Iwan Kemp

Was about to say this. Look at Stan's NoTubes. Their rims are light and durable for a fraction of the cost of carbon.

One more day to go!

In reply to your question: get the biggest one. I had a Euroway and found its size frustrating, especially with the ever-growing increase in wheelbase length, handlebar width, etc. Higher-grade Tetris with some Jenga thrown had nothing on trying to get 3 bikes to fit on a 3-bike rack. My last Thule was the Velospace. Increase width and more space between bikes.

I have a Westfalia 3 Bike Rack going up for sale soon. As a lifetime Thule user, I can say with confidence that these are tight up there, and the way it folds up and away beats just about any rack out there. Let me know. This one here: https://bikehub.co.za/news/review-westfalia-3-bike-carrier-r8298/

Agreed with GP being more rugged out of the box. There are screen protectors and other cases that will rugger-up the Insta, though. Most of which you will in any case acquire for a GP. Well, maybe not all of it. Circling back to your OP, I would definitely rather have the Insta for something like the CTCT. A GP will look in one direction, and that direction will be of limited use if you or your mate do not fill that spot. With the Insta you can pan around. Focus in on the view when it makes sense, flip it around to get some of yourself in the shot when descending or bleeding up Suikerbossie, then pan around and get some of your mate riding, etc. I also used a GP since GP4, but the Insta changed things up massively for me. I even use it on shoots. Mount it to my camera's hot shoe mount and let it snap intervals for the duration of the shoot. Then when I'm done I have a cool timelapse that I can still frame in post. Riding with my kid - same thing. Stick on a bar or wherever and then frame it afterwards. Kids party? Stick it on a desk and frame the shots afterwards. No need to fiddle while your kid is opening presents. A nifty little gadget. But yes, it will need protective lens films (I think it comes in the box) and maybe a dive or rugged case. I have a Smallrig case for mine as I often bolt other gadgets to it. Rode Wireless Go or whatever.

Some vids I made using the Insta360 OneX 2 https://www.instagram.com/reel/B53PvTHFiJt/ https://www.instagram.com/reel/B7YgDkolwBB/ https://www.instagram.com/p/ClDmWGpKyKW/ https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca9IDyIKU1t/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CWnGaO5KTnm/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CUvN1ouldfI/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CLcrM99HV8F/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CD5vFYtHwik/

I have this one https://180by2.co.za/products/insta360-one-x2-360-action-camera The newer version https://180by2.co.za/products/insta360-x3-360-action-camera

I use this on mobile and tablet. Love it. Kick-ass templates to use making it easy to get a nice edit.

I would HIGHLY recommend an Insta360 OneX or OneX 2 or OneX 3. It is so nice to be able to frame your shot afterward and with all the clamps and mounts that are available, you won't be limited with creativity. The Insta360 app is also a joy to use. You can do the editing in APP before exporting, they have plenty drafts or templates to use making it even easier. No doubt it is the way to go.

Soon...

Let's do it!

I saw riders next to the R44 on Sunday and thought, Origin of trails indeed. Then I saw pics of riders on a runway, really the Origin of Trails.

Reach out to the team at Positive Sport Solutions, they are the new agents.

I'd like to know which podcasts cyclists listen to. Cycling and non-cycling. And GO!

Some wise words. When we bought our daughter's 16", which was two years ago or so, I could get a good discount on a brand or two, but she wanted a pink or red bicycle. So a Scott Contessa it was. When we bought the 20", earlier this year, I showed her the purple Titan Racing Calypso 20" Disc and she liked the color. Granted I did not show her ALL the bikes, but she liked the color. No amount of arguing or persuading would have convinced her to go for the SE. When she saw the Junior Trail she fell in love cause a) it has pink in it and b) it has two colors. She is not a trail rider so the heavier bike would not make sense for her, and, again, the air fork and lighter weight of the TR SE would make more sense, but a black bike ain't gonna happen. For me it's more important that she rides, and that she enjoys doing it. So unless I nudge her in a direction by only showing her a select few options, logic is not going to win the day.

Who can a potential sponsor contact to get involved?

I don't have any experience with the Levitate mount. The Wille Honde ones are great and does exactly what it says on the packaging. They are easy to mount and use. They are on special on the Extreme Lights website https://www.extremelights.co.za/collections/willehonde-survival-and-emergency-roadside-kits

Maybe more!

Admittedly, I play a very small part in all of this. Mostly, mainly the Lutzville Vineyards Hillclimb challenge and the shenanigans around it. It really it a great event with great people. Eddie and his team are legends. I shared some images over HERE.

Asking for a friend... What are the South African running clothing brands? I can think of - First Ascent - Inov-8 Anything else?

Agreed. One of the reasons this keeps happening to people, is when it happens to someone they let it go. Yeah maybe the OP gets his money back, but if a scammer wants / needs money, they'll just move on to the next unsuspecting person. Open a case of fraud - even if for R500.

Sure, this is not the place, but while I'm here... Yes, add some specs to your ads. FULL specs in detail. And then add: 1. What is an "amazing fork" 2. Model Year of the bike? 3. OE spec or any upgrades done? 4. When last was it serviced? 5. Was it a full service? 6. What was replaced during said service? 7. Tubed / Tubeless?

The Titan Rogue Cruz offers great value for money. Great spec with a 5YR Warranty. Reviewed by Bike Network "It’s staggeringly impressive how solid and fun this base-level hardtail feels. It has a calm and planted disposition on the trails that’ll suit rookies. Experienced riders will enjoy the easy handling characteristics. Titan Racing easily gets a ‘Bike Network 5-star rating’ for their Rogue Cruz. It performed far above its pay grade." https://bikenetwork.co.za/review-titan-racing-rogue-cruz/

I ride in the Vye trail shorts. A great option at a great price. Locally made which is also great. I prefer being able to decide which if bib, if any, to wear underneath trail shorts. https://vye.co.za/collections/mens-trail-shorts

STOP THE PRESS! It’s back! The Vasbyt Hill Climb Challenge, sponsored by Lutzville Vineyards is back for this year's Vines & Views MTB Classic. Vines & Views MTB Classic made some tweaks to last year’s hill climb Strava segment to create an even better rider experience. Grind your way to the top in the shortest time possible to take the prize. The KOM and QOM will each win 3 cases of Lutzville Vineyards’ superb Classic Collection wine! 1st Prize - 3 cases of Lutzville Vineyards Classic Collection Range 2nd Prize - 2 cases of Lutzville Vineyards Classic Collection Range 3rd Prize - 1 case of Lutzville Vineyards Classic Collection Range Time to get training!