ians H2Sport

After 4.5 years just doing MTB I just got my 1st road bike - Lapierre Sensium 400. To me road is not as exciting as MTB but the physical challenge is attractive. Nice to be able to mix it up a bit, road one day, MTB the next. You can always justify getting a road bike by also using it on an indoor trainer. Think sizing can differ by brand, I'm 186 on a size 55. Do a BG fit or similar, to ensure size is correct

Mountain Splendour in Central Drakensburg or Hlalanathi in Northern Berg. Both are awesome for mountain biking and for caravanning.

Both my partner and I rode in S-Works. Light, stiff & comfortable. Train properly and you wont do a lot of walking.

I think there is more choice in races than ever before, riders can pick & choose. In KZN we don't like spending our cash and look for value in the races. I'd say more people are entering races, there are just more available than ever before.

KZN MTB lives through ROAG, that's just how it is here. Their entry and registration process is fantastic and they market the events very well. C'mon, go negotiate something with them. Its a pity so many people missed this great ride. Also note the Sani Transfrontier was held the same day. See you next year

Great route, was a proper tester. Seemed tougher than last year. Pity the numbers were so poor, 98 finishers in the marathon vs over 200 last year. Not sure why, it is proper mountain biking. Well done on a great event

At over 6ft I would say don't even consider a 26er. You get great deals on 26inch bikes as there is little demand for large sizes, this will become a problem when you want to sell it again. At this stage you may think you will only ever be a weekend warrior but just take note that MTB is addictive and once the bug bites you will be looking around to upgrade your equipment and do longer rides. You can get good 29er HT bikes for your budget, I would start by looking at Momsen (great value). There are some great bike shops around, all full of advise. Go chat to Duane at Concept or Leigh's in the Pav

I just bought one too, Sensium 400, I have very limited knowledge on road machines but feedback from mates has been very positive. Lapierre's are unique, both MTB and road, nice to have something different.

Was a great route last year, just hope no one gets any wise ideas of sending us into Cascades. SA Champs route was a killer!

That was one hectic route. Huge climbing, tons of single track (up & down) and no opportunity for recovery. Proper mountain biking!

it does look good

I'm highly annoyed with Specialized SA, their odd business model and lack of customer service. That said, their products, including their bikes, are excellent. I want to hate them but can't. Go with the Epic

I have a new set at home which you can have. Let me know if you in the Hillcrest or Waterfall area over the weekend.

Used the same pads and had no issues with them. Great value for money

I have tried both and prefer a bike on a good indoor trainer. Your set up can be the same as when you ride outdoors, which I found difficult to achieve on the indoor trainer I was using. I used a second rear wheel with cheaper cassette and road tyre on my MTB. Worked well, although I did wear out my chain and chainring in a few months.

Done the last two Sani's and this years Epic on Fast Track's, awesome tyre. Best value for money out there. I would however suggest you go Controls over S-Works

all brakes should be Shimano

nice! I'll arrange a good deal on the bikes from either Game or Makro. Hey, maybe they'll even sponsor something??

Also selling this https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/87068-scott-scale-910-2013/. PM me if you are interested

I'm selling my 2012 Spez Epic Expert large for under R30k. Got ZTR rims, XO grip shift. Been well used but well serviced/maintained by Spez dealer. Will post add in classifieds on Tuesday.

Good bunch that!

If I was in your position I would sign up at Cadence Cycling Centre in Four Ways. Great way to get max training out of min time. Two high intensity sessions per week (Cadence classes), two tempo sessions per week (1 hour each at 75% of max heart rate) and a long ride on your bike over the weekend. I am no coach but have tried this approach and it worked for me. For professional advise call Mark Carroll on 0317672911, he owns Cadence and is a qualified coach - good luck!!

lets all be happy, it is Friday and we get to rides our bikes tomorrow.

not yet, hoping there will be other options??

Pieterg, I'm with you on this one. That was one tough event. The days that were supposed to be slightly easier were not due to weather conditions - stage 2 rain, stage 3 wind. Hey, that's what makes it the Epic. Would not be worth all the time and money if it was easy. Well done on finishing!