Cranky

What Mountain Bike rates the Scott Scale 29 Pro as the top hardtail 29er. I think the package for the Expert is brilliant at the price and the weight is great at 10.7kg. Having said that, I'm not that keen on carbon. I've ridden a Yeti Big Top (ranked second by WMB) and it felt really great - so stable and easy to handle. I'd look at the Cannondale Flash 1 29er (alu) too, but like the Yeti it may be hard to get. The Scott will be best value all round.

Thanks specializedfan. Can you give me an idea of price for Strides. Am I looking at more than R4000? Anyone else got any other options? Thanks.

I'm looking for a trailer bike rack that can take two adult and two junior MTBs (sizes 20 and 24 inch). I've seen recommendations before for Strides, but am not sure if the racks are adjustable. I saw a comment on the Hub that Strides doesn't accommodate a 29 inch bike (and that's on the wish list). Looking at images of the Venter rack, I'm not sure if it can be easily adjustable for various bike sizes. Can anyone advise? Also, any idea on cost of Strides. I see that Venter 4-bike rack is about R3000. Thanks.

Did you hear John Robbie chatting to Alec Lenferna earlier? John Robbie had never heard of the race until today. The 702 traffic team who would have been willing to help received no notice about the race. John Robbie himself was stuck in Menlyn for 20 min and like other road users around him, had no idea why. The publicity around the race has been very poor. I saw no signs around JHB on my daily routes warning motorists - a very different situation to the 94.7 where the public is flooded with information. CSA can't keep passing the blame to others.

i.e. put the MSG (usually in fish sauce) back! No one is allergic to MSG btw, and claims about it's relationship to headaches or other health issues are weak.

We joined Discovery Life (because my work insists on another medical aid) and then Vitality, and we get more back each month than what we pay out. Gym is free for one of us with a small monthly payment for the other (after the joining fees). And our kids joined the gym at R85 each once-off until they turn 13 - they swim lots, often having the pool to themselves. And then there are all the discounts from shops like Cape Union Mart, Exclusive Books, Kulula, Pick n Pay etc. We actually make money each month. I think Discovery and Virgin Active have been brilliant.

My kids started on JD Bugs and never needed training wheels. I've got a blue one for sale, if anyone is interested! My son rides a Silverback Atomic now. All his buddies have bmx's, and they can't stay with him on the hills in our neighbourhood.

Also Mountain Sanctuary for some tough, short trails and on to Breedtsnek; just over an hour's drive away (camping or cabin) Or Lakenvlei just before Dullstroom in just under 2 hours drive (cabin) Or Suikerbosrand but MTB trails limited, although I rode along periphery fence (by accident) For really close, stay at Fountains and get to be the first one out at Groenkloof

... my domestic worker's sister was killed in a taxi crash last night. She leaves behind a little girl with no parents.

I bought two vouchers. Thanks mogwaai. Normal once off entry if R50. Normal 10 ride entry is R300. This 10 ride entry is R150, so R15 a ride, compared to R30 or R50.

This looks the same type of thing as www.collectivecow.com They need a threshold number of buyers before the deal is on. This MTN Bike Park deal is on because 29 people have bought already and minimum needed was 10. I think I'll be buyer number 30.

Watch on Supersport this weekend. XC women up soon on Ch 5.

And we have the mountain bike world cup back in Pietermaritzburg, in April next year!

For interesting analyses of power outputs (and some info on power estimations and calculations) in the Tour de France, see Ross Tucker's site: http://www.sportsscientists.com/

Both are great bikes for your aims. The Stumpy is a great descender and all-round bike - it loves single track. I prefer the new Anthem X series to the old Anthems - the new models have slightly more relaxed angles and give better overall comfort and control. The Anthem X keeps raking in awards for best overall trail bike.

Thanks all. I see that there are races at Giba and Holla while I am there too, so looks like that will be plenty. I have to get to Clearwater one day, but not on this trip! Hadn't heard of Sani Spoors - thanks for that.

I'll be in Durban for the June/July holidays. We plan to ride at Giba Gorge and Holla trails (and maybe Stainbank reserve). Are there any other spots not far from Durbs worth visiting for a good workout?

I agree that the race coverage was disgraceful. Why bother getting Lance to ride if no one can even see him. Supersport needs to take over next year.

Depends. Some, like the Cape Pioneer Trek and Ride to Rhodes, are great value. Others, like Sani2c, are worth every cent. Many of the two-day rides like Dusi Mfula are also reasonable. I guess there are many factors that contribute. Some prices have increased more than I'd hoped. I did Berg and Bush in 1997 and it's much pricier now (and out of my pocket), but there is big demand. I've also found that I can spend 3 days at a resort like Cathedral Peak Hotel where I can enjoy great food, brilliant riding and more, at a lower price than most 3-day stage races.

In terms of weight, responsiveness, ride comfort etc. (and resale value if you ever want to upgrade), I think the Giant Anthem X is far better than a Silverback or KTM. Get the X2, then slowly upgrade components when they wear out. If you were buying a hardtail, make wouldn't matter as much. But for a dual suss, the geometry and handling are big considerations, and the Giant is a winner here.

There is a limit of 15000 fitness points which is easily made up by doing three cycling races. The points from going to gym (automatic) and the Polar are so small that they're not really worth bothering with, because you can't exceed the 15000 ceiling. But I think the Discovery website has all the details you need.

Two of us would be interested.

Personally I prefer the Anthem X geometry and the Fox shock and fork.

Think I've got some Stans rim strips lying around too. Now have XT tubeless wheels which are just wonderful. I've ridden races with big thorns sticking out of my sidewalls and have had no need to stop. I'd like to see someone with tubes doing that. Why fix punctures when a small upgrade (not very costly to maintain) keeps you riding?

I haven't fixed a puncture for years. Tubeless = the best possible upgrade!