ValeYellow

Been on a set of AERO Carbon rims from Northcliff Cycles for about 4 months now on my XC duel-sus bike. They are holding up well - have had them through a few rock gardens, a few jumps and drop-offs and they seem to be fine? Also, for a carbon rim, they are not badly priced either?

CLASSIC

I have had a similar issue, replaced the chainring and problem solved. The chain, cassette and chainring "marry" in that the three components wear over time and when you replace the chain this is now not the same wear pattern as the other two components - hence why when on the bike stand all is good, but the minute the drivetrain is under load it then makes that horrible sound. I am pretty convinced that if you replace the chainring you issue should be sorted - sounds like a good opportunity to upgrade and go 1x12

+2 for William at Williams Bike Shop in Somerset West

Was on the trails over the weekend and in getting more and more used to the trails here, I nearly purchased acres of real estate on a few occasions with the Ardent Race up front. Thanks for the top tip - like the look of the Aggressor - hope to get one on the bike for the weekend.

yeah for what I do and how I do it, pretty much an ok combo for me - not a Greg Minaar in the making

I go to great lengths to satisfy my riding needs. Recently relocated down to Hermanus

I've had a WTB Nineline on the rear and played with the WTB Trailboss and WTB Wolverine upfront. I have also tried out the Ikon, Recon Race and Ardent Race setup, and have found, for my style and type of riding (Hermanus) - I am really enjoying the Recon Race at the back and the WTB Wolverine up front. Grip for days and pretty minimal rolling resistance. FWIT?

I own a 2017 VIPA Race One - this would be the XC version, I can certainly say that the rear triangle does have a fair bit of lateral not vertical flex. At first I thought that the slightest bump would snap the stays like toothpicks. However, nearly two years on, I could not be happier. Have thrown a few hectic descents its way and it has come out tops. Of course, with carbon, there is always that risk, not matter the manufacturer, that things can go pear shaped fast.

Yip, if you enter and have a plan - it is certainly achievable. K2C was up until the start the longest ride I had ever done, and something I was not prepared for was the time I would spend on the saddle.

Certainly is as that was me last year. Also what helped me was that I broke the race down into stages, my pre-race plan, and honestly think that is what got me through. 2019 will be different though - will definitely put the kms in this time and try for a PB.

Currently running GX Eagle 1x12 on the DS. Personally I found I needed a bit more on the high end of the cassette for some of my riding. Still have the 1x10 setup on my carbon Zaskar HT (SRAM X9 rear mech, SRAM cassette, SRAM chain and Rapide 32 Oval NW upfront) which I still ride? Never needed the GOAT Link as the SRAM mech coped.

Ran a 1x46 ten speed setup for a while - very possible to do as mentioned by the other guys.

Each to their own I guess, but my profile pick says it all for me - thats top of Prince Alfred Pass, and we still had to conquer the mountains in the background. I guess for some it is just one of those events that is an annual must do. Having recently moved from Jhb to the Western Cape, I am looking forward to some of the events down here - any suggestions are most welcome

Fantastic, it is a great event and a good vibe throughout the ride - enjoy.

So, 2019 K2C Entry sorted. Who else is doing it this year?

A bicycle also creates a barrier between you and what wants to potentially eat you - albeit it may only delay the inevitable Don't want to hijack the post from OP - but keep an eye out for a feature post in the near future.

There are also a healthy number of hippos in the various water systems for good measure.

The Dinokeng Reserve is 18 000ha so its not that small, its the enclosed camps that are pretty small, so not worth the effort to be honest. I own a hospitality management company and I do the sales and marketing for Dinokeng, however what is exciting is that I am working on a concession in Phalaborwa whereby we will be offering professionally guided MTB tours with a Big 5 reserve - cycle for about 40km day 1, night over in a tented camp, continue the next day for another 60km or so before spending another night in a tented camp, and the next day a short 20-30km ride back to the main lodge. Watch this space.

Dinokeng is actually a Big 5 Reserve and all game are free roaming, so not only Ellie’s and Lions to worry about but also Rhino, Buffalo and possibly Leopard. Cycling is permitted but only within the confides of certain concessions such as Pride of Africa, but you will need to be staying at one of the self catering lodges there. It’s a small piece of land, you will rack up a max 1,5km loop. Which lodge are you going to, Mongena?

Climb till you cry indeed, I myself will be hitting the Hemel en Aarde trails in a few hours - staying in the Hemel en Aarde Estate so its nice n close.

K2C has been a bucket list ride for some time now. Entered in January with the view of getting in some serious training - being my first 100km ride. Life then takes over, and 4 weeks before "race" day - it dawned on me I had only been on the bike a handful of times since January. So, crammed in 8 rides before the big day with the view of simply reaching Kom Se Pad before the cut-off time, and then hope I can keep it together to cross the finish line in time. Had a tent booked at the showgrounds but bailed on that idea and stayed at a nice guesthouse 40min from Uniondale. Had a chilled evening (no pun intended) having a braai, and preparing my kit and bike for the start. I honestly had no idea what to expect, so the worst came to mind, my nemesis being hills and many there were would be where I would come undone. Started in F batch and before I knew it we were on Ou Wapad and although there were plenty of walkers, I could weave my way to the top. Next thing I knew was that the climb up to the top of Prince Alfred was underway. Once reaching the summit, I stopped for a pic or two, and began the descent. And so the rest of the day went... Reached Kom Se Pad with time to spare, and I was feeling tops, decided to crank things up a notch. The next 30km went by very quick, reaching Simola climb feeling strong. Once at the top of Simola, it was a balls to the wall dash (bike GPS registered 83kph on the tar descent), and crossed the finish line with just over 2 hours to spare. Finished stronger than I started. Along the route, being my first and not having a basis to compare, the local support / vibe along the way was great. Water points were ok, took my own munchies along and only filled the camelbak once. Salted potatoes at the 2nd last water point tasted like food from the MTB gods. Lessons learnt, I stressed about nothing - could have gone harder from the start, but I accomplished what I setout to do and that was to finish - which I did with plenty in the tank (burnt 1 match). 6+ hours is a long time in the saddle, so for 2019, yes I will be back, a lot more training will go into the build up of this race, hopefully posting a better time, and more importantly enjoy it as much as I did this year - start strong finish stronger. My only whine - inadequate training, which I only have myself to blame for (although I felt strong throughout). The missus and kids met me at the finish, made our way to the car, klapped an ice cold bevy (or two) while I loaded the bike and made our way to Sedgefield where we were staying for the remainder of the week. Awesome event, K2C is going to be a regular feature....

very nice, like the colour scheme and livery - good one Crazy88

Granted I have not ridden an Epic, but I had a Momsen Vipa (carbon) for the month of December. Absolutely loved how it hooked up on the trails, and ended up buying one there and then.