thebob

Consider these two: https://www.camelbak.com/en/packs/mountain-biking/R01074--Repack_LR_4?color=199e02d920d2416a997a7e3beff49b04 https://www.camelbak.com/en/packs/mountain-biking/R01075--Chase_Bike_Vest?color=f42e8e671e8941078e2e749a0ae31643 They both hold 1.5l of fluids, and can carry a tube, some C02 bombs and a multitool easily. I see them popping up on Onedayonly fairly often. The MULE is for seriously long rides. I use one for dirt biking when 3l of fluids is needed, otherwise it is a waste

Go for something with good local backup and support. Trance 29 gets my vote, but I'm biased

Done Thaba and love it, especially the optional bits! Haven't hit Rietvlei yet, but am planning to soon

Whereabouts are those trails?

put a pic with the upgrades!

Happens plenty. A simple "thanks, but I won't take it" would be appreciated

130mm up front, 115mm out back. Handles everything from the Spruit to Thaba and I'm sure it has plenty left to give. Had a DPX2 coming for it

Very interesting ride for sure. The 700 meter tunnel was something to experience. Any idea what happened to the gent who crashed in the "canals" near Grayston off-ramp? He looked pretty banged up

Pyga Slakline prototype hotness More pics here: https://www.vitalmtb.com/community/PYGA-USA,47796/setup,39593

do they deliver to South Africa now?

Dischem keeps them

1. Always use a bit of grease or copper slip when inserting a seat post or dropper. If not you'll be chasing creaks and squeaks forever! 2. Always use the proper tools for the job 3. Never ever work on the bike when you are annoyed, tired or in a rush 4. If something can go wrong, it will go wrong 5. Always keep some common spare parts available. You or a friend will be grateful you did

The four pot Deore are also an option. Pricing is super keen: https://www.easybike.co.za/shimano-disk-brakes-br-mt520-bl-mt501-set-b01s-resin.html

Some strong feelings there. I've had two sets of Guides, a set of Deores and a set of SLX. Bled all of them and prefer the feel of the Guides, but liked the Shimanos as well. All of them stopped me as they should! There is also an excellent brake hacks video on GMBN Tech which helps if your brakes start to feel squishy

Review of the new XT brakes with a comparison to the G2. Seems the wandering bike point is still an issue for XT: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/review-shimanos-all-new-xt-4-piston-brake.html G2 Review: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/review-srams-new-g2-ultimate-brake.html Guide RS review: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/sram-guide-rs-brake-review-2014.html

Guides (RS are more than adequate) with metal sintered pads. Be sure to get a bleeding kit with it compatible with the Bleeding Edge fitting. Also used Shimano SLX in the past and they are great for the price. Easier to bleed than the Guides overall but you "have" to use their Shimano hydraulic fluid (I just used 2.5w suspension fork oil with zero issues). Last thing to consider is cockpit integration. If you are running a Sram drivetrain and shifters, the Matchmaker integration is absolutely flawless. Shimano shifters obviously play nicely with the Shimano brakes

ColdAF on the Spruit yesterday

Bontrager Flatlines are a good option, available at Trek dealers. Specialized has the 2FO shoes. There are options. FiveTen have been taken over by Adidas, as will the distribution apparently

Thanks for the info Dieter and madmarc!

Is that after the section called Up The Creek on Strava?

How does one get into that part of the trail?

Did the red loop at Modders today. Only one section had the blackjacks very close to the trail. Very enjoyable

British supplier: http://rockguardz.com/

Nice pedals! Think a Pike or a Fox34 would match the Stumpy ST better than a Fox36. Also a bit cheaper

Picked up a carbon downtube guard for my Trance 29