Danger Dassie

It was an April fools joke. But sometimes some people stick with the fool part, by default or design.

No issues thus far, but could be a different story on different rims. Swopping our soon, so will have a better idea.

Rode one from a local white label supplier brand. Didn't even have to pedal, thumb throttle could easily take you up to 50kmh + on a flatish road. A horrible camo wrapped full suspension fat bike, no name suspension with inverted forks, weird disc brakes and apparently, a name brand motor which had no branding. No indication of suspension setup and stock standard it was horrific, especially the fork which made a massive clunk sound over anything remotely like a bump. Literally a death trap! The thing was/is a literal death trap!

It was a good move when Kargo Pro MTB stepped up. They were there for Alan Hatherly and a couple of others. It's a pity it couldn't get the support to keep the momentum.

Busy testing up a set of Challenge tyres, underrated and very low-key brand. Pleasantly surprised thus far.

Northern Farms used to be a thing. Then Thaba and van Gaalen, there was a bit of sniping because the two were so close. I think Thaba still has theirs and van Gaalen. Taroko Trails/Trailwolf have also been talking the possibility of one.

Not unreasonable, at some point it needs to fall into a moped category. Many markets have different categories of ebike, for good reason. If you can stick an average speed in excess of 45kmh on public roads, pedal assist or no, then it’s by logic no longer a bicycle. I remember one local brand guy bragging about their product offering being chipped upto 60km “you better gtf out the way” If anything the ‘E-bike community’ should welcome something like this. The article is a bit thin on the finer details of the amendment though. Also as good as the legislation may or not be, enforcement is another matter entirely.

Guys, take a breather. Not everyone will encounter the same scenario and perspectives will differ. At the end of the day, it comes down to the individual's prerogative.

Is it a sign of anything, though, or rather a basic observation? There would be a number of circumstances/data to consider. Swiss Epic is slightly more low-key than the Cape Epic, which is still the crown event. If you feel like going outside that hotel/village bubble (which many do), then the expensive part hits home quickly, especially if you're coming from an emerging currency like Randelas. At Cape Epic at least you have the option of an upgrade tent, camper village or sorting out offsite accommodation for a pretty good rate comparatively. Quite a few overseas riders opt for the tent upgrade for various reasons. Interestingly, since Cape Epic introduced the new tents and mattresses, they've seen an uptick in people using them.

There were a few around at Epic, as well as on Trippers there was someone riding with the new wireless Fox dropper. Quite like the fact that Epic is fast becoming a showground for new equipment and testing. Saw some shiny new XTR teasers. Also a few teams were running new bits and bobs, especially the SRAM dropper and Motive brakes. It was a bit of a laugh when one of the team support staff (not Specialized) was all authoritative like with us taking pics of one bike's components "ja that's under embargo hey, bla bla bla" ... yes at one of the world's most media saturated public events chum, ok thanks>

Deore, bomb proof and incredible. Even some of the Cues stuff. Still, I do like the direction SRAM have gone here and expect that pricing lower down the tier should level out.

Read that as souties at first, was about to say well yes, souties kan ook lekker mense wees! But also, sosaties, at a water point! Throw them at my face!

Smooth flowy singltrack on a gravel bike is absolute banging fun! Plenty of that in Karkloof!

Incoming, that may be Danielle du Toit's bike. Got some stuff on Bianca Haw's fiets after yesterday's stage, some slight differences.

That post stage chirp "joh my oil light came on at the beginning"