Robodog

Oh awesome. I've just built one up myself. (it's currently loaning the wheels from the Rocket, but not for long...) Cotic BFe 2016 large frame Manitou Mattoc Pro 2 fork (set at 140mm for now) WTB i23 rims with faded pink (now silver) Hope hubs [coming soon...] Hope Tech X2 brakeset and red rotors 203F/180R KS Lev dropper post Spank Spike Vibrocore Team 800mm 35R bars Spank Spike black stem 35mm Fizik Gobi saddle (not pictured) Hope headset Hope seatclamp DMR v12 pedals ODI Rogue grips Maxxis tyres Shimano 10spd XT/SLX drivertrain

You theory is a bit flawed. Greg, Sam and Nino can all ride just fine with both platforms and cleats. What they choose to race with is which they feel gives them the edge on race day. The problem is that if you start on cleats, then you may end up not knowing how to weight the bike properly. Starting on cleats is a bit like learning to drive an auto and means you can't easily switch to a manual. But anyone who drives a manual can use both just fine. Easy test for anyone to know if cleats have created bad habits or stunted the learning process completely: Put flats on your bike and go for a ride. Can you pick up the rear like you do with cleats? Can you bunnyhop?

Agreed. Many of my skills students switch to flats for learning purposes and then don't go back. Some alternate depending on the type of ride/race and a few alternate depending on the season: training or racing.

Five Tens Most of them are for flat pedals but there are a few models with cleated functionality. All my Five Tens are the comfiest shoes I own. http://cdn.coresites.factorymedia.com/dirt_new/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/EDH_6652-1020x680.jpg

Well Hakahana is now closed. The sad thing is that since we started running enduro races over the past 6 years, there have been over 700 unique entries... but there were hardly any more than 100 riders at any enduro race. So ultimately it's the enduro crowd who have let it die. I've spent a lot of time housesitting Haka and there were weekends where zero riders pitched up. Johan still had to pay salaries to the guys to open up the trails... it just becomes unsustainable. I may have a few ideas to get an enduro series in Gauteng going again... possibly sometime in the future.

Swazi Frontier - although I haven't done it myself I have heard from others who I respect as good enduro riders who say it's nice and technical.

Tips for keeping feet on flat pedals... cleats enable you to pull the rear of the bike upwards with you, which can cause you to over rotate in the air. When you're riding up a launch your heels should be dropped a bit. As you go off the lip you jump upwards and toes naturally point downwards - just like you'd do on land. Try the rear wheel lift on flat ground and feel how you bring the bike up with you with toes pointed down. This movement of the feet on flats applies a lot of the grip which allows the bike to stay with you in the air. In the same way, as you become more comfortable with jumping, you will start moving the bike around in the air: pulling the bars towards the waist, pushing the front down onto the landing a slight whip or laying it over a bit. Because you are adding an external force between pedals pins and the rubber sole with these movements, it means the bike has a tendency to stay with you - and as a bonus it combats the dreaded dead sailor flying technique . Also realise that there is a force between your hands and your feet especially as you push forward off a drop. The rubber soles are pushing backwards on the pedal pins and your hands are pushing forward on the grips. This keeps you in place too. Good luck!

Don't think I've posted a photo of the steed I've now had for 2 years already...

Yeah, I chatted to him when we were in CT last Nov. I'll be exhibiting my art at Bikefest We can definitely make a plan with Mark B for the same time. Hey, a bike is a bike is a bike and maybe we can organise you an upgrade for the day.

Sounds like a plan. Even Simon has threatened to join me for a ride but never follows through. Although it seems Graham is in Kzn...

And you'll wait a very long time without wheels if anything goes wrong ????

Ahh yes. I remember now. Yeah well I work from home mostly so no need to commute 300m. We should ride again. I'll teach you some skills. Mark from CF has also made noises about wanting to skill up.

Tom at Giant Jhb - previously Mike's Bikes in Greenside.

Yes. It was still on the front page though

Good advice above. I find most people who are battling with getting the front wheel up aren't starting off in the correct position. That is, they are attempting to move their weight back from the attack position without loading up the front of the bike properly. So try this: from the attack position, bend elbows and knees simultaneously so that you bring your chest over the bars. Arms and legs straighten as you go backwards just like on a rowing machine. Make sure that your knees bend forwards, as they straighten you are pushing down through the pedals and rolling the bike out in front of your body. Always exaggerate the movements while you're still learning. As you become more proficient with the skill, so your movements will become more efficient.

Hey howzit Graham (you'll have to remind me which Graham as i know a few...) Yeah I'm good. Still coaching MTB skills ocassionally . My signature has a FB link to some of my MTB artwork. I've taken a bit of a break from art over the last few months to concentrate on an exciting start up but once it's up and running I'll have some more time again.

Hey dude We sold the shop 18 months ago to Sprocket & Jack. Tom is working at Giant Jhb in Greenside (old Mikes Bikes) if you want to catch up with him. I'm still coaching MTB skills and doing some oil paintings as always. Also involved in a couple of start ups... Cheers Sean

Thanks D

We sold the shop to Sprocket & Jack 18 months ago. The Trailhead had zero debt from when we founded it right up to the sale. I was against the sale but was unfortunately outvoted.

Does anyone even take Strava seriously anymore? I recently rode down an #Enduro section of Hakahana with a mate and although we were close together all the way, strava said he beat me by 20 seconds... Happens often.

Played around with some charcoal last week. 'Berm Destruction' makes for a dramatic sketch.

I know we have Kore for very cheap for the plastic with pins going up to reasonable amounts for their better metal pedals. Don't know prices offhand - please call the shop for specifics.

I run skills clinics I do travel to anywhere in Gauteng as long as you have a couple of friends to join you and make it worthwhile. 4 riders max though. Any more than that and there is no way I can remember exactly what each rider did the last time they attempted that manoeuvre/obstacle - and how they are now compensating. And I designed a cool logo https://www.facebook.com/skillupmtb/

It's personal preference. Just add the app on your smartphone. It adds an element of fun as long as you don't get too serious about beating strava times as it's not that accurate.

Your best option is just to ride and get used to the bike. Stay on flat pedals for now but consider a semi decent pair of flats with pins (The Trailhead has a few options of cheaper flats). One could write an encyclopedia on your questions 1 and 3 which some have done. If I could offer a few pieces of advice: Stand more on the bike. Learn to get into the attack position to tackle any descents or obstacles: weight on your feet, back horizontal, head over stem, elbows out but relaxed, hips behind saddle, drop your heels, look ahead, not down. http://pedaladventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/attackposition.jpg Important to feel your full bodyweight pushing through your feet. You think you're low but you aren't. Look down and you should see your stem right there. As the gradient becomes steeper you actually have to back pedal a bit to keep the cranks level with the horizon. If you don't your weight will be pitched forward onto the bars. Try to relax your limbs as much and possible to absorb rocks, roots etc. As for bunny hopping etc, it's much easier to show someone than try to explain. Most intermediate riders in my skills class take between 5 and 15 minutes to get the basics.