Tiny K

This was my 2nd MTB event (1st was Robertson) and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Bottle neck at Helz was the only one I sat at....... after replacing a tube meters before the bottle neck queue Lost about 20 minutes in total there. Had a few cases of catching slower riders on jeep tracks and them sitting side by side having a chat = fairly irritating. This is a race, not a training ride. The girlies feathering their brakes on the descents - was awesome. Think I made a few guys soil their pants when I came motoring by The last Km was a bit frustrating - catching guys that were from the shorter routes and having another bottle neck at the single track and under the bridge. Timing was K@K! Where in your right mind do you queue to have to log the fact that you finished? I got to the finish, there were two machines but only the one in the middle was being used. I went to the one on the side and the chickie says I can't use that one. As soon as everyone at the middle one cleared, she said I could now use the machine on the side. WTF?! Bring in RaceTec! Otherwise it was a blast!

Thanks for the advice guys! Will definitely rather save up and buy a better bike (even if it is a HT). Edit: btw, looking at getting a naainer

Ok, so found out it is an '03 model. Bought in '04 and only ridden until '08 when he got himself a Giant. Shock has been replaced near '08 due to shock collapsing. Yes, it's a dual chamber shock that works with a pulling force, not a compressing force like most other shocks. LBS says the shock is a maintenance nightmare, but a couple buddies have said that the amount of MTB I am going to do won't even have an effect on it.

That is just eff'd up! I think the movie's name was 'the bone collector'? Not too sure...... where the guy was a crafted surgeon or something and cut the people open and removed their bones while they were still alive......

Well, I am already looking into buying a 2nd hand Scott Genius 50 from a buddy to at least have a better bike than the one I have now......

What seeded group are you in? sad to say but I am in 'I' group........ I start riiiiiiight at the back anyway Edit: have to add that this will be my 2nd MTB race ever so wasn't looking too much into the seeding.......

Just received my entry confirmation! YIPPEE!

So, I am pretty new the the MTB scene and require some assistance with the following - I am looking at buying this MTB from a buddy for R4K and would like to have input regarding a few things. Specs that I have are: Front derailer = LX Rear derailer = SLX (relatively new) Shifters = Avid speed dial 5 Fork = Manito Black 120mm + lockout Shock = Scott traction control + 3 position remote (lock, traction control,all travel) Wheels = DT Swiss X450 (disc ready) Tyres = Maxxis Crossmark (good condition) Size is L Age: unknown for now (approx 9 years) Now, I know that the rear shock is prone to giving k@k - is there a shock that I can replace it with? If so, what is the cost thereof? What other possible issues are there that could cost me in the long run? I am looking at doing a tubeless conversion, putting on disc brakes and most likely upgrading the rear shock.

I am having the same problem. Did a road ride 4 weeks back and injured my knee somehow while climbing Franschoek Pass. Started MTB and did the Robertson race the weekend before, so I have put it down to change in geometry. Adjusted the saddle height (dropped it a little bit), and knee pain during ride has gone away (for long term I hope) but this morning my knee hurt again. Chatted to a physio over the weekend and he said that it could be a number of things. Could be ITB but could also be a muscle development thing i.e. that the muscles are used to working in a specific manner and now there is a demand of a different movement. I asked if it would go away - his reply was, either it will get better over time or it will get worse. It just depends on the muscles and tendons. Edit: although my knee pain is to the outside of the patella, not below it.

Weather predictions seem to be good for the day but predicted rain on Friday means the trails are gonna be muddy as hell....... good and bad at the same time. i'd rather get muddy in the sun than lightly dirty in the rain.

Mr OCD, on Look's website Funny enough, I did a google search for 'look L96 launch France INSEP' - and the french version of this article (translated with google) mentions INSEP but the english version on the site doesn't. http://www.lookcycle.com/en/int/look-cycle/actualites/look-unveils-its-new-weapon-for-london.html " LOOK weapon its athletes for London 2012 In the presence of their respective chairmen Dominique Bergin and David Lappartient, LOOK and that the FCC unveiled yesterday at INSEP the new weapon of the France team on track: the LOOK L96."

Fairly obvious - refer to yesterday's question..... Edit: see link if you doubt: http://www.lookcycle.com/en/int/look-cycle/equipes-et-athletes.html

That is all I do. No gym, nadda. I am trying to do a bit of pilates at the moment because I have realised I have a 'bad' core. It's putting a bit of strain on my knees. I used to swim, provincial, but got taken out by a bakkie back in 2003 when going home from Tech on an M'cycle. My swimming ended there too. Started cycling in 2009 after my father-in-law challenged me to ride the Argus in 2010.

You don't believe me? Ask the likes of 'Dale, Wannabe and MariusL here on the hub. I ride once a weekend and maybe a 1hr max IDT in the week (only 1 hr because I cannot stand being on it any longer than that). Edit: then again, living in the Cape means that most of my century rides have around 1000m ascent = lots of hill climbing.

Yeah, my dad used to cycle with the likes of Chris Willemse and Willie Engelbrecht. Even did the Giro once but had to pull out because of flu. I have hormones to help against the likes of Shan. I have considered riding elites but my late start to cycling doesn't count in my favour

I do 5 hours a week max (4hr weekend rides and try get a 1hr IDT in during the week in the winter) and do quite well in the alphabet soup (PPA). My mileage is based on quality, not quantity. I have been cycling, 98% road, since October 2009 - did a 2:53 Argus this year from the A bunch Edit: my focus is more on family life and not being a racing snake....... although I do kill myself trying to do so in races.......

Question - how will league work? Would another fee have to be paid to CSA for their membership?

They don't call it Shitmano for nothing Would love to have put Campy on my Italian Stallion, but alas, had to settle for SRAM Force.

Agreed - Google search for Pekin Olympics give results for 2008 Summer Games / Bejing Rider profiles - Guo - http://www.cyclingar...coureurid=16790 Gong - http://www.cyclingar...coureurid=33376 Lulu - http://www.cyclingar...coureurid=41768 Lin - http://www.cyclingar...coureurid=70326 Only Guo has an individual 3rd place in 2008 in Bejing.

Agreed - http://www.cyclingarchives.com/coureurfiche.php?coureurid=13599

Answer: http://www.lookcycle.com/en/int/route/accessoires/c-stem.html FROM -9° 0 +13° (EQUIVALENT TO 55 MM OF SPACERS)

Today's Q: What are the possible angulations associated with the C-Stem (equivalent to 55mm of spacers)? -6 to +6 -9 to +13 -7 to +10 -8 to +11

I was wondering 'who the hell is Zilla?' - that's a new name on the hub. The avatar pic gave it away. LOL!

Agree

I didn't see it on Look's website initially