Chris NewbyFraser

My experience o these bikes is that they area great crossover machine. Smoother gravel roads are easily travelled and the rough tar roads that are becoming the norm are ironed out beautifully. I sorted out the harsh effect on my rear by putting on a Thudbuster 32mm seat post. All I needed was a lightweight front shock which was not designed at the time. I still hold that the Spez front shock with its super short front travel that bottoms out constantly is a waste of money. Now that I live in southern Kzn with its character laden local 'tar' roads, I really wish I had not changed my gravel machine for a proper road bike. It would have been perfect for this region.

Probably gloating in a gentle way.

Back when Specialized started selling their Diverge gravel bike, I bought one and posted notes about the experiences I had, both positive and negative. A number of Hubbers trashed the idea of gravel bike specific riding, with various arguments about the bike just being a skinny mtb or fat road bike, and no doubt a number also felt that the discipline was doomed to failure. Well now, with the UCI announcement of a formal global gravel series and world championships, I wonder what the nay-sayers think about the sport now?

The answer to my question? On Bikehub (where else!) I found a pair of Shimano 105 (5800 series) which Shimano's web site says is ok for my Tiagra 4700 levers. Put this on my road bike and found the braking is about 25% better and the feel is not 'dead' as I felt with the Merida comp. Now I feel in control of my bike. Well worth the investment

From what I understand in literature, the current 4700 series has a different pull ratio to earlier ranges so its possible it wont work properly. I have to agree with you on the TRP / Tektro. I had mechanical TRP Spyre on a Spez gravel bike and got rid of them pretty damn fast.

Since retiring and moving to the Kzn coast and its steep slopes, I find the rim brakes on my Merida Scultura 300 struggle to stop me at speed. I have the stock standard Merida Comp callipers with Shimano Tiagra 4700 levers. I changed the single piece Merida brake shoes to the Shimano brake shoes (not the cartridge type) but this had little noticeable effect. I am looking at buying some used Tiagra 4700 callipers to replace the Merida's but before I do that I am hoping some Hubbers have some specific experience to share with me. Will the 4700's be a worthwhile upgrade or is it not worth the money. I cannot afford used 105's which have the correct pull ratio to match the 4700 series.

Do the lesser models offer less travel? Methinks 150mm is more than the majority will use and has the negative of extra weight and cost

On what website were you watching? With dstv seemingly dropping live cycling, I am going to get a Telkom line and package so I can watch cycling and rallying

The case prosecutors/SAPS were quietly letting the whole thing fade away until the family got tough and demanded action. The driver was convicted and received a jail term sentence. I hope he met Big Bubba in a dark cell..............

R325 for the half marathon? Bit steep!

Have a look at the CST Patrol 2.2. This is part of the Maxxis stable. The 2.2 is high volume front tyre(as fat as the spez ground control 2.3) with fast rolling tread and good mud clearance too. I have this on my back wheel for ride comfort. It has worn fairly fast but I do a fair bit of hilly tar road.

Facebook does nof have the event shown yet. Nothing under events.

The 10km was only 8.5km. Not a big deal fod most but for little riders this is quite a big difference. The event did seem to be under-funded. The entry fee was very reasonable and maybe did not meet all costs. This is no doubt a sign of the hard financial times that all are experiencing. Until money comes back into the sport, event organisers may need to curtail their desire to provide wonderful routes for all classes and focus on providing a good experience for the majority?

Who's doing the timing?

Well done and best wishes to the organisers. To initiate, organise and execute a large event, without a headline sponsors money, is a daunting task and is fraught with risk. Many event organisers have walked this razors edge financial path and many have cut themselves badly. I hope these guys make it. Since Fritz Pienaar(Advendurance) diversified into the Warrior Series and also trail running, his company's focus on mtb seems to have waned, particularly since he became boss of ASG. We need brave new guys like the Amohela organisers to keep our sport varied and interesting.

Two reasons. I need it now and I have no proof of purchase. Seldom used, its still in new condition but is a 6 year old model.

Thanks. Will try the aquaseal.

My reasonably new Camelbak bladder has a pinhole leak near the neck. I tried a couple of adhesives to plug it but with no success. Is there an adhesive I can use to fix the thing?

I was keen to ride this but the cost! Cheapest entry is R1300 for two reasonably short stages. This excludes any option of food, tents. Sadly, not going

I briefly recorded 11% for the steepest section, just before the bend.

A couple of years back Eddie was considering doing offroad Audax - to tap into the mtb market and possible improve road safety issues. I don't think it got off the ground.

So when do we get a Giant day in GP?

Thanks bud.

Fantastic area. Lots of green scenery. Can get big storms and stunningly cold if a late front blasts through. Pity they insist on the catering package. I would love to do the event but rather travel in from Harrismith each day where I would stay at the Bergview caravan park. But R1800 for the rides, plus the meals I would not eat plus the cost of travel is too high for 2 days. Pity. Any chance of a ride only entry fee?

Shows that I am watching? Too many! I'm dumping dstv after TdF