michaelbiker

Hot AF! Especially coming from Cape winter but we’re getting used to it again.

Of all the nonsense muc off sells their soft bristle brush and bike wash are probably their two best products. Their bike protect spray is good too but don’t get it on your discs. Good to know about the car wash soap. I have a bottle in the garage and have often wondered if it’s safe but never tried it.

Breakfast in Thailand - muddy but at least it's hot!

With anything Aliexpress or life in general - if it looks too good to be true it probably is. Actually, there are very few branded items on Aliexpress that are genuine.

Youtube is your friend

Singapore now has duties on imported items. I think its around 10%. So factor that into your calculations. They used to have a $500 threshold, but that was taken away at the beginning of this year.

I had the previous Tickr - so probably not a good data point but it stopped working after a couple of years of frequent use. It also had issues when mounted upside - no idea why or how but it definitely made a difference. Ended up replacing it with a Polar H9 as recommended by DCRainmaker and am happy so far - although I miss the little indicator lights. These guys are offering a 10% discount on an H9 https://ihfproducts.co.za/products/polar-h9-heart-rate-sensor

I know this spot. It’s on the lower Kirstenbosch trail. That rubber mat is extremely dangerous in the wet. My wife had a fall there recently and considering the location got off pretty lightly with just a few bruises. She landed on the rock and was thankfully going quite slowly when it happened. Glad you were saved by your helmet. I shudder to think what would have happened if you weren’t wearing one.

Tokai

Close. This was up Nick Nacks Banghoek.

I find shops do this a lot too and sometimes sellers here can be forgiven because a store didn’t make it clear when they sold the bike that it’s older stock. People end up listing it according to the year they bought it, not the year it was released. This happened to me a few years back where I didn’t do enough research - I was blinded by the new bike mist. It didn’t make a big difference to me since the model was still current but it would have been nice to know at the time.

The prize description is quite funny in that survey. For a company that imports and sells bike parts they have to add a disclaimer that they might not have stock available of chains!

Not sure if these are the lightest but they come in under 1400g https://bikeonline.it/en/ruote-29/1732-drc-3xl-wide-29er-carbon-ti-x-hub-mtb-sp-wheelset-from-1395g-2000000000000.html#/182-nipple_colour-black/192-number_of_spokes-28_ant_28_post/131-front_hub_standard-qr9_quick_release/133-rear_hub_standard-qr_135mm_quick_release/168-hub_colour-black/457-rear_wheel_dish-standard/562-spoke_type-alpina_blade_superlite/37-compatibility-shimano_sram_mtb_10_11s

Love my Maguras and definitely don’t think they are much harder to bleed than Shimano. I don’t like how the Shimano levers feel. Am keen to try out Curas but the Magura’s are pretty close to perfect for me.

Chipping a tooth was as a result of using a friends terrible tools and a pipe. Sometimes it is better to just get the right tool. Particularly one you plan to use often. But a hack in a pinch that works is better than the walk of shame into a bike shop with broken bits. Also, super satisfying when it works!

Yip. I have the PRO version of the Unior tool. Had to switch to the trusty Parktool the last time I removed a cassette - I just didn’t have the leverage. Maybe it’s my skinny arms… I also have the Parktool cassette pliers. They are useless. If anyone wants to give them a try they are for sale on the classifieds.

Had a similar issue trying to get a SRAM eagle cassette off of a brand new wheelset. Ended up chipping a tooth - not mine but the cassette and a trip to the emergency bike shop. Mech had to build a long lever using a toe strap and a pipe to get it loose. Still riding the cassette (after filing down the tooth) and not had a single problem since. I now own three chain whips - best one is the industrial park tools jobbie with a long handle.

Have bought a lot of pairs of Leatts and have to say I am really disappointed in the quality recently. My oldest pair (2018) are still going strong (look a bit old but still trucking). My latest pair are falling apart (2022). Switched to Hirzl Grippp - got them on sale in Europe and they are so far really comfy but only had them a few months, so can't comment on longevity. I wash my gloves by hand in the shower post ride. I have found the washing machine eats them for breakfast.

Just outside Greyton