Mook

I've seen a few debates/discussions on this topic on the 4x4 Community Forum and, more recently on Cars.co.za(link attached). SA laws appear very archaic and many opinions support the Aussie rule of thumb where 10-15% of total load weight should be taken as max downforce on tow hitch. https://www.cars.co.za/motoring-news/guide-to-safe-towing/294448/

I run a carbon 29" HT pimped to a gravel monster. Schwalbe Thunder Burt or Rick, Vittoria Peyote, Maxxis Aspen or Aspen ST are gravel specific tyres for 29". The Schwalbe Rick and Vittoria Peyote appears to be the fastest of them all. I have been running Maxxis Ikons and Conti Race Kings for years, but recently switched to Maxxis Aspens. This was a good choice given the price I paid at the time. My son ran Aspens and switched to Shwalbe Rick before the Transbaviaans. They are insanely quick with solid traction on gravel type surfaces. All of the above are priced in the same bracket. If I have to buy now, it would be Rick's or Peyote's. My 2 cent's worth

I am with @ChrisF on this one. Did a few recent purchases, online and shop, at the old CWC outlet in Tygervalley. My experiences were mostly good. The online store pickup arrangement could do with a kick under the butt, but then again ...................... you cannot win 'em all. On a good day you get great service.

Clearly I have touched a nerve, judging by the slandering and personal attacks that followed my post of yesterday. Obviously high volumes of corroboration amongst the group of cyclists in question have taken place since yesterday, which is to be expected. Many comments are even made by "cyclists" who were NOT in this group based on the corroborated responses of 2 that apparently rode in this group ................ since context is mentioned above. The picture was not photoshopped or created by AI. No cyclists or animals were injured during filming. I stand by my statements based on what is clearly visible in the image. There were 2 groups of riders - the second group appeared to have broken off from the group in the distance. I overtook the group at the back and moved over to the left lane before some riders from the back group started overtaking me because I was not going fast enough to slipstream to the group in front. All this time the front group(pictured) were riding over the width of the left lane. I spent 20 seconds behind the group in the photo - when I eventually passed them on the right they were still in the same formation ........................ since context is mentioned above. Calling me a liar wont get you far. I have respect for cyclists with this motto in life "We are grown men with wifes and kids and driver’s licenses. We know how the road works" The question begs why these loving husbands would jump the red traffic lights at the intersection of Jan van Riebeek and Stokery Roads? Yes, I was there when you arrived at the red intersection and I was still there when you were 700 meters down the road by the time the green came on. Perhaps you should consider ending your victimhood mentality and realize that, as cyclists, we share the roads with cars and trucks. Neither one of us stand a reasonable chance to survive a hit from any of these vehicles. Stop weaponizing cycling to change the minds of motorists. Stop your petty personal attacks on those that do not hold or support your opinions.

@DuToit Van Den Bergh, you are wasting your condescending rant on the wrong driver, who also happens to be an experienced cyclist. This very outburst of yours proves my point that many cyclists, like you for example, don't really give 2 hoots about the opinions drivers have of cyclist behavior in general. Perhaps you and you friends should contemplate why I was driving slowly. Perhaps it had something to do with bicycles all over the road ahead of me while there was clearly more than ample space to stay single file until you reached the outskirts of town. Mutual respect and consideration from both sides ........ surely you can grasp these concepts. You can relax, I am quite happy and content with my life.

Wellington Main Road, Sunday the 17th, 10:17 I did not stalk this bunch on purpose - just happened to go in the same direction. With hardly any cars parked on the side, they were happy to occupy the entire left lane whilst fully aware of me. No radar or bright kit will ever solve this problem ........................ actually no medication either. Poor road road surface ------------ neh, they were on gravel bikes. Just say'n

I drive a DC 4x4 because I refuse to spend hard earned money of resurfacing my driveway. I rather spend my hard earned money of a new bike and fluorescent cycling socks.

This 👌 We made it to Friday guys 🥳

While I realize that my personal sentiments around Varia would get me cancelled, shot at, ridiculed, etc, my analytical brain tries to replay all cycling related incidents. To the radar disciples, the following questions/statements: 1) Could you share statistical data with me of the ratio of Varia's used in all incidents. Does proof exist that those hit by vehicles used Varia OR not? Could we potentially get to a conclusion that those hit by vehicles did not have radar fitted to their bikes? 2) The typical driver that would hit a cyclist could not be bothered if you have patriot missiles fitted to your bike. Radar is of "use" to the cyclist only. Varia is marketed as an awareness/warning tool, not a safety device, BUT it warns the cyclist ONLY. 3) The amount of cyclists hit inside the yellow road shoulder could potentially be a damning testament to radar, IF these riders were hit despite having the luxury of radar. I have many buddies with Varia, many without. I have cycled in many a group with 30-50% using radar, AND it's a disaster with bleeping radars. Every time 1 Varia goes off, everybody goes into emergency preparedness mode with the resultant scares of cyclists taking out each other in their scurry to avoid whatever this thing is approaching from behind. So, here's my take. If riding solo radar could be a useful warning tool to the cyclist, yet providing a false sense of safety under many conditions. Bright clothing, reflectors and lights remain your best defense mechanisms against distracted drivers. Visibility remains the ultimate goal. PS: You don't have to agree with me, but please keep it civil 🤙

Exactly why pennyfarthings are the fastest of them all ..................................... Keep going lads 💪 Nog net 2 slapies, dan is dit Vrydag.

Welcome to TheHub @Joyride 2025, On a point of order .......................... there are no such thing as a mature cyclist ☝️ Deep down we are all still boys with the desire to set our pants on fire 💥

Thx @MORNE

OR simply get some "spray-on" mud. These are sold in rattle cans in most retail stores in Gauteng ..................... you gotto look the part or go home 😜

Thx @Dexter-morgan, saw this ad. The RX810 is for 2x11 drivetrains with a max cassette cog of 36T.

This comment has relevance to my story. On Saturday morning 08:00'ish I am working my way towards Bainskloof out of Wellington when 7/8 guys passed me with friendly greetings being exchanged. 100 Meters up the road they decide to shed their gillets while riding. They were literally on the centerline while taking off their warm top layers. Behind them, at that time, was a SUV waiting on this lot to clear the road so he could pass. I thought to myself ........... what is going through that driver's thoughts at that time. I mean ........ WTF guys, why not pull OFF the road to get undressed. This kind of sh*t must stop. We(myself included) are rubbing motorists up the wrong way when we behave like this.

thx @NGM. There's a mod done to the GRX812 RD to fit a longer cage instead of going the hanger extender route. YT has a video where guys swop the GRX812 cage with a 11spd XT M8000 long cage to negotiate 46T cogs at the back. Works perfect, but it is a costly exercise. A few hubbers have used the Tanpan sh11 without any issues. I guess that is the way to go.

Hi guys, Feedback for those that might not want to pay school fees. The Microshift XLE RD does not work with STI's, since it has the exact same pull ratio as the 11spd Shimano MTB range of RD's. This is why Microshift flog their components as fully compatible with Shimano. For example, the 11 spd Shimano MTB shifter will operate the 11 spd Microshift MTB RD and vise versa. The Microshift XLE RD is a MTB specific product. Back to the drawing board. My options have been reduced to either a GRX RD or the Tanpan gizmo. Cheers

Welcome to the new age of reporting ........................... Most reporters report news, not facts. Sales KPI's trump truth every time. Having a car door opened in your face does not drive the mainstream narrative. Cyclists are pictured as the cockroaches on our congested roads.

Thx guys, @Bro Derek, these Ingrid's are seriously "bling" mate 💃. At less than R500, the Microshift RD is probably the sensible way to go. Secondly, I could have my gravelbike running within the next few days. The Tanpan route will take a while having to wait out shipping delays. I would however hang onto my XT8000 RD and get one of these gizmo's at a later stage should the Microshift option not work 100%. Cheers

Thank you @Bro Derek and @MORNE for your inputs. Glad to hear from a reputable source that the Tanpan is in fact what Wolftooth says it is. The Microshift Rd-m665L is going for a steal and will handle a 46T, but it is not a XT. I can get it for 399 new @ Cyclelab. The GRX 812 is spec'd for 42T largest cassette ring, but I have read a few posts elsewhere where guys pushed it to 46 and 50T without any issues. My current config is 46T and I do not want to replace that with a 42T. The GRX is not cheap, even 2nd hand, but worth a look if I can get one in good shape for a reasonable price. Right now the Microshift option is the cheapest, but will I also get the cheapest performance thrown in with the deal - I wonder ........... You are spot on Morne, these XT's are nuke-proof AND yes, I am a tinkerererer 😝

Hi all, My gravelbike setup requires a workaround. Current setup is 1x11 XT and I want to pair 105(5800) brifters with the 8000 XT RD. Shimano has been using different pull ratios for road and MTB since the 9 spd days. Enter the Woolftooth Tanpan 11 as a cheap, yet seemingly effective adaptor/converter. Else I have to go down an expensive rabbit hole of complete GRX group, or 11 spd road RD with limited cassette max. My current 11 spd cassette has a 46T max ring ....... 38T chainring up front. Any advise or opinions plse. Thx

I saw this article in the media. The problem in SA is systemic with life being a cheap commodity. RIP Dennis Hammar https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/other/dennis-hammar-s-wife-narrates-ordeal-with-police-before-south-african-cyclist-s-death/ar-AA1JFTLX?ocid=winp2fptaskbarhoverent&cvid=dc3217481e0847c7aa24460c7b14fec4&ei=40

Sasquatch for sure 😳 Is that 210mm upfront 😘

At night the Big Dipper could be daunting due to exposed bedrock in the bends, water runoffs across the width of the road, AND zero barricading on the open side(left side when descending). No need to panic here. Keep your speed in check since the rocky turns could catch you out. This is a magic event in every aspect. Enjoy the ride 👊

True ................ Lance Armstrong also never failed a test ☝️ Just say'n