henningvr

Been riding Sram Level TL brakes on my #hardtail for over 2 years now without any issues. Having always used Shimano, I was curious in the beginning, but soon came to like the modulation, and they stop just fine too. I replace pads when worn, clean pads and rotors regularly enough, etc. etc.

Hardtails are far from dead. Horses for courses, I say. On a similar note, I just bought a 1992 Diamondback steel frame hardtail for R500. It's a rigid single speed (cro-mo fork) with cantilever brakes. This will be my daily commuter/shack bike/coffee shop bike. I'm 49. I should not be allowed anywhere near a full sus.

Nothing like a day out on the bike after a grueling work week...

I bought a Specialized Chisel Expert 1X hardtail from Bell's Cycling in Nelspruit (they are a Concept store) two years ago. I see they are still selling them. The only difference is that the new model now has NX components, where mine has GX, and the new one is 1x12 where mine is 1x11. If you look at the specs, this is a good bit of bike for the price: https://www.bellscycling.co.za/product/2019-mens-chisel-expert/ After two years, mine is still going strong. If you get to that Spez store again, ask them if they can get you a Chisel Expert 1X

A year already, sho. Missing the Veldkornet. Join me, and let us raise a glass in the general direction of Price Albert.

I have to agree with the above sentiment. The old site was a lot more user friendly. From a software engineering perspective (that's my job) the last thing you want is the user having to jump through hoops to get stuff done or navigate somewhere. Ease of use is a big deal when it comes to UI and UX (user experience). Currently the UI is nice, but the UX is poor.

When I go to the Mountain Bikes section in the classifieds, there are two categories, namely Hardtail Mountain Bikes and Dual Suspension Mountain Bikes. In the previous site version there were more categories, e.g. Singlespeed Bikes. Any chance we can get those other categories back? They seem to have gone AWOL.

Ah ok! Apologies, this was a clear case of PBCAK (Problem Between Chair and Keyboard).

The 'Discussion' column (Latest Forum Posts in the previous version) is missing the 'Go to last reply' feature/button. Given, you can get to it once you enter the forums, but it would be nice to have it on the home page too.

All around the Sappi/Elands Valley/Tranquilitas area today.

Sam here. I use the enduro. I have 2 pairs enduro and one normal. The enduro's padding is definitely better IMO. My normal pair hasn't been used in ages.

A lekker afternoon outing. Boven-Tranquilitas-Highland Mist Farm-Boven. More hot and humid than usual. Gesweet soos 'n vark wat PT doen...

Ja, but I doubt he cares.

Lekker day on the roads and trails around 'Boven and Tranquilitas. Damn bike always takes me UP the Rim Trail before we go anywhere else: On the way home via Gobstopper, another superb single track courtesy of Mike Behr and Glenn Harrison:

Don't forget Bridgestone. The MB0 was pretty awesome.

Nothing wrong with a hardtail! And single speed is a ton of fun on the trails. I rode a SS for 3 years. Go for it - it will make you strong and teach you a lot about momentum. Here's my do-it-all trail/XC/commuter bike:

A buddy who works for NASA sent it to me after I sent him a few links about what it really means, and how Saffers responded (3 years ago IIRC).

Been using a Mule for 5 odd years now. It's still going strong. I replaced the Camelbak bladder about a year ago with an Evoc 3L bladder. I wasn't happy with the Evoc bite valve, so I replaced it with a Camelbak bite valve. I've been eyeing the Henty as well as the Raptor, but the Mule is working fine at the moment (read: spousal spending moratorium in effect).

Thanks! Hopefully I'll be in better shape next time you come and ride here.

First ride in 2 weeks after recovering from flu, my bike took me to Tranquilitas via the Slaaihoek road and the Rim Trail. Lekker to be back in the saddle.

It is indeed. Busy planning/prepping for a "tour around ZA on my bicycle" and had to liquidate a bit to get the required gear etc.

Stairway to Heaven (Tranquilitas trails).

Nou maak jy my weer erg lus vir 'n SS. Awesome looking bike man

My previous bike was a Specialized Chisel (XC bike with Reba 100mm fork), and the bike before that was a Momsen STR single speed with rigid fork. I was not sure how the Slade would handle the climbs around the Boven area (pretty hilly around here), but I was pleasantly surprised. It climbs really well, so much so that I'm not seeing any difference in my times and average speeds per se (I use a Garmin watch for tracking). With regards to comfort the Slade wins hands down. I can spend pretty much all day in the mountain without experiencing the same fatigue (especially lower back) I would on for example the Chisel. The Slade is a very capable trail bike. I am riding trails and clearing obstacles with confidence that were very sketchy on the previous bikes. I can't recommend it highly enough if trail riding is your thing. Note1: I made a few changes to the stock setup: - SADDLE: Specialized Phenom Expert 155mm - GRIPS: Rapidé Isolator Lock On Grips with KCNC 'Outta My Face' Bar End Plugs - HANDLEBARS: Rapidé SkyRize-R 780 Bars, Dia:31.8mm, Backsweep: 9°, Upsweep: 5°; W: 780mm - PEDALS: Shimano Saint Flat Pedals (PD-M828) Note2: The dropper post (1st time I've ridden with one) is such a great addition. I'll never ride without one again. What a blast!

Some more post-work Elands Valley goodness with the Slade.