ACM

Hi Rob, Your frames require a BB30. If you fit a XT groupset onto the Booth bikes, do you then use this BB30 to BSA adaptor? OR what BB do you fit? R400 sounds a lot better then the R700 on EVO bikes.

Thanks Rock. Sorry if this sounds stupid (I'm learning here...).... but do you get frames that support BB30 that are threaded and frames that support BB30 that are NON-threaded. OR are all BB30 supported frames made for a press fit type BB?

Hi hubbers Hope someone can help me. I'm new to bike builds and the technical detail around it. If a frame supllier states that the frame supports a BB30, what would be a compatible bottom bracket for a Shimano XT Hollow Tech II crank? Tx!

Thanks again for the information; that has been most helpfull!! If I struggle, I might just ask you for a photo of your setup (to see where you've fit the spacers)

Thanks again for the information; that has been most helpfull!! If I struggle, I might just ask you for a photo of your setup (to see where you've fit the spacers)

Tx River Rat!!! Are you also running 3x10 with a front of 24/32/42T? What frame did you mount this on?

Hi hubbers, Hope you can help with some advice / insight. Some new frames only allow a low direct mount FD. The bottom section of the seat tube is to thick (more than 34.9 mm) or oval (not round) to fit a hang / traditional FD (mounting bracket). From reading and surfing the web it looks like these low direct mount are referred to as an "S3" (SRAM FDs). Shimano refer to these as an E2-type. The problem I have is that I'm looking at moving my current 3x10 Shimano XT drivetrain to the new frame. I have a traditional FD and will need to replace this. However, I cannot find the E2-type in a 3x10 (only available in a 2x10 on CRC and many online cycle shops I've checked). There is however a E-type (vs. E2-type) that fits onto the Bottom Bracket. This is a "Shimano XT M780 E-Type 3x10 Front Mech". I've come across one website that says one can remove the bottom section of this E-Type (that fits onto the bottom bracket) to fit it as a low direct mount (effectively turning the E-type into a E2-type). I'm just not sure this will work and spending money on a frame and then having to change the drivetrain as well (to either a 2x10 or move to SRAM FD, etc.) is not cost effective. Has anyone had experience in this low direct mount using a Shimano 3x10 FD? Thanks! NS: attached a picture of the E2-type (left) vs. E-Type (right)

Edge design frame that is

Hi, has anybody bought a 29er dual sus Wdge Design from Tri-cycles? I'm looking for more information on the frame; it's stiffness, the riding behaviour, etc. Any info will be appreciated!

Racetec chip :-)

Same here.... 1st duathlon (entered as team for main event)!

I'm 1.65. Not so sure about 29er HT vs. 29er DS... but I went for 29er DS small. I wouldn't feel comfortable with a medium. Geometry does differ from bike to bike. Best is to go to the websites and study the geometry and test the bikes. But from what I've seen if you're under 1.7m a small is most likely the best option.

Hi Nick, I went from a 26” Silverback HT to Giant Anthem X29er DS. I’m quite small (1.65m) – so I’m on the border of not being tall enough for a 29er (small frame). What I found is: It takes a bit of time to get used to the ‘bigger’ bike The turning circle is a bit bigger, but as you get use to the bike (and ride more often) you get more comfortable with the turning Short, sharp bends (switch backs) are more difficult to handle I think (in general) the 29 DS is a bit slower than the 26 HT (bike weight plays a role), however, I will take this penalty purely for the ride comfort of the DS Once you get comfortable with the 29er, you will NOT miss the 26” The 29er definitely much faster on downhill and even ground or where you have momentum Climbing with the 29er (over rocky terrain) is probably a little tougher (but the DS comfort is worth it) Have fun!

Looks like it's going to be a fun event; can't wait!

hi jcza, I'm not familiar with Strava (I use a garmin). But, I assume the "elevation" on the summary is the total ascent (meters)? Is that correct?

Thanks jcza - much appreciated!!!

Team Wannabe costs (early bird price) works out at R500 per rider per day. Is this race & goody bag worth R500 per day? What sort of climbing (total ascent) does one do in the 30km, 40km & 60km respectively? Is Merrypebbles a good option for camping during the event?

Looking forward to this one !!

No riding today; going for a 10km road run to loosen the legs :-)

Hi fellow MTBers Let me firstly say I have no affiliation with ALL OUT Adventures or any of the people working there... I met them for the first time this past holiday. What a lovely bunch of people... friendly, focussed on customers. I did some mountain biking with them during our holiday and I had a great time. The routes they have are quite challenging in terms of climbing, but the views and the tracks are fantastic. Single track for kilometres, river crossings, technical uphills, technical downhills; what a great area and place to ride. There's a variety of tracks. I did some riding with my son (9 years old) and even the 10 and 15km we did had a variety of exposure for my son (small river crossings, etc.). We (family) also did some activities at All Out Adventures... Extreme Cable Tour and Quad Biking. The staff at ALL OUT are friendly, helpful and adds to the pleasant experiences we had. Sizwe & Wonderboy made us feel safe high up in the trees, even to the point of my 7 year old daugther doing some of the zip lining by herself! Richard on the Quad Bikes made sure we had a great time. Reception, admin staff, all friendly and helpfull. If you want to do some activities in the northern drakensberg and / or mountain biking, I can definately, without a doubt say, lookup ALL OUT Adventures... it will be worth the time and money.

Hi Chris, Loretta… Lindsay, Paula and the rest we met… Thank you for your hospitality during our visits at ALL OUT Adventures during the “training camp week”. We (me and family) had a great time. We hope to see you soon… either for a weekend getaway to do some mountain biking, for your race in April or at the very least next year (hopefully we’ll be camping in the Drakensberg again). Regards, André Martin

Did the 65km in 2011 as a 'chill ride' with a couple of friends. Took it easy, as we're normally half marathonners - tried this as a longer race and day outing. Couple of difficult climbs, but overall a nice race. Scenery was nice. Not a lot of people - 102 or 103 did the 65km, so overall a 'quiet' race without the crowds. Here's my garmin profile from 2011: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/131512283

I'll be camping in 'The Berg' during this time and will join for some of the rides :-). Looking forward to the holiday.... camping and mountainbiking.... can't ask for more!!!

Previous years I've missed the Nissan Van Gaalen race; so my first one today. Great route; technical sections was great. The smaller batches was a great idea and obviously resulted in few bottlenecks. Great event; thumbs up to the organizers. My only complaint is to a fellow MTBer: to the 'idiot' that almost rode me off my bike trying to short-cut through a technical section and cross in front of me on the drop-off 'entry' to a river crossing: If you try to beat the riders in the A batch from C or D or whichever batch you came from.... get your ass into gear and get a A seeding... I earned my B seeding and could ride all the technical sections today; so to shout at me for meters and meters where there is no space is just plain inconsiderate. I don't mind (at all) if a fellow rider shout 'track' when there is track available for me to make way and for him / her to pass. But shouting track on a technical single track section where there is NO space to go is just plain rude. You do not belong on a mountain bike. You have no respect for fellow riders who are quite capable of riding the technical sections; although maybe not at your pace. Get a better seeding; or are you not good / consistent enough? Be patient for 3 minutes and an opportunity will present itself for you to pass, without endangering fellow riders. People like you are a disgrace to the sport. I've always experienced fellow MTBers as considerate to those around them. You're obviously in a 'class' of your own.

I emailed the race organiser and asked about the total ascent and here's his response " The Total accent for the 50km event is about 350m and the 30km about 180m. Both events are pretty flat and will be pretty fast. There is some really awesome single tracks, so all and all it should be a great morning out on the MTB bike. " Not riding tomorrow, so have a great day for those that will be riding.