RossTopher

what a lekker ride, and day out. Gravel (bikes and races) get flak for being a trend, but today was an example of what a great leveller it is. people of all disciplines just went out to ride bikes, and thats what it should be all about. road vs mtb politics and arguments go out the window. the route was great. normal overly polite at the start so i start way back, needed a 50min ITT to find a ground i could work with, and went like a stabbed rat until my chain snapped at 74km. I brought EVERYTHING but a quick link, and even with one given to me, it would not fit (wippermann chain compatibility, maybe?). Having to just let go and freewheel through the water and mud crossings was extra exilarating. So a 74km ride and 13km run/walk/balance bike ended up at 4 hours 9 minutes rather than just over 3. a huge thank you to everyone that passed me, asked if i needed help, gave motivation or helped see the humour in it, and all the people who stopped and looked to see if they had links Special shout outs to a fella named Zane who offered up his link and spent a good few mins with me holding my bike. you are a champ. and to the 3 top manne who would not leave me to suffer in the last km and pushed me up the streets and around the track. bonus was seeing this glistening green thing on the ground near a farm, for it to be a sealed bottle of energy drink right when i was feeling flat with about 7km of hike-a-bike to go. silver linings and all that.

i know the 11 speed Microshift RD on the Comp is limited to an 11-30. not sure about the 9. you can grab one of those extenders from Summit or Rapide for 150-200 bucks and try going bigger. I have 9 speed 11-32 and 11-34 cassettes with minimal usage and a Sora RD that are going begging if you do go the cassette and derailleur route. it does seem the most viable in 9 speed.

i reckon it will be fine, as its within the 16 tooth difference. i can let you know if/when he ever gets his 30t

i think he's going to follow up tomorrow. but the guy said it would be about 4 weeks. but he's not heard anything. the gearing on those bikes is bizarre.

and... ive just had a brainwave. PM me your number if you can. i am collecting a bike next week, and can help you out with any of: 9 speed cassette, crankset, BB and derailleur if you need.

went down this route with a friend who got the comp. same ratios. in what world Titan thought putting an 11-28 cassette on a gravel bike was a good idea. Mindboggling and annoying as its an immediate cost. I found him a 30t chainring at Capegro Sports (the FSA agents) but it was bought 4 weeks ago and still hasnt arrived, and he's had no updates. the frame is great, so maybe just bite the bullet and upgrade the crankset. the alternative is a wider range cassette, new chain and possibly a derailleur extender coz the microshift ones i think are short cage. its all costly. the small chainring is the most economical option, but you'll be best served importing a 30t yourself, if you can find one.

any idea what time the 50miler starts. have to see if we can squeeze it in before the afternoon?

thanks all for the input. really interesting to hear the many experiences and different thoughts. both individuals and bikeshops suffering from the lowballing, and as pointed out, the price hikes with zero value added. I use the Dealer filter, but as mentioned, this cuts out the many quality dealers who ask fair prices, and still includes accounts on here not registered as dealers but reselling en masse. The post was sparked by a particular case yesterday where i got sent a link to a dealers add. The price isnt even that obscene, it's jsut that i'd seen the bike listed privately a day earlier, prior to the 46% hike.

Agreed Chris, for the most part, people want to see each other on the right bike for the right price. One came right and the other is going new. Thankfully I am out of the hunt, save for the eternal frame search.

So glad this wasn't me screaming into the void. You hit the nail on the head, it's the sheer audacity

Absolutely, the classifieds are there for people to do business, and the dealers pay for the usage, I've no issue with the process, but A. be reasonable with your margins, or B. let the courier start his bakkie before reposting it at 1.5x. I suppose its just borne out of frustration that by the time you've counted your pennies and had a word with yourself about priorities, its out of range.

And this is not for the many excellent dealers on here, trying to make things work out, charging a fair price, and that they take capital risk stocking items that many shops don't. And I've seen countless posts helping people out. Its just the used bikes, you read about this "community" lark amongst cyclists while they gladly fleece each other

I'm loathe to even poke this bear, but here goes. Been keeping an eye on the classifieds the last few months with some friends looking for bikes. Setup alerts, sent them links etc, but the moment you even sniff a decent deal, a dealer swoops in a it's back up online before the dust has settled at some crazy multiple. What's the general consensus here, should dealers be limited so say 25 listings, or maybe max net value across listings. I know some will say it's good for sellers, but they aren't even getting a good score, the dealers are just going in for anything fair/undervalued (imo) and then driving up the used market value, that only they can supply, making it really difficult for people to meet their needs/wants in budget. Just seen one 46% higher than it was listed privately yesterday

Spent the money visiting reputable fitters recommended over the years on Bikehub. Stayed open minded, tried all that was suggested, went through a few saddles, and even did something i swore I'd never do and visited a recommended Chiropractor. At the end of it all, I got the best results from watching Bikefit Tuesdays on YouTube (Francis cade channel) and doing my own thing. So many cyclists advise other riders to learn how to do their own repairs and servicing, so why not successfully fit ourselves too, the info is out there. If you're still stuck, seek their guidance.

thank you!!! i am normally a 56 (long legs, short torso), so i have been considering 54's in some bikes, but for Titan Racing, it seems Large is probably the right fit, based on the sight measurements.

@Titan Racing Bikes are any of your dealers getting framesets in the next while. I have a groupset looking for a home, and very keen on a Switch or Valerian. Latest ones look great but older frames too, if I can find one. What's the max tyre clearance on the new Stryker? Thanks

Sent you a message with my details

I bought a bunch of clearance stuff in December. Still operating, but not selling anything new or exciting

I have a 9 speed 11-34 cassette gathering dust. It's probably done 200km max. Let me know if you're interested, no charge. As mentioned by others, it's not worth the hassle to change to 10 speed for 1 additional ratio, just a wider range is needed. Ride it until the day comes for a new bike. Ive got bikes ranging from 8-11 speed and the number of clicks has never been a factor, just whether I can get up the hill.

If you're transitioning from flats, and want something more confidence inspiring, try looking for a pair of M530, ED500 or the ME700 or similar. VP, Look and Crankbrothers all make their own versions. Something with a platform so if you miss a clip in, or if you use your bike for shop runs in flats, it makes a huge difference.

you can order from the Suunto site. Free shipping over 4k, so it applies. i see the price has gone up to 6600 (it was 5500 at some point), but i suppose thats just exchange rates https://www.suunto.com/en-za/Products/partner-products/karoo-2-cycling-computer/karoo-2-cycling-computer/ i was VERY tempted, but ended up getting a good deal on a wahoo. I kinda wish i'd taken the plunge.

Ah, no worries, I COMPLETELY missed what you were saying. I think I was mainly trying to empathize/assist having survived the "110bcd assymettric 4 bolt" nightmare. Ignore me 😂

Sorry if i am being dof, but are you needing a Sram apex chainring. I am getting a 44t Apex chainring that my cousin is bringing from the UK later this week. that will mean my 40t is needing a home, and i have felt your pain of finding ANYTHING that fits from 3rd party manufacturers

hi Kausie. first, and most important point is if you like your bike, put tape over wherever you mount bags etc. does your MTB has rear rack mounts? having one is so helpful. i even put 2 bags of wood on mine to take from town to my cabin. panniers are great for storing lots of stuff and easy access, but put all the weight on the back and have a real effect on big climbs or in the wind. if you're in cape town, https://www.gumtree.co.za/a-biking-accessories/meadowridge/bicycle-panniers-pair-avenir/10011286488511010013053609 these are a bargain, and even if not properly waterproof, you just use a heavy duty bin bag, or ziplock bags to keep important things dry. you dont need all the fanciest Apidura etc bags, so long as you have your important stuff waterproofed. I have used all manner of bags from Decathlon, bidorbuy etc, and just strapping dry bags to the rack. and seat post if you want expert advice, and someone to make bags specifically to fit your bike, contact Steve https://www.cycle-africa.co.za/page-242-custom-made-bike-bags-south-africa.html if water is going to be an issue, taping or mounting addtional cages to your fork will be helpul, or using feedbags, or putting a hydration bladder in a frame bag. you can strap/bungy a dry bag to your bars rather than buying a specific bar bag.

It seems to be a common thing for chains. I regularly see the same brand/level 10 speed chains more expensive than 11 speed, and now 11 going for more than 12 (cassettes and chains)