[2013 SLX chainrings ons XT crank]

If it helps, I have a xt m780 tripple crank and fitted the slx 2013 double blades to it, no problem. The small chainring would definitely work.

[Epic tyre choices]

I would just stick on a xking 2.2 protection on front and race king 2.2 protection on back and not worry about any flats at all.

[How much weight will i save?]

http://www.bikescale.com/

[1x10 conversion - Leonardi Racing/ General Lee Adapter]

Smoovf, sounds great, what's your weight?

[29er Tyres]

if you had enough grip up front with the crossmarks, go for maxxis ikons front and back. 580g a piece @ R450 each. They last longer than the swalbes.

[Best sports headphones]

musica sells the ironman branded earphones. They mainly work with ipod and iphones. The lock onto your ears and are waterproof for sweat and light rain. Been mtb with them for a year and no problems. About R500

[580 mm or 640 mm handle bars on a 29er]

Started of with 600mm flat bar. next was answer pro taper flat 660mm, changed to Truvativ T40 riser 720mm and seems that the wider bar is the better more comfortable bar for me anyway, just changed my stem from 6 degree to -17 degree to get same height as the flat bars and 10mm shorter for the backsweep.

[Need help, which Maxxis tyre should I buy]

Ikons for the weight, they are nice and light,however I would stick with the Racing ralph snakeskins.

[2013 Karoo to Coast vs To hell and back]

http://www.dehoekmountainresort.co.za/

 

The website doesn't look great but its nice and clean, nice pools and big lawns for the kids to run around. The race start from the resorts gate and finishes inside the resort.

[2013 Karoo to Coast vs To hell and back]

To hell & back definitely. Smaller field as mentioned, great weather, logistics and camping is great. You can take the wife and kids with and they can enjoy camping while you ride in and out the next day. The campsite is very nice and clean. The braai in the hell where everybody shares 5 braai tongs between 300 people absolutely priceless!!