Danger Dassie

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.

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