michaelbiker

A ride down the donkey trail to the beach in Portugal

It’s probably okay but just make sure there are no metal burrs. Particularly if you are using a carbon bar with it.

I know your comment was sarcastic, and not that it makes much different for us but in reference to this article a lot of high profile XC and Enduro riders use them including PFP, Tom Pidcock, Matthias Fluckinger, Titouan Carod etc. https://www.facebook.com/dukeracingwheels/photos/a.133062816770399/5402741963135765/?type=3

I ride the previous version of these - the SLS3 with 240 hubs. They are amazing and really well built. Tough as nails. 40k is a lot higher considering landed these would roll in at under R30k for a “pro level” wheelset. https://r2-bike.com/Wheelset-29-XC-DT-Swiss-240-EXP-Straightpull-Center-Lock-Hubs-Duke-Lucky-Jack-SLS4-6Ters-30-28-Carbon-Rims-Shimano-Micro-Spline-Sapim-CX-Ray I looked at South industries when I bought these 18 months ago and couldn’t justify the difference.

This dude. I used to watch some of his stuff but now avoid supporting such a character. Pretty hectic stuff

I think the climb is called Kleinbergie. It’s absolutely stunning. Probably one of the best parts of the red loop.

Rhebokskloof, Paarl

Tokai above the Bridal Path

Riding part of the Epic route

Back up the gorge

I use and even travel with one of those Muc-off soft bristle washing brushes. When the bike is dusty I just brush it down. If I need to wash the bike because the dirt is caked on it, I use a bucket of water, soap and the brush to get the soap on and loosen the dirt. It does need a quick rinse after to get rid of the soap though. I’d be interested to try to the waterless stuff.

Haven’t been up here in a while

Anyone upgraded their Oiz from 100mm to 120mm? I am curious as to how much difference you noticed.

Hardest flat trail I know - Tokai Boulders.

I had a claim last year from OUTsurance and it also went through Riders At Work who handled the process with CBR. They were pretty good, just needed to be prodded every now and again for progress. I was quite happy with the service in general, it just took a long time and as mentioned communication was a bit lacking.

Agreed Lake are good but there are variations between the different models. So buyer beware. The best is to go try them on. Comfy shoes are so important, and they are so expensive that it’s not worth just ordering online and hoping for the best.

Long story but I bought a C30 and had it shipped to my place in Singapore from Brunei. Then switched all the parts over from my BMC. I would have kept the BMC but it was too big for me. The 2022 Element is a different bike from the previous Elements. More of a trail bike then XC. Most fun bike I think I have ever owned. Particularly on steep downhills. I would recommend going with a 2022 or newer if you can find one or waiting for one to pop up.

Top of Hermanus black route. Amazing day!

Morning tracks

There was a pretty good podcast on the reasons the methods of testing lubes you mentioned aren’t useful for chains on a bicycle. One thing that stands out for me, is that you can pick either high efficiency or high longevity but not both. If you’re into this sort of thing I recommend giving it a listen: https://cyclingtips.com/2021/08/nerd-alert-podcast-separating-chain-lube-testing-fact-from-fiction/

Been using it since it came out. As others have said, if you enable a UK VPN you can watch everything otherwise certain stuff is geo-restricted. The app has improved a lot since the beginning and there is now an Apple TV version which is a bit easier to live then Airplay. I really like that there are no ads and the long highlights are also great if you miss a stage but want a bit more than just a 5 minute highlights package. If it is available on Apple TV it’s most likely available on an Android box too. Generally I’ve been really happy with it.