MichaelI65

Have a look at http://www.koga.com/...=12&segment=103 and http://www.koga.com/...12&segment=102. You do not get better.

Monark have a look on the 29er MTBR forum at http://forums.mtbr.c...isplay.php?f=61 where they actually make an attempt to answer most of the questions posted there.

If you're not a weight weenie then get a Thudbuster LT for your 29er HT. It makes the bike feel like a FS. Adds approx. 200-250g to the weight.

and the reason for them pulling out from your LBS was because...always at least 2 sides to a story.

I've done approx. 6,500 km's on my 29er hardtail and would say that it gives "not technically skilled riders" a lot more confidence. Some observations between riding the 29 hardtail and 26 FS: Long non-technical climbs (5+ km's ave 8%) = no real difference Long non-technical descents = 29er faster because it gives me more confidence Steep technical, rocky, loose climbs = 29er wins hands down. There are some climbs (15-20%) that I sometimes have to walk parts of on the 26er but never on the 29er. Steep technical, rocky, loose descents = 29er because it gives me more confidence Flats stretches = no real difference I'm an average Joe cycling between 7 and 9 hours a week on mostly gravel roads and jeep tracks with some long climbs and some steep loose stuff and my overall impression is that the 29er has made me a more confident rider especially in the technical areas which I'm pretty poor at. I liked my 26er but like my 29er more.

Have a 50-70% first come first serve system for the previous years entrants and a lottery system for the rest.

Thought it was a good article. I switched to a 29er and love it to bits but who cares! Just ride and enjoy your bike whatever it is.

Tyre+tube works fine if you are able to get the type of tyre and tyre pressures just right. I've had tubeless for years and never had to stop for a flat. Check and add goop every 3-4 months. My 29er has tubes and they have been fine until I put a Conti Race King on the back using the same psi as before. Result = 4 punctures in a week of riding. I removed the Conti, put the Geax Saguaro back on and, touch lots of wood, haven't had a puncture in the last 2 weeks. All riding is in typical Western Cape Karoo conditions.

Huh! Don't I need a camera?

I've got a Thomson Elite which is great but need the layback one, 30.9, which CWC hasn't got in stock so thought I'd look at the Momsen.

I'd appreciate any good or bad comments from all who have used\are using a Momsen Design Layback Seatpost.

That's why I suggested the 20% guaranteed. Events like this need to be more accessible. Let us say that you are someone who has just come back from overseas or just got into MTB'ing or you're a youngster who is now old enough to take part in an event. So you enter the ones you would like to do only to be told "thanks, you are number 3000 on the waiting list. please be patient". Been waiting patiently to get an entry there for 4+ years.

So just like all other stage events its "up yours" to all of us who could not not participate last year but might like to this year. Instead of becoming a closed shop how about being a little different and opening up entries to everyone from the beginning. If you want to be loyal maybe give 20% to last years entrants first and the rest of them get preferential listing on the waiting list. That way some of us might get lucky with an entry instead of becoming another Sani2C with 0% chance or getting in.

Check out http://forums.mtbr.c...ad.php?t=657146 and http://www.bikeradar...der-50-11-44495 for decent reviews.

Your best bet would be to ride most of the Kluitjieskraal forest route (Wolesley race) and surrounding area. You can get a permit in Wolesley on Friday. If you ride from Tulbagh and then ride in and around the forest and then go up the big climb you can do anything from 60-100 km's without seeing another sole. PM me if you want more info.