Dappere

I've never had the experience you described with them. I've had about four bikes wrapped by them, the most recent being just last week. The process is as I outlined in a previous forum post: I send them a message on WhatsApp, they arrange pick-up, wrap my bike, and deliver it as promised. There was a slight delay on one occasion, but they were quick to phone me and inform me that the bike's delivery would be delayed. True to their word, they delivered on the newly promised date. It's best to just drop them a message on WhatsApp. You can find their contact information on their website. They're usually very responsive.

I reside in Stellenbosch and concur with @Skubarra that for approximately 100km gravel-only rides, your best options would be Paarl, Wellington, and Riebeek Kasteel. Beyond the mountains, consider Greyton, Robertson, or Montagu. However, it's feasible to ride around 100km per day from Stellenbosch on a gravel bike, as your journeys will comprise a mix of tarmac and gravel. We often undertake several gravel rides starting from Stellenbosch; these usually include routes to/from Spice Route, or towards Durbanville/Malmesbury. Additionally, there are quite a few gravel roads near Eenzaamheid. You could also cycle to Jonkers and ride the lower parts on a gravel bike. I've attached the GPX file of the aforementioned route from Spice Route to give you an idea. I'm happy to share more if you're interested. paarl_option.gpx

Garmin temperature readings are influenced by various factors, with the most significant being the proximity of the temperature sensor to the device’s battery. Batteries, when operational, tend to heat up, thus potentially leading to a bias in displaying higher temperatures than the actual ambient temperature. Garmin periodically releases updates to enhance the calibration of their sensors by offsetting internal variables. However, it’s important to recognise that their primary focus is not on providing weather accuracy within a specific range, as the main function of a cycling computer is not akin to that of dedicated weather devices.

trailseeker_banhoek_2023_marathon_nt.gpx

Considering you had the maiden voyage this morning, what was your initial impression?

I hope you don't mind me asking, but I'm curious – what are your reasons for not going with Shimano? I've recently started using the Shimano GRX Di2 on my gravel bike and have been quite satisfied with it. However, my MTB is still equipped with SRAM, similar to my previous road bikes which used either Campagnolo or SRAM.

My gravel bike has its limitations, accommodating only up to 2.1 tyres on a 650b wheel. Do keep us updated on your experience with the 2.2 tyres. I'm very keen to hear how they fare.

Just a heads-up that my take is based on fairly limited experience on a gravel bike with 650b wheels, so you might get more in-depth insights from other folks who've had a bit more time on them. I must say, I noticed the extra comfort the 2.1 tyres brought to the table with a 650b setup. The bike felt noticeably steadier on the rougher tracks, especially when stacked up against the usual 700c 40mm tyres I run on my gravel bike. For bike packing and ultra events where comfort is key, I’d probably lean towards the 650b again. However, for races or rides where it’s all about speed, I'd stick with my trusty 700c 40mm setup.

Intrigued by Sportopia's pick-up service. I wasn't aware that anyone offered something like that, to be honest. What's the process and turnaround time like?

Seems like finding a good bike shop with decent service is really tough these days.😔

Isn't that place in Durbanville? If that's the case, the OP might just be safe 😂

Yeah, Campagnolo priced themselves out of the market alongside poor decisions in product development. A 1x14 could well be the next big thing, or we might see something like Classified Hubs gaining more popularity.

Definitely, Campagnolo did launch Ekar, a 1x13 groupset targeted at the gravel market, but from what I can tell, it didn't really take off. I suppose we'll just have to wait and see what the bike industry comes up with next, sticking to their 'lighter, better, faster' ethos.

I suppose the real question then is, did they manage to keep those folks happy? 🤣

Last year, the Banhoek route became quite challenging towards the end. The only issue was the intersection of the Marathon and half-marathon routes with the fun ride and race, especially near the single track on the way back down. This led to bottlenecks, with young kids on the single track pedaling their hearts out amidst a rush of cyclists speeding down. 🤣 Are you doing the marathon?

Yep, I am. It's an event I do every year – really well put together, awesome trails, and it's basically on my doorstep.

Boils down to several factors: the kind of riding you do, the trails you frequently tackle, and naturally, personal preference. I've observed that many of the latest XC bikes come standard with a 34T. This might be attributed to the aforementioned factors and feedback from riders/bike shops, or possibly because the newer 12x models have a 52T at the rear, providing riders with a bailout gear if necessary, thus enabling the use of a larger chainring at the front.

I picked up the phrase "Lake is a bike fitter's dream" from a video featuring Bikefit James. 😆

I've had these for nearly a year; admittedly, they're a bit dirty from a ride yesterday. They show no visible signs of wear. Since purchasing them, they've endured stage races, gravel races, and a plethora of training rides in rain, mud, and sunshine, including the occasional hike-a-bike.

Highly recommended. In my view, Lake are the finest shoes you can purchase, having sampled various other brands previously. Generally speaking, they are a bike fitter's dream as they provide a multitude of fitting options, particularly in terms of width - those with broader feet often find a superior fit with Lake's. They offer a sizing guide on their website, and they're extremely responsive when you contact them. Should you wish to try a pair in person, you may visit Gear Change. Each model features a different last, and the model you choose depends on the width and length of your feet. I currently own the MX332 and they are quite simply the best-fitting shoes I've ever had. I had the MX238 before, and again, experienced no issues. These shoes utilise high-quality materials in their construction, which contributes to their longevity - they are durable.

+1 Having had both 1x and 2x on my gravel bike, I appreciate the flexibility the 2x offers. I had GRX Di2 2x on my bike, then switched to 1x before shortly reverting back to 2x. For exclusive gravel riding, 1x worked extremely well. Most of the gravel rides I undertake include some tarmac, and on occasion, I would join a road ride too. The 2x setup allows me to have a larger chainring at the front for flatter gravel races/routes, while also providing a bailout gear for steep climbs – a versatility the 1x simply didn't offer.

I reckon that being part of their professional racing team and vending their merchandise via his cycle shop are separate endeavours. It certainly boosted the brand’s sales, thanks to Greg riding a Santa Cruz and his cycle shop offering their goods. However, they also supply Specialized, as far as I'm aware. I find it hard to picture Santa Cruz quickly abandoning such a profitable venture. I presume GM Cycles will offer patrons a broader selection in light of Greg's new affiliation with the Norco factory team

https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/bike-hub-pay

I couldn't agree more. With cycling businesses and brands facing such a downturn in the current market, one would naturally expect them to up their game in terms of customer service. It's quite a conundrum to see the opposite trend in the bike shop industry.

Keep in mind this is my take and others' views might differ: Versatile Tread Design: The Ikon has a tread pattern that's effective in a variety of conditions, including hardpack, loose over hard, and rocky trails, which are common in stage races. Lightweight and Fast Rolling: Designed to be lightweight, the Ikon rolls quickly, aiding in maintaining speed and reducing rider fatigue over long distances. 3C MaxxSpeed Compound: Balancing grip and rolling resistance, providing an excellent compromise for stage races. Durability and Puncture Resistance: The Ikon is known for its durability and features like EXO sidewall protection to resist cuts and abrasions, important in rugged conditions. Proven Track Record: The Ikon has been used successfully in various marathon and stage races worldwide, adding to its credibility as a reliable choice for demanding events.