've got a winner.

I always wondered if you could print the front part of a foot and insert it into your shoe to help stretch a slightly small shoe (that you love and really want to wear). Would have to scan the foot (obviously). The old fashioned word is a shoe tree (stretcher). Any thoughts?

Avoid DBN CBD and Umgeni Rd. Head from Suncoast to Greyville Race course then along towards Botanic Gardens. Turn up the steep hill to Overport on John Zikhali Rd (old Sydenham Rd). Continue up over the hill on Moses Kotane Rd (old Sparks Rd - M15) through Sydenham leading to 45th cutting. This is the start of the M13. Follow this road until Cowies Hill. Take the turn off (Old Main Rd -now Josiah Gumede Rd) over Cowies Hill and through Pinetown. Rejoin M13 going halfway up Fields Hill but turning off into Jerome Drive (very steep). Check Strava routes to link yourself back to the Hillcrest turnoff where the Old Main Rd (R103) is the Amashova route. Follow the route all the way back to PMB. Strava should help you find the most used routes/roads.

Thanks for that info. It would be great to get that forest section (infront of the bakery) rehabilitated soon. I hope that April will be dry and maybe see you then...

Hi Sean, Been going to that area for many years now. The Cathkin Trails are not as good as they used to be, years ago. Floods last year have really degraded the trails. The forest section infront of the bakery was sublime till they chopped all the trees down (3 years ago). There was a section going up the side of a small mountain (behind the Mill - Ardmore side) but was neglected. The catwalk bridge (under main road near Nest Hotel) was washed away (noticed last year). A farmer trashed the trail behind the mill by ploughing the ground. I don't think that it's financially viable for the interested parties to keep the trails in good/great condition. It was quite wet last year (May) so I stuck mainly to the roads. Rode to Drak Sun and back and to Caeley Lodge (beware as road here is in a bad condition) and to Bell Dam. Mountain Splendor trails were just rideable (always enjoy their small challenging circuit). I took a one week Pass (think it costs R200 - always happy to support their efforts) but only used it on one day. I've never ridden the trails linked to Dragons Peak resort (think they have DH events there). I might try them this year. There's a great road Strava segment from Dragons Peak resort up the long hill to Monks Cowl wildlife office (where the road ends). A great challenge. My best ride is to go past Ardmore accommodation into the Sappi Forest Reserve on MTB. Great exploring and views. No problems with entry into this area. No signs or entry gates. I guess only problematic times would be when they are cutting down trees and transporting them out. Another good segment is from Mt. Splendor to Dragons view (going through Champagne Lane resort). I've got the KOM coming down so give it a bash. Use Strava to search for other segments/ trails to ride. Good luck and hope you have great weather.

Enjoy...

Maybe email them directly...

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Look at this advert posted this morning: 2 x mountain bikes and accessories for sale

Well done Eldron, you're a marketing genius🏆 It's so amazing how some folk respond to negative marketing....

https://bikenetwork.co.za/bud-wheres-my-bike/

Read this article on Supply Constraints and the associated increase in costs of containers (transportation)

The last two posts have been right on the mark. Remember the saying: Horses for Courses. Different bikes suit different courses. In KZN the Eston race is great on a HT whereas the Wartburg is better on a Dual sus. Factors come into account like: your age, your weight, your skill level, your competitive nature, the enjoyment level you get out of racing or just competing. Also, where you are situated will have an influence on the bike type depending on where you will be riding more often. A small factor is to consider what bikes your mates have. If they have XC bikes and you have a heavier trail bike the you'll always be trying to catch up. Deciding on which bike to purchase is THE most difficult decision if you're unsure of the direction in which you're heading. Good luck.

Only got route on Strava...

Difficult to say but mainly depending on your tyre size, rim width and overall weight of rider and bike. A 2.25 tyre needs to be reasonably firm but certainly not hard. Front softer than rear as rear carries most of the weight and takes most of the hard knocks. My Giant pumps reads 1.5 bar for my front wheel (not sure of its accuracy - I'm also lightweight at 68kgs)