Mike Mac

Hi I am relatively nee to MTB and haven’t done any MTB races and have not ridden any of the Paarl trails. Could you please advise on the level of skills required to ride these trails (ie how technically challenging are they)? As a reference point on my level of skills, I have ridden most of the Tokai trails except the DH routes without any major issues. Would this race be a suitable one to do my first race on? I am not worried from a fitness point of view, but rather that the trails are too technical/difficult/dangerous for a rider with my level of skills to undertake. Any advice will be appreciated. Michael

Well done to all involved in getting these trails open. I hope to visit soon.

I had a look at the bike this morning. Visually not a hell of a lot of difference from Gen 2. From the guys who have ridden it, apparently quite a bit of a difference in ride characteristics, due mainly to 27.5 on back and some geometry changes. Motor also seems a lot quieter, possibly due to change in belt.

There is a difference between storing and cycling (excuse the pun) the batteries. As far as I am aware there is no harm charging to 100% and then using the battery down to 20% over a few days and then charging back up to 100% (cycling the battery). That is what they are made for. Storing for long(er) periods of time may benefit from a different approach (ie at 70% charge).

Good to know

Stunning

“My mate still rides with us, him being the only one on the e-bike. He sits in the back of the bunch and keeps our pace, not the other way around. I believe that is the differentiator, being aware that you have this assisted power and who you are riding with” 100% agree with this. I have an ebike and when I first arrived at a group ride where I was one of two ebikes, there were lots of snide comments and murmurings about the ebikes. I purposely ride at the back and ride at the pace of the slower guys in the groups. In order to still get a work out I have reduced the power right down to 15% max. After a few rides the group has become quite accepting of the ebikes and there is very little derogatory chirping. Ride like a **** and you will be branded as one. Today I managed 109km with 1400m climbing on 80% of a 700w battery. A reasonable range can be achieved if one limits the amount of assistance and a solid workout is achieved at the same time.

Thanks everyone for the advise. It has given me a good few options to look at.

Hi I am looking for recommendations for a front and rear light for my MTB for the upcoming winter, where my commute to the trails will be in the dark. Any recommendations for what is available in SA? M

Hi Thanks for that input. The reason I went with the XO1 over the XX1 was because of the article that was shared here (which is an in depth study undertaken on the performance and durability of all the Sram chains), which indicated very little difference in performance and durability between the X01 and XX1 chains. My conclusion (and that of the person hat posted the link to the article) is that with the X01 you getting better bang for your buck. Did I miss something?

When **** happens, take responsibility and make good immediately. That is what I expect. Not expect the buyer to wait around while the Seller tries and find more second hand parts (who knows what condition those may be in and how long it will take to source)

Only got 1000km on GX chain (0.5). Have replaced with XO. Plan to rotate this chain at 1000km as well. Hopefully the rotating helps me get reasonable km out of the cassette.

Double post ????

. Well said.

What a mess. Seller, do the right thing and give the buyer a full refund. Then get your friend to cough up. Maybe reconsider who you are friends with. Buyer, do the right thing and send the bike back once you receive refund. Move on with life.

I would appreciate it if anyone has a Strava link (or similar) that shows the most off road route from Camps Bay, through Hout Bay and up to Constantia Nek that they can share? Thanks M

Very informative thread. It has helped me compile a list of names of people who NOT to buy from

Thanks. Interesting link. M

Thank you for that explanation. I will go this route and replace chain every 1000km, unless there is measurable wear before then. I currently have GX chain. Based on recommendations here, would like to go with an XX1 replacement. I assume that there is no issue mixing up chains when going to second or third round of changes? Thanks again for all the valuable info and insight on this thread.

Morning. Would someone be kind enough to explain the methodology of rotating chains to increase life span of cassette? I currently have a chain (GX) on 1000km, but showing no measurable signs of stretch on a cassette with the same km. Do I replace chain now(before wear) or do I wait for measurable (0.5 or 0.75?) wear before changing?

Correct.

If a dealer sells a defective product and the buyer asks for a refund, the dealer should oblige immediately without question. Not only does the CPA demand this, it is also the right thing to do. No problem for the dealer to suggest an alternative solution, but if the buyer has lost confidence in the product and wants a refund, the buyer is entitled to it and the dealer should oblige.

As far as I am aware,if the Seller is a dealer, the CPA applies to second hand goods and at your election, you are entitled to a full refund. It is your choice. If I was you, I would demand a full refund and use the CPA to enforce your rights through the Ombudsman. The are also various consumer protection activist who may be prepared to take the seller on if he doesn’t cooperate.

Hi Is this on the Hout Bay side or Constantia side of the Nek?