StevieG

Agree on the long day out issue, especially when it's one rider at a time. Some of the events here (kzn) allow you to choose which runs you want to do first, with only one or two stages having to be in a specific order. That does alleviate some of the wait times

Fox speedframe pro, comfy, light, great protection, mag clip on the chinstrap, and looks incredible. Range of prices too

Why is it that the turnout in these events is lacking though? I find the gravity orientated races are just so much more fun than your typical XC race, and the people are just all in it for the stoke. Granted, there will still be the ultra competitive bunch, but for the most part, everyone is there for the jol. I'm also no leader of the pack by any stretch, but my skills are good enough to handle most of what an enduro can throw at me, but when starting out, Enduro seemed hella intimidating, until I actually rode in one. There seems to be quite a misconception (at least among everyone i've spoken to) that it's as technically tough as a downhill race, and one needs burly bikes to handle it. Maybe that just puts people off entirely. Have never had an issue with the cost to enter, as they've all been in the R300 to R500 ballpark, which is entirely fine considering all that's involved

So much of my gear is Leatt, gloves, shoes, pants, helmets, you could say i'm a fanboy. In my defense though, it's because im not a fan of the lycra racing snake crowd, and lets be honest, our options for mtb wear in this country are a little limited. In saying that though, i have had some issues with kit. Also have a DBX4.0 full face, which was a fantastic helmet, until some idiot used a high pressure hose on it while cleaning my bike. Now all the pads don't want to stick anymore. Totally self inflicted, so can't blame Leatt. I did however buy a pair of gloves from them, which were the updated models to my previous pair, same size and everything, yet they don't fit. Thought maybe I could wear them in and stretch them, but to no avail. Other than that, their shirts, shoes, and pants have been stellar, and i'd recommend them any day. I can't account for their level of after sales service though, but I think their products are mostly top notch, and well priced too

DMR V8's, but looking to change soon to the Burgtec MK5's

Not sure, it was a 2nd hand bike I bought a few months earlier, so hadn't changed fhe sealant yet

First time I took the tyre off to change sealant. No wonder it felt off balance

Makes sense. I might try one ride with them and see how it feels. If it all goes pear shaped, i'll let you say "I told you so"

Perfect. My cleats stick out slightly since I battle to clip in, so thought raising them a bit with the spacer would help. Would probably just take them off entirely then and use the shoes as flats for now. Thanks man

Ok so I know this is probably an idiotic question, but has anyone done this before? I'm not talking about the carbon, skinny, racing snake clipless shoes, i'm talking about the kind of shoes that look like they belong on flats, but have cleats in them. Have a pair of Giro Chamber 2's, like the pic, and they're going to waste at the moment because i'm only riding flats. The cleat section is quite minimal in the shoe, so if I removed the cleat, and left it open, do you reckon it would be an issue? Would have loved for them to include a cover plate, so they could be used for either type of pedal, but sadly that's not the case. Bare in mind the pins on a flat pedal are predominantly on the outside of the pedal, so doubt they would interfere with the cleat holes. Just wondering if anyone's tried it before.

Sounds like if you didn't have bad luck, you'd have no luck at all

Like I have a faucet in my helmet

Had this issue the first time I rode with glasses, and now don't bother wearing any anymore. Mates of mine just use a folded buff, and it works perfectly. Although I suspect it won't be that grand when the temps are in the upper 30's like they have been lately.

I'm using the USWE Raw, and it's amazing. Doesn't bounce, holds 3 litres of fluid, tools, snacks, and easy to fill on the run. The strap system also rocks. It does get hot sometimes, but thats a given with any pack

I'm not sure. There's virtually nothing on the web about these bars, but they do look quite generic, and are the most expensive of the lot.

Yes i've seen it, thank you. Just like to get opinions from people who aren't sponsored, or given the products to test. Seems the OneUps were quite a good option.

Whats everyone's experience with these? Seems the world is a little divided. I'm currently running the Bergtec alloy enduro bars, and they're incredibly stiff. Feel like I'm going to lose my teeth sometimes from all the chatter. Are they worth the spend? Have got some Bartender grips, which help, but have a few options for bars I'm looking at. Raceface, ethirteen, Roval sl35, and Oneups (but they only have 20mm rise, so not my first choice) is anyone using any of these currently?

I've got the DBX 3.0. Love them, but they could be a little more comfortable. Have great support, very tough sole, and can walk around in them no problem. Someone mentioned the laces don't stretch, so you just have to keep them a little looser so they don't cut the blood off. I also find that the inside of the shoes near the toes, have these ridges inside, which catch toenails from time to time, so make sure to get a pedi before using them 😉

I see there's a Rekon race, and regular Rekon. The Rekon race might be a bit too on the XC spectrum for my needs, but is it much different to the other version?

For the majority of riding I do, faster rolling tyres will be the compromise i'll have to make for the sake of less grip, but it's not like i'm shredding on the downhills now anyway. Will give the Dissector and Rekon a try. Thanks for all the advice guys, much appreciated!

Loving this idea, thanks man!

Sound advice. A quiver of bikes is definitely the way to go lol

Im only keen to change the rear tyre, so will have a look at the recons. Just love the grip on the front, so the DHR will stay there for now.

So i'm running Maxxis DHR 2's front and rear. Ride tons of XC trails when i'm training, but my XC buddies drop me all the time on the climbs, and it's a constant slog trying to keep up with them. My fitness level is good, but my bike is around 15.5kgs. Tallboy V4, 200mm rotors front and back, and heavy tyres. My love is Enduro riding, but most of my training is done at Holla Trails, so very light duty stuff. If I change my rear tyre to say an Ardent 2.4, will the difference in rolling resistance be noticeable? Then when I get to the gnarlier stuff I can just change back to my DHR. Seems like a mission, and training on a heavier bike is only helping my cause I guess, but at the risk of having to find a new set of guys to ride with lol.

Thanks. I wound up going for a Santa Cruz Tallboy, which exceeded my expectations. Maybe in my near future i'll get a proper enduro rig, but for now i'm sticking with the SC. Enjoy your new ride man!