MarcHD

Good advice! Jumping properly starts with knowing the bunny hop technique. Note I said properly, not "jumping starts with bunny hops" because plenty (probably most) people can get away with bad jumping technique by virtue of the fact that their bike is forgiving or the jump itself is built safe. I would highly recommended getting in touch with a qualified coach who can actually ride a bike well (instead of just slightly better than beginners - not naming names!) The reason I say this is simple: practice doesn't make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect, and only a coach, or someone who knows how to execute the correct technique (and how to communicate this) will be able to watch you do a jump, asses your technique and give you helpful advice/tips. Think of that meme: "how I think I look v how I actually look" - filming yourself can help, but unless someone can spot, asses, and tell you exactly where and why you are going wrong it won't be as productive in getting you jumping properly! My 2cents...

For those wondering about Ride Concepts My partners at Get Stoked Distribution are the importers of this shoe brand and would be happy to arrange a demo set be sent to anyone curious about how they perform. All that is required is to request a demo via our e-commerce portal which you can find here: https://getstokedonline.co.za/demo-request/ You can also try out the DMR flat pedals - arguably the most well known brand in the flat pedal game and brand of multiple award winning Vault -- As for the foot cramps or hot feet sensation experienced by many users, I hope I can help here too. With many years experience working in bike shop's I can say it's likely to be one of, or a combination of the following: - Aches, usually in the form of a tearing like sensation or stabbing pain in the arch of the foot is usually caused by soles that flex too much especially if the rider has "flat feet" and inserts or a custom orthotics is a good solution. (I suffer from this and have used both to much success) This is why some people get on perfectly fine with flexy soles as they have high arches and therefore a natural "leaf spring" support in their feet. - Cramps or general pain are often caused by your bike setup being wrong (or not ideal for the trail and your condition) things like too hard suspension and tyre pressures are the first place to look here. It must be added however, that the above issue (aches) can compound the cramping, as well as just generally being off the bike for long periods and your body not being conditioned any longer. - Hot foot sensation is largely caused from shoes which are too tight and restricting blood flow. This is where I found huge success in using Specialized's original insole footbeds as they incorporated a "metatarsal button" which helps spread the bones in your feet out (metatarsals) and promote better blood flow - it works VERY well, but doesn't correct entirely for shoes which are too small. As a shameless punt to Ride Concept, their soles are stiffer than Fiveten Freerider Pro's if that helps some people. They also include D3O memory foam inserts under the metatarsals (ball) and heel of the insole which help dampen vibrations and feedback. Cheers all and remember - "flat pedals win medals"

Interesting all this.... I'm on a closed FB group comprised mainly of US based industry members (bike shop owners, distributors et al) and they are going absolutely mental over this news. Apparently many stores have had a Specialized shop open without warning down the road from a decade long dealer and start stocking the very bikes said dealers were being told were still a few months away in delivery dates... I'm not suggesting anything with this post as I by no means have the facts, merely forwarding info direct from dealers* in the 'States (*who might have the wrong end of the stick)

Cool man. I'm also a DH rider... Also worked in bike shops. Just saying.

Interesting that the mineral oil would put you off. For most people who know the difference, they prefer mineral as it's non corrosive and better for the environment. If you're wondering whether mineral oil will fade due to lower boiling point - just refer to Duane Bosch's post above. Karl Ebel is both a big and [very] fast DH rider and experienced no fade while riding in the Alps! Each to their own though!

I'm biased in this answer as I work with the importers of Formula, but in aide of helping make your decision easier - why not demo our brakes? Through our online portal you can request a demo set from your nearest premium dealer: https://getstokedonline.co.za/demo-request/ Cheers!

All of these photos were taken on Contermanskloof farm NOT Hoogekraal.

My apologies, but I miss read the original post and failed to see the "used" part of the statement. If the hubs are not new it is entirely possible that the hub was taken apart and not put back together properly. Things to check are: - cassette fitment (tightened correctly) - ratchet springs facing correct way - bearing shim in place - lockring tightened correctly - rubber seal fitted correctly and not pinched These are all likely to be the issue long before the axle spacer! If in doubt refer to the official DT tech documents or this video for correct tools/fitment techniques/orientation of parts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Wde2goI3Cs&t=486s

Hi there, Here was my response to a similar thread formed some time ago regarding a similar issue: Hi Everyone... I see this thread is still getting more and more views so I thought as the distributor of DT SWISS I would take the opportunity to help clarify and offer insights for the other users if possible... With regards to the initial problem experienced by the user Melch, it is very likely this was an issue with the 15.4mm alu spacer that slides onto the axle being damaged (likely crushed) which then would cause the freehub to bind. I must also point out that DT SWISS aftermarket (i.e not part of a wheelset), standard spacing (142x12mm) straightpull hubs are NOT compatible with the new Shimano 12speed Microspline freehub. Apart from these two possibilities - the latter not being the case in the user's instance - there are not a lot of ways in which a DT hub can bind as the tolerances are second to none. As examples*: Losing a ratchet spring, fitting the springs the wrong way around, "wear" on the end cap, bearings being damaged.... these are scenarios known to have had little adverse effect on the performance of the hub. They are the WWII Tiger tank of hubs! If you would like to know more about any DT products or have had an issue you would like further info/feedback on then please do not hesitate to get in touch with me directly and I will answer your questions as best I can! You can reach me on: marc@getstoked.co.za Thanks for your attention! Further to the above: There is also a chance of incorrect assembly which is unlikely if the wheels are quite new as you said. Either way the best is to have your LBS take a look and to make it theirs (and my) problem to solve as soon as possible for you

If I'm understanding you correctly to say you want to do Cape Epic and Enduro races - types of riding on vastly different ends of the spectrum - you are probably better off getting a second bike for Enduro and trying to make the current one a bit lighter. Most obvious place to save weight is the wheels and tyres (rotating mass) and depending on your budget you could get a decent 2nd hand enduro bike and then spend the remainder on a set of carbon wheels etc. While it's perfectly possible to race an enduro on an XC bike, it's not advisable at all as it won't be as safe, you're more likely to have a mechanical and most importantly: it potentially won't be as much fun!

I think it's one of those products you purchase once and you give it to your grand kids though...

Great work guys! Long may it continue

Great to hear Wayne! Hit us up when you feel the need to replace them and we will do a good deal on a new set for you. Thank you for the continued support - we really appreciate it! Happy riding

Hi Wayne, Marc here from Get Stoked Distribution. Did you get fixed up here through your LBS? Are you running an older generation V8 or the current? These service kits are for the current gen only and unfortunately won't work on the old gen (5+ years old) Let us know if you are out of luck here and we can do our best with making a plan on a new set perhaps. You can can reach me on: marc@getstoked.co.za

Hi Everyone... I see this thread is still getting more and more views so I thought as the distributor of DT SWISS I would take the opportunity to help clarify and offer insights for the other users if possible... With regards to the initial problem experienced by the user Melch, it is very likely this was an issue with the 15.4mm alu spacer that slides onto the axle being damaged (likely crushed) which then would cause the freehub to bind. I must also point out that DT SWISS aftermarket (i.e not part of a wheelset), standard spacing (142x12mm) straightpull hubs are NOT compatible with the new Shimano 12speed Microspline freehub. Apart from these two possibilities - the latter not being the case in the user's instance - there are not a lot of ways in which a DT hub can bind as the tolerances are second to none. As examples*: Losing a ratchet spring, fitting the springs the wrong way around, "wear" on the end cap, bearings being damaged.... these are scenarios known to have had little adverse effect on the performance of the hub. They are the WWII Tiger tank of hubs! If you would like to know more about any DT products or have had an issue you would like further info/feedback on then please do not hesitate to get in touch with me directly and I will answer your questions as best I can! You can reach me on: marc@getstoked.co.za Thanks for your attention! *Please DO NOT try these examples at home!

Think of it like Eurobike or Interbike, except better because you can actually go to it instead of reading about it on Pinkbike a week later... Anyone who has been to these types of trade shows will tell you how awesome it is to feel like a kid in a candy store surrounded by endless cycling products and services! I guarantee you there will be products you weren't even aware are being imported to SA as they are not represented at your LBS! For a meager entry fee I'm sure you will be glad you came! Hope to see you there.

Hi Melch, Marc here from Get Stoked Distribution (distributor for DT SWISS) I sent you a private message detailing how to resolve this - Apologies I haven't picked up on this post sooner! As mentioned we carry a good amount of spares and have stock of both the spacer and the washer described by the very helpful bike shop owners and fellow DT riders on this thread. Hope we can be of assistance! Cheers

Hi Desi, I represent This Way Out at Contermanskloof (formerly The Bike Shed) We currently have various sized models of both 2015 and 2014 alloy Thunderbolt's. We are currently offering huge discounts on our older models as well as on our 2016 models. Note that only the 750 msl featured in this review is available in the 2016 range, however special requests can be accommodated depending on international stock levels. Let me know if you would like me to get in touch with you regarding demo rides or simply viewing the bikes at any of our three stores. Thanks again for the superb review Iwan! Cheers

Howsit. My almost one of a kind Morewood Makulu downhill bike was stolen this past Sunday the 26th of January from a friends residence in Capri Village, Fish Hoek. If you managed to spot it for sale at a bike shop, advertised in classifieds or being used as someones A to B please give me a shout It is bright candy apple red with white components that really stand out so it's hard to miss. contact Marc on: 083 872 1777

So this years trip was beyond the insane. Despite a broken arm it was still the most fun I've ever had with my clothes on. Duane and Vince as guides offer the best advice possible for such a trip and without their help it's easy to see how one could get bewildered with the sheer amount of choice. I think without a guide it's easy to restrict ones self to what you know and having Duane and Vince around minimized the time needed to be spent exploring in terms of trails and with bars/retail/bike shops Incase the last 20 pages of comments didn't make it clear. The riding there is simply insane. No matter your skill level, you are guaranteed to have a blast. Again I can't say enough how much it helps to have insider advice that only a veteren of the PDS can give you. Big up to the guys for organising what turned out to be the best holiday I've had. Cheers