pauloc

I've only ever used the yellow tape in the past and it's worked a charm each time. Confirmed the same with a lot of fellow MTB'ers. My one experience with a rim strip was when a LBS did the initial conversion with my wifes wheels. Both wheels had issues, mostly due to holes and cuts in the strip that leaked air badly.

I'm a sucker for punishment

Only the yellow rim tape. In the past I've found that the other stuff only gets in the way and causes issues.

Nope - the bubbles kept coming. Didn't re-check the wheel again at the time, so the sealing happened sometime after the initial submersion.

Thanks for explanation JB. What still doesn't make sense is why the leaks weren't plugged until I dipped the wheel into the pool - I re-pumped the tyres every day for about a week and did the vigorous shaking / rotating with no luck. Then a few seconds in the pool and everything magically seals. Hawu.... Could just be pure fluke that the leaks sealed on this particular go, or it could be some voodoo black magic.

Any Craft kit going cheap?

Tried taking it up to 4 bar (had to to get it seat the tyre properly) but the last time when I put it in the pool was only around 3 bar.

Hi Guys, So I'm a bit stumped about a recent episode I had converting my wife's entry-level WTB wheels to tubeless. I did the usual Stan's conversion where you strip the wheels to the rims, give them a good clean and then install the yellow tape. Worked a charm on the front wheel but the back wheel had a slow leak that just wouldn't seem to seal. After a few days re-pumping the tyre, covering it in soap and shaking it around vigorously it was still the same result - the next morning the tyre would be almost flat. So after doing what any grown man would do (cracking open a few colds ones and assuming my best thinking pose), I decided to dip the wheel into the pool to see where the holes were. No surprises I saw air leaking from around the valve, from some of the spoke nipples and in some places even from the rim. I put the tyre away for the night thinking that I'd have to start the process from scratch, but the next morning the tyre was still pumped up. Thought it was odd, so I've given it a few days since then, but it's still holding the air. This has got me seriously confused, so if anyone has any idea what happened here, please can you enlighten me. My thinking is that by immersing the wheel in water it somehow created a higher pressure situation which somehow made the sealant more effective in closing the slow leaks. Cheers, Paulo

It helps to stretch the ITB out before exercise. I found that doing stretches a few times a day sorted out my ITB permanently. Only got a bout again recently, mostly due to a long time off the bike. The stretch makes you look like a bit of a spaz but it works. From a standing position, lift one of your feet and cross it over the knee on the other leg (imagine a figure of 4) and then lower your butt down to the ground like you're going to go down into a sitting position. You'll feel the ITB stretch out. Hold the position for a few seconds and then do the other leg. Repeat a few times.

Not just yet dude Maybe when the derailleur stops working, but going to ride it into the ground first

Nah - a bit Nope - more recent than that one. Bit more like this but can't find exact one: http://www.speedgoat.com/Images/blog/RD0779.jpg

Shew - it's a stock standard 9-speed guy that came on my GT about 6 years ago.

Rouxtjie!!! Thought about the SS option but got some nasty hills in the area so I think I may be better off with the gears for now

Hi Guys, I'm rebuilding my old GT hardtail as a training bike and I've got the rear derailleur (XT) setup so it's shifting as well as can be expected. What I have noticed is that if I push / pull the derailleur cage with my finger, the cage just sits where I left it. It doesn't spring back to it's original position. Is there a way to fix this / should I ride it into the ground and replace? Cheers, Paulo

Could be the gear choice. If you're in granny and you're putting a lot of power in to the cranks the front has a tendency to pop up.

Anyone know when entries open to the public?

Wow - taken me 3 days to trawl through this thread whenever I get a gap. Very informative and interesting. Thanks for the all the info guys. As with most things, it looks like you get those looking for a reasonable middle ground, and the experts that know the intricacies and spend a while getting every detail right. I fall squarely into the push-button crowd - anything will be better than instant coffee. I don't really want to spend 5 - 10 mins preparing a cup of coffee, especially first thing in the morning. It seems like the Delonghi ecam 23450 (??) has been mentioned favourably a few times. Anything else in this price range (around 6k) that people would recommend?

Says the guy with a 2012 entry

Awesome news - well done Burry. Just wish they'd show some coverage of this series on SuperSport.

Kosmonooit just reminded me of another way - you could file the outside of the head down a bit to get two flat parallel edges. You should then be able to use some pliers to turn the head.

I was changing nappies, losing sleep and pulling out my hair Baby #2 put a spanner in the works this year, but I'm definitely on for next year - if I can get another entry of course

You should be able to use a saw blade to cut a groove into the head. I've done it with other screws before, but not on my bike. Principle will be the same though. If you're really not sure take it into a decent bike shop and they should definitely be able to help you out. Good 2 Go in Pinetown are awesome - I highly recommend them!

CWC had free shipping for the lead up to the Argus, but that's fallen away now. Don't think they offer free shipping anymore, but I haven't bought from them in a while. Buycycle do not offer free shipping as far as I am aware.

Whichever one you can get into

I've been out of action for a few months since welcoming my 2nd child into the world, but finally managed to sneak out for a ride yesterday morning at Giba. I can't believe the number of new routes that have been added to Giba within the time I've been off. That new climb up the blue-route side of the valley is a nice alternative to the hairy switchbacks and then the new route down blue over the table tops, etc. was really fun. Looking forward to spending more time exploring in the near future