vanniri

Did some self-service on the bike yesterday (yes, much easier on a ht!). Decided to take some pictures.

I agree, looked to me as if his front wheel already gave way at the turn. Pity, would have been a good run to the finish. Nino was however only one of many who punctured, would have been a very different race if we saw no punctures.

Hopefully with these two photos the trail hardtails will equal the XC weapons posted initially!

Well written. I have been riding a mtb for close to 30 yrs - obviously initially on something only remotely looking like today's bikes. I also lived in Brazil for a number of years and have done one CE in 2007 and virtually all stage races, most more than once. No, I will not do another, but I have no doubt in my mind the CE changed mtb'ing tremendously. I believe SA as a mtb'ing destination would not have been on the map if not for the CE. I do think mtb would still have become huge in SA, maybe just slightly delayed. A number of riders have plenty to thank the CE for, as do W/C province. I have the utmost respect for anyone completing the CE and will recommend it to anyone who enjoys riding mtb. Reason for not interested in another CE? Same reason I started mtb, I enjoy being close to nature and the local trails provide me with this and more. I have also not entered any races in awhile and are unlikely to do so for same reasons as above.

Franschhoek - wet

It would be interesting to hear how many people on this thread are aware what the acronym JOMO stands for?

How times changed - two years ago the females was the most unpredictable and thus more exciting. Currently the men makes for the most exciting racing. Alan is peaking nicely and must be a medal contender. For obvious reasons he gets my support. Nino will find it difficult but his ability to fight back is awesome to watch. Personally I would like him to exceed Absalon's record if only to draw a new line in the sand. Both of them are legendary and will take the current crop a few years of consistent performance to beat.

Looks like the Superlight from days yonder - single pivot and everything. The Blur with its patented anti-squad linkage won the day and became the best seller.

Are you familiar with the term Trilabis? It means all Tril and Ribbes You probably need to be Afrikaans to understand it

At the risk of being corrected, I think tyre pressure and tyre choice has a greater impact. Having said that the benefit of a wider rim is the ability to run lower tyre pressures with less risk of squirming and a flatter profile tyre. The latter might also be negative on grip if the tyre was not designed with a flat profile in mind. In my experinece a wide (ID) is a sensible upgrade. I would look for at least 25mm, prefereably more. Your current ID of 20mm is very narrow even by historical standards. Of course technique and skill can overcome most things. However, upgrades are fun and your significant other probably knows as much about wheelset/rim prices as ID choice on rims.

Similar experience in Europe. South America was a blast, even then the African diversity with the change of the day is unmatched.

This, and e-bikes, and discs on road bikes, and dropper post on XC bike, and using trail bike on XC circuit, and using XC bike on tar road, and ..., should just not be allowed! All of these inappropriate behaviours just lead to more innovation and who in their right mind wants that?

Ditto on the suggested price range. Are you planning to upgrade? Looking at the bike size, your saddle high, etc. I would say a 29er will be a huge improvement.

Should read: ...purpose of the expenditure was to produce income...

Yes, reason: the containers only goes one way. Asia has C19 and the whole lockdown thing under control. It shows in their manufacturing output.

Yes, but the 2000km on the bike will be all smiles, the 100k km in the Landy (or any car for that matter? Bike for me any day

What do you use to clean in-between Smoove application?

Anybody not riding my style and my choice of mountain bike should not call himself a mtb'er!

During the lockdown I had some time on my hands, as such I decided to raise my stereo speaker cables off the floor using special holders made from multiple layers of materials. The result was next to amazing! I then noticed the graphen impregnated dry lube being sold on the same website. I immediately bought two bottles and can't wait to try it. My expectations is sky-high to say the least. For those interested in these life-changing products, visit www.snakeoil.com Experience it for yourself, do not listen to these naysayers. Like my Grandpa used to say "Poor people are poor for a reason."

So it seems not only the "bourgeois" is out of touch with the working class reality, so are our politicians.

Did it yesterday. No safety issues (been in the area for 15 yrs). Lots of rocky sections - damaged more than a few rims. Possible to find some snakes (puffy) on the trails. Not very technical but access in case of rescue not easy. Also the reason behind relative safety ito crime. Four main sections (two around Matoppie) and two at dam's inflow. One circle route called snake alley and the second in and back. For those inclined to do some hiking whilst cycling many more options. Some really stunning sections when you opt for cycling/hiking. Only issue is these are even more remote.

No, asking prices are based on replacement cost rather than original price less 50% as guidance.

Saw lots of Maxxis options at GMC as recently as three weeks ago

Albert Ahrens - he makes excellent MCC also

Easier to fit in the back of the SUV