Alouette3

So we road Switchbacks again yesterday, and the rain we had in the week was not kind to it. Some serious ruts coming down from the land slide area. Must have been one heck of a lot of water that came down! But on the plus side, I'll be able to make the build day next weekend for a change!

There are a couple of us living in Hout Bay, and we been dreaming about making trails. But knowing the politics that prevail in the area all to well its a near impossible endeavor! Some guys ride a bit in the forest at Ruiterplaats, but you won't get that trail linked all the way to the nek as you can't go through Oranjekloof. I've followed the trail to Longkloof but there are a lot of sections you can't ride over. If you find an area, I'd be keen to help build.

Was actually very extensive, right across the peninsula. Observed the mountains from the air. Never seen such extensive damage over such a large area, just caused by rain.

Agreed, but a build day will at least get it a bit more rideable for those that are riding it any way. We can't go making it to easy now For the moment a build day can remove some of the bush, loose rocks and take that one tree stump out from the slide area.

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/140443-tokai-bridle/ It's on the cards for next months build!!! Started riding it again last week, and really enjoying it again, even in its state. Though it's not quite what it was.

Wish I could actually attend build days! Hopefully I get the first weekend off one of these months soon, till then I'll continue harassing from above.

The main dodgy sections slipped last year, all the dirt blocked some areas of the trail badly, but some of it has now cleared up. On the positive side, it has provided material to do some repairs with!

Yip, rode it with Porqui yesterday and it was serious fun. Actually a lot better than I expected. It was my favorite trail, and I'm glad its back to being mostly ride able, though not easy by any means. Think we need to chat to the powers that be and do a build day up there one of these days to clean up a couple sections.

Those aren't gloves, check they attach to the bars and you put your hands into them

That's the same ride I got, it's awesome. Only improved with a dropper post.

That Intense in the Classifieds looks good

Went from a Merida HT to a 2011 Trance X and won't go back for my kind of riding at least. The Giant Maestro system climbs very well, I most of the time don't even bother with the pro pedal or lock out. I paid R10k a year and a half back second hand, so you shouldn't have a problem. Wouldn't go older than 2010 if you going Giant, unless it's seriously cheap.

As Porqui said my clutch retainer snapped, in which case you will feel no friction, it will feel like a normal derailleur with just a spring. (Mine was repaired under warranty by shimano) If you open up the clutch there is a set screw which allows you to set the amount of friction, check that it is screwed in all the way, ie max friction. As for the grease anything will do, it's just there to reduce the metal on metal wear. We are often just scafted for a brand name. It's not like replacing a shock oil where the viscosity and mineral make up has abig influence.

I know my Trance has a couple notches behind the bearings, if you careful insert a screwdriver and SLOWLY tape the bearings out. I used a couple nuts and washers to press new ones back in. Be patient and ensure they go in straight.

Got a Nobby Nic that is doing the same. Seems to just be a additional cosmetic coating that is coming off. I'm not worried by it

Last time I road the Cecilia area I got stopped by parks, they asked for my activity permit, which I produced and they let me go on my merry way...! Was almost like they stopped me trying to catch me out, but had my card in my camelbak.

I actually commented to Porqui when we road last week, as to just how dodgy that little rocky section is getting. I sometimes fly down there, and all you need is one rock and its game over and a long fall. Mamba has not weathered through the summer very well. Wishing a speedy recover.

Classic in that the Giant Cadex was the first major Carbon bike available and mass produced.

Classics those! We still have 2 Cadex CFM2 mountain bikes, though we use them converted for road riding. Cool little bikes! Unfortunately classic doesn't add much value these days, well at least in SA. I wouldn't mind getting my hand in one though.

I'm actually very happy with my Giant rims. Those things are bomb proof and fairly light. Maybe upgrade the hubs? I'm happy with my Giant Tracker hub up front but want to upgrade my rear Shimano hub, will actually shave a good few grams too. Also remember that that Giant owns DT Swiss... just putting it out there.

10wt Bel Ray fork oil from Trac Mac f or the lowers and some 80wt synthetic gear oil from Midas for the foam rings and top of the air piston.

Basic service is fairly simple to do. Done it a couple of times with advise from droo and the other hubbers. I haven't needed to replace the foam rings and rubber dust seals as yet, just cleaned them up and checked their condition.

Great, thanks for the feedback. All sounds very positive! If I'm off on the 5th I'll be there.

Thanks Deon,I'll be standing by for more info.

So we set off with a bang last year, building the new Snake trails last year and repairing and realigning some of the older trails, build days were well attended and Tokai was riding better then it has in a long time. Now we have elected a comity in an effort to formalize activities and everything seems to have just come to an abrupt stop! I rode last night after a couple weeks break from mountain biking in Tokai for Argus training. I was shocked at how bad the condition of some of the trails are, eroded and overgrown etc. What are the plans going ahead The club? Fixing and maintaining trails? Planned building of new trails? Build days? I know there was talk of a controlled burn which was holding back so work? So then does anyone know what we can expect going forward...