Dubber88

Where can we find photos that was taken along the route of the riders? I see the csharp website changed.

Allot harder than last year, not climbing wise, but terrain wise. Definitely changing my 2X10 XT groupset from a 28-40 to a 24-38 for next year, definitely could have done a faster time with some lighter gears, but still happy with my time. Why does the results page show only question marks???

72kg's. When you use high profile tires in 29" format you can go even lower without having handling compromises, obviously dependant on weight. The tires I use have 44mm of sidewall. 15psi = 1Bar.

Doing 22psi back 20psi front, with Ikon Racing ralph combo.

Now on Cytopower HP from USN. Only used on racing events. Train on 60%apple juicy 40% water during the week. Never was a fan of the brand, but this stuff works for me.

Allot more technical on the single track decent sections opposed to last year from the rain. Good preparation for Sabie. Does anyone know where we can see some photo's of the race?

That bent over fence section really worries me. Nothing weird to see bank cards and other stuff usually found in handbags laying around fountains. Has been like that for a long time. Saw with the XCO race they fixed it to a certain extent. Such a good training place, but make a point of it to be there at peak times. At least GK is allot safer, not that it hasn't had it's fair share of incidents...

Currently riding a 28-40 ; 11-36 on a Niner EMD9. The ratios are of sorts that I am completely fine with them, but can understand why people complain about the ratios. Like Eldron said a long time back : It's not about thinking of using it, but rather have the option, and then use it having the option than being limited.

FS is allot more comfortable for your back. HT's climbs a little bit faster on non technical terrain and flats but is hard on your body.

Very relevant comment. What if it rains and/or is muddy... WIthout a doubt a Rocket Ron Racing Ralph combo will be a cleaner(tires) and safer option.

Hmmmm. The exception series has a shockingly thin sidewall with the Ikon foldable weighing almost exactly the same with a higher profile and thicker sidewall, so a very big improvement design wise from Maxxis. I ride a normal foldable Aspen on the front with a Racing Ralph EVO on the back, and am very happy. Got the Ikon 3C last week and want to try that out. Also have two Rocket Ron EVO's I want to try out. So there is quite a number of combo's I can try.

What does your dad think of the Ikon - Aspen combo?

Agree.

This will be my second Sabie 73km, and rode the first time with a Crossmark - Monorail combo on a 26" FS. Raced with a Race King Monorail combo last year, and was very happy. Unfortunately I don't have a Race King 2.2 as they are quite rare. It's definitely not a marketing ploy, as the tire with the smaller gaps will not let the tire move too much in a upwards and downwards fashion opposed to a very aggressive tire, when rolling on a smooth surface. The same as fitting BF Goodrich tires and seeing your consumption decreasing, opposed to high terrain tires. I have both sets and still need to test out what rolls faster going off road. Also , a high volume tire at lower pressure is more efficient on an uneven uphill, irrespective of the tread, as the tire rolls trough the obstacle opposed to over it. But, would like to hear what the hubbers think

Any comments?

Awesome event and awesome race!

The best tire I have seen self cleaning ability wise is definitely a Schwalbe Rocket Ron EVO. A good all round combo would be a Race King 2.2 Monorail 2.1 Combo, or Rocket Ron - Racing Ralph for a more aggressive tread. Also very popular is the Crossmark - Monorail Combo.

Have been using Sportron's Blitz for a couple of years, but unfortunately it has been discontinued. That stuff really worked for me. Tried Oros and it always took my sugar levels too high or too low. Now trying USN Cytopower HP, and am very pleased so far after first training session. I train on apple juice, 60% juice 40% water with another bottle with only water. Works perfect for me.

Twinlock system is only on the Spark series. In my opinion it's definitely not a must have. Depending on the rear suspension, to lock out front and back on the suspension itself isn't a problem. The brakes are the 2012 SLX models. Still very good. The big cliche remains : " Go and test drive both bikes and see which one fits you best , and works the best for you" Keeping in mind sizes and stem lengths on both models. A full XT groupset with SLX brakes will keep you happy and trouble free for a very long time. Also look as a starting point at the size charts for both models for different rider height recommendations.

Second hand XT wheelset. Keep the original wheelset and sell with the bike when you build/buy a new bike.

Good day Hubbers, Quick question. Which one of these two tire combo's would you suggest for the Sabie Classic? - Rocket Ron 2.25 rear @ 585g , Racing Ralph 2.25 front @ 520g. Evolution tripple compound. OR - Ikon 2.2 3C rear @ 580g , Aspen foldable 2.1 front @ 585g. I own both sets. In my opinion the Maxxis tyres would have less roling resistance to help for all the climbing, whilst the Schwalbe's have allot more volume which will help allot with a more comfy ride at the right pressures. Any suggestions/comments... Regards, Dub

Looking at those pictures, the choice is so much harder. I think both are really beautiful bikes. Saw the Scott earlier in the year and fell in love with it. Mercury really got some nice looks, opposed to how it looked three years ago. One thing is for sure, you won't need to upgrade anything on that Mercury, and those wheels will probably outlast you. Like a Land Cruiser 78 Series. You won't break it, it will break you. ( Not referring to the harsh ride ). When you buy the Scott be prepared to upgrade after a while to the things that the Mercury already have fitted. Ie. all the components the Mercury has that the Scott doesn't will make a very big difference to your riding experience. If the price is exactly the same, I would definitely go for the Silverback, because you're just getting so much more for your money.

I have no idea. It would be fair to assume the Scott is lighter. I know the mercury bikes are definitely on the heavier side from testing both out.

Tough one. Spark is definitely the better and lighter frame, but components are not that good compared to the Mercury. Shimano components on a Silverback money wise is hard to beat. You're not giving any information regarding what year and what specs these two bikes are. Is the one new and the other second hand...? At what prices are you getting the bikes for? More info, more answers

Awesome race series. Will be doing race 2# and onwards.