Chain length can be adjusted by 1/2 a link as opposed to 1 link on a regular chain, you MAY then be able to get the correct chain tension on a single speed without a chaintensioner. This does not always work out though, worth a try. 1/2 link chain is somewhat heavier than normal. Push a pin almost all the way out, and then back in on the link with correct length, quicklinks and normal pins ( even 8speed) do not work on 1/2 link chain. This chain has a correct and incorrect orientation/side, so run the chain with the more rounded edges on the gears. works well, nice and smooth, but picks up a lot of muck off-road. enjoy!!!
Chicks do not dig gears, they seem to not be able to chat as much if need to think about cross-shifting etc, so , she loves the new, simpler cleaner look and feel.
I've just done this to my wife's bike, easy as pie. Keep the derailleur, use a short piece of gear cable to pull and then lock it in position over the single gear. One chainring on the front and make sure the chain stays on by using a chainkeeper ( like Paul or cSixx) It helps to keep the chain fairly short, derailleur pulled rather forward, with enough slack to take up the rear suspension effect on chaintension. Works very well, no problem
So, as always , no lack of opinions on the Hub. LOOK AT THE FOTOS of the two of them after the race> The other guy has VERY LONG BLADES, seem almost twice the length of Oscars. It is also not just a matter of having the same leg length, but also the huge reduction in weight, which these 'longer ' legs have, so much easier to get a faster legspeed with almost the same stride. I think it IS AN UNFAIR ADVANTAGE, you need a reasonably level playing field.
I think the rigid fork makes the bike handle so much more precise/ direct ( my choice) and you lose a kilo in the process, you'll get used to the bumps. You also save hugely on maintenance. 9 speed chain works fine, unless you are using extra wide gears. 34/18 works out to no chain tensioner needed, on my bike, 32/17 on certain other bikes and around Gauteng it is a fairly dynamic gear ratio.. Whichever you choose, you are going to LOVE it.
Friday morning, still dark, 6 runners , running abreast, taking up the entire 1 side of the road, where do they expect the cyclist ( or cars) to go with cars coming up from behind?? I have actually stopped to discuss this with them in the past , and have only been told , not to be so full of ****, and probably woke up on the wrong side of the bed etc. So, cyclists should absolutely not do this, but the runners seem even worse, in my experience
Lezyne big volume floorpump ( wooden handle) I've never needed to use my compressor again, no start-up, noise, attachment etc issues, just Soo much better than any pomp I've used before.
Hi Skywalker1 Are you a 2 man team entry? Where are you based? What sort of pace do you ride at? I'm pretty keen but I would need to be sure we are at very similar levels.
Groot Marico mtb race this weekend I really like this race, more low key less hype, great locals, great area, only 200km from jhb. I just hope my injury clears in time to do it. Entry online: entrytime or at the event .
So, like Tinker Juerez?, 24 hr mtb world champ, doesn't even ride with achamois at all!! Weird, but you get used to it. Get a SS, you spend so much time standing , you don't need chafe.
Ye though I walk through the valley of death, I shall fear no evil, for I am the meanest MF in the valley. Dress in Neon and use bright lights, I commute daily from Bromhof to Rivonia with absolutely no problems, you'll be fine, enjoy!
Why do you feel the need for this.? Are you running out of legspeed? I have this setup on mtb tandem and it works fine, but thie 48 is IMO only needed if you are going to bedoing a lot of road riding. Is this a 29er , then 48 with road tyres will help keep up with the roadies. I have recently rather removed the other gears and only use 1x9 ( 34 front ring) and really no need for more, run out of legspeed at about 55, so, more than enough.
Esi ( chunky) give me numb hands, I've tried them a few times, as they seem to work well for everybody else, so found Specialized BG contour , lightweight lock on grips, easier to remove when need to and the bigger surface are has prevented my numb hands ( a real problem as I do not have suspension anymore ) I wear xxl gloves and the narrower womens grips are still wide enough for me, do not know why the mens grips are so wide.
Toughest race ? I don't know, but something like Attakwas , maybe. Toughest MTB trail? difficult question, very relative. Here is a suggestion though, for those of us who are stuck here in GP. Go up the side of Doreen ( no tar allowed), then down the DH track ( bring big nuts, I shrank mine down to olive pips down that. Then loop across to the 4x4 track, some serious rocks and bits there, then down the side of Krugersdorp hill ( actually not bad) then across to Kings kloof for the black route, then gently home for a little cry, use SS 32x18
You can ride with me, from the bottom end ( Rivonia/Bryanston, more scenic) , but I will be wearing lycra, using 1 gear and going fast up the hills, and no bloody talking. from about 16:15
Anything under 2kg is OK Under 1690grams ( American classics, more than advertised, but I weighed them, is very good) ZTR Crest with Stans 3.30 hubs , Dt Swiss comp spokes and, brass nipples, 1580gr.
Try Cycle lab, Cayjees and Linden cycles, they will likely have wirebead tyres ( Non-tubeless, but can be run as tubeless IMHO) which have come off some bikes or from upgrades by customers, they will often let these go for a very good price, do not expect to get the best tyres this way.
I'll be doing SS, as I now only have SS, but SS is fine and dandy. Rigid fork on the Monster is more of a challenge, but SS must have a rigid fork in my opinion. Fred Legoney did SS last yr. Just push when it gets too steep. Always well organized, so ENJOY
I've had a 15mm through axle on 29er and still have one on a 26er, but new 29er has normal QR and I REALLY can NOT feel a big difference, I think a tapered fork probably makes a bigger change.( Carbon steerer?) Rather have someone Like Johan Borman build you a proper wheel/ wheelset. Throughaxles are in my humble opinion a bit of a waste of time and money, and a schlep ( also a bit heavier fork)
Love this race, not the usual RARA noise and a very pleasant area to spend the weekend( and really only 2 and a half hrs from JHB). There are 9 river crossings, some up to thigh depth and I could literally bend while carrying my bike and drink the water, it is that clean. I don't know where the entry is though, but I'll be entering for this yr. for sure, so I'll let you know as soon as I do.
I've been through a few sets of these new XTR 985 metal pads and I've been dissapointed with their short lifespan, they are expensive and IMO should have lasted longer. I've replaced them now with Swiss stop Sintered metal pads and so far so good.
