Jump to content

Bikeguy

Members
  • Posts

    44
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Everything posted by Bikeguy

  1. Have found the attached Wolf Tooth rear axle guide very useful especially when ordering axles for IDT setups Rear_Axle_Measurement_Guide.pdf
  2. Thanks Hairy - what can we say we are special
  3. Ahh shoot - we will have to start our own STF club then
  4. To resolve the eternal issue of n+1, and hopefully also stem wallet hemorrhage, I committed to buying three bikes for the stable. I did allow myself a three year period to complete this project as the bikes are all self-build on a fixed budget. The “Trinity”, was thus a long term commitment to choosing three bikes that I would be happy with for a number of years. So after a great deal of research, sourcing parts from all over Hubland, as well as stranger places in Tennessee, Portland and Massachusetts (US is big on hand made gravel bike associated parts), the Trinity is as follows: The Bianchi Being a bike racer in the 80’s, the Bianchi brand always stood out, and I promised myself that one day I would own one. So after almost 45 years, the Sempre Pro made its appearance in my life. The frame is 130 year anniversary edition, graced by with the necessary Campangonolo groupset. The wheels also have a story and I’m currently using a Darkhorse wheelset obtained from our local Zwift Academy triathlete. I also use a set of Spinergy Xlite wheels for those beastly crosswinds here in PE. The only future upgrade would to rid the bike of that 53 tooth monster chainring, one day should it wear out, which maybe a while. The Momsen STF After several cracked alu frames, I decided that my final mountain bike would have to be steel. Essentially for the purpose that if it breaks, it can easily be repaired. This frame is probably also the one of the three that will evolve overtime the most, playing with different forks (going lighter definitely, ridged maybe). The first successful experiment was replacing the stem with a short 60mm KCNC unit, coupled to a Spank Spoon 785mm wide bar. The bar is too wide at times, but this bike doubles as a gravel tour bike so the additional space for the handle bar bag is welcome. The groupset is XT 11 speed, and the most significant upgrades has been the oval chainring upfront and the South Industries / DT swiss wheelset. The wheels replaced a long suffering set of Stans Crests, and can already say wider rims have improved my cornering ability. The Lynskey GR260 As one can see, my search for the Trinity, included a definite theme, Carbon, Steel and Titanium. All I can say, this bike was worth the wait, as it was close on two years of sourcing the best available parts and then making them work together. This bike has now the daily go to bike for training, gravel cruising and exploring (Blessed to work in the Karoo and Northern Cape) The frame is the GR260, 2018 model, paired with full Ultegra with the widest gearing possible. The wheels were locally built by The Wheelbuilder (Thx Nicholas), that can deal with the terrain and bikepacking loads using Nextie rims and Aivee hubs. The tyres, are currently Panaracers Gravel Kings SK+ in the unusual colour, but are long lasting and still quick on the tar. The most unusual purchase for this bike was the $4.00, 12 to 15mm adaptor from Ti Cycles in Portland. The Lynskey fork is 12mm dTA, while the hub is 15mm. This is on purpose so that I can swap wheels between the Momsen and this bike should the need arize. I absolutely love this bike for its comfort and durability, as there no paintwork to stress about and ease of maintenance. The only upgrade being required in the year I have now used it being exchanging the standard rear derailleur with Ultegra RX or clutched version. The Tankwa roads were brutal on the chain and standard derailleur and gear changing on sinkplaat paaie was impossible, until the derailleur was swapped.
  5. Also not a fan - especially on our super fast Lynskeys (nudge nudge) - so found the Salsa Cowbell 440mm is a healthy compromise - enough flair to allow for my handlebar bag but still fits in with the morning roadie group
  6. A 100km shortcut between Laingsburg and Ladismith is reason enough - the added challenge of no suspension just adds to the excitement. Did learn quickly that your rear mech must have a clutch or smooth gear shifts are not possible
  7. In an effort to resolve the n+1 financial strain, I have invested in what I believe is my trilogy of bikes, carbon road racer, steel mountain bike and my titanium gravel bike over the last few years. The "problem" is the gravel bike has become the go to bike and I should have rather invested in a second wheelset for the GR rather than a dedicated road bike, i.e. skinny wheels / tyres for road and wide tyre wheel combo for offroad. The spare wheelset can also accommodate suitable road gearing, to offset the ultra compact front chainring set upfront, when trying to hang with the roadies on Marine Drive loop. My decision to purchase the gravel bike was also dictated by my work (renewables industry in the Little Karoo and all of the Northern Cape), and the mountainbike was too slow to cover larger distances over our off weekends. A decision I don't regret, as it also very easy to add the bikepacking gear for the overnighters I end up doing. In short the gravel bike allows for speed and comfort to explore large areas.
  8. Hi from the friendly windy city! Also have a look at Pearson, as they have English and Afrikaans classes. Where will you be based as this also aids in ones decision - as with extramural activities, travel times across town can be awkward. Please shout as we have friends / family at all of the respective schools
  9. Hi I send and receive bikes ex PE on a regular basis via The Courier Guy - cost effective and reliable.
  10. Wondered the same and dropped Cool Heat an email 8 weeks ago and still await a response
  11. Hi Always find the following site a valuable resource - which includes several DIY frame bag options. https://bikepacking.com/bikes/full-suspension/ Personally find a seat pack, bar bags and a small backpack more than enough space for a trip, which is only complicated when camping. Enjoy!!
  12. You correct, several work arounds, but trying to keep within budget using parts I already have. Chaps from A.S. Solutions (terrible name if you dont add the . . ), willing to ship flat to post mount adaptors to SA - shout any one may place an order later with them, they just busy with working out the best / cheapest / reliable shipping option.
  13. Have placed my build on hold, until I can save up for a different groupset as the one I had is all flat mount brakes - post mount on the fork is tricky with Shimano.
  14. Ahh - but I collect directly from you- through in a Bridge Street Brewery voucher and I'm in!
  15. Seat post, saddle, stem and gravel bar with tape combo to complete my Farr gravel frame build? Please?
  16. For ease of reference, free PDF posters with common snakes per province, region or city are available from ASI: https://www.africansnakebiteinstitute.com/posters/
  17. Great position along the beachfront and closer to a few restaurant options as well, Best of all is Wayne Pheiffer cycles has opened up a workshop, with great coffee in the basement shopping complex of the hotel.
  18. Depends on the level of panic - most guys we could talk down and let them rest while floating on their backs - wetsuit buoyancy is key here. Once recovered we encourage them to swim 10 freestyle / tarzan strokes and 10 breaststroke or just focus on swimming from one can to the next. We were team of 12 surski paddlers, 5 SUPs and about 40 lifeguards on malibu boards - all wet and miserable feeling the pain with you (sensing the pain). There are also jetskis and rescue rubber ducks etc. So no chance of getting lost (happens with fogged up goggles) or disorientated.
  19. I was on a surfski doing water safety for all the Ironman events this year, and can only say that they guys and gals that struggled were those that had not yet spent a few hours in the ocean prior to their swims. Simple things such as the sudden temperature change when hitting the sea, which would either caused breathlessness or goggles to fog up or be lost in the first wave, causing a number of competitors to panic. Another trick we saw paying off was to swim wide of the turn buoys, this places one out of the traffic and minimizes the chance of being hit or kicked. It may add a few meters, but paid off as these guys could keep their tempo up and stay focused. Remember there are a number of swim groups leading up to the event from Hobie beach, so if one can head down a day or two earlier and get settled in the ocean. So you will always have company - also just shout as our surfski group as well as a SUP group, are always on standby to accompany guys during training. We have also had whales and large pods of dolphins accompany swimmers this month so and added bonus. Was also fortunate to lead the first elite male and then last man back in - what a difference 5.5km/h ave versus a 2-3km/h ave - huge respect as he had only learnt to swim two years ago. Huge respect to anyone that finishes this challenge!!
  20. Hi Voel Die Veld Route looks great, especially the last couple of days, very scenic. The timing and overnight intervals are also perfect. Our best trip has been 10days, our worst 4.5 days in terms of comfort. The short trip did not allow for rest days or any spare for poor weather conditions. Other suggestions, would be to rather use the R102 out of PE to JBay. The N2 is not cyclist friendly with little to no shoulder in sections around Thornhill. Also, PE to Crossways turn-off is Freeway, thus no cycling allowed. Similar for the N2 section from George to Mosselbay, also Freeway. We made this mistake on our first trip and traffic officials escorted us back to the nearest interchange (walking) to make use of R102. Provincial Roads still repairing the corrugated road to Brakkeduine but will be okay for MTB or high-volume tyre gravel bike. Last comment, plan to ride early, at the moment 20-30km SW to W winds start blowing around 10-11am. These do subside around 3/4pm. If you keep an eye on Strava you will notice PE cyclists mostly travel in an Easterly direction later in the day this time of year. Will be back in town on the 25th after cycling in the Karoo, so shout if you need assistance etc!
  21. Done this route or sections of it several times in the past, ranging from 4.5 days to 15 days if off road. If using mainly tar, aovid the freeway sections outside of PE, between George - Mosselbay and just outside Cape Twon, i.e. use the old R102 in these areas, so that the traffic authorities dont spoil your day. Also keep an eye on the seasonal wind directions, as one year we fought the westerly gales all the way to CPT
  22. Hi See the PDF diagram for the unit that was supplied with my Momsen - seems it is only a wiper seal SF11RAIDON-P-RL-air.pdf
  23. Having a similar water issues in Port Elizabeth, so invested in a 10l backpack sprayer bought at our local co-op. Filled with rain water from a tank and the 10l is enough for 3-4 bike washes and 1 surf ski rinse down http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/317kOtQC1NL.jpg
  24. Daily driver - 1986 Alpina I raced from new and now busy with resto
Settings My Forum Content My Followed Content Forum Settings Ad Messages My Ads My Favourites My Saved Alerts My Pay Deals Help Logout