Danger Dassie

Interestingly I see this devolved into an influencer/run crew taking exception to having a photo of themselves included in RM's articles. Said person wasn't part of the whole saga, just was a mate of one of the okes and supporting with a cheer zone but apparently came under some scrutiny because he was in some of the images posted. Understandably upset but also the reaction was OTT and detracted from the real issue at hand, one of his mates even physically threatened RM on Insta. Subsequently deleting the post. Lots of politics between the lines. Runners, perpetually grumpy I tell you! (comic sans) Anyway, removing the noise and BS. Good things still happen to good people. The lady who lost out, a single mom and teacher running as an amateur club runner for Jeppe. Was contacted and signed onto Nedbank Running. Very cool 👍 https://runningmann.co.za/2026/04/23/karin-mari-scores-a-sponsor/

Sorry man, expensive exercise. Luckily there’s a variety of local options for quality kit. Enjoy OTR Van H RH77 Worn/have all of these bar RH77, been happy with all of them. Panda, Lassen, Velotex and Anatomic are also there.

Also immediately thought of Albion Wheelers. Also Vukani, Sedibeng, Alchemay. There's a few other informal groups as well, might be worth popping into the bike shop at Thaba Trails and asking oom Wendell or staff/family there.

2026 UCI Mountain Bike World Series, how to watch and calendar https://bikenetwork.co.za/how-to-watch-the-2026-uci-mountain-bike-world-series/

Stoppit, just stop. There's no ambiguity in what he said and has absolutely nothing to do with the topic at nor my quoted post. None. Please don't derail this thread.

Good salient points, and finally someone at a level citing that one of the key problems is a behavioural issue. PPA/BEN should team up with CSA and other bodies like athletics etal and perhaps create a "watching brief"with an appropriate legal representative, as committed to by CSA's Qondisa at SA Road Champs. It's an issue affecting all of us.

Nice, had this on the radar for a while. Hoping to plan a road trip from Jhb side.

This. Also won't hurt to get in touch with the LBS folk mentioned. Going the 1x12 route is good, but is going to end up costing near enough the value of the bike itself. If you do scale up, Shimano Cues is worth a look.

Still plenty local options too, Enjoy etc … something I never thought I’d say, but Velotex is looking much better. Saw some of their winter stuff recently.

Could just be hosting. The shop is definitely closed and was half empty last I went past last week. Often used to pop in for a coffee and chat.

Unfortunately yes, seems the staff got back from Epic and shortly after goto the shop to find the doors chained. Yet the team is still going afaik, since thats linked to Fly as a fibre provider. Sad to see and somewhat disappointing, there were quite a few staff between the shop and kitchen. Hoping they got sorted somewhere along the way.

Can understand if people are somewhat weary though, case in point the abrupt Fly Cycles closure. Not drawing a connection between the two. But yes, also gathered it's a bit of a side hustle that maybe they hope grows into something more substantial. Its a saturated segment in a pretty fickle market and industry, but if they make a go of it, best of luck to them.

Not sure where you’re based but I’ve seen them at Trailwolf, just not that size. Them or any other LBS would probably have to order in for you. I’ve been running Challenge Getaway for a bit now and have been mightily impressed. Maybe there’s something there that could work https://www.dinao.store/brand/challenge/ Tufo and Mitas/Rubena could also be another option. Specialized also do some proper CX/gravel tyres. Continental, not sure about their local options but there may still be stock of their 33mm tyres.

Ok 🤷‍♂️ ? … just answering the OP’s question.

They’re legit, they do some ‘comm rides’ up in Gauteng. Contact details are on their site Contact: 064 501 9679 Email: info@mbocycling.co.za Socials: https://www.instagram.com/mbo_southafrica?igsh=NmhjNmU3anZrMGY5 https://strava.app.link/NsGrYIDFx2b