Nico van Loggerenberg

don't google "nino schurter cape epic 2022 maxxis"!!!

There are a few good companies in Taiwan you can speak to. I have a list from a previous project, feel free to DM me. I think that MOQ sizes are around 1000 units or so but things may have changed.

To the best of my knowledge the Speed King has been discontinued. At least in MTB sizes. I believe the Race King offers pretty much the same package. Well it's better than some random internet guy's opinion on a bike forum, let me tell you that.

Race Kings or Thunder Burts. Will save a few watts on each side over Aspens

I guess the bigger question is - why would you downgrade your campy setup like that?

He can't tell you the age, 99% likely because he is a reseller who knows nothing about the bike (and probably close to nothing about bikes in general)

There are now regularly dual suspension 29er mountain bikes for sale for R16-25k which was hard to find immediately post-covid. Perhaps there are other things happening in other parts of the market that I don't know. Inflation is pushing up prices across the board so maybe a knock-on effect.

I would say prices have come down in the last year.

Personally, if you want to make an MTB faster don't bother with narrower tyres. Nino rides 2.4" mostly and he seems pretty fast to me. Rather focus on getting fast tyres, as in, low rolling resistance. Think Thunder Burt, RaceKing, etc. Secondly, get your position down low and narrower. Speed is determined more by tyre rolling resistance and aero issues than by tyre width or suspension to the best of my knowledge.

Thankfully not.

This is the core of the complaints on this thread. The issues are known and are not complicated. They do not need extensive diagnosis. Should be fairly simple to replace or offer repair upfront, and yes, of course at whatever rates they deem fair. Currently, the whole process feels very opaque as though there is a mystical divination that needs to occur before you can be told what your options are!

I had exactly the same issue as the OP. Garmin international lists a known issue with my Garmin, and the article seems to suggest that they will swop this out if I fill out a return form. Thato responds with a "bring it in and we'll see". 2 hour round trip and 10 day wait? No thanks.

Not a big deal. I ride both and enjoy both. Biggest thing is making sure your fit is decent as flats should be run with the axle closer to the centre of your foot compared to clipless. I'd recommend getting flat specific shoes if you can, they are very grippy and it makes a big difference. Efficiency differences are overrated for most average riders.

Is it silly to suggest changing out the cassette rather? 9 speed MTB cassettes go cheap.

It really depends on the kind of training. There is a massive difference in how your body burns energy (and what kind of energy) between a relaxed 45 minute zone 2 IDT session and a hour long hills / sprint session. One you can do fasted if you must and you'll probably still benefit, the other you're better off just skipping if you aren't fed probably because otherwise someone is going to have to carry your limp body to the nearest Engen for a Coke. Baby, bathwater imo

Coincidentally it completely killed what was left of my rear tyre as well

Beautiful pass but steep and rocky on a gravel bike!

You need a set of carbon rims to qualify...

You can get a 1600 gram set of wheels for around that price used, in aluminium. I don't think you'll be able to hit your price in carbon.

For that price I would just get a nice aluminium set with DT Swiss or equal hubs, and forget about whether I can brag to my friends about the rims being tupperware or not

That's Dorset Road, Parkwood

So let me sum this up - proprietary hubs proprietary cassette electronic shifting only expensive loses even more of my shrimp watts BUT, makes my bike look 'cleaner'? Sign me up!

Careful, don't give them a reason to claim any more of our territory please.

Strange one here - no user name? https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/profile/186896

Was surprised to see that at the 'Argurst' they were selling clothing for more than Rapha was. There was a buzz. I'd thought of them as a cheaper brand. Then on a recent bikepacking trip a friend's Monton sun sleeves lasted exactly 1 day before fraying into oblivion. YMMV