TwiggzSA

M455 brakes are basically entry level so to begin with they're not the best but regardless they should still do the trick. Shimano naming scheme works on 3 digits the first being the series. 9 - XTR, 8 - Saints, 7 - XT, 6 - SLX, 5 - Deore, 4 - Alivio. Although there are the exceptions like the M505 brakes which are non-series meaning they're standalone entry level.

You can add Karoo2Coast to that list as well. What's in a name?

Why not cycle to work and leave your bike locked up there, then run home from work. Then the next day do it in reverse. And then one day you can gym in the afternoon after work. Killing three birds in 2 days....huh, think I got that wrong.

That's what I was trying to say, racing raises the heart rate and so does donating blood so do you really want to put your heart under greater strain with them both combined. I'm not a doctor but that just sounds like a dumb idea to donate blood and race. Choose one, seems like the OP is donating for a personal cause and is most probably much more important than a race. The race will happen again next year, I think your friends daughter is more important.

I've definitely noticed an increase in heart rate during exercise for two days after donating blood. And sluggish on the third day. If I'm taking part in a race then I won't donate since my heart rate goes up about 20bpm average in a race compared to a social ride.

I've got a Citi Golf and use the Thule rack in the last image to carry my 29er. It fits properly and it's probably the one of the less expensive models. My only suggestion would be to get rubber patches to stick onto the rack where it hooks onto the bottom of the boot. Without that it will scratch the paint work and eventually remove the paint totally. The roof rack seems like a good option, just make sure you don't forget the bike is up there. I've seen some horror stories on the hub.

There was a marshal after the gravel road section directing 60km to turn right and 30km to go straight. There weren't any marking to show the way so if you didn't hear the marshal or got there at the wrong time you could have chosen the wrong way.

That's because M770 is the product code for the Rapidfire XT shifters.

There was a bike washing station at the end of the Epic, remember seeing it at one of the road crossings to the parking area.

I agree on the brakes, they're M505's, the shifters are XT so what would you recommend?

I had the same dilemma as you having now. I ruled out the Giant because I didn't like the SRAM groupset and the bakes are very entry level Shimano. It was between the Momsen and the Titan, I Scott was out of my price range. I went for the Titan and upgraded the brakes to XT to make it a full XT bike. I'm not looking back.

I know you mention that you are "not the most computer literate" but most smartphones have GPS built in and an app like Google My Tracks or Endomondo will do all that for you. So if you have a phone that's capable, like an iPhone or Android you can do this very cheaply. Just a thought....

Hey Covie, I wouldn't drive through Bloem if I were you, those pigs will have you for obscured tail lights and license plate number.

Hopefully people won't take it too seriously and see the funny side. From what I've read on this forum, people generally have a good sense of humour. I've also taken part in these debates, so not pointing fingers. “The person who knows how to laugh at himself will never cease to be amused.” - Shirley MacLaine

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Look on the bright side, we will just have to cycle everywhere instead.

Get the KY jelly ready!

Have a look here for all the MTB routes in the area. Loads to choose from and as others have mentioned most of them are top quality. http://www.mtbroutes.co.za/trails/western-cape/peninsula-a-winelands.html http://www.mtbroutes.co.za/trails/western-cape/overberg-a-southern-cape.html

So what you're saying is that if you had to only buy the part from them and not fit it there that they would be taking a loss (in profit at the least) on the item. How does this LBS stay open then? A price on anything has a cost portion and a profit portion. Just because you're supplying the parts doesn't mean that they are not making a profit on the service fee. The LBS should remember that there is value in customer service as well, good experience means repeat business. Taking a small hit in profit now could mean major come backs later. I think this LBS is being very short sighted.

It's something you don't want happening when you get a prostate checkup.

Agreed, a test for me was the switchbacks at Meerendal and had no problems. Then on the plus side it just cruised up Meerendal hill with no problem.

I don't think price fixing applies to one product but rather to products between different manufacturers. Like if Garmin priced their products the same as polar then I'd start calling foul.

Thanks, that's good advice. Been thinking about changing my KMC X10 chain for a Shimano XT chain anyway, being as it's a XT cassette.

Thanks, was looking at the american classics but don't know how they compare to Stans offerings that seems to be quite popular lately. Those EC90XC's look awesome! But a little out my price range.

Hey D Vader, I'm 72kg at the moment. Budget is probably in the american classic range. Around R5000 give or take R1000 if the benefit is worth it. I've got XT rotors at the moment and funny you mentioned it, I've got Maxxis crossmarks that came with the bike. Was thinking about going tubeless rocket rons or racing ralphs when the crossmarks need to be replaced. But getting a second wheelset would obviously change this plan.