Falling Over

I have DHR II's front and rear in 2.6" WT 27.5 on 36mm internal rims. No complaints so far. Stable, grippy and lots of control.

How do you guys find the 67 degree head angle on the decents?

As someone that started mountainbiking in the 90's, will I always have a soft spot for Kona, Diamondback, GT and Cannondale. ????

I see in some countries they have bike demo days at dedicated trails, and have people pay (e.g. R500) for the day to demo multiple bikes from different brands and get a few beers afterwards. It is not rocket science. You would think in this economy people would do more to achieve that sale.

I took a look at the Commencal 2020 prices. Then I cried in the shower for a bit.

One day us Gautengers will be this lucky to have trails like these...one day...

I am looking at getting a OneUp Dropper Post (the new V2 model) for my bike, and need some advice on which lever to get. I have a Shimano brake with I-SPEC EV clamp, so I would like a compatible lever to fit that. Obviously OneUp has their own lever, but I see a lot of talk about the Wolftooth lever as well. Does anyone have an preference over which lever to go for or any other alternatives that work great?

Ladies L.U.X.E. 3L Hydration Pack on OneDayOnly: https://www.onedayonly.co.za/l-u-x-e-3l-hydration-pack-6-20191002.html

Anyone knows if YT will be locally supported in 2020?

It is interesting... I can definitely see the potential for buying / downloading track previews of famous trails. Experience the Epic route or Whistler trails for example. If it makes training more fun, then I am all for it. On a side note, I do hope they are looking at implementing VR for a first person perspective at some point, and also implementing 4D into the base, to experience the drops, bumps etc.

You clearly don't get to Pretoria often?! Apart from Pyga, bike shops here seem to be allergic to letting you demo a bike, regardless of how intent you are on buying.

I had a Camelbak LOBO for years, and I was very happy with it. Upgraded to a KUDU because of the back protector and 3L reservoir. But as mentioned, be careful with bigger packs. The can get a bit heavy, and before you know it you are carrying everything, including the kitchen sink. Fox, Leatt and Evoc also make nice compact backpacks and are worth a look. Don't underestimate the vest type hydration packs aimed at runners. Due to their design and the way they "wrap" around the body, they fit quite snug and does not move around as much as cycling specific packs. Good option if you ride a bit more crazy terrain.

Both Fox (DPX2), and Rockshox (Deluxe RT3) offer aftermarket shocks for the Trek Fuel Ex in the 210 x 52.5 mm size.

No worries, I am indeed planning on taking a Trance for a demo soon.

So what you guys are saying is that I should NOT buy that Spectral for Pretoria's non-existent Enduro trails? I do have my eyes on the Transition Scout though....now THAT is pretty. The new Commencal Meta TR is just as good looking.

What is everyone's opinion on the perfect travel for a hard hitting trail bike for the Gauteng area? Our trails here in the Highveld is obviously very rocky, rooty and loose. 130/130? 130/150? 140/150? 150/160? How do those with 130mm in the back find the terrain when things get rough?

EWS Trophy of Nations this weekend... https://www.enduroworldseries.com/race/trophy-of-nations/ Team roster and format on Pinkbike: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/pinkbike-primer-everything-you-need-to-know-ahead-of-the-trophy-of-nations-finale-ligure.html

I'm sorry. I must have left my sense of humor in my other pants today.

Those PNW Loam grips are only $19. Might be worth just ordering directly online if shipping is not too bad? https://www.pnwcomponents.com/products/loam-grips?variant=30228318814285

Another bike I am eyeing is the new Scott Genius 950. 150/150mm, with the TwinLoc system. Previous models has a few "Trail Bike of the Year" awards to it's name. The 2020 model with it's black paint and orange hubs, seat trim and logo is sexy AF.

I wanted something with a bit more grip and braking power in rough terrain. To me that is more important than speed and rolling resistance. The original tires were Rocket Ron's, so a bit more of a XC orientated tire, but I found them lacking in the loose dirt. This is the same reason I swapped out the brakes. I just wanted something that can handle my type of terrain more. Apart from that the stock 8 bike is a decent bike, and would probably suit most people just fine. Reviews are fairly favorable and positive. The Roscoe 8 with dropper & NX groupset is probably better value for money than the 7 I have, but I was on a budget at that point in time :-p I don't have any regrets though.

To add some hardtail to the thread, here is my upgraded Trek Roscoe. Originally a 2.8" Plus bike, but upgraded with new SLX M7120 brakes and 2.6" DHR II tires and XT Trail pedals. Possibly upgrade to a OneUp dropper post next, unless I decide to go full squish. Head angle might be a bit steep'ish by todays standards (around 68 degrees), but very capable, not too expensive and can handle everything I give it. Good choice for someone on a budget.

I took one of the new alu Pyga Hyrax prototypes out for a ride about two weeks ago. 140mm/150mm travel, climbs like a goat and descends like a demon. Little over 14 kg's. What an incredible bike. From my understanding will it also be priced very competitively as well. Best bike I have ever ridden. Currently number 1 on my dream list. I am *very* keen on getting one when they come out soon.

I have been trying to find out what new 140/150mm travel bikes are available in store and available to view in Pretoria, and the results have been disappointing to say the least. Salesmen look at you funny like you are not worth their time, and then try to move you over to the sub 120mm range. They really are not making it easy to support LBS's. Thanks be for Barry & the folks at Pyga. At this rate I might just take the plunge and buy an alu Hyrax when they come out.

Capra. In Alu with a coil shock...? Shutup and take my money...