MTBc

Very lekker. Had a 10 minute ride and the shoes worked well, even with the section of sole removed for the cleats (took off the cleats, wasn't sure if I needed to though, as the cleats are a few mm lower than the surrounding tread). Sole is stiff and grippy on the pedals. Review: http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/clothing/shoes/product/review-scott-trail-trail-shoe-11-44830/ Product page: http://www.scott-sports.com/global/en/products/2182780001008/shoe-scott-trail-black-420/

Isit? Waaai?

www.extremelights.co.za (i think they have some ads running in the classifieds here.) - i've used teh 1200 and 1800, both under R1k and they work great. The battery pack comes with velcro that you can strap to your cross bar.

I'm aiming to make it to 2km over the next 2 weeks, need to get swimming fit fast... dunno if I'll manage. I've heard some good feedback on those underwater mp3 players that attach to your goggles, apparently works well - the sound is transmitted via your temples.

+1 - that's amazing. +1 - could you edjukate us?

Here's my swim set: 8 x 50m (400m total).

Not yet, will give them a go on flat pedals this eve for a quick spin and report back tomorrow.

as will a 29er on the rack.

Or stick a picture of Ndlandla over it. Saw a pic of that posted to FB.

no i wasn't. Haven't ridden under them since they started billing.

#justsaying *edit - and make sure you don't have an etag.

nope. in 2 years, I haven't had a puncture that couldn't be plugged or sealed itself. Its probably not a bad idea, if i got a decent sidewall gash, I'd need to choob it. I carry 3 sizes of plugs. The "normal" thin ones, medium sized ones and then moerse thicks ones that they use in cars.

Scott Trail MTB shoes from Morningside Cycles for around R1100. I paid the same for Bontagers 2 years ago, so a damn good deal i think.

Got a pair of these yesterday So comfy (compared to the Bontragers I had previously) and cooler too. They came with a solid rubber sole (for flat pedal riding), and then you cut out a section to expose the cleat base.

Damn nice bike, congrats!

Multi tool, tubeless repair kit (file, insertion tool and a few plugs), 2 bombs + adapter. In backpack / hydration pack. Easily transferred to back pocket if i'm not riding with a shell.

geez... seriously?? i wish this thread had come up 2 years ago when i started riding, have always ridden with undies. I thought the chaffing was normal and that everyone was just sucking it up like me. I almost feel proud of the rash after a 4 hour ride now (and i've toughened up considerably).

You'll start in the last batch without any previous swims or qualifying races.

Then again... if you're riding on grass, you might completely forget to unclip, fall over, and lie there giggling uncontrollably.

29er or 26er or 27.5 is not height related. Your inner leg length decides on the frame size. you could be a midget and still ride an XS 29er. Check out this vid: 27.5 will probably cost a little more, while you'll get more bang for your buck on a 29er with a really little amount of difference in feel - mostly slightly better handling in winding single track on the smaller wheel base, better rolling uneven surface with the larger wheel base. But the difference not that apparent. I'd go for 29er because components are more readily available / better priced.

or maybe grass.

Give this a read http://www.bikejames.com/strength/the-flat-pedal-revolution-manifesto-how-to-improve-your-riding-with-flat-pedals/ It's great to know how to ride with cleats, but if you don't enjoy it, then don't. One of the things that stuck out for me was: "You ride better with flat pedals, you ride faster with cleats" Pedals + cleats and riding shoes is all you need. I just got a pair of Scott mtb shoes (had Bontrager previously) and both were very lekker, with Shimano SPD (something like the PD-m780) pedals. These are clipless-only, very difficult to ride without cleats as they'll roll, but some of the Look or Candy work well with clipless or as flats. Make sure your pedals are set to unclip as easily as possible. You are gonna fall, regardless. Get ready for it.

Depends on which races. Many organizers use SASeeding (www.saseeding.co.za) for grouping, so head on over there and see if you can find your details there, and then speak to the organizers of a specific race to find out how the grouping is done. saseeding works on your 3 best results for grouping.

I'm sure he will soon.

There's a shortage of them.