Mike Mac

Hi I recently bought some Shimano stuff online. The package arrived today and the chain and quick links were in Shimano branded packaging, as one would expect. However, the Cassette (Shimano Ultegra CS-R8000) I ordered came in an unbranded box? I attach a photo of the box and cassette. I also attach a photo of a branded Shimano box that I downloaded from the internet, that is what I would have expected. So my question is, did I receive the genuine Shimano Cassette I ordered or some cheap copy? Your thoughts would be appreciated, particularly from anyone who deals with Shimano regularly.

That makes two of us Currently out with shoulder injury due to crash. Following this for potential future rides.

I am really sorry to hear about your tragic mugging. I have been worried as to when someone would use this modus operandi to jack bikes. I is difficult to guard against and I imagine a high success rate for the criminals. i would say be careful out there, but in scenarios like this, I am not sure you can prevent it if you are targeted.

"DT Swiss Hybrid hubs feature an oversized hubshell with increased wall thickness, high load axles, and oversized spoke interfaces. Torque carrying capacity and durability have been enhanced via hardened steel 24T ratchets, oversize bearings, and a steel frehub. The 350 Hybrid can withstand 25% greater torque loads, and offers 33% quicker engagement, than standard DT MTB hubs" These are not the EXP hubs, but rather beefed up 24T old style ratchet.

Thanks for all the advise thus far. So far, I am leaning towards the following: Hubs, either Hope 4, DT Swiss Hybrid 240’s or DT Swiss Hybrid 350. I need to do more research on these as I don’t quite understand the advantages of the Pawl vs ratchet systems. Also need to get a better understanding of the advantages/disadvantages of the various 24/30/54 tooth engagement and options available. Rims I am looking at DT Swiss 511 or HX531 or alternatively the new Stan’s Flow MK4. Any thoughts, comments, opinions on the above would be appreciated.

Hi Thanks for the advise. I really appreciate it. I will consider alu options as well if there is good reason to do so. I understood that the alu rims would be stronger, but was not aware of other benefits. Any other comments along these lines greatly appreciated. M

.Thanks for all the input. Entry is in, now lets see if I can not embarrass myself too much .

Hi I am looking to get a new set of carbon wheels made for an enduro bike. They will need to be boost 29 front, 27.5 rear using Sram Eagle groupset and Mugura 203mm rotors. What should I be looking at in terms of hubs, rims, spokes etc. Recommendations iro a reputable wheel builder will also be useful. Furthermore, if there are a really good second hand option to look at, please feel free to point me in that direction as well. I am new to all this and still finding my way around things and often I really don't know what I am looking is a good or bad so all advise is appreciated. M

Thanks a mil for that. It is much appreciated.

I am not sure if I am in the right place, but Trailforks doesn’t seem to list any of those sections you mentioned (wondering if I even rode the right Cobra ????). Is there another map of the area that shows where the sections you mentioned are?

Thanks for all the comments. Besides Cobra, which are the other sections that would most likely be used for the enduro stages? M

Sound advise above. Thank you. I have ridden Hoogekraal (once) and I have ridden Cobra (blind). Not knowing the reputation of the infamous rock slab, I just rode Cobra and had no issues. Now that I have read the above (and the other thread) the mind will probably start playing games and make things more tricky than they need to be ????. I think another visit is in order before I enter.???? I have just ridden W2W, so the fitness level is not too bad. How does the enduro fitness requirements compare to a stage of W2W?

I am considering entering the Enduro WC event coming up at the end of Nov and need opinions on if it is a *** idea or not ? I am wondering 1) will I die and 2) will I interfere/ mess with other peoples races (if I don’t die) and take it slow and safe? Never having done (or watched) an enduro event I am curious how difficult the runs are and if one with limited skills can negotiate the runs and if they have b lines etc.

I have used invisiframe and armour ride. I did the Invisiframe myself. Relatively easy to do, it just requires time and patience. Invisiframe had better coverage, but Armour Ride is local and they do the fitment, so hassle free.

I agree ????. My first MTB event and I was blown away by the whole operation.

IMO, the most importatnt is getting the size right. If on the wrong size, it will hurt no matter what. Once you know the correct size for you ass, check out the hub. I sold a brand new Specialized Power saddle for R300. Alternatively, if you can find a store that will let you demo saddles, take them up on it.

Wow, ok, I never knew that. Thanks for letting me know.

Best of luck to all those Hubber’s riding W2W tomorrow. If any of you would be kind enough to share their Garmin routes for us riding next week, that would be greatly appreciated. And yes, I know I don’t need them, but I would like them if possible.

I agree. As they race together, the producers do need to focus on where the action is, no question. However quite often, and in most sports, the focus remains on the men’s lead and often ignore very interesting developments in the women’s race. Thus far in the coverage I have watched this morning (since making my comment) has IMO, been a pretty good split between men’s and women’s race with them focussing on the critical aspects of both races.

I have been watching the coverage and feel the coverage of the men’s race (sharp end) pretty good. I do wish that the women’s race would receive equal coverage as the men’s, but do realise that as they race together, it is very difficult to focus on both equally as the races develop differently. Overall, I think they are doing a good job. The commentary is also pretty good.

Are there recommended spectator spots to watch the race on Sunday? I am keen to go watch the action.

Also doing my first stage ride. Looking forward to it.

Hi This is a long shot, but I am looking for a Specialized Levo Gen 3 battery to rent for 4 days in early November. If anyone has a 2022 levo they are not using over that time, and would be prepared to rent out the battery, that would be hugely appreciated. During the time of rental it will receive a maximum of 3 charge cycles (more likely 1.5 cycles). Here hoping

Understandable, but they did not reply to my email query sent to them on the 10th Sept either ????????‍♂️. Moving on.

It seems one gets about the same level of response here as one does to emails sent to the organiser ????????‍♂️