VaderZA

I had the same problem on my Avid CR's. Solved it with a little bit of copper slip on the BACK of the brake pads, so between the metal part of the pad and the calliper.

Yip it is an SW and anything you replace on it is going to cost you a little more. XTR cassette is 3 time the price of XT and does not last as long IMO. That is the "price" you pay for the best. I have a 2012 SW and yes I also seem to be heavy on the BB bearings but no problems at all with the pivots or any other part. After 6000+km, Atta, Epic she has also had a hard life. I no regelarly service the BB bearing myself and they last a lot longer. Awesome bike, worth the little bit extra in maintenance cost.

I too experienced severe headaches after strenuous training session so (pardon the pun) I feel your pain. Most comments here are right on the money but also consider your blood pressure. I found once I started to relax after a ride my blood pressure would drop as low as 145 over 52. Although I have become more tolerant to low blood pressure as I got fitter hydration and replacing lost salts played a big part. Every rider is different so first have yourself checked out and then start experimenting with a few of the suggestions made in this thread. Good luck!

The 3M film is great as it is thin so conforms well with the contours of your bike. However I have found that it rubs trough fairly quick especially between your brake cable and crown for example. If you can find a thicker teflon tape that is the best as it lasts forever. Second to that a cheaper thicker clear film/vinyl will also work well.

I bought one from Cycle Funatic in Durbanville last month. Only cost R40/R50.

Hey Ratty We are staying at the Grabouw Lodge. Not as close to Hoew Hoek as I would like but seems nice enough. I am looking forward to this ride!

I did the long route and my medals says something about 50km.

The most technical section is the first climb, Ou Wa, but if you are starting anything further back than group 2 you will probably be walking it anyway due to the congestion. Without the congestion Ou Wa is no problem. The decent from Ou Wa is a bit rough but easily ridable. The rest is seriously just dirt roads that are in really good condition. Well they were last year. This race is worth the effort just for some of the great decents and awesome views. Enjoy!

I did the short route last year and I thought it was great. There was a bit of everything, mud, jeep track, single track (although congested) and the climbs were not too bad. Looking forward to the long one this year.

Yes, works great. I am currently running a Conti race king on the back and a Conti mountain king on the front. Battled to get them to seat with a compressor but a bomb worked fine.

Thanks Top Fuel will go have a look. I got my bike with Intense System 29 tyres which I just can't seem to get to "grips" with.

@Top Fuel - where did you get your 29er Specialized Controls from? I also had them on my 26er and thought they were great.