Big JD

I agree but don't look as good as the Zipps B)

They were around R16k but unfortunately the Rand has gone south since then.

Zipp 303 Firecrest - Best of all worlds. CWC did a great price for me on these when I bought them about a year ago.

Nice feedback. Did you go to Cycle Addiction by any chance? I always find them very helpful sorting out any problems even when I haven't bought from them.

Definitely the Crossmax, but quite a bit more expensive I think. The AC's are good value but very easily damaged.

Sounds like a reasonable ask given the spec.

Careful riding Schapenburg on your own. There have been a few mugging and bike-jacking incidents in the last few months.

I disagree, Phil has a genuine love for South Africa and has a second home in Gordon's Bay. He has done numerous speaking engagements in the area for no personal gain but to support charities. Yes he made a mistake on the Lance issue, but he freely admits he was wrong. So were many others...

No 3 day or 6 day this year, just not worth the extra admin. My understanding is that there will only be a 9 day option. Entries are going to fill up super quick as the interest is massive. Get in quick when it opens...

If you are going to be there Dips, I am going to try and make it again myself!

Total tjop, absolutely no need for that.

Have a look at a Santa Cruz Tallboy, Alu, 2x10. Bit more relaxed to ride than the Spez epic but still a great XC machine.

Thanks Dips. You not doing so bad yourself...

What he said.

I bought Sram red for the cost and weight saving and the good looks, but just couldn't get used to the shifting. Back with Dura Ace again and couldn't ask for any better. My riding partner has super record which also looks and feels the part.

Don't get me wrong it is a great bike. I had the expert and then upgraded to the S Works. Just understand the shock and fork service is expensive and is only done by Specialized. Everything else is pretty standard. 25k is a good price for the 2012 Expert.

The shock and fork has to be sent away to Specialized via a Spez dealer. Just a regular service on both is around R3,000 as you also have to pay the bike shop for removal and reassembly to your bike.

At your weight I would see no problems of flex

If you phone around you can have them built locally for around the same price or slightly cheaper.

It Sounds like you are mixing up BMC in Salt River and BMT in Stellenbosch

Not much in it to be honest. W2W is a bit more technical with a fair bit of climbing on Day 1. Sani is a bit longer overall and Day 2 can be a beast, but day 3 is very fast and easy. I am usually fitter for Sani and prefer it as a race but nothing wrong with W2W!

I have done it before and yes it does require some serious effort... If you not fit opt for the 38 kms

Look at the 2013 Epic Expert or Epic Marathon or if you have deep pockets the SWorks Epic 29er should do the trick.

Well spotted Skubarra

Kevin Evans and Dave George did the entire race on Ikons with no issues. Unlike in the Epic of course...