Borriz

Perhaps this was mentioned somewhere midway during this thread. So apologies too whomever that already addressed this topic. I fully agree with the balancing act of fitting in CF with your other training. Tried this for years and couldn't manage. The problem that I found is that due to incorrect posture and objective to finish your CF set, is that you end up having muscle imbalance. Which wont necessarily result in injury, but your cycling efficiency is hampered. Stuff like tight hipflexor because of quad overuse, weak hamstring because of poor squads etc. Thus my suggestion, if you are looking at improving cycling, is to rather do pilates. You will become far better technically (especially in MTB) and you'll engage all the correct muscles when cycling. Even on endurance rides. But not group pilates. You'll gain far reaching health benefits doing pilates. Plus your ego will take shots if you have reputable instructor. :-)

My objective view after a month on my 140. It climbs a lot better than stated in article. But doesn't like flat roads. Couldn't agree more on front wheel comment. This bike eat single track like boarding school boys eat toast - very fast So ito Munga - not recommended. S2C? Hell yes. Crater Cruise? Noway Jose. Basically find any race profile that goes up and down but not flat and the narrower the better

Rode this beast on Monday down the Drakensberg. If you are after extreme all mountain riding then this machine is for you. For anything else with the word "race" in it, then go with skinnier tires and look at Camber or Epic. This 6fatty setup is purely for fun and extreme stuff. It literally soak up everything possible you can throw at it. It even climbs steps with a doddle because of the extra grip. This bike isn't for "one bike for everything". But the fatty tires do make steering a bit more cumbersome. It seems the verdict is still out there if 3" isn't too much. Partick Moorewood suggested that 2,8" might actually be sweet spot. My vote will go for this, with the hope to win one. Otherwise Pyga 140!!

Going to do this now for my bike! Completely forgot about this item I'm in process of understanding requirements on 3D printed items. If you have any similar requests then let me know. I've done a few designs, like an Apple Espresso cup, Batman engraved espresso cup, 3D printed my house (scale model) and many more "stuff" Even did a beta version Specialised Enduro toolbox that fits inside frame (small little triangle behind headset)

I agree with Copperhead - Think you've already made up your mind and just looking for justification :-) I trained with 34 front blade all the way to epic and had no issues on prologue of epic. but opted to switch to 32 for rest of epic to ensure I don't burn my legs. I'm no racing snake. fighting weight is 84kg The real advantage for me is the lack of front derailleur which means less that can go wrong mechanically when you hit mud. Ja weight is probably advantage but prunes and water is cheaper. I had more issues converting from 27 gears to 2 x 10, than from 2 x 10 to 1 x 11. But then I had single speed training before converting to 1 x 11. Maybe only word of advise is to look at how much time you spend in small blade during general riding. If you spend hardly anytime in it then 1 x 11 will not be an issue. The 1 x 11 ratios is 42 - 11 if I'm not mistaken. That 42 is as big as saucer plate.

So if I use Chubba's rational and your profile location I would say that Pietermaritzburg is flat and not technical. The end story and decision making pivots on this answer: "what do you want to ride" and the second answer, very closely related "what bike do you enjoy riding". The lesson from this conversation is that other people shouldn't decide what bike or make or size or colour bike you should ride.

Zula! Or perhaps a Zula. But if you really want to be daring the Zula. But if you're short of cash...the Zula. If you like technical, downhill pump action riding on handlebars...Zula. On the otherhand, if you're looking for fun, comfort and ride enjoyment then get the Zula

I'm riding the new XTR brakes. To be honest. I can't feel the real difference between them and the HopeX2s - which I had on my old bike. I would've loved to have the Hopes on my new bike but the only problem (and this is honestly the only problem) is they make life rather compact on a 600mm oversized flat bar. This is due to the reservoir that it rather bulky. I did bundle them with XTR shifters. So perhaps a X0 shifter accomodates Hope better - don't know. But the lever size and feel of XTR is very much the same as Hope. Stopping power also the same, the compactness of the new XTR shifter and brake just works better. Would still love to have Hopes in my bike.....would go great with my Chris King stuff

So happy to see we are all in agreement! Ride what works!

Just wondering about your shock pressure? If its too low you will automatically dip in front, especially go downhill - the steeper the angle the more deflated the more you nose dive. The angle of your stem can also play part. Compare a 0 degree with a 6 degree and perhaps shorter stem to bring your hands back. The cool thing with the Zula, is that it loves riding on the handlebar and out of the saddle - the downhill pedigree comes through loud and clear. Your length suggest medium, your longer legs a large. Perhaps try laid back seatpost to give you even more move space between saddle nose and handle bar.

Can someone please check if he stocks a stolen black and red Morewood Zula with red hope hubs on Mavic 819'? Would love to have my bike back!:-)

What also works lekker is to do Breedts and then go straight pass the cars up Hekpoort and down. Hekpoort is 8km long with same elevation but takes you the same time than Breedts which is about 4.5km. Alternatively park your cars at "cars" that new pub just before Hekpoort (on Krugersdorp's side) and ride from there. Lekker downhill to start before Breedts and all uphill from halfway mark back. Wish I was fit then we could've done our Chicken2Chicken ride - Leave from Home of Chicken pie all the way to Peaconwood and back. About 85km but tons of variations to the route to make is longer or shorter, tougher or more strenuous :-) Enjoy your training! Sounds like you're doing it right. remember...there are always 3 costants on Breedts' long climb - the sun, a wind and a fly. Check Sunday and let me know :-)

From all the stories, i will admit mine was opportunistic. It was dark, I was crawling up the hill as I just exited my complex gate, very quiet road that time of morning...they had a gun.....I had a smile....boom bam......bliksem hierdie bike ry lekker! Thanks Boss!

The other crap issue around this is when I reported my bike hi-jacking the police officer looked at me funny and reported the incident as "armed robbery". So the police reporting structure won't highlight any facts either. Another issue - I was hijacked at about 5h30, finally got into our complex (thanks to my keys being in back of my camelbak on its way in opposite direction from my house) at 6h15 and at police station at 7h30. Was only helped by an officer at 8h20 after standing in a queue of 1 people (who was drunk and not really standing or in line or really waiting for assistance). He finally finished his report at 9h00 despite my attempts to get a car out to go search for my bike as I was sure they left it in the nearby bush or abandoned house. Nope! Nada! Ziltch! Nothing! Zero! Zip! Oh and it was a Zula. They kept on asking for a phone and followed through by taking my shoes plus camelbak. I'm yet to see the cool oke with his Oakley Jawbones again! Perhaps he is carving some ornament with my Leatherman, or doing night rides with my magic shine bike light - nope I don't think so. Guess he is doing long distance running with my Camelbak mule preparing to run in 2012 London Olympic and trying out the energy dynamics I left him. Lets look out for the guy doing the marathon running on his heels cause shimano shoes aint made for running dog!

Check if tyre seated correctly! Then, how big is your speed sensor on your fork? Don't blame large Anthem - I had a medium and small and no problems. Do your checklists and find the real problem before dissing the frame that is one component. The front wheel has 270 parts - start there!