NC_lurker

Suggest you make contact with the local MTB club: https://hillbillies.co.za//home

I'm guessing it's the grx600 crankset running a 46/32? Not 48/31? As mentioned by others, that's a great bike. Honestly I'd keep the Orbea and just spend R6k on a dedicated trainer bike! Two examples below that you could probably pick up in the R4500-5500 bracket... Potentially replace the crankset on the Orbea for another R2k if really needed. I used to think i needed to run 52/36 but since switching to a compact 50/34 I've never looked back....but perhaps my ride buddies have gotten slower 😆 https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/cranksets/896519/ultegra-11-speed-crankset https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/road-bikes/892813/cannondale-caad-series-road-bike-medium-54cm https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/road-bikes/895424/merida-scultura-300-ml

Perhaps add some context as to what's fuelling your thinking. Also what gravel bike are you riding? 1x or 2x groupset? Most gravel bikes are really just endurance (relaxed) geometry road bikes with increased tyre size tolerance...

You're suggesting that a Garmin Fenix 6x was retailing for under R5k in 2022? Interesting, I seem to remember comparing options about then and the Fenix was over R10k...Gemini is saying R12k+.. Regardless of actual pricing, the point I think you're making is very valid. My Polar Pacer was cheaper in about 2022 than it retails for now...☹️

Yup, Discovery accept Polar & Garmin data. All Polar screen setup is done on the app and then sync'd with the watch. Streets ahead of Garmin UI. When I bought my Polar Pacer the equivalent Garmin was almost 3x the price. If you need pool & open water swim tracking, which Shebeen should be doing, then you need to look at the Garmin Fenix range.

Don't buy a Garmin watch if you're not already using their Tech. Opt for a Polar Pacer watch. Awesome battery life, tri-sport capable, pool swim, open water swimming etc. Way cheaper than a Garmin with the same functionality. Added benefit of not having to engage with the Garmin UI which must be the most illogical ever created 🤯 https://www.sportsmanswarehouse.co.za/product/polar-pacer-gps-multisport-watch/

On a more useful note... I ran a Rapide hanger extender on my Sequoia for years to allow me to run a Shimano 2x11 setup (48/32) with a 42 at the back. Shifting was a little rough in the middle couple of gears but perfectly usable. Definitely worthwhile having the extra gearing when loaded.

I'm struggling to see it, but I'm sure it's there somewhere...how have you stopped the kitchen sink from rattling on corrugations 😉

Cross Cape gravel route: https://ridewithgps.com/ambassador_routes/1319-the-cross-cape

Agreed. I think what we're forgetting is just what Matt Beers has already achieved & that he's a top international rider. To expect another local rider to be at the same level is a pretty big ask, we just don't have that depth of experience in the local scene. That's not to say Tristan won't get there, but give the guy a break, he's doing an awesome job they're second overall!

You could come stay in the south, Tokai to Kalk Bay area and catch the train in and ride home. That'll give you fairly easy access to Tokai MTB trails, Constantia greenbelts & Kirstenbosch mtb loop plus be well out of the CBD/Atlantic seaboard"vibe", and give you a relaxed setting. Of course it'll still mean a fairly expensive Uber in & out for registration.

Done. For those looking for the form, here it is: https://forms.gle/LkrXWig89RcuPhKx9

You can probably find just the rests, I didn't spend any effort....time on Temu is dangerous, next thing there'll be yet another order on it's way 😆

If you don't come right there's always Temu... https://share.temu.com/eqNQI9ebAoB

If you haven't already, contact the organisation. They do have a lost & found for stuff that gets handed in, hopefully a marshal picked up your bag.

That's a fantastic performance by AH. Really interesting mix of riders in that top-10!

Thanks, that pad looks very similar to another pair I tried. Definitely looking for a thinner pad like this one:

Yeah I bought a pair of those. Best pad I've found. Unfortunately the straps were way too short/tight for me so that combined with the slightly loose fit on the hips created by the lack of panels resulted in me returning them.

Ok, the Geoid cc600 got a resoundingly positive review from the GF after this weekend's ride. Much easier screen to read than the Garmin 500 she had been using. Connected faultlessly to my Varia radar.

Has anyone found men's bib shorts with a thin pad? So far the couple I've tried all have rather thick spongy pads. Locally I generally aim for the thinnest pads available in the brand's range.

This ☝️ After taking a few years off, last year I agreed to ride with my GF and see if we could get her under 4hrs (no pushing allowed!) in her 2nd time taking part. Can't remember where we started but it was waaay back, just before 8am. Cruising around the peninsula trying to hold a steady pace, while enjoying the event for what it really is, resulted in the most enjoyable CTCT for at least my last 10 rides. Helped of course by perfect weather and us hitting our goal time! I'd definitely recommend taking a break from chasing a time in the chaos groups, dropping back and experiencing the event as an opportunity for people of all shapes & sizes to appreciate CT in all it's splendour.

Ok, received my "nearly new" Geoid cc600 from @guidodg. Haven't taken it for a ride yet, but initial impressions after going through the setup process are positive. For the record I'm a long time Polar user who sadly had to transition into the Garmin head unit space a couple of years ago to get better battery life & navigation. Comparing the build quality of the Geoid to my Garmin 530, the Garmin definitely wins with it's softer buttons and slightly more upmarket feel. However from a setup process the Geoid wins hands down! None of the totally unintuitive Garmin menus with ridiculous on device configuration needed. All Geoid setup is done via your mobile on the companion app, same process as Polar have followed for ages. Hoping to take the Geoid for a test ride later this week before passing it on to my GF. Primary reason for purchase was to replace her Garmin 500 with a head unit that can connect to my Varia radar when riding together. Will post more feedback after that.

More likely that cycle tour management has branched out into trail running....check that address on Google Maps, it's the Cycle Tour Org offices.

That sounds seriously excessive! I've circumvented the issue by just buying the unit from @guidodg sorted!

Way back I used to go use the golf driving range inside the Pollsmoor prison grounds. They never checked the boot going out, only going in... overcrowding solution perhaps 😆