Danger Dassie

Word. Long before the gravel curve (2015 or so) I had a CoticX built up and used it for road and everything else. It was an absolute whip on smooth flowy single track and techy bits. With oodles of acceleration. Totally in line with CX demands, which is far from the broader gravel feels by design. Despite what people think/say. On longer rides and fast road winding road descents, that thing wanted you to be D E D dead. Definitely not the ‘steel is real’ compliance that everyone bangs on about. And tbh the welds were more abstract than contemporary. Loved the bike and it was everything I wanted at the time, but it was a very specific to purpose. Rode a Curve Kevin for a period and that is way more ‘steel is real’ … similar Columbus tubing to what Mercer goes for.

Blood tests are normally used as markers on the bio passport, not so much as an in-competition revelation as a PR exercise, since any real doping would be out of competition. That said, such testing is not indicative of doping or suspicion thereof. Standard practice at the sharp end of a global sporting event.

OP another option to consider is a Merida Silex. Heavily underrated and under appreciated bike, plus there’s a model in your range. I’ve just made the move onto a Silex 4000 and am super impressed thus far, the only limitation is the naff rim/tyre combo. 17mm rim with a 38c Rambler, but that’s easily sorted with a change of tyres, and rims later on. I’m putting it down to those Germans getting distracted by techno. Geometry is very MTB drive with a long wheelbase and tall head tube, so stack height is relatively high. Pared with a short stem and gravel bars it feels a sweet spot for a variety of riding.

Friend rides a Switch with 650b MTB tyres, they’re at least 2.0 wide.

Supacaz and Lizzard Skins, various thicknesses as well. Not the cheapest, but I’ve had good experiences with both. Also the Ride Farr bartape is pretty hardy and sits well, not sure if it’s still available though.

About as legit as a politician’s election promise….

Not really, this is intended as more of an all-rounder and more suitable to more general trail riding than full on marathon/stage events. Keeping in mind that it is all relative to rider ability as well. Also for marathon riding one does not need to be on a "very light carbon everything"

Think he means the UDH hangar which can take SRAM’s new T-Type derailleur.

Another vote for ICG in the area, a very informal group but they have a good structure and strict code of ethics such as no drop rides etc. Plus a no BS approach to the WhatsApp group. The group has grown to include regular MTB and gravel rides as well. Additionally most rides have A,B, C groups for the different strength. Generally they (the core) ask that new riders arrive with a regular or known ICGer for at least three rides so that they can find their groove.

Beating the Highveld cold front that shall bring with it the zombie apocalypse! Know the danger signs!

Yes ok, you've made your bias clear numerous times. It is a bit old now when people are genuinely asking for and providing objective discussion. Be lekker.

Everyone had that on those days, but it was a grimace, not a grin 😋

Scultura is a heavily underrated bike here! Ultimately that and the SL6 posted here would be top of my list, especially for the money.

In this sphere, look at second hand. You will really find bang for buck! The bikes you listed are pretty broad in range, ideally the Titan Switch will give you the best balance of a decent carbon frame, tyre clearance and spec, plus there are few around in the market. In the same vein keep an eye out for the Silverback equivalent, not as many floating around though. Same if you just happen to find a carbon framed Ride Farr/Momsen at a deal. GP300 is robust and handles well, but it is burly by comparison and not quite as well finished off compared to a Rook Scout, Ride Farr or Scott Speedster. The Speedster doesn't quite have the tyre clearance past 38/40c which for me is a limiting factor. Especially if you're looking for something "robust" which would imply that you're looking to do a fair bit of offroad and/or bikepacking. As far as local brands go, generally, they're as good as anything else out there and no different ito of quality or sourcing compared to say a Scott. Within a certain bracket ALL the brands use white label product from a catalogue to a large extent, a few brands will purchase the jigs or moulds outright or with exclusive licencing/spec value.

Mount Anderson with the Outland crew, unbelievable riding. Loads of history and wildlife to boot. Spent about half an hour watching a leopard watching us from about 15metres, before she stalked something up the ridge. 10/10 would recommend.

On the stem, dropper lever, derailleur cage, chainrings etc… cSixx manufacture locally. Rims and bars are specced, designed, prototyped and tested locally, with manufacturing in the East. Like just about every brand, our local industry source an engineering/design mix of local/overseas manufacturing and white label products.

Would negotiate them down a bit, the tyres will need replacing and the gears look like they're at least halfway through their lifespan, which makes chain replacement questionable to extend the drivetrain lifespan and to find replacement parts.

Mostly common parts and are serviceable, there are a few people around offering servicing for units. Unit should be ables to last 10 years or so. The likely issue could be a bearing or belt. I don't think it's unreasonable at all.

Wondering what effect the current protests across France might have.

Colourway is beaut 👌… Congrats and many happy experiences! New bike day on any bike or day is a good day.

I think much of this perception comes from the fact that a lot of funds have been mismanaged in the past. Particularly murky around the former MD Mike Bradley, and was stated as much by the organisation itself when he was removed/resigned. There’s a lot of that dead wood around still with strong conflicts of interest. So the reputation damage shouldn’t be underestimated. Imho I think Ciska Austin had an exceptionally difficult time leading the organisation out of a storm into the black again. The lack of openness and comms though doesn’t really help though, and hurts the efforts of those making the time to volunteer their services. That aside, I personally am glad to see some efforts and ideas around a national road series. Hope to see it grow beyond a pilot phase and tap into the grassroots talent.

Frothing ,,,,,

An absolute shocker. Not just his response but also a number of the other issues raised, which point right back to him as the RD. Really an unfairly poor reflection on the Comrades team and should be taken to task.

Agh, much of a muchness. As long as you're riding, and at some point you could change to suspension up to 120mm should you really want to. For all intent and purpose, it is the same platform.

It's not that uncommon for gravel events to include tar, that kind if mix is what makes it appealing for many.