Dappere

I might receive criticism for saying this, but I don’t entirely understand the sentiment expressed by some people here. I truly don’t believe that the organisers—past or present—would ever wish harm upon anyone participating in the event. A fatality is undoubtedly the worst possible outcome, and my heartfelt condolences go out to the individual’s family and loved ones. That said, I’m not entirely sure what is being expected from the community in response. At times, it feels like there’s a call to boycott the event or respond with anger or vengeance. I understand the emotion behind this, but it also seems to overlook the broader context. Kevin has always been transparent about the nature of the event. That may have changed slightly since the event was sold, but I still believe many underestimate just how massive and complex a logistical undertaking the Epic truly is. In an interview Kevin did around five years ago, he mentioned that each edition of the Epic takes a full 12 months to plan and generates over R300 million in economic impact for the Western Cape annually—in his own words, a conservative estimate. The event employs more than 800 people, and the average stay for a team is around 13 days. The Cape Epic has done a great deal for South Africa and South Africans. It has created jobs, provided exposure and opportunity for local athletes, and attracted international visitors who often return to the country—sometimes multiple times—further contributing to the economy. I know several European friends who have come back to South Africa on holiday after experiencing the Epic. Of course, it is deeply saddening to hear of someone losing their life during such an event, and that should never be dismissed. But I also believe we should acknowledge the positive impact the Epic continues to have, both economically and in terms of building the local cycling community.

If I recall, this was something Kevin implemented. He mentioned that he wanted the race to be more accessible to South Africans, which is why South Africans pay a reduced entry fee. And now, let the “How is R113,500 considered accessible to South Africans?” comments begin. 🙈🫠

My money is on Van H. I'm unaware that Monton offers a custom option, I might be wrong.

+1 Techni Block Active, for arms, legs and neck. Heliocare Ultra 90 for the face.

Tell us how you really feel! 😆 I hear you - there is plenty of overhyped marketing in the cycling world. It’s not a magic bullet, but calling it blatant pseudoscience ignores the real-world mechanical effects. Oval rings don't necessarily increase power, but they change how power is applied throughout the pedal stroke. The benefit isn’t raw wattage but efficiency, particularly on technical climbs and loose terrain, where traction and cadence control are crucial. A well-trained pedal stroke can achieve similar results with a round chainring, but at a low cadence in tricky sections, the oval difference can still be noticeable. Some riders don’t feel it, some swear by it - at the end of the day, it’s just another tool in the box.

Does your LBS have stock available to test in one or two sizes? I’m not too familiar with Cannondale, but a riding buddy of mine has a Cannondale in XL – he is 192 cm tall. I am 180 cm, and his bike is far too big for me. For reference, I ride a Trek in M/L

I have the Oakley Prizm Trail Torch lenses; they're my go-to pair of glasses for winter and early mornings when it's darker outside. I also have the Prizm Low Light lenses on another pair, but I prefer the Trail Torch lenses, especially for mountain biking.

You can find silca products locally from Privateer - which is considered the gold standard of wax. https://privateer.co.za/product-category/silca/

If I'm not mistaken, it was ASG. Your best bet would likely be Cycle Lab – they stock a range of their products.

My approach is to never turn off the insurance 😂. Also, my experience with the app has been far more streamlined than dealing with a broker.

+1 for Santam Swtich

In short, perhaps not. I have never ridden the Crossmark, but I have ridden the Ardent Race. My previous go-to tyre was the Bontrager XR2. I couldn’t find a pair and settled on the Pirelli Scorpion XC RC, as it’s a tyre I have been meaning to try. The primary thing I like about the Pirelli XC RC is the grip, especially in corners. In terms of rolling resistance, it’s very much like the Bontrager XR 2, maybe even a bit better. For the type of riding you do, primarily gravel roads, there is nothing wrong with your current setup. Should you want to go with even lighter tyres with less rolling resistance, you could consider the Aspen.

+1 for Pirelli Scorpion XC RC

Given that you experience back pain every few months, do you notice any changes in your routine during those periods, such as an increase in training volume? It might also be a good idea to double-check your bike fit, although it might not be directly related since the pain doesn’t occur every ride. In terms of core exercises that can help with cycling, here are a few: 1. Planks 2. Bird Dog 3. Bridge 4. Dead Bug 5. Bicycle Crunches

Not entirely sure about the extent of the damage, but it's a good idea to check with the companies that other hubbers have recommended first. However, another option you might want to consider is purchasing new uppers. I haven't personally gone through this process, but a riding buddy of mine faced a similar issue not too long ago. He struggled to find a local supplier for the part he needed, so he ended up ordering from the USA, if I remember correctly. I believe he mentioned that the cost was around $350.

Increasing my training for Stage Races and ultra-distance events meant I needed to address gut issues by using race-specific nutrition. Initially, Cadence was my exclusive choice, proving to be an excellent product. However, after two years, the challenge of taste fatigue led me to explore other options. I added 32gi to my regimen. If I can choose my favourite from each; 32gi Race/Endure for its flavour and Cadence Marathon for its calorie-protein balance. This switch was primarily driven by taste preferences—I want to somewhat enjoy what I consume to maintain energy levels and performance over long distances. 😅 Both brands have served me well, ensuring I receive the necessary nutrition without compromising effectiveness.

Yes, of course. I haven't completely stopped using Cadence; rather, I find myself rotating between Cadence and 32gi every couple of months, primarily to combat taste fatigue. In my opinion, Cadence Marathon stands out as one of the best endurance-focused drinks on the market.

I absolutely agree; I find that the Race Pro is particularly effective for me during longer ultra rides, especially when the thought of chewing solid food becomes a burden, and I struggle to consume gels.

+1 for Vye. My girlfriend adores the Vye trail shorts, having tried and tested a multitude of other trail shorts on the market before settling on Vye's. She can be quite discerning when it comes to cycling apparel. Although I haven't personally worn the female version for obvious reasons, I can only extend my gratitude to Vye for these shorts - she loves them, and they've amusingly reduced my use of Panado.

Considering the computer, I admit I am a bit biased towards Garmin. I would recommend the 840; solar or no solar is a consideration, but for the described training load, the non-solar version's battery life is more than sufficient for multiple rides before needing a recharge. If budget constraints are a concern, the 540 is worth considering. Should you desire a larger screen, the 1040 is an option. I borrowed a mate's 1040 to test and found it to be a tad too large for my liking, ultimately opting for the 840, thereby replacing my older Garmin. Regarding hydration, a calorie drink is more than sufficient. If you're adding more kilometres to your training, consider a calorie drink that includes some protein. Products I use: Calorie drink: 32gi Endure Calorie drink with protein: 32gi Race Pro - Super Carb/Protein Products I have used in the past with success: Calorie drink: Cadence CarboFuel Calorie drink with protein: Cadence Marathon

If your budget allows, go with the duo.

I suppose it hinges on one's definition of "pretty normal". Could you provide more detail on how that occurred?

I usually ride a 36 x 10/52. Previously, I've ridden a 34 and plan to ride a 34 again.

+1 for Vye. I've used their services previously for two company kits. The process was seamless, and I was extremely pleased with the outcomes.

This week, my Garmin heart rate monitor malfunctioned, first giving odd readings before stopping altogether. My first attempt to fix it involved a tech shop that replaced the battery, but it didn’t solve the problem. The real issue was clarified at my LBS. They pointed out that the tech shop had used the wrong battery type. Correctly, they recommended a CR2032 battery and emphasised the device needed to rest for 30 seconds before inserting the new battery to properly reset.