G-Unit

I'm looking to get a Tallboy. I currently ride a large Specialized Stumpjumper, which is a bit big for me. I'm exactly 6' tall (1.82m), so I'm pretty much in between sizes. I'm considering going for a medium Tallboy, but understand that in general the SC bikes are sized a bit smaller. Of course I'll be be down to my LBS to try before I buy, but would appreciate comments and suggestion from any owners on their experience regarding sizing. BTW, I'm also looking to sell my Stumpy if anyone is looking. I'll be putting it in the classifieds soon.

Just to be sure - you have already removed the plastic thingy next to your cassette as well as any reflectors in your spokes? ????

There is nothing cooler than looking down at your chainrings and cassette to confirm what you already knew... Take that **** off...

Thanks for the perspective. I'm glad you didn't say something like 'it was the easiest Epic ever'. From the sound of things I really dodged a bullet by skipping the super-hard argus :-)

I was one of the many newbies this year, and I really dug it! Hype was fantastic, riding was tough and technical and the weather just added that 'Epic' feel. If it weren't for the prIcetag, I'd be back in a heartbeat. Like you guys say, maybe pIck up a cheap entry in Feb next year...

Hmmm... Are SC the first to build a heavy duty 29er AM bike? Wonder if that works?

If you miss the cutoff, but complete the course you can carry on the next day. You won't be an official finisher. If you miss the cutoff for a second time you may not continue.

Nice one, go-pro's are awesome. FYI, sani2c is not quite that flat????

Latest update as yr.no Prologue (Durbanville) - sunny, getting warm later (30 deg) Day 1 (Robertson) - hot (33 deg) Day 2 (Robertson) - overcast with a bit of rain (26 deg) Day 3 (Robertson - Caldeon) overcast clearing later (25 deg)

I also saw that - yes please, bring it on. Mid 20's!!

Since I haven't done any, I'll ride on the coattails of Team Bulls' vast Epic experience - no untried gear for the Epic. Or if you go with the 2x10, I promise to push up all the hills with you :-) ...

I've never been a big fan of Evans, but watching this gave me some respect for the man. He comes across as quite positive in the face of seriously bad luck. Definitely makes me want to get on my bike!!

Wow! 240 km is hectic - what is the time limit to finish? Also, what categories are there? That must be a mother of a ride...

I just know that Stan's makes those horrible spiders if you use a standard CO2 bomb.

I don't think there is one tyre which does it all, but for my money the Geax Saguaro is an excellent tyre. It checks all your boxes, except for mud, where it is a poor option.

I think MTB is the way to go for commuting. You can hop curbs etc. to take evasive action (which is inevitable in traffic). Plus if you go through a suburb you have the opportunity to skid the cr@p out of some poor sod's lawn! :-)

Most of us from Pretoria are mentally deficient in some or other form...

The riding is brilliant. Tough climbs, sick single track, bush tunnels, bits of the mega-avalanche course on day 3. As good as it gets. Do it (full, not the baby one).

Yes, but can he afford an epic entry???

Like others, I say vote with your wallet. If it is too expensive, don't do it. Look at 3 towers - still about R 4500 per team, all inclusive. Do those kind of events, and the guys trying to rip us will have to reconsider. Supply and demand - gotta love free market economy.

Or P-Town!! (Pretoria) It are the kiefest place to trap a dikwiel!

My Stumpjumper's (140mm travel) rear wheel started developing a loose feel on descents. After closer investigation found the problem in 2 places - bearings in rear hub had play as well as pivot joint bearings with play. I have replaced hub bearing and it is much better. I am sure replacing pivot bearings will solve the problem totally.

I commute between Waterkloof and Germsiton and I cross the railway line on the eastern side of the R21 (near the 1-stop) at least once a week, and have done so on and off for the last 3 years with no problems. But I would not advise anyone to ride along the tracks on the western side of the R21. It is much closer to Tembisa, and IMO the chances of riding into opportunistic criminals is much bigger. If you know a safer way to get from Base 3 to Nellmapius, there are several decent routes from there to Silverlakes.

Epic getting close now - any guesses on the weather? Looking at photos in the Argus thread, CT looks hot and dry. I also heard about some fires in the Robertson area. Oh boy...

Thanks, looking forward to it. Especially the individual TT. Skintight onesie with aero helmet anyone? :-)