mataz

Hi guys, Anyone know of a place that rents Road/TT bikes in East London? Thanks.

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My uncle who is a farmer and has a very good knowledge of snakes said the same thing but have also checked and they don't seem to be found here.

Almost stepped on this guy whilst running on the contour path above kirstenbosch a little while ago, not sure whether it was dead or alive but I did some very swift evasive maneuvers when I saw it initially!

There is plenty walking on the Epic, especially if you start in the latter bunches. Sometimes you don't have a choice, its rideable but everyone else is walking so your only option is to hop off and join the club. If your partner is walking its generally easier to walk too, especially if you are pushing her bike as well as yours... Specialized Epic Comp with good quality socks was a winning combo for me.

I have a more traditional one available if you are interested: https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/86574-selle-italia-tt-saddle

http://www.acros.de/...::3_91_145.html This is clever, anyone know of anything similar available locally?

Suppose I should ask the guys who make it, but does anyone know if there are plans to get some down to the shops in Cape Town?

Ardent Front, Icon Back

'14 Specialized Epic Expert Look S-Track Pedals Easton EA70 Wheels (Saving the Roval Carbon's the bike came with from 8 days of abuse) Maxxis Icon (Rear) & Maxxis Ardent (Front)

I've been mountain biking for 15 years and have done more than enough training, thanks. I have not done much walking during my training though, which perhaps I should have, so was merely asking for advice from people who have possibly done Epic or could advise what socks work best when they've had to walk. I am riding this with my fiancee, and I know we will be walking quite a bit as we will be back markers so just wanted some advice, that's all.

Agreed

I'm riding the Epic this year and will definitely be walking a fair amount, what are the best socks to wear to prevent chafe, blisters, etc? Not crazy about the super thick type e.g. Falke MTB. Any suggestions welcome.

In that price range, these are some options: 2XU R:3 (www.2xu.co.za) Orca Sonar (www.fluidlines.co.za) Xterra Vector (www.xterrawetsuits.co.za) Make sure you get a woman specific. My preference is 2XU, and for what it's worth, my fiancee has an Xterra and doesnt like it at all

I cut both mine and my girlfriend's to 660mm, she is 1.65 and rides a small, I am 1.75 and ride a medium. We both find the 700mm to be too wide and had 660mm on our old bikes, which was perfect.

A colleague of mine's bike was stolen out of the back of his bakkie last night. He stays in Tokai, please be on the lookout. Black/Red Specialized Epic Comp Carbon, 2013 Model, Size Large Thanks

Pretty good from what I've heard but the 2S has a limited battery life and less functionality than the 2. If you do the longer events (IM, etc.), I would suggest go for the 2. This is the best review available: http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2013/04/suunto-ambit2-review.html

Yes, the QR fork is supplied with all bikes in the range. You could change the hub on the wheels but that would mean getting a new fork too, which is a bit of a hassle. I am just interested to find out why Specialized didn't choose to fit a 15mm thru axle fork in the first place.

This may have been discussed before but I am interested to know why Specialized have continued to use a QR on the front fork of the Epic, as opposed to the 15mm thru axle used by most of the other manufacturers on their 29ers. They use a thru axle on the back so why not stiffen up the front end with one too? Specialized are obviously considered a "market leader" as it were so they must have a reason but if anyone knows what it is I would appreciate if you could share.

2009 Gary Fisher Superfly 100 Carbon, done a few miles I had the pivot housing re-bored and they put in a new bushing with some sort of carbon bonding epoxy (I forget the product name) but it seems to be holding ok

Thanks for the help everyone, I now have many viable options to explore and I'm sure I'll find a workable solution soon. Telling her to HTFU is not going to be one of those options though - have tried this approach on a few occasions, without success......I am sure I am not alone here!

Aha, so its a SRAM crankset - no wonder I couldn't find it on the Shimano website... Thanks!!

She currently has a 38-24 = 14 tooth difference, which is a standard option offered by Shimano and this is what the bike came with. If I can find a 36-22, which I have yet to find as standard, I will definitely get it for her. It must be available because @Iapa was able to get one on his wife's bike but I've only found a SLX 9sp "All Mountain" option with a bashguard on the Shimano website, no 10sp as yet that I can see but I'll keep looking.

This sounds like the best option, will see whether I can get hold of some of those rings - thanks!

I found that last little climb and the back and forth through the vineyards at the end of the route with the finish in sight a bit unnecessary, and the total distance was a bit off by my measurement (76km), but otherwise a great route with an excellent and very supportive vibe at the water points! Good effort for a first time event.