Robbow

I have the Cobalt 3 post, and the simple answer is tight, VERY tight and then it wont move.

More climbing than last year.... Havent done it before, but the routes look very nice, most of the hard climbing up early and then nice long run into each days finish. At least you will look good coming in !!!

Sadly must agree with this thread. I am currently stuck in the same boat with CT shop, part broke in first usage, now its my cost and problem to return it. Not only that but have had to buy another replacement part as I needed one ASAP, and have now paid twice for the fitment and technically 3 rounds of shipping (1st part, 2nd part and now to send 1st part back)

There are some of those boards in the single track on either side of the tar road near Grace College, rode there on Friday after work.

Some reasons 1. Paying R50 for a number board you dont need (surprise at registration) 2. Rough mowed grass 3. Water table abandoned at 67km mark 4. As stated before, ignoring ROAG 5. Agreed, with all the great riding available I feel there could have been better sections But in saying all that, was indeed a proper hard ride and well pleased to finish.

Have entered the 75km, nice solid day out and the route looks pretty good. Will get to ride areas that normally aren't open and some pretty big climbing. I see the entry numbers are quite low, and the only reason I can think as to why is the lack of ROAG advertising. There are 1000's of MTB'rs in KZN and the races here are very well supported in general, but people here only use the ROAG system and I think the numbers would have been much better if their mailing list/system was used. Just a thought, because the race is in a great location and Im sure more people would do it.

If we are talking about things to improve Karkloof race weekend in general. Why dont you start a more technical shorter distance race? Friday night is the night race, which was great, Saturday afternoon was the Enduro and Sunday was the 3 distances for ROAG points, prizemoney etc. But the difference between the 20 and 40 is huge, not only in distance but in the technical riding. The 20 route I rode the weekend after and it was very straight forward and simple (which it should be), but if you are trying to improve riders skills and get them to enjoy/move up to the 40 then there needs to be a more challenging race. So the suggestion which Steve and I have chatted about a few times is to use the time available (Saturday morning) and make another race, something like a 25km more in the mould of the 40km type route, singletrack, rockgardens etc. Then it doesnt have to be for ROAG points, prizemoney etc. But is a good distance for improving riders to try and really enjoy the best of Karkloof, up their skills and fill the void on Saturday morning. Could easily be done using the 15km technical route, with a few add ons like the climb up to Zille that the 30km route uses normally. I would do it too, as it would be a nice ride between the night race and Sundays classics. But overall as usual was a great weekend, even though I ride there all the time it's still awesome fun.

Thanks for all the info and offer of pads. I am already running 180 rotors front and rear having learnt my lesson with previous bikes and 160 rotors. One of my riding partners has the same brakes and is 25kg+ lighter than me and is getting no further on the pads, so clearly not just my riding style. 95% of my riding is in the Howick/Karkloof area, so plenty of technical singletrack, rocks, roots etc. So I am sure if it was more gravel travel I would go further. Will do some homework to find Quaxar Carbon Metallic pads and give them a try.

Thanks, that sounds much better. You dont know what the brand is by any chance?

So my new GT has the Formula R1 brakes on it, and besides a little squealing I am very happy with the way they work. BUT, they are eating pads. The first set did just over 500km's and now the second set is vanishing equally as quickly. Currently they are the genuine organic pads, which I assume is the same as the originals. But for R500 for F&R thats crazy. Does anyone have any experience with them? Cheaper alternatives.

Thats the same light I have, I thought it was 2000 Lumen, but mine is also the Ultimate Edition so is 2200. Its a very good light and very bright, try and mount it as close to the centre of your bars as possible otherwise you will land up with it shining at a slight angle with your bar sweep angle and the other side will have a noticeable darker edge due to the angle of the light unit. I have made a little mod on my bars so that the light sits straight.

I have the Magicshine MJ880, is 2000 Lumens at 100%. I can tell you it is plenty bright enough Agreed that a headlight would also be useful, especially when navigating twisting singletrack. You certainly want a very bright light for nightime MTB rides.

Well, I just spent a fair chunk of the long weekend riding a large number of new trails that are being built for the 40km race. Even if you know the area well there is a lot of new stuff, the guys in the 40 are going to have some fun. There is a fair bit still being finished, so will go back this weekend and see if I can ride the whole route.

I unfortunately have to agree with this thread. 2 weeks ago I was excited to buy a new bike and found a very suitable choice. It then took 2 days for the local shop to get hold of the rep to order the bike in my size, during this time a riding buddy also decided to get the same bike/deal, so they landed up ordering 2. For a week nothing happened as they were on there way from the rather large importer in Cape Town (Numerous well known brands). They then turned up in the wrong shop somewhere in JHB, got rerouted, and now that they know where they are, they have sent the wrong bikes. Now we wait again whilst the correct ones are sent. (Hopefully) So disheartened is how I am feeling about this whole purchase, not excited anymore p.s. These are also rather expensive bike's R40k each, so not your el cheapo's.

Where is that? Is it open to ride yet?

Which size? I need for 29r too. Continental Sport Contact 700x32C Continental Sport Contact 700x37C Thanks

R910....I need lights, been looking to buy.

I am in OB at 9.44............not pleased. We did the Amashova last year so as to get a seeding and avoid being right at the back, yet somehow we are still there! I have sent a query in to ask to be moved into the seeded batches, which will then get us in front of all the PPA batches. Am going for the social event, and to enjoy the ride, but still would like to get going before half the field are finished!

I know you said Alu frame, but consider the Tomac Supermatic 120. Is Carbon, but meets your requirements. I have it with XT/XTR, Mavic SLR's, and Easton carbon bits....very very pleased with the performance and weight... Not sure on price, but do have the contact details for the importer in Durb's.

Im a touch biased as I have one from the same manufacturer. But I would give the Tomac Diplomat a look....are decent spec for the money. I was tempted, but in the end went with a 26 FS (personal preference)

Hi All So Im looking to get a new MTB. Important facts about me 6.3 tall 93kgs Weekend warrior 45-50km races (normally 2.45 to 3hrs) KZN, loads of races, singletrack etc. Currently have Merida 120 (Deore spec, 14kg) XL frame Important facts about what I want R27 to R30k (no more) Full Suss (100mm to 120mm travel) 26 or 29inch? Carbon? Less than 12kg Not really brand specific, but am looking for some really good options to consider. Some options would be great. Thanks

Our crazy boy KUJO, he's 17 weeks now. Choc Lab

This is the Supermatic 1 which is XTR level, with carbon bits and is +-R37k, I am keen for the Supermatic 2, same frame, Fox shocks, Easton wheels and pieces with XT parts, for +-R29k. Obviously dont want to get it if its just gonna break, but seems really well finished and feels noticeably lighter than my Merida 120 800.

Yesterday at the Illovo Eston Race they had a stand up, with some bikes on show. VERY nice and awesome prices! Does anyone know anything about them, quality, issues etc? There is a 120mm Carbon trail bike with FOX, Easton bits and full XT for R29K. I am super keen but thought I would ask first.