Danger Dassie

Weight isn't the be all and end all of a bike's performance, this is especially true of mountain bikes. I've tested a few really lightweight bikes over the years that have been underwhelming or absolute dogs. One needs to be really experienced or in the upper end of racing to really appreciate any performance benefit. As far as the Cypher goes, I'd venture the frame weight is mostly around the one piece alloy linkage with double load bearings. Surprised that reviews don't really mention this. Anyway, the benefit here is longevity and the ability to handle bigger riders. Maybe further down the line there can be a carbon alternative, with the obvious caveat of an increase in price.

Looks ecstatic.

Mud guards are a viable option. Quite a few of the trail parks around Gauteng will have mud and growth with it being rain season, couple weeks of sun with a heatwave, and the growth explodes. We’re only in mid Jan, most of the guys have teams of people out cutting. Thaba, Asidale and Hennops may be your most dry options.

Nice preview, particularly for the elite women. For Sam Sanders and Sarah Hill in particular, both will be hungry and capable for a result. Would be worthwhile mentioning that Buys is the reigning XCM and XCO champ however.

Currently looking at the Louis Garneau Hillibilli xc shoes to replace my current Specialized Experts, which I'll keep as spare. I know Trailwolf Cycles are currently running 10% off on their LG shoe stock. trailwolf.co.za

Yip back on it post lockdown after a 2-3 year break, approx 470km in today. Normally do solo rides as it is, so I’m enjoying the change of larger group rides and the bonds formed. Best of celebrations Dale!

Design/protyping are separate processes from manufacturing which is an end process in the entire ecosytem. My post was to help the OP from direct experience, not to have a back forth pissing contest with you.

I never said that they do.

No real issues at all, you can't really go wrong with any of the options. FYI cSixx are designed and prototyped inhouse, so they're far from being a generic white label product.

Seems some folk got their load off a bit prematurely. "Mathias Flückiger's doping ban has been lifted" https://www.ride.ch/de/news/doping-sperre-von-mathias-flueckiger-ist-aufgehoben?fbclid=IwAR0GkYDSohs2dp0XNhKi6nlLWKZpTGG4mIXN5zZYqu_pd_B3ZcTjbcCz9-M

Seems some folk got their load off a bit prematurely. "Mathias Flückiger's doping ban has been lifted" https://www.ride.ch/de/news/doping-sperre-von-mathias-flueckiger-ist-aufgehoben?fbclid=IwAR0GkYDSohs2dp0XNhKi6nlLWKZpTGG4mIXN5zZYqu_pd_B3ZcTjbcCz9-M

If you can find something like a Trek Stache you'll enjoy an incredibly capable and versatile bike that will be pretty easy to maintain. Wouldn't recommend riding the dunes and beach though, wear and tear will quickly build up and you'll spend as much time maintaining the bike as riding. Perhaps consider speaking to a personal trainer and incorporate the riding into some beach walks etc. Give yourself some variety and there will be someone to guide you along, at least until you're comfortable.

Afraid it's one of those situations you'll just have to allow to play out it's natural progression. Each situation is different and there's a variety of friendship dynamics that play a role in determining the ultimate outcome. Outside of discussing it directly among mutual friends. There's no real answer that will help, especially on a forum. Think the opening replies here are already an indication of that.

Indeed. And as pointed out already. Regardless it’s still correct to call out said behaviour and challenge it. Regardless of employment law. Renay summed it up perfectly. teslas Silicon Valley etc are irrelevant.

Likely they’ll move under a local/shop programme. The Efficient\Liqui Moly setup with Sam Sanders and Kim Le Court have a similar deal with their Specialized LBS for bikes.

There’s a far better piece from Velo News on this topic. At the end of the day it doesn’t matter what one’s personal opinion on brand ambassadors is. The fact is that there’s a right way and a wrong way to do things, including business. Essentially ghosting people is a **** move, full stop. The Moving the Needle Podcast touched on this industry practice recently. https://www.velonews.com/news/gravel/adventure-no-more-specialized-ends-contracts-with-dozens-of-paid-ambassadors/

Here we go. The adult common sense approach. It's not a competition okeys.

Seen a range at Trailwolf Cycles in Modderfontein. https://trailwolf.co.za/

Zanri ?

There are a multitude of newbies in the sport, especially now. Plus not everyone wants to do a century ride. This opens up whole other level of accessibility for the sport. Well done organisers on taking a proactive step.

Okes only just been found, sure the details will come out in good time.

TBH your best bet is getting a private investigator involved.

Cheers. Yeah it's one of the regular groups, I've a certain idea which group from a description. Will make contact with some of the coaches at some point soon. Couple of posts about it on the Cradle runners and riders FB group as well, massive thanks to the Cycle Lab club and vehicle who stopped to assist and secure the scene. Club car parked and kept him shielded whilst waiting for EMS.

Would expect Fond will be able to update? In a similar vein though. This past weekend on Saturday in the Cradle on the Caves road, a mate of mine was taken down by a triathlete stopping to do a (likely) u-turn, who then left the scene. Mate was attended to by other riders and admitted with numerous injuries including T1, T2 etc ... This guy was in one of the tri training groups in the Cradle and I have a fairly complete description. On the off chance it, or an acquaintance is lurking on the hub and reading this. Here is a chance to own up and step up, feel free to send a PM so that we can put you guys in touch for a much need talk. Believe me. It will serve better than having to be found. Do the right thing.

Just going on past experience. The best bet is to contact the organisers and/or Action Photo directly.