henningvr

Tranquilitas Rim.

Oops, I stand corrected. Just read that. Sorry okes.

I find removing the rear wheel on my STR (horizontal drop-outs) a breeze. Nothing to it, honestly.

Leeu, my Ridgeback, smiling at me.

The Elands Valley, seen this morning from a spot somewhat off-route from the Tranquilitas Rim. (For the rock climbers who might see this - this is the entrance to the Superbowl).

I ride from my house in Boven (other side of the railway line), through town, up Slaaihoek road, past the dump and then hit the Rim. I do this during week days on a regular basis. Been doing this for 4 years without as much as a single incident. I've passed a few shady characters here and there, but after greeting (do it in Zulu, it gives you street cred) it quickly becomes apparent that they are pretty chilled. No aggression/bad attidude at all. Even riding out east around the mountain towards Machadodorp (on the way to Dullstroom) is really not a problem. The Swathis are a pretty laid back bunch. Obviously there are no guarantees, ever. But from my experience you'll be fine even if you venture away from camp. Hit the Rim and then turn around where it meets the Slaaihoek road, and ride back to camp. You won't see a soul, except other MTBers, monkeys or cows (the 4-legged type). Let me know when you're here so that we can do a few trails and have a beer or three. PS: I almost always ride on my own. 99.99% of the time that is.

Tranquilitas Rim today. Quite chilly after this weekend's rain. Perfect riding conditions.

More trail exploration along the Elands river, with a few portages thrown in for "extra fun."

Exploring some jeep tracks and cattle paths along the Elands River at a medium pace. Loads of fun. Found some great riding close to home (for those quickies when work is interfering with my riding).

Oh MAN.... this is pretty awesome. The MB 0 was my first MTB which I bought late 1991, and then rode down to PE from Pretoria via the Transkei. I am super jealous right now. Good luck with the build. This is going to be something special me thinks.

You lost me at "I was riding my geared MTB..." Just kidding. You know my motto, 'Whatever makes your boat float.' I'll be honest, I missed gears this weekend. I had no alternative but to MTFU and ride. So basically I'm just jealous because I don't have a geared bike anymore.

Exactly!

First proper ride with the new fork. Took a trip down the Elands Valley, then back to Tranquilitas. What a day!

Bike is ready to roll with my new fork. I first thought I got real lucky, and got a Carver as a present. Turns out it is a MKM35. The added 20mm in the axel to crown length does make it feel pretty good (I'm 1.94m), as it alters the geometry of the bike. It definitely feels more relaxed. It is approximately 350 grams heavier than the Niner, but who's counting grams when you're having fun? Now I just need to find time to ride. Work has been killing me.

Thanks. Saddle is great. Won't change it for anything. (this is the B-17 Narrow btw).

Try City Rock (if they have stock you can fit various sizes): http://cityrock.co.za/capetown/

Chav, I am using a pair of 5.10 Camp Fours. This is an approach shoe (in rock climbing lingo). Grips like the proverbial snot on a wool blanket, and takes forever to wear out. I've been using them for the same amount of time as the Saints, and they are holding up very well.

I wear a US14/UK13 (I weigh 102kg before breakfast), and my feet are big and wide. I have been using Saints for about 1.5 years now. These things have been taking a relentless beating without any issues/problems etc. If/when they die, I'll just get another set. Yes I am biased, but for good reason

Ja, I actually use it for work. True story.

Why are you not sleeping Oom?

"Where has your bike taken you today?" - to my bloody office.

Ah, another convert. Good work right there

Started putting this bike together from old spare parts for my nephew. It will be getting a Rapidé single speed kit fitted soon.