wa88

Is it an option to fit the newer 10-52t cassettes without upgrading to the Lunar derailleur? My LBS has the 10-52t GX cassette for a bit cheaper than the original 10-50t and says it has been done successfully. I'm just worried it will lead to further shifting frustration in the future.

It's called minimalism - you get half, but pay double.

Thanks for the advice all. I think logically a new GX cassette would be the quickest and easiest solution. I don't think Shimano is on the cards now, as I'll likely need a new hub to fit microspline. Or maybe I should just get a new wheelset while I'm at it... I've heard some people use two chains and alternate every 100km or so, think this is the way to go.

Sounds like it's going to be a new cassette then... Likely a GX cassette as I'm struggling to justify the XO1 cassette cost on an older bike. On the other hand, I notice that a whole Shimano SLX kit with derailleur, chain and cassette is currently sold for roughly the same price as a GX cassette (R 4.5k), with XT around R 6.5k. I'll need to look into the viability of converting my current hub from XD to microspline, but this could be a cheaper option in the long run. Would I need to change the crankset and chainring as well, or will the current SRAM chainring work? Is there much to choose from between SRAM and Shimano when assessing it objectively?

On my chain tool, it was beyond the 0.5 mark, but not as far as the 0.75, which was the rationale for replacing only the chain for now. Just not sure if 200km of bedding in is a reasonable amount of time. If it's a case of changing the cassette, what are the major considerations between GX and XO1 to justify doubling the cost?

Hi all, I've been running a full SRAM XO1 Eagle groupset (the original 10-50t version) on a bike I bought 2nd hand a couple of years ago. I'm not sure of the mileage on the groupset before I bought it, but it had seen some riding. After buying the bike, I have done about 4500km on this groupset. I started having issues with slips, skips, and chain breaks a few months ago. When I checked chain wear, the XO1 chain had wear of between 0.5 - 0.75, and was due for replacement. I bought a new XO1 chain from my LBS and, as can be expected, it has been slipping quite a bit, especially at higher power. The LBS told me this would be the case, but that it would improve after a few rides when the new chain has had a chance to bed in to the used cassette. I've now done about 200km with the new chain, and while there has been improvement on the larger gears, I still get regular slipping at power on the smaller gears, which is quite frustrating. Considering this background, I'm looking for advice from the all-knowing bikehub members on the best way forward. As I see it, there are two options (open to more options as well): Continue riding at lower power for a while longer in the hope that the chain beds in better with the existing groupset and that slipping will eventually stop. What is a normal distance to ride for this to happen? This would be first prize if it's temporary pain for long-term gain, but it's taking a lot of the fun out of riding at the moment. Getting a new cassette if the current one has come to the end of its life. A new XO1 cassette currently costs around R 9500, with a GX cassette around R 4500. Is there a tangible benefit of paying more than double for XO1, apart from the +-80g weight saving? If it's only weight, I don't think I can justify it. I'd appreciate any thoughts and advice on the matter.

I use the Levitate mounts for two mountain bikes in the garage. I considered both of your options at the time and opted for the Levitate as it was a little cheaper. I also felt that the Levitate mount supports both wheels it could be more stable (I don't know if this is actually the case though). The second support probably made the installation a little bit trickier, but it wasn't rocket science. The Levitate support has some hooks to hang a helmet, etc., which I find handy. I don't think you'll go wrong either way though.

I was recently in a similar situation with my dual suspension. Comparing costs of the DIY kits, as well as effort it would take me, I decided to go the VPS route at a shop that normally wraps cars. They quoted R 1200 for the whole frame. When I picked up the frame 3 days later, they let me know they weren't able to wrap the fork or shock, and I was only charged R 900 iirc, which I think is a bargain. It was expertly done, you have to look very closely to notice the joints. I haven't had any major scratches yet, but it looks durable. Highly recommend going this route.

Great documentary on Jumbo Visma at last year's tour.

As far as I know there’s harvesting going on at Witfontein so not all trails that side are open. The Garden Route Dam trails are all open and free to ride - download the Trailforks app which will give you a good idea of trails in the area. Hillbillies does a great job at maintaining these trails - consider making a donation if you enjoy the trails.

A few weeks ago, I contacted a seller regarding a bike on the classifieds for a very decent price. I was busy making arrangements for a viewing, when he informed that he's changed his mind and decided to rather keep the bike. This was a disappointment, but understandable. A week later, the exact same bike is listed by a certain second hand shop who regularly posts on the classifieds, for R 9k more than the initial asking price. I honestly don't have a problem that he's decided to sell to someone else instead of me - this happens. What bothers me is that he lied about keeping it, and then sold it to a middleman who will make a profit from the sale.