Danger Dassie

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.

Think that it more likely would’ve been Mark Hopkins from cSixx, who used to be Pat‘s partner. Mark carried on design consulting for a period with the new owners of Swift. Pat worked in colab with Victor Momsen on the Momsen Vipa.

Elite/U23 Women's race should be good as well. Some good showings from around the country, Amy Wakefield and Candice Lill also competing apparently.

You'll need a full race licence, you can enter on the day and process all of this, but you will have an unseeded start.

EDIT: @TheoG apologies, not 100% at all as per TR's post. I actually chatted with the designer the same day, and one or two other designers to. It looks like it may be compatible, and one SRAM rep mistakenly confirmed it at the time. The tinkerer in me would still like to give it a go and see if can be made to work. Which will probably be the case for a number of frames. That said there are UDH-compatible 2020 model frames and above out there, but not all frames within a brand stable. Pyga TiG for example is UDH compatible.

Still going strong with a few mods done, and couple still due.

I freelance with some of the industry media and tech areas. The UDH standard and T-type derailleurs have been in development over a few years. Other than comms from the marketing dept and supply chain/product managers I had seen some of original test product on the derailleurs with engineers a few months back. At the time the information was under embargo, especially for the T-type derailleurs and new drivetrains. More recently some of the SRAM staff have also confirmed the info in discussions since the official release during Epic. SRAM also had one of their senior staffers at the Cape Epic. Yip, that is a 2023 model, and pretty blady mooi! It’s a UDH compatible frame, which relates to the hangar. Remove the hangar and fit the new type drivetrain. On a side note, always felt Merida are woefully underrated and undervalued bikes here in S of A. These links are helpful as well; https://www.sram.com/en/sram/mountain/products/udh https://www.rearmechhanger.com/product/rear-gear-mech-derailleur-hanger-cnc999/

👍 … UDH compliant frame, remove the hangar and install a T-type derailleur. Which will include Shimano even, at least going by the current patent circulating.

UDH compatible frames have already taken off, chances are if you're riding a frameset from 2019/2020 it is already compatible. Plus someone will come up with a conversion solution if they haven't already. That list from Bikefinder is a good guideline but not comprehensive, expect that it will become more so as it's updated with more niche/none US brands. Brands like Pyga and Titan Racing for example aren't on the list, yet their framesets are UDH compliant.