Greg78

i know - need to sort these out!

Hi Everyone. In Dec '16 I built up my first single speed with the parts I had and since then have been doing some changes as parts broke / wore out / or I just felt the "need". So updates include - wider tyres (now 2.4"), wider bars and grips, tensioner changed from DMR to Rapide. My spd's broke and replaced with "downhill platform egg beaters" (I know they may brake per some hub advice I read. But 'dam it' they look so cool I was willing to risk it) At some point I would want to go to a steel ss specific frame. (any steel frames in medium laying around looking for a good home?) Side bar : so I was riding the Longmore Classic the past Sunday. I get to the water point - as usual ask where the beer is. Request some Klipdrift with my coke and where the shooters are. Most enjoyed my jokes (well I was serious actually) including one chap who really got onto the where is the beer bandwagon. Turns out he was also on a single speed!!! In a year of riding in the eastern cape on my bike - I finally meet another single speeder. (his buddy came walking up the hill a minute later. The same hill I walked up also on a single speed). So the only three single speed riders at the race meet by chance talking about beer. I didn't get your details after the race - if you reading this - please PM me. Any more single speed riders in PE - please PM me. I love beer, jokes.... and just riding my bike. Happy riding everyone. Greg

ah ok! that makes sense - will tinker around a bit more. Thanks!

Hi - didn't even occur to me to run over the top to be honest. So far chain hasn't jumped as is.... is it better to run over the top do you think? Or no right / wrong way to run the chain through the tensioner? Enjoying the bike I must say!!

I hope you can see pictures now....

Apologies - trying to post some pictures of my new ss. Trek Satche 8 - with rigid carbon fork. Donor parts came from Trek superfly. Got nice xx1 cranks and as I had a 30T upfront made that work. (so have 16T at back). Ratio is perfect for the Baakens Valley Riding I have been doing. Tyres are 2.25 - with time could go 2.4 here. Bike is a bullet! Rails corners. But slower down technical stuff. Pictures will follow... when I can figure this out

doing ten things here at the same time - hence the one liner posts Suppose what was trying to say is, personally think you won't go wrong with the Trek (I am enjoying mine tremendously with no complaints), but just shop around a little. That price points will give you a number of very good options to choose from. Good luck with the bike hunting then. Regards Greg

other options : Bicycling Mag has been running some issues that include 29er shootouts. You should be able to get these online still.

Hi there Have just moved from a 26HT to a 29er Full Sus myself. Still ride the HT now and then I must say. My knowledge is a little limited re prices (I would suggest a post along the lines of : what to buy for 50K - that will get things going nicely I am sure. There are some very experienced riders and shop owners etc on the hub) Some options I would perhaps look at is (complete bikes) : Giant (excellent suspension - prob better than the Trek) and Meridas (this suspension rides more like a slightly softened hard tail). These are the bigger commercial brands. Local - Momsens seem well priced, though this is debated on the hub. Frames and builds : Tall Boy, Niners and PYGAs could be within your range too. I have always build up my bikes, starting with a good frame. I then get what I want on the bike from the get go... It does take some time. I am enjoying the Trek I must say. The bike is really stiff. It goes where I point it no questions asked. Have ridden varied terrain from Thabo to Benoni Plots (flat). Took some time to get the rear shock the way I want it, but essentially have it open all the time. Enjoy the traction going up short sharp ups. For the downs, just need it to take the edge off a little. On the longer steady climbs have to watch my pedal stroke, if that makes sense, need to make sure I am spinning and not pushing. Hope this helps

Hi There No bites I see? I build up a 2011 version of the bike (frame) you looking at. So not sure how much the frame has been updated/changed compared to the current version. My build more or less: Rockshox SID fork, rear Fox RP23, bars, seatpost stem carbon from Booth, brakes from Evocycles (Carbon Dash TRP), XX1 groupset, and built up some hubs I had (Hope Evo 2) : weight with extra slime pedals etc = 10,5kg Use solely for XCO. I believe the bike you looking at is around 54K? If I had that money to spend on a bike I would shop around a little more. Also see if you can get a "ride before you buy" option at a LBS. I went with the Trek as got the frame for a good deal - and I am very happy with the stiffness. Would you like more feedback re the Trek? Would it even help you - seem like different (though similar frames) and different usage you have in mind.

FOLLOW UP TO ORIGINAL POST: I happy to say my original "rave" stands, and too add, happy with the costing too. Stayed within the agreed build budget.

Cav* ..... i may just possibly give Phil a call now. This is not a good day to have one's happy bubble burst, over inflated bills ie

so far have managed to keep costs under control (and hidden from wife) - second hand, wheeling and dealing, rebuilding hubs to 29 inch wheels. So watch this space. This last bit of work needed help with..... I would have just gotten the wrong stuff?? will do a follow-up post....

Dear All Though I read a fair bit on the Hub, find it hard to get time to post anything, besides most of my questions get answered by searching previous threads anyhow. I have to say a quick thanks though to Philemon at Cyclelab Lynwood. I took my Trek Superfly, which I am building up, in pieces to the shop. I just wanted help with the rear triangle bearings. Philemon suggested I bring in all the parts I have - he would help me with the build. He even went further and borrowed me a stem, until I get a set-up done to determine the length of stem for me. He has also been giving me running tallies of the progress of ordering of parts... which has been a little tricky to say the least (skewers, bearings, bushes etc). So though I am waiting a bit for some parts, I am happy to know that he is tracking this for me! Nice to deal with a fellow cyclist, who is both passionate about his work, and riding bike. Regards Greg

The black route usually smashes me ....

Best summary I have read. I went with full SLX - and after many serious bails have broken nothing yet! Road mate's bikes with XT / XTR, the difference is minimal. Possibly biggest thing is slower front derailer change on SLX? Well unless you racing in the Olympics, will not affect anything!

mmm ... you asking me?? Thabo = 20km Others mentioned - laps of 4-6km (aim to have the race finish in around 1:30)

looks it's not Tokai - but Thabo, Kingskloof and the like are not "plat" by any stretch of the imagination ....

Toughie was pretty technical going down (all ride able - but had to have your wits about you) - I am ok technically, though had some close shaves. There is a second one being organized sometime July if not mistaken (Wendell posted on it just after the first). The hardest part about the toughee, were the shortish steep technical climbs - need race horse legs to get up them all. All ride able - depending on Fitness. Other than that XC Races are a good option : Guateng Provincials have two more races (one this Sunday), and next in July. Fountains and Avianto Then Engnet Winter series - all at Phambili (race this sat), one in July and last in August. Pretty technical, depending on course set-up. For the first one walked / ran one section on each lap. Again was ride able though guy in front of me almost had his backside flash before his eyes, and that took the wind out of my sails big time! helps?

Hi David I read the article quickly, bit busy at work - just a note to say thanks for quoting your references. Nothing irritates me more, when persons come out with bold unsubstantiated statements. Regards Greg

Pictures .... email Sanette at decopictureandframe@yahoo.com - with your race number / what you were dressed like etc (the route I went), and she will send you a preview of the pics for your purchase. R85 for all the pics of you, or R35 per pic (if less than three of course)

I agree with your dad, being a clinical researcher myself. The information age we live in is rife with theories and "research" proving this or disproving that - often linked to some product to be sold. Just bare in mind that the natural health industry has it's place certainly (of which Dr, Mercola is one of the key opinion leaders), though it is an industry none the less, less regulated than traditional pharmaceuticals I must add. If you think eating pumpkin seeds will make you climb up hills faster, fine eat bags of the stuff. If you are concerned about the issues raised by Mercola, balance his opinion with persons in the opposite camp, though stick to reputable Journals. I don't specialize in Cardiology so let me not comment further, except to say, get the opinion of leading cardiologists on this matter as well. I take my Omega three's and sixes plus more Vit C in winter, though when I am sick, no hesitation in taking antibiotics - there is clinical evidence for there effectiveness. BTW... I get better at climbing hills, by climbing more hills. Perspective is important here I believe, Mercola is not the only opinion on this matter, and in fact many of his views are vehemently opposed.

Great .. good one. This potential lap series / short course series, could start in Sep / Oct then (if there is interest), which is just better in so many ways. Will be looking out for the next Dump Ride then too ... hope to join this one.