Charvel

Any idea on who the photographers were and where to get the pics? I need to make sure all evidence of me suffering are removed!

For those who have used Purple Extreme, is it any good? I saw a bottle of this stuff, going for over R200, but it claims to be good in both wet & dry conditions and that it doesn't require any re-application unless washed with soap or a degreaser.

Good morning everyone, We are going for a holiday to the ATKV Drakensville next week and want to know if anyone has been there recently? I want to find out if there are MTB trails worth riding in the area?

Hi guys, For those who own a Buzz Rack, what's your experience been like with this bike carrier and would you recommend it? There is a Buzz Rack Buzzcruiser (3-bike, towbar, "ride-on" model) available at Sportsmanswarehouse at quite a good price, but I want to make sure that the quality of the product is good. Thanks

Which shop(s) stock Hoss in Gauteng?

Do you know what they are called? The First Ascent Single Track for R799 maybe?

Hahaha!

Thanks chaps! Appreciate the feedback! @Dirt-rider: I agree that baggies just look MTB. No question (and hence the reason for this post). But what some of the guys have raised about "lack of comfort" on the longer rides, worries me a bit. Might follow @AirBender's advice and go for the bibs and wear normal baggies over it.

It's been a while since I've lasted posted on The Hub! I need to buy myself new cycling shorts, and this is where my dilemma comes in. Now see, I'm a MTBer through and through. Up until now I have been riding and racing with bibs, but I rather want to get myself baggy cycling shorts instead. What I'm worried about is that baggy shorts don't have the same "quality" of padding that you would get in bibs. My question therefore is: which baggy shorts would you highly recommend (under R1,000) that would provide decent padding for a comfy ride? These will be used for races as well. Any comments?

Congrats covie! You won't be sorry! I had the SB Phoenix 2007 model and then upgraded to the SB Sierra beginning of last year (hence my profile pic ) I didn't struggle with the grips, but guess that it's not impossible to encounter that. otherwise a great bike! Enjoy!

2010 Silverback Phoenix - great value! Go to www.silverback.co.za

Thanks Edman! Will go and take a look today

I'm looking at getting myself some winter gloves as being out on the trails is becoming seriously cold these days (especially in Heidelberg where we ride). Any recommendations + prices? Also, where exactly is the Anatomic Factory shop in Northcliff? Charvel2010-05-26 07:40:11

Sorry, I didn't read the whole thread, but my take on this is the following: We are coming out of a recession where most of us have been faced with large restraints on our personal budgets. When this happens, it doesn mean that people want less, their "wants / needs" still stay the same, but they will then start to look at other ways to fulfill their needs. Where people normally would've been content with forking out money for products from local suppliers without shopping around, they have now started looking around for the cheapest product / service. People's need for instant gratification would mean that they would look around locally first BEFORE looking at overseas channels, but should the overseas channels be way cheaper than local suppliers, thats when you will get what is happening at the moment. People want choice of products and services at the best price, and funny enough, people WANT to exercise that right locally! But if they feel that they are getting ripped off by local suppliers, they will go the international route (should it work out way cheaper). In essence, in difficult times, price is THE most important factor, while when times are better, the full experience draws more attention. The idea of looking at products / services from a customer's point of view, still hold huge value - doesn't matter which industry you are in.

Sorry guys, I only saw this thread now for the first time! You are also more than welcome to come out to some nice MTB trails in and around Heidelberg one weekend! We are also sort-of part of the Eastenders community and are not that far away from Benoni, Boksburg, Germiston Let me know which weekend and we'll set it up!

Congrats Niklas! May you get many happy miles on that one! Welcome to the dirt side of life!

If you want to go new, then I would suggest taking a look at the Silverback bikes as they offer great value for money, especially in that price range! You would be able to get a MTB with hydraulic brakes for around R4,500 (Saturn) or if you are willing to go a bit over R5000 (Phoenix). The alternative is to look at "pre-owned" bikes as you can pick up some sweet deals (especially here on the Hub). That's all personal preference and each has its own pro's and con's. Hope this helps a bit...

I agree with gummibear regarding this being a personal thing. When I started MTBing in full force early last year, I wanted pedals which you can clip in as well as having a "cage" to be of assistance when you can clip in immediately. I bought myself the Shimano PD-M647 pedals and haven't had a day's problems with them! But, it is a personal thing (I paid R800 for them just before the price increase last year) and they really work for me!

I have gone through a similar exercise as yourself end of last year, and I ended up buying Maxxis Monorail LUST for the front (they have good traction) and Maxxis Crossmark for the rear (lower rolling resistance). The main reason I went for the Maxxis, is purely durability. The Maxxis LUST versions are renowned to be as tough as nails with minimal sidewall cuts and long tread life. Now, one thing you'll see on the Hub is that the choice of MTB tyres is quite a personal one This tyre combo works really well for me and I have also been battling through quite a bit of mud, and they have done really well! Just a suggestion.

@Regard - R30 in itself is not that bad...but what you are finding is that people have a perceived value of what DSTV should be, and once that level has been breached, that is when people start questioning the need for the service. I've been one of those who, after last year's increase (which as 12% - R50), downgraded to one of the entry level packages, because for me, the perceived value of DSTV was below R500 per month, hence me downgrading. Wish we could downgrade our electricity account as well Charvel2010-03-02 08:24:18

There is an article on him in the latest Ride Magazine!

So i guess you have to stop to eat the sandwich?? Isnt that a waste of time, eg use an energy bar rather? (which is easier to unwrap and eat while riding) I mainly do the sarmies before the race and focus on carrying the banana(s) with me. And then also lots of fluids. To date I haven't used gels purely because I don't like the stuff. I'm trying the "natural way" as much as possible...but it is purely a personal thing and it works for me