iRob

Just DO NOT leave it outside. I do the same as Indigo Kid ito the freezing. It works well for me.

Nope, chain and cassette are still at the LBS, and I'm at work, but have requested they keep it aside.

Yeah the first "muddy" ride I did was the 3rd ride on the bike I ever did so I'm not sure what to think anymore. Hell what is the point of buying an MTB if cannot handle 25km or even 100km of mud?? What would one then do in a race of 100km if it was wet? Stop half-way and replace the chain or wash your bike, dry it and then re-lube it?? (This is not meant as a dig at you Sharkie 2, but I do feel it is a question someone, anyone, needs to at least consider and think about and possibly answer.) The point is what is the use of aspiring to completer a hardcore MTB event, only to have the unreliability prevent you from competing or even enjoying it. Ja look its tight, I'm flippen bleak at doing the Sabie Experience, which is known for being wet, and having to chicken out due to chain wear half way trough a 75/85km stage.

Road or MTB? I have less of a hard time accepting that road riding (bigger blades = more tension on the chain) will wear a chain quicker. I was my chain clean clean, then soak it in a tube of White lightening Epic lube. Where can I find out what Shimano say about chain maintenance?

Do you perhaps know who I can speak to? I've had bikes for YEARS and even though this is the fittest I've ever been (ito cycling) I have never had this happen this badly before. sorry that sounded arrogant, what I mean is that I'd be VERY surprised that my riding style, as opposed to a professional cyclist, would be aggressive enough to wear my chain that quickly.

I'm worried that this will keep happening to me. It is NOT cheap to replace this kind of stuff, especially a cassette.

I can speak to the LBS, they said they'd keep it aside for me for warranty purposes. The chain did look pretty bad, I did notice a lot of play between the links the last time I took if off and cleaned it. (Friday night). How much, in mm, does a chain wear before it must be replaced? I've heard if the chain is worn it starts to wear the cassette away. I strongly doubt I was conned by the LBS.

I'm sure, LBS owner is a good oke (not just a sales man), and the bike was spanking new when I got it. I was a bit surprised when I found out the cassette was SLX but this is standard on the bike as new.

Ja I'm not sure. I did around 100km in the rain and then of that 25km was muddy. I've heard of guys wearing the chain out but that was in the Epic and then with 1000m plus climbing a day. Is there anyone from Shimano on the hub that I can engage in debate?

Hi Guys 2 months and 2 days ago became the proud owner of a Giant Anthem X2. Bike is kitted with XT crank and front blades, XT rear derailleur, SLX front derailleur and SLX cassette and XT chain. So I've ridden all of 800km. Washed my bike after every wet or muddy ride, cleaned my chain and lubed it well after each wash or 3-4th ride. Did a race on Saturday, crossed a river and then rode through some nasty sand, suffered incredible chain suck and nursed my bike the entire race. Thankfully my LBS was available to look at the bike and it turs out my chain is 100% worn (I measured it at the shop with the wear-tool) and the rear cassette has two rings BADLY worn. 800km?! 50% road, 40% jeep track 10% single track or technical jeep track. Is this possible? I weigh around 90 and do have "dik" bene. But 800km? The chain is completely worn. This is the same type of chain rode riders use (think is fits ultegra) so MTB rode riding in big blade shouldn't put as much tension as normal road riding. Has anyone had a similar experience? Who can I query and is it possible to get this replaced under warranty? Because 800km is too soon guys. Thick legs and big blade riding included. I'm a little disappointed.

I find middle front is good enough for most of my riding on single track. It does also depend what traffic is like in front of you, if you are stuck behind someone less confident then it also complicates things. But generally I do not like pedaling too much while descending or ascending on single track, especially if it is quite technical, what with pedaling into a rock or tree stump and all.

I used to run about 4times a week, then got quite sick for a few months and all but stopped running. After almost half a year of little to no activity I started cycling more regularly in August and since then I've lost more fat and weight then I ever did with running and now that I've started running again (basically from scratch) I can do so longer then I did when I was at my peak. So cross training = LEGEND. If you can run/cycle 50/50 then I slightly envy you, my legs are still getting used to the impact again. Well done and keep it up RT ;-)

That is true. The stuff is very expensive! It does make a difference I've found. I rode quite hard yesterday, into the gale force South Easter and was riding at 85% for an 1.25hrs. Felt shaky and had some EpicPro and glutamine when I got home and I feel 100s today. I think my diet is good, I've had some solid input and have seen definite results, but I could be following a bit better (i.e more protein later in the day over lunch and supper). My intensity training has recently increased significantly and I've found this is where the supplements help dramatically. I've recently been inquiring as to how to increase my V02 through supplements and or diet. My thought is that by increasing my red blood cell count I can increase my oxygen carrying ability. Legally obviously. I have spoken to various dietitians, doctors and even pharmacists the idea I get is that iron supplements do nothing unless you have a deficiency and the most likely benefit would come from increasing folic acid intake. Apparently it gets given to pregnant woman to increase their rbc during pregnancy. I have yet to investigate the legality of this. That said the increase in cycling I've been doing has increased my other fitness, especially running, incredibly. I'm hoping there is more benefit to be realised through increased training, but I'd actually first have to get my VO2 tested professionally. Now that's something people would have to sell their kidneys for!

I'm open to trying to new supplements, I just kind of like the USN. Do you use something else?

That is also true. I have been to the PnP in Plattekllof and I know they have the biggest range I've ever seen. I currently use the Clicks L-Glutamine which works fine as well. Ok sweet, I'll check the Melkbos Clicks on the way home from work.

I live in Cape Town, and am looking for a Clicks store which stocks a decent range of USN products, specifically RecoveryMax, EpicPro, V02max, L-glutamine and CytoPower HP (900g). I'm looking for a Clicks store/s because I get a lot of discount there. I know Dischem does have a wide range of products, and I know there are other products, but I've found USN works for me and the do not offer the same discounts I can get at Clicks.

Its someone from Kuilsriver. CF. I grew up there and learnt to drive there. I then moved to Joburg and didn't realise what the fuss was about the drivers there, until I moved to Blouberg, and years later went to Kuilsriver. WOW. Shocking drivers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Its simple. People with CF reg plates CANNOT drive.

Yip Count me in for that one!

I LIKE the home made bike stand. Next DIY project!

The lowdown - 2 month old Giant Anthem X2 with 650km. When the shock is fully open and I ride front granny middle back the chain rubs against the front derailer. If the "pro-pedal" is on, no such problem. Has anyone experenced this and WHAT was the cause?! Shock pressure too low? Gear changes are perfect and the bike did this with like 50km on the clock. It has gotten a LOT worse in the last week. HELP!!!????

Hahahahaha It was a last-minute attempt to get a group together. I managed to cycle from the camp site to the Groot Winterhoek Reserve (turn left at the big tree as you come from the camp site), up to the point where I hit private property, then turn around and hit that hill! JO! All the way to the Piketberg/Porterville turn-off. And then back. That mountain pass is rather tough (!!!) Then did the jeep track routes on Sunday. But nothing worse then having to turn around on when you hit a gate. The Oliefants river route goes up to a point and then it is completely washed out. I wanted to attempt it but was on my own and did not want to push my bike up basically nothing. There were 4 bikes there but all very recreational, so did not want to intrude. I must do it again some time though, and then negotiate with some of the farmers.

no one?

Hi I'm planning on going camping at Beaverlac (near Porterville), and taking my bike with me. Is anyone planning on camping there the weekend and also planning on taking their bikes? I'd dig to ride with a few okes and not cruise around on my own. It is 170km from Cape Town and has some amazingly technical and steep climbs and some fast jeep track. If anyone is going or keen to go let me know.

If the shock has been serviced then ask him where and through whom. This sounds and look dodgey .If the oke had at least TRIED to clean and service the bike then it'd look like he is serious, but with a photo like that, mmmmm.... Walk away I say.

Ja I reckon about R2500 max. It looks "well used".