Danger Dassie

In that area I know of Midstream and Epic Sports, Paul and Yonade at Epic Sports have a solid longtime history in the sport and are both highly credible and capable, I trust their expertise. https://www.facebook.com/epicsportscenturion This isn't a knock on Midstream, I just don't have any personal experience with them. Edit: if you're closer to Midrand/Modderfontein, Sandton/Edenvale area there's also Trailwolf Cycles, who also do a pick up/drop off service within a 20km (I think) radius.

Love it! So good to have an insight into riders enjoying different parts of the country, there's so much soul food to be had! Personally, Berg&Bush is one of the best events on the calendar in a really special part of the country. There's a bias given some KZN roots, but still.

This is the most Gauteng post yet!

Done deal it seems "impending" - https://billionaires.africa/2023/06/11/south-african-billionaire-ivan-glasenberg-set-to-acquire-italian-bicycle-maker-pinarello/?fbclid=IwAR3jmCDfKzPz6qJL9ym0mFBgh5Y9lG-C6akiTgMK5TPFzKN7Ul4F9occaKw "While the deal is still pending, Glasenberg’s acquisition of Pinarello is expected to value the esteemed bicycle manufacturer at approximately €190 million ($273 million) in terms of enterprise value, encompassing debt and equity."

This is the most Capetonian post yet .... 😋

Saw they posted a note on their site. 12.06.2023 EVOLVE FS - BB At yesterday's MTB World Cup in Lenzerheide, there was a crash at the start of the U23 race. The frame of Swedish rider Jakob Söderqvist broke in the bottom bracket area. We were very surprised as we had never seen such a situation before. At the same time, we are relieved that the rider himself was not injured. Immediately after the incident, we contacted Jakob on-site, took possession of the frame for detailed investigations, and provided him with a new frame for his upcoming races. This allows him to continue his training today and participate in the MTB World Cup in Leogang next week. We currently consider this to be an isolated incident, but we take the quality of our products and the safety of all ARC8 riders very seriously. Together with our supplier, engineers, and testing team, we are already conducting a thorough examination of the frame to determine the cause and circumstances as quickly as possible. Once we have further information, we will provide updates at this location.

@BikeisLife yes i did already update, cheers ; ) Still would be unsure of the fork, personally would rather take a chance on components than a white label fork.

Directly from their site the HTA is 71 degrees - https://www.zinibike.co.za/z29-elite Ah; here is the 2023 model - https://www.zinibike.co.za/2023-z29-elite

In that area you could also consider what Momsen and Signal have on offer as well, not sure if you've looked at these? As far as the bikes listed go, they all have their pros and cons. Out of the quoted weights, the Titan comes in the lightest. This is subjective however as only Silverback quote theirs with pedals and the weights are all within 300g of each other. Geometry wise, Silverback is the most progressive with a more relaxed head angle and longer wheelbase across their sizing curve, so a bit more stable on descents etc. Titan would be next up, arguably a bit more balanced given the intended riding and leaves space to up the fork travel if you like. Zini at the end of the scale, they quote a 71 degree head angle which is odd for a bike with a 120mm fork. Spec, Zini definitely a favourite with a Shimano Deore groupset and 120mm fork, however the fork is a generic white label/in house brand. So serviceability may be an issue. Both the Titan and Silverback have Rock Shox forks, so parts and servicing should never be an issue. Personally, it would be down to either the Titan or Silverback—good spec, value, get, looks and support. Yes the SX components may not last, but that is just the derailleur and shifter really. They have the least cost ratio on maintenance and are consumable parts which can be upgraded once they're trashed. Bonus, being 12spd you can replace it with Shimano or an up-spec of Sram like NX or GX.

Budget for a decent alloy hardtail with a few add ons. Helmet, tubeless etc Titan Racing, Signal, Silverback and Marvel are all some of the options that will be a good first call. Good spec, geometry and support to go along with the pricing. In brief, this will be tubeless-ready tyres, 1x groupset and an air fork.

Touch points for the soul! Prime example of what the bike can do.

From their FB page, " Vumacam’s SafeCity initiative to support Jozi Trails and City Parks and Zoo in making Braamfontein Spruit safer South Africa’s largest privately-owned CCTV network, Vumacam, has partnered with Jozi Trails NPC and Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo to make the Braamfontein Spruit a safer place for outdoor enthusiasts using the many trails along the spruit for hiking, running and cycling. Read More: https://jozitrails.co.za/staying-safe/ "

Also prefer larger diameter grips (which aren’t too thick/spongy) and I have larger hands, Supacaz have been my favourite. The price and availability though! Death Grip seems close. Currently running Burgtec which are great, but could have a larger diameter. Have a set of the Lyne’s waiting to replace them, will see how they go.

Really good, I enjoy their work. Also depends on what you’re looking for. Personally I enjoy unique/singular angle features and content that overlaps with the racing/industry side of things. This they do well, really well! Probably because Escape are mostly ex CT founders/staffers. In short, Cycling Tips along with other cycling, outdoor and sports titles ended up under a large holding company. They laid off the core team of CT, others resigned and ergo Escape was born. This pod gives really good insight; https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/the-adventure-stache/id1459162520?i=1000612090526

Been there since the beginning, on and off in the last few years when down in KZN. You wont be sorry, great riding with lots of options and good post ride grog and grub.

Looks like you disrupted Helen Zille compacting the lines for you. Show some decorum man! Also, I know "the DA delivers" but this is next level mos!

Saw this on the gram recently https://www.instagram.com/p/Crz3SPmqSW-/?igshid=MTIyMzRjYmRlZg==

You don't need CSA sanctioning to host or attend an event, whether you're a CSA member or not. The rule only really applies to holders of a domestic racing licence, even then it's shaky ground and not really enforceable. Freedom of association supersedes, IMHO anyway. Especially if it's an invite only/industry event. You do need to be compliant with the SASREA act though. - https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/201409/safetyatsports.pdf

Enjoy the Trek, don't think you can go wrong really! Did a shoot with a mate's custom Commencal Meta HT build for a client, they definitely work through LBS's as well https://www.instagram.com/p/CqqNzIDN1rU/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Commencal another option, some super sweet builds out there!

Good thing we're able put this conspiracy to rest ey!

It's included dude, are you being argumentative just the sake of it.

The bottle opener is part of it

Talking about the suspension collab.

Without knowing the condition of the bike you’re looking at. It’s still a great race bike, if you’re looking at something more than capable of multi day events and XC. You should more than happy.