MudLark

Thank you Diesel.

Hi guys, Some years ago I converted a Procaliber into a monster cross bike. Because it was the only frame I could find at the time, it is XL whereas I normally fit on an L. But I managed to make it work. It is an older set up with 2 x 10 SLX. The crank is 175, which is a bit long for me. I would much prefer 172.5. Is there any compatible crank I can look for that will fit, using the existing chainring etc?

I bought the wife an Orbea e-bike... and... I hate it. Whether she is riding it or I am riding it. It craps out at 32km/h... meaning that if she is riding she can't keep with me and if I am riding then above 32km/h I am pedalling a lump of lead. Sorry, but you can keep your ebike.

Market is slower because of economics but also XL size has an inherently smaller market and the market for enduro is smaller than for trail or XC.

Could be. I have used the same pair of Trek ones since early 2018. On the same set of wheels. Going on 8 years. I go through a set of tyres a year, some more than a set a year. In all that time, these things have worked utterly flawlessly. You fit the tyre, chuck in some fluid, inflate and pop bead, rotate the wheel briefly and that's it. No drama, no trouble, no nothing. The only negative is that the tyre is a bit tighter to get on the bead is a bit harder to break - but then I don't use Maxxis either, which are usually much easier to fit. So no I am going to try them on some other wheels. If Trek has stock.

Thanks guys. After all this, I'm just going to get the Bontragers. They're expensive but I know that they work and are very reliable and last forever.

Thanks Derek. I've considered it, but it's just more messing around - and reliability is key in my life. I'm not so young, sometimes I ride quite far solo and if I have drama, I have a problem, even if I do carry all sorts of bits to help me 'get back home'.

Very interesting history. As always, thank you Diesel. Two things: I have used them consistently since early 2018 with zero - and I mean zero - issues on a pair of Bontrager Kovee Elite MTB carbon wheels. They've been nothing but an absolute delight for me, although they do make for a tighter fitting tyre. I don't plan to use them on any road bike. The 19mm ID wheels are a pair of Mustang Elites on a MonsterCross bike I built years ago on which I run RaceKing 2.2's (and the wheels are just fine for the purpose, the cost of an upgrade not being justified) and the 22 IDs are Roval Control SCS' that I run with 38mm tyres on a very nice very light albeit old Diverge where my highest pressure is 2.8 bar. They will survive that, based upon my experience to date.

https://www.trekbikes.com/za/en_ZA/equipment/cycling-components/bike-rims-accessories/bike-rim-strips-and-tape/bontrager-tlr-rim-strip/p/31426/ To better explain. It's a complete substitute. You buy it once, it lasts forever and you never have drama. No leaks. Zero, nothing.

Thanks - but both of those are rim tape, not rim strips.

That looks like fabric. I'm referring to the rim strips used for tubeless setups instaed of rim tape.

Thank you. I have never used Temu and it didn't even cross my mind - but will take a look.

Hi guys, I have several bikes and I am just totally gatvol of rim tape. I've got rim strips on my one bike and they're just so good that I want to convert the other bikes too. If anyone knows of a good source for rim strips with a range widths - I am looking for wheels with 19mm ID and 22mm ID - I would be very grateful. I know I can probably get the Bontrager strips but at R400 a pop when rim strips normally sell for less than R100, I'd like an alternative if possible. TIA. ML

https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/computers-and-gps/798620/garmin-1030-edge-charging-port-covers

Colnago, Pinarello, Factor... all still available new in rim brakes. They work very well on roadbikes and there is nothing to be ashamed of. I have a rim brake Bianchi C2C and its a lovely bike. I also have two disc brake road bikes. The C2C is more comfortable and gets used a lot. And yes, it's still on very narrow tyres. Those also still work. Forget the trends. The important thing is that you get what you can afford and what works for you.

Thanks Jimmy. I tend not to be harsh on tyres. possibly partly because I'm getting old and I've yet to tear a lug off a Continental. I did look at the Maxxis but their rolling resistance rating is OTT compared to the others in class. The Onza is new to me but sadly also seems out of stock everywhere.

Hi guys, My preferred tyres are Conti Race Kings in the Black Chilli version. But these seem to be made of unobtainium in our world (who is the hopeless local distributor anyway?) and so I am thinking of switching brand loyalties to Schwalbe, who at least seem to have a more consistent stock availability. On my list of possible options is the Thunder Burt in Super Ground, which seems to also have a low rolling resistance and seems to be suitable for dry hard pack (the vast majority of my riding). Any inputs on the Schwalbes relative to the Race Kings would be welcome, including as to the relative durability given that I'm reading that the Thunder Burt tyres seem to have a pretty short lifespan on the centre treadblocks. I guess my other options would be Racing Ray and Racing Ralph, but they seem to have a much higher rolling resistance than the Race Kings. Cheers and TIA, ML

That link is golden. New to me.

Having seriously crash tested a few helmets already, these are the key things I look for: Firstly, structural strength. I look to see how strong the shell is and how much of an impact I think it can take while still staying in one piece. Anything that doesn't seem very strong is immediately discarded. Secondly, impact absorption. Simply, how good is the inner lining. Third, fit. It must fit very well. And I prefer a helmet that goes down behind the ears. Fourth, ventilation. More is better. Fifth, MIPS. Sixth, replaceability of sweat absorption liners etc. Seventh, eye shade (yes. some roadbike helmets also have removable ones). Eighth, price. Ninth, wind resistance. Tenth, colour. Your priority list may vary. Some would especially puts MIPS higher on the list. But all my crashes have been non-MIPS and utterly destroyed the helmet but I'm still okay (my wife may disagree). They were very strong helmets too though.

What size is the frame and what gearset do you have?

Update for those who care. I'm still riding this bike and I must admit that it has become my favourite bike. It's not for serious trails and its not for fast road races. But if you just want to go ride - just want to grab a bike and go ride for a few hours - this is it. I have a Spez Diverge (2017/7) as well that weighs a bit over 7k (carbon everything) and this bike is a lot heavier but I still prefer this bike. While the weight isn't entirely ideal and I still haven't figured out a plan around the front shock lockout, I absolutely love this bike.

They are 32 spokes. Rims are Velocity Blunt SL.

They look very strong indeed. I will count the spokes when I have a minute, I suspect that they are indeed 32s.

Interesting, I've recently picked up a set of wheels (freebie) built on American Ckassic hubs and see that they are labelled "Built by Johan Bornman". They seem to still be in pretty good condition.