thebob

Out of curiosity, what size did you end up on?

I told you so

XTR = Dura-Ace Ultegra = XT SLX = 105 The chains are interchangeable. Check the Shimano tech docs and you will see the part numbers are the same for the road and MTB chains for each generation of groupset family

Why do you want a higher rise stem?

I'd look at a Trek Top Fuel or Specialized Epic Evo over the Orbea. For me being tied to one retailer for support is not a great position to be in. I'm in the Trek camp and have had great support from them for my Top Fuel for the last 4 years of ownership

Impossible to say. Your individual dimensions will dictate. I'm 175cm and a small Giant or an extra small Merida work for me. Speak to your fitter for advice

Very lekker day out on the bike. Started in C batch. I've never been in such a big bunch on a ride before. In was stressful AF and I had to keep my wits about me. After Kyalami it opened up and was a lot more enjoyable. Managed to finish in one piece and improve my time from last year, so I'm happy

That is a proper freeride bike, definitely not for small jumps and "technical trails". It will be a pig to pedal around and completely overkill for following the kids around

The said doctor at work. @J Wakefield do you have any fitters you would recommend in SA?

Split_Time_Calculator (2022).xlsx From 2022, but should help with planning

Hold my beer: Thule Epos 3 Bike 13 Pin

A tough of light grease on the internal threads of the pump hose fixed the issue for me

Came right. Thanks!

Regardless of history, my point about the names is correct. Taiwan or the ROC is also know as Formosa if you want to really get into the details

I bought my first MTB from Tony (an awful Nishiki Hardrock) in 1993ish. His shop in Bedford Centre was a landmark to me. I wonder if he tried to sell the shop at all? I think it still has a lot of pull in the area