Vandit

Erosion is a big problem there though, which is fun as it changes a bit between every rain. Some of the sections where all the top has been washed off is quite loose with lots of large rocks, so watch those spokes. Fun as hell to ride in the wet!!

Pretty sure I have ridden most of the trails at Fonteine except for the drop inn and gap jump I think Patches? showed earlier. They look fun and I'm thinking of restoring them. And your'e right, the extra travel and slack angle gives confidence. Surely more fun, but you could easily do all that on a hardtail, might even be faster. Groenkloof feels like a waste except if your'e into torture and all that. Don't get me wrong; some of the uphills are quite technical, but that's not why we post in the Gravity forum. It's like most of the trails are pointed in the wrong direction... I hate peddling uphill on a trail to only find a jeep track that takes you back down at a snails pace. I am pretty sure even a few of the xc guys feel the same way. The trail builder should be shot! Anyway off topic. Show those AM bikes!

It's an old Mountain Speed. Very similar to the Dartmoor Simple chain guard: http://dialdbikes.co.za/dartmoor-simple-chain-guide.html To be honest I was looking for an AM rig and took it (1) because I got a great deal, (2) i love the cnc'd rear triangle, and (3) having an AM rig would excuse me from doing any longer than 35km xc rides with my mates..... I am still however a total newb and my skill level doesn't justify having it. Pretoria is quite flat and apart from the downhills and maybe Fonteine/Groenkloof (which tbh I think you don't need anything more than your childhood R700 Makro Raleigh for) i don't really know where to ride? Any recommendations?

Bought this beaut 2nd hand a few months ago. Has changed a bit since. A bit heavy for my little rat legs, but the extra effort on the uphills is worth it on the way down.