Kuys

What chainring are you running? I've noticed that te dedicated ring like Wolftooth pedals noticeably more efficient than standard shift chainrings. I assume its because of the longer teeth I've ridden quite a few rides with lots of steep climbing with 32t on 29er trailbike, but are going down to 30t now. HTFU and stick to the 34 on the 26er.

And thats brand new from the importer

http://www.rushsportscycling.com/Store/Buy/Turner-Bikes/SALE!!-5.Spot-Frame-incl-Fox-RP23.aspx

I'm coming down to Stellenbosch for Dec, will test my 1 x 10 in Jonkershoek, Welvanpas etc... Will be testing it this weekend at Cascades Enduro, also similar freakin steep climbing...

The problem is it can be expensive trying different front ring sizes.... unless you can steal/borrow diferent sizes and try out

then conversion will cost you only R900... instead of R8000

I've just converted from 2x10 (11-36 casette with 24-32 crankset) on my 29er to 1x10 (11-36, 32t Wolftooth) My recommendation: keep the 11-36 casette carefully select what size chainring up front, keep in mind 32t on 29er is equivalent to 36t on 26".... Wolftooth has nice table that shows the differences between all the different gearing options. You would be amazed by how efficient the 1 x 10 set-up is, I also experienced that my chain need less lube before it starts squeaking on the 1 x 10. I've done the Van Gaalens concrete climb a few times on it now, and its not really much more effort than with my old 2x10 set-up I'd probably go for 30t on my 29er, but thats beacuse I ride lots of really steep technical trails Also keep in mind Shimano will most probably release their 1x10/11 set-up end of this year, and if it trickles down to XT, that should be the one to wait for, in the mean time, go for 1 x 10 with wolftooth, with standard 11-36 casette. Also on my hardtail I can ride 1 x 10 without need for clutch derailleur, on my full sus, I have clutch, and the Wolftooth also works on 9 spd as well

I ride a SC Tallboy LTc, awesome bike, and does not stand back one bit for the standard Tallboy which my wife rides Only downside for LTc is lack of waterbottle cage in frame, and you need to run 140mm fork at least to make good use of it. For normal XC tipe riding I'd take the standard Tallboy C, or Czar.

I reckon van Gaalens will be best venue to have a 1st Enduro in Gauteng, yes there will be long transitions, but then maybe spread it over Sat and Sunday, have 3 stages on Sat and 3 stages on Sunday, and plenty of time for beer afterwards.. Possible stages: Pofadder, the new "enduro" section above Dagga pad, the singletrack nect to the gravel road after Dagga pad, Greek Church (do the singletrack climb after Greeg Church in reverse). Standard Dagga pad and river sections are too flat Thaba Trails can make good venue as well, but stages will be very short I think, same with Kingskloof The Hartbeespoort cable car area has lots of potential as well, one cab create a world class enduro trail there, it wont be for sissies..

I have a set of R1's for sale, swopped them for Avids...

Avid X0 Trails are the best... super strong, great lever feel and excellent modulation. Had zero issues on 1.5 year old set, and easy to set-up, never rubs against rotors. My wfie has a set as well, and no issues there either But XT appears to be really great as well from all my friends who ride them

Did BC Bike Race this year, amazing, a must do