Bub Marley

I think people forget Unbound is also 200 miles which is around 320km. It’s double what I would say is considered the norm for a gravel race. It’s an absolute beast of a race. Lachlan has so much more experience than everyone else when you look at everything hes done. A race this distance is so much more than physical. It’s mental and it’s also about nutrition and he hes got so much experience fueling for these distances. I don’t think people actually realise how difficult it is to continually eat for 9 hours. Your gut takes an absolute beating.

This is the one race which actually suits him more than Swenson. But a lot of the time this race just comes down to luck with mechanicals, punctures and who’s bike can shed mud the best.

I actually think the bike looks sick. I think the wheels maybe a bit overkill. 45-50mm wheels would’ve looked better but he’s all about performance.

If you are racing then yes I’d agree. But if you not racing, then I’d rather have bottles and not deal with a pack on my back for multiple hours.

It hasn’t rained that much to worry too much about mud clearance. I’d stick with the wider tyres.

Last year we had similar temperatures. Not gonna lie, it was p*ss cold in the morning. Like absolutely freezing. Didn’t also help that the 50miler then got delayed which meant we had to wait in the freezing cold there. Must have ridden around the velodrome probably 50 times to keep warm.

Hi guys. When doing this conversion in terms of Sram components. My hardtail currently runs 11s Sram groupset. I’m trying to keep the current bike and components as much as possible so ideally I only want to put on drop handlebars. Not gonna do a rigid fork or anything else. i have a Sram X01 mtb rear derailleur. If I were to put on some drop handlebars, would this derailleur be compatible with Sram Apex or Rival? In terms of brakes, I’m thinking of just keeping my current suspension fork as is. Would an Apex or Rival brake mount fit on my hardtail or is there something I need to do to make it happen?

So nothings changed from last year then.

From the top of Dorstberg.

That would make a great medal.

Last years problem was the lead up to the race. I don’t think it rained much on the day itself but we had huge amounts of continuous rain throughout winter. So far it doesn’t seem as cold and wet this year. I get that rain is good in general but man it wreaks havoc on your bike.

It can’t possibly be as bad as last years Old Hermon. By far the worst conditions I’ve ever raced in.

Anyone going to this event? I entered the Saturday 50km Mtb and 100km Road event on the Sunday. Should be fun. Just hope we get some decent weather as Knysna in winter normally freaking cold and wet.

Seems like the topic of Lourensford comes up every time. People complain about pricing but then take it back when they actually ride the trails. I’ve only been there once and that was for an event. It was pricey as hell but i loved every minute of it. Honestly, that whole area is massive so I would definitely take someone with me who has experience of the trails. It’s an expensive day out if you dont know where you’re going. Or alternatively just enter the event next year.

Nothing. 99% of them are ugly as hell. This one while still ugly, is maybe least ugliest that I’ve seen so far.

Still not 100% sold on the looks of these frankenmonsters yet. However, I think this has got to be the best looking conversion I’ve seen to date.

If customs stops you and opens your box and they see it’s a new bike then yes. But you can get lucky as well. They normally just pick randomly so it’s luck of the draw.

You haven’t really answered the question though or ranked them. But just to comment on what you said: Surely, being able to fit a larger front ring is a massive difference? That’s one part where you are stuck with a mtb. Wrt position on bike, you mentioned the upright thing but forgot about the narrowness. Even if you are on the hoods all the time on a gravel bike, the fact that your body shape is always narrower than on a flat bar means it will automatically make you faster?

What is the biggest advantage of a gravel bike over a mountain bike? Gearing Bike position being in a more aero position Narrower / faster rolling tyres Better efficiency/power transfer as a result of the lack of suspension If I had a mountain bike, which area out of those noted above are going to give me the most gains if i were to tweak it?

This is why tyre chat is so prevalent in gravel. It can literally make or break your race. Just going by the comments, i would definitely say if you’re in the market for a gravel bike, get one which can accommodate as wide a tyre as possible. I also think going to a 650b wheel size with wider tyres will not only give you more grip, it’ll give you greater comfort and puncture protection. Only problem is availability of 650 tyres etc.

Was thinking the exact same thing. We are still easy going compared to the gravel scene in the US.

Just wow 😮

My advice. Stop wondering and just enjoy it. Just accept that they all cheating or trying to gain an advantage in some way.

Cycling has taken the brunt of it but let’s not kid ourselves. At the top level of every sport with the money involved, cheating will happen. People will do anything to get an advantage.

Think we need continuous rain though. Don’t think that was enough tbh.