mataz

My bad, I thought it was a 42-32-22...

Agree 100% but it's not my bike, it belongs to my other half who really battles up the steep climbs with the 2x10 ratio (38-24) and misses her granny gear from her old bike...

I would like to change from a Shimano SLX 2x10 system to a 3x10 on a 2012 Giant Anthem but am not sure what Front Derailleur to order as there are so many different models. As I understand it the shifters and rear derailleur are not an issue, but I could be wrong on this? Any advice please?

Anyone know what the ascent was on the 75km?

I last did it in 2010 and wrote a report on it for fun (attached). The info on it being the longest single stage race is no longer correct obviously but back then it was... You may find the largely tongue-in-cheek advice of some use. Trans Baviaans 2010.pdf

Does such a thing even exist? Have only seen up to 36 tooth (SRAM or Shimano) on a 10sp...

Thanks for the advice, will see what I can find.

She's already using a 11-36

My other half is currently running a SLX 38-24 Crankset, but she's battling a bit on really steep hills so I was thinking about making it a bit easier for her. She likes the 2x10 though so I don't want to change to a triple. So: - Is it possible to run a 22 tooth inner ring or is the jump from 38-22 too great (have heard that 14 is the recommended max)? - If this is not possible, do Shimano bring out a 36-22 combo or could I use blades from a triple? Thanks.

Thanks for the advice, will give it a try

I am currently running a 40-28 Shimano XT Crankset but my small ring is worn and I want to replace it. I am battling to find a 28 tooth but I am able to get a 26 tooth, will this work or will it cause hassles with the shifting? Also, is the BCD of the smaller ring the same? Would appreciate some advice.

Agreed, Coral Wetsuits is best

A program like that is great if you know absolutely nothing but if you are a fairly seasoned athlete already, save yourself some money and buy one of Joe Friel's books, either: -The Triathlete's Training Bible (for all distances), or -Going Long (for ultra distances) When I did Ironman I read "Going Long" first and then got myself a training program from this website and adapted it to my needs: http://www.trifuel.com/triathlon-training-plans

Have they sent out the 75km invites yet?

Possibly, but my mechanic is usually pretty sharp so it's unlikely. Does seem odd that it has just started though, or if it was present before, I didn't notice it. Will disassemble this evening and see if I can take some pics showing the problem.

So I took my bike in for a service after Sani and now I find there is significant lateral play in the rear triangle, apparently emanating from wear on the inside of the frame where the rear pivot (behind the BB) is housed. Frame is carbon - The mechanic suggested I have a shim machined and press fitted or perhaps try to have the inside built up again by someone that does carbon repairs. Question is, should I consider repairing or do I ditch the frame and get a new one?

This may have been posted at some stage already but if you are unsure whether what you are taking is legal or not, just type it in the search block in this link (or you could download the full list of prohibited meds from the same page): http://www.drugfreesport.org.za/medication-check-4/

Good point Cape Town CBD/Atlantic Seaboard

The lady I used to go to for sports massage is pursuing a different career path and I am looking for someone new to go to in Cape Town that specialises in triathletes and/or cyclists, and is reasonably priced. Any suggestions, preferably in CBD/Atlantic Seaboard or close by? Thanks

Racing Ralph's are pretty good all rounders and work well both front and back.

Thanks guys, seems Specialized cages are the way to go.

I recently started using a rear mounted bottle cage system as my new mtb frame cannot accommodate two cages, but am battling to find one that holds a bottle securely, yet is still easy to get a bottle in and out of. Would be interested to hear of success (and/or failure) stories. Cheers

Have ordered loads of stuff from them, must say I do not have a single complaint about service or prices, keep it up chaps!!

I am looking at getting the GT Zaskar 29er but have not been able to find a test bike to ride so am unsure exactly what size to go for.... I am 1.75m with short legs and a longish torso and currently ride a 19" Mongoose Meteore Team, with a 100mm stem, which fits me perfectly. The top tube on the Medium Zaskar is the same as my current bike but the wheelbase on the Small is closer to my current bike... Your advice please - many thanks!

Excellent feedback, thanks chaps!