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Leatt seem to make a rather nice DH vest - back, chest and shoulder protection. Saw Pottie modelling it at the DH this weekend. I have a Leatt Airfit moto vest - does a good job on the chest, back and hips. I removed one layer of pads front and back for bike use. Its reasonably comfortable but on a hot day you still sweat a lot...

It would be lovely if all rims were simply made strong enough to withstand the rigors of MTB.... There are so many bikes that come out with the bare minimum in wheel strength and rubbish hubs to match. By all means make them heavier and stronger, but not heavy and weak. Some of the issues with modern wider rims is that manufacturers have attempted to make rims that weigh the same as much narrower, smaller, rims. The net result is a weak and failure prone rim like the Flow mk3's. Rear rims take a beating and will always crack eventually. The question is what is an acceptable life span? There are so many variables perhaps its best to simply buy cheap rims and bank on replacing the rear one once a year? A DT costs what, R2400 or more a pop. That's 2 or 3 cheaper rims and you're spreading the expense.

Does this mean that these cassettes will now last as long as the much lighter SRAM equivalents?

Its round3 of the WP DH series at Zewenwacht this weekend. Track looks like fun with lots of jumps. All the local pros should be there as the overseas season is running late this year. If you've never done a DH event, come and give it a try.

I dismantled the suspension on my Enduro on Saturday to inspect the bearings, or at least give them a turn to see if they were notchy yet. Interestingly, they seemed IMO to be almost all serviceable. The only bearings with significant lack of smoothness were the two on the main linkage pivot, i.e the ones where the main shock linkage pivots on the seat tube. I put the lack of noticeable wear down to better bearings and better sealing - each bearing has a top cap with a rubber seal in it. I still have some squeaking to deal with so I'll start with those worn bearings and try and eliminate the possible sources as I go along.

Big boned rider issues Bwahahaha

Yes, this weekend will see me doing a bit of a strip down...

Ya that's pretty much what I do, made possible by dry Cape weather and very few muddy rides. Doesn't last forever though :-)

You'll find that suspension bearings, despite being sealed and usually with washer/seals over them on the bolt side, eventually give up. Not all at the same time and those exposed to the elements eg FSR pivots out back or the main pivot near the BB take more punishment. Water is the enemy. My Enduro has just started creaking after 3 years or so. I noticed it when I stood a pedaled first. Very minor creaking. I washed the bike 2 weeks ago and since then it has creaked far more noisily and not only when I stand to pedal. Just goes to show what water and washing does to a bike. I hate to think how many bikes get pressure washed into oblivion especially at marathon events...

Ah, I haven't been there yet, sounds far more worthwhile...

I wonder how prevalent this is? It may be statistically so insignificant that it's not worth further thought or keyboard time...

Some of the 14 or more bearings in my bikes rear suspension are creaking under pedaling loads. A sure sign that some of the linkage and pivot bearings are worn out...

Not sure if you have any expert Cannondale dealers near you but it would be good to compare it to another bike and get their opinion if possible?

I think the Ridge trumps the Slate in terms of spectacle but both so good. Imagine having your own bike park and forestry business to play in? Lucky family.

I like Veronique's efforts. But, Brage will stomp it. What a hooligan pillaging Viking type of oke.

Lekker pics guys, thx. The feedback I got from some Epic riding marathon bike equipped friends of mine was that they didn't enjoy the trails on the 45 that much. I think it was a combination of technical trail overload and being a bit under-biked with 100mm and brain equipped shocks. I think they just need to HTFU though :-)

LOL

Flip, ek stem saam. It was a rather tough day out but I just took it slow where I needed to and had belting fun on the downs. My 170/180 bike performed really well considering the distance and climbing but because much of that is quite tech it worked great- pity about the rather unfit rider. The downs were where it really shone though - you could really klap the fun stuff with no worries about tyres or bottoming out. These are some of the most fun and proper mtb tracks on the planet I believe. And they seem to keep adding more. There was some brand new stuff on the 45. It was fun not racing and chatting to people along the way and playing catch on the downs.

In for the 45 on Saturday. Going to be fun in 38 deg heat on my enduro bike, but wtf. Will take my own beer for after. :-)

The DH line is being revised and tweaked for the upcoming WC Downhill event on the weekend of 1 May 2021. I'm going to take my nephew for his first DH event and my first time at this track.

Its simple really, a basic Fox 32 and the RS are not that far removed in performance so the difference is hard to notice. Go from either of those to a Pike with thicker stanchions and better damping and you will notice the difference - a lack of excessive fork dive under braking, less packing up on repeated hits and much improved braking due to the lack of flex in the fork legs. And of course, more accurate steering.

It is useful and everyone should be able to land a drop to flat in the correct way. Obviously a HTF of 1.5 m on a marathon bike might be a bad idea, but would be fine for a burlier bike. Horses for courses.

Apparently there is a new mental disorder that's been identified and is caused by eBikes. Its known as "Range Anxiety" and is characterized by nervous twitches and a constant need to view the screen or phone app while riding.

No, I'm not anti SRAM unless I have had a bad experience with their components, of which I have had a few. I hear Shimano 12 speed clutches are problematic so i'd avoid one of those until the issues are resolved. I don't doubt SRAM cassettes last longer - I've got one and its holding up very well. I love the derailleur too and the cheap chain which is also lasting well. I hope it does because at R2900 for an 11 speed cassette, it better. Shifter ergonomics are poor in my opinion. I swop between a Saint 10 speed and GX and the difference is not earth shattering but the Saint is so much nicer. I have even considered converting my enduro bike to 10 speed because of the difference. As far as price is concerned, the facts are clear, SRAM is over priced in SA. Not sure what you're not understanding. Or do you disbelieve my empirical evidence and discount it on the basis of perceived bias because you are a SRAM fan guy?

RT66 and Centerline are both straight steel, no carrier and metal pad compatible - but a fat price difference that you can't feel on the trail. The Guides are 2018 - they seep brake fluid for no reason. They lack power compared to Deore and the levers give crap and they are overpriced in SA. What's to like? i've briefly tested the Cura's and found them a tad underpowered, but maybe that was just the set I tried. I rest my case. :-)