ByronH

Wow, what a comeback...

Ya there are also a couple of forestry roads between the Mbazwana shopping complex (I'm being generous here) and Lake Sibaya on which you can get good, decent mileage without having to traverse hectically thick beach sand. When travelling back to Mbazwana Spar from the beach, instead of swinging a left to the spar at Jock Morrison, carry on going straight past the "clinic" and the liquor store and you'll arrive at a stop street. Turn right at that stop street and thats the beginning of the forestry roads.

Sani Spoors is an amazing trail in the Drakensberg.. probably one of the best! Properly fun. Northern Berg = All out Adventures The Trilby and Grotto Trail Central Berg = Dragons Peak and Mountain Splendour Underberg = Sani Spoors

Thanks all for the helpful replies!

Hi All The wiring on my Shimano Flight Deck SC6500 (2002 model) was cut when it was removed from the old bike. I have just been informed by my LBS that they will be unavailable to repair, or replace, the wiring as it is so old. So i have been tasked to find a new wiring kit for it. Does anyone know a possible stockist of such wiring kits, even if perhaps you have one? And is the LBS correct that the wiring cannot be repaired? Byron

Hi all I am a MTB'er, but do occasionally enjoy a road ride and regularly complete the 94.7. I am looking to upgrade slightly from my 2002 Trek 1000 Alpha series to a bike with decent components and relatively light weight. I have found two deals that catch my eye. An OCR1 from 2007 for R6000 vs a SCR1 from 2008 for R4250. I don't mind spending a little more on the OCR1 if it's a better bike? Here are the specs for the OCR: Frame - Giant OCR 1 with carbon rear triangle Fork - Giant Carbon Aero Composite Crank - Dura Ace with Dura Ace BB Shifters and Brake levers - Shimano Ultegra Front derailleur - Shimano 105 Rear derailleur - Shimano Ultegra 10 Speed Rims - Giant (DT Swiss) Brakes - Shimano 105 Saddle - Specialized Gel Toupe Handle Bar - Giant Connet with Giant Connect Stem Seat Post - Giant Carbon Size - Large And here are the specs for the SCR 1: ALLUXX frame, carbon fork, FSA Gossamer Crank, Shimano 105 drivetrain, Fizik saddle I am also not sure how they compare weight wise ?

I have been so impressed over the past year at this adventure venue. My love for this place started with last year's warrior race, and I have returned again and again with my MTB. The quality of the trails is exceptionally balanced between distance, technicality and fun. They have been continually and consistently upgrading and lengthening the trails whilst ensuring good signage and maintenance on the existing ones. Many MTBers love the yellow route for its flow and moderate challenge, and so do I. But today I rode the upgraded red and black route. Wow. Those trails have become so enjoyable through flow, challenging gradients, strategic rock drop-offs, dips, tight downhill dipped corners, river crossings, etc. My lungs we're bust after those 20kms! And only an average speed of 12.6. If you have not tried out Hero Adventure park, you really must give it a go!! Ps. They're really active on Facebook as well.

Thank you for the hard work. Much appreciated. As a Spruit Rider, clean-up days like these are gold and so valued. Ya, those refuse bags and tree stumps in the path were no fun!

So I got the bike! its an interesting one actually... bit of a rebuild by Linden Cycles. Deore XT components from 2011/2012. GT Zaskar Pro Le frame from 2013 (warranty frame as the previous frame bust) Re-built Fox RL Front Fork from 2011/2012 Fulcrum Red Metal SL wheelset. So far, so good! I rode it at Heia Safari on the weekend and absolutely LOVED IT! So Kudos to Linden Cycles for all the effort they put into the bike. Will be riding the Magalies Monster with it tomorrow.

Nonky, where do you buy your Specialized tyres?

Ha... interesting suggestion. I saw them for sale but are always a little weary of brands I am not aware of, but game to try them out if they prove themselves well! Thanks

Hi All I recently got a 29er with a Racing Ralph on the front and a Crossmark on the back (seems like a pretty standard set-up). The tyres seem worn, and I am really battling with which tyres i should replace these with... From the research I have done, it seems most 29er tyres have significant weaknesses (punctures, bad in the wet, heavy, poor sidewalls, high wear), especially in the price range I am looking at (R450 - R600 per tyre). I ride a variety of terrain, XC, trails etc. I was thinking of replacing both tyres with Rocket Rons, but these have got significantly poor reviews. The Racing Ralph doesnt seem to have a great deal of traction (am i wrong?). UST Crossmark's seem to wear well and are reviewed favourably, but are apparently not great in the wet, and are heavy. What about Maxxis Ardent's? What you think about those? I know they are also a little heavy at 800g, but if push comes to shove, I would rather have a slightly heavier tyre which is durable and trustworthy on the trail. Or would you recommend I keep the set-up the way it is? Both tyres are running tubeless.

Thanks, good to hear. The LBS have once again assured me all is good with the bike. But they do think it leans more towards a 2012 as opposed to 2013. Gonna go check it out for the final time this afternoon. Yup, the various reviews have stated: pro's: Strong, fast, great Fox Shock Con's: Wheels are heavy

Oh great, somebody with real experience of the bike. Honestly, how do you find it? Do you think the price is reasonable for a 2nd hand model? What should i watch out for? And what should be upgraded?

Ya i think I was quite concerned about the price... seemed a bit cheap... but it is for sale at my LBS, whom I trust, and they have already serviced the bike... I will inspect it carefully when I check it out up close.

Not 100% sure its 2013, but it seems that although the Pro has been made for years now, the LE version only came about in 2013... or am I mistaken? its selling for R8995.

Thanks! It is interesting that in the American website, it states it comes with Formula brakes, whilst the bike I am interested in has XT brakes.

Hi All I am considering buying a second hand GT Zaskar Pro Le 9r (alloy frame). I think it is a 2013 model. it comes with Fox Float fork and XT components all round. Any reviewers or users of this bike or similar? Always interested to hear real reviews? Pro's? Cons? Weight? What you use the bike for? Thanks!

Some decent hill climbing at Heia on the Red and Yellow Route.

I think it also depends on somebody's financial means at the time, but in principle I agree. I got into MTBing just under two years ago, and at the time, thought I was really 'splashing out' for my Scott Aspect 30 26er at the massive price of R4650 . That is still my primary bike, and have upgraded to an Air fork and cleats. Have done plenty trails and races, and even though it is heavy, it is flipping durable and easy to maintain, which is VERY important when you are just getting into the Sport. I have taken many tumbles and have scratched various parts of it, often just because of Rookie errors! Two years on, I have improved drastically, and have a much better idea of what to eventually upgrade to based on my riding style and preferences. I also hopefully won't make as many silly mistakes once I have spent a proper amount of Mula on my next bike. but ya, I really rate Scott's, and I think the Scale is a great 29er based on the reviews I have read.

Hi I know you specifically asked about events, but let me recommend Hero Adventure Park at a Heia Safari Ranch. Check out their Facebook page. I really find those trails awesome... And they are continually improving, building on extra sections etc. You can get decent mileage(30km+) and some really fun technical stuff (not ego breaking) for 30 bucks. They do host mtb and other adventure events on a regular basis, including the Jozi Night series. I've done quite a few trails (northern farms, modderfontein, spruit, Van Gaalens, rietvlei, Kings Kloof, Cascades, Clearwater trails, Avianto, buffelspoort) and 'I put it to you' in my opinion that Hero is serious good fun and value 30 to 45 mins away from JHB. I am riding solo at the moment (pregnant wife), so if you want to ride with me, give me a PM. I will definitely try to make a trip out there this weekend.

If I can make it, where will you be riding? And can there be a bunch of us? Or do you want one by one?

I just want to say a big thanks to those who continually work and improve the trails! This past weekend, I was very impressed to see some makeshift bridges (made from pre-cast wall panels) and laying of fresh soil over some of the dangerous parts from all the flooding. Speaking specifically about the section in Bryanston crossing that little swampy, slippery river. A few weeks ago I saw a oke bail quite hard there, breaking some of his components!

Ok thanks. Perhaps if there's enough interest in the different regions we can have a group session with Peach or somebody else skilled. I'm in JHB. Is Peach in the Cape? Please also send me his contact details.

I've been riding MTB for a few years now, and would classify myself as moderately skilled. I'm keen to add jumping to my skills for some of those logs, stone beds and little obstacles which stand in my way. I've looked up various 'ways' and 'techniques' on Dr Google, but have found so many, and sometimes they are very confusing and even conflicting with one another! for a dummy on bunny hopping, jumping etc... Do you have any hints, tips and exercises that have helped you to master this practically? And does it have anything to do with the weight of one's MTB?