Headshot

I'd be disappointed until I replaced the plug and carried on riding. The OP's post is OTT. As others have said, plugs can last the life of a tyre, ask my car and bikes.

Its acceptable attire for an eBike...

E4000 is about R70k. Will cost a lot more than the R100k or so for the local version once you factor flights in...

Anyone know the cost to enter the Swiss Epic - also part of the "Epic Series of Awesomeness " along with a few other strange ones like the Reef to Reef or something. I wonder because watching the coverage - which was pretty awful compared to the local version, it seemed like a far smaller field and little spectator interest... I suspect that its way cheaper and you could probably fly there as a team, do the event and have another week jolling for less than an entry to the "Race that measures all" back here in SA. I could Google but you guys know a lot 🙂

My experience of SRAM GX has been good in 11 s form. Cassette wear is almost non-existent. Rear derailleur is tough and I like how the clutch works. That said, the shifter ergonomics suck. That cable release lever is in a horrid place and pushes upwards instead of in the same plane as the thumb shifter. Compared to my Saint 10s shifter it is a dog. And then there is the lack of rapid high gear shifts that Shimano has had for years.

As long as there are mullet MTBs and eBikes, 27.5 will not disappear. The tyres available tend to be the more gravity focused tread patterns however. There is a huge range of 27.5 tyres available at CRC for instance.

That is such keen pricing compared to anything SRAM. The only negative is the shifter I think but then if you're used to GX or indeed any SRAM bar AXS the one shift per push to a higher gear won't feel like a problem. I think the best option would be an XT shifter paired with Deore everything else.

GT3 RS is available as a 6speed manual isn't it? There is nothing quite as lovely to use as a slick short throw gear lever and 6 speed box. I still miss mine and the days when F1 drivers had to take their hands off a tiny wheel to shift gear. 🙂

If you import your own, the range is far wider and the price usually better. I bought two Spank Spike rims on sale recently for less than one rim sells for here (if they were even available). So far I'd say they are superb - beautifully made, look good and so far no dings. I've also become a foam insert convert. Improves the feel on the trail in subtle ways and allows lower pressures without the risk of rim damage. I'd say they could work well on all sorts of bikes, not just for gravity orientated riding. The weight penalty is not huge.

Ha ha, that figures. I'd have put my money on them. They are useful for stocking up on small items I find. Would never buy a bike from them, or let mine go anywhere near them for a service.

"Most MTB's sold in SA are effectively gravel bikes". Tell me why I'm wrong.

Check out their insta @wc_enduro - I saw some names mentioned there.

I got the Nukeproof ARDs. They're quite reasonably priced at CRC . I started a ride two days ago to find that my front tyre had a very noticeable wobble in it since fitting the front insert. The sight of it was quite off-putting and I have yet to manage to remove the tyre which is damn difficult with the insert in there. Warm soapy water and some patience will be required.

It is going to be a suffering festival looking at the climbing involved on my 16kg bike. Coupled to that I hardly know the Plumber and after hurting myself on it last weekend I'm more than a bit nervous of it and the rocky bit of Iron Monkey which I found stupidly tricky after riding the whole thing blind on a previous enduro and not having too much trouble. Morne - you're a spring chicken at 39.

I like the idea of slightly shorter stages taking in more of what's on offer at JH. I also had a fat crash on Plumber last weekend. Unlike Phil, my bike survived fine, but I'm quite beaten up. I was owned by those two drops in quick succession about 1/4 way down. Took me a good few seconds to breathe properly after that and my ribs are still tender...

As you may have seen, I have also changed the bars on my bike and now ride with a far higher rise than before. I felt that this more than the tyres has had a massive effect on how the bike handles steep bermed corners, partly because I am now able to run the fork a bit softer without feeling as if the front is too low. The lack of hand pain and numbness was incredible. The inserts also make a marked difference - even with lower pressure than normal, the Exo Aggressor showed no signs of burping - just good grip and a cool little skid on the exit some times.

I'm running the Assegai 2.6 Max Terra 27.5 up front and an Aggressor like yours out back, both with foam inserts. Loving the Aggressor out back after a break on a WTB Trailboss. The Assegai isn't noticeably slow rolling up front but I can't compare it to a DHF which I guess probably is a bit faster. This combo was great in the faster stuff at Jonkershoek last weekend.

With a HT, the weight shift onto the front wheel is more pronounced than a full suspension bike. That said, front end grip is usually easy to achieve without resorting to super knobby tyres. How about a Maxxis Ardent up front? They roll reasonably well and grip very well on firmer terrain.

Except that that free coverage is not live broadcast WC DH. Enduro coverage is pretty average and the presenters lack the ability and enthusiasm of Rob W, who despite his faults was able to convey his enthusiasm for the sport and the antics of the rider on track like no other.

And how many deaths due to black clothing? Aren't decent lights far more important?

https://www.hennesseystavern.com/locations-dana-point

What as a matter of interest is their reason?

Ya, minus at least 5k for b@ll crusher saddle position 🙂

i watched Kerr's practice video - he took a couple of runs to get vaguely comfy on this track. Its so rough - imagine doing multiple runs on it... Quali should be interesting later today.

Unbelievable - there is no way that that piston failure should not be dealt with under warranty. Have you read the actual terms and conditions of the warranty? It may be that Coolfreak have just made that part up?