Bub Marley

I currently have a road bike and a hardtail 29er. I’ve started entering gravel events this year on my hardtail and I have a few thoughts. I’ve changed my tyres to Vittoria Terreno as they are currently the fast rolling available mtb tyre. The grip is not that great for cornering and single track etc but for gravel events you can’t beat them. I’ve also added a Farr aero bolt on bar for alternate hand positions with a slight aero advantage. I can definitely say you’re still at a massive disadvantage. Two major things for me are gearing limitations on the hardtail wrt the front chainring and also the front suspension i think is a major negative when it comes to efficiency. I was thinking of maybe putting in a rigid fork but honestly, you’re still gonna be at a major disadvantage compared to a dedicated gravel bike so therefor I’ve decided not to spend any more money on the bike and just start saving for a dedicated gravel bike one time. In terms of a do it all bike. If you can only 1, buy the one that you’re gonna be active in the most. But a gravel bike cannot do what a hardtail can do on proper trails whereas a hardtail can pretty much do everything just not as good. So if the cutting out proper trails is fine for you then go for it. For me personally, I need all 3 bikes as I do loads of road racing and I love proper trails. But now I also love gravel. So I’m basically screwed as things stand.

What looks great for you might not look great for me. Those are some pretty serious chips on the top tube and there’s loads of scuff marks all over. Not sure you’re going to get much for it. There might be good demand for the fork though as they are pretty hard to find these days.

They bought average players and no strikers. They’ve literally blown 1 billion dollars.

Is this the same route as the Durbie Dash?

Is the cliffhanger open to use year round? I thought it was just open for this event?

I think having the event in September/October is better as then we can keep the 8am start. i also feel like people are more likely to attend during that time. I think December after the DC, a lot of people are starting to take it easy ke dezember and what not. Just my thoughts.

Only 15 starters for the 120km race which was disappointing. The route itself was fantastic. Not sure what the plan is for next year but if we can start an hour earlier if it’s in December again that would be great. That last hour in the sun was excruciating. Fantastic event though and fantastic location. Hopefully better support next year if it sticks around. Also the goody bag was much better than most other races and probably the most unique medal as well.

Copy 🤣

My lightest gearing would be a 32 chainring with 42 cog at the back. Should I put a bigger cassette on?

So it’s called Big 5. I’m pretty sure I see 7 peaks on that image 😱. Or at least 6.5 haha!

I love how all of you are trying to convince me here 🤣. Okay, looks like I’m gonna have to get fit now! Eish.

Its a carbon HT. Probably around 10kg. 100mm Travel in front with 2.35” tyres front and rear. Think I’m gonna skip it though. Just rewatched some course preview vides they did earlier in the year and yeah there’s one section through the trees and rocks where it looks pretty sketchy. Not sure I have the skill set for it and on a hardtail will be even more tougher.

Fantastic.

Well, I’ve entered for this. Hopefully it doesn’t get cancelled as there’s been next to nothing in terms of marketing this event.

The state of that picture. Wow 😮

Mine will also be a last last minute call. Anyone know when entries close? No mention on website.

Who’s all doing this ride? I’m still deciding whether or not to enter this. Also, why is the start time 8am? I know this was the planned start time back in September when it was cold and dark, but it’s december now. Surely this could have started earlier with the heat?

They have a monopoly on the sports in the country. The rest of the channels no one really cares about anymore as everyone either streams via Netflix, Disney, Apple TV etc. I think most people would subscribe to a sports subscription at a reduced price but they will never do that as they know that they will lose all their premium subscribers. But because they have the licensing for the sports, they kind of force it upon you as there is no other option. I think their premium package should be at the price of the compact package at R299. At this price i would 100% subscribe. Alternatively, give us a full sports package for this price.

Yes 100%. What you have now done is put the thought in my mind everytime I ride 🤦🏻‍♂️

There should be a rule on these forums that no snake posting is allowed. Seriously, if you see a snake then good for you. Keep it to yourself please instead of scaring the crap outta everyone else that wants to ride there.

Ok thanks for the response. Was hoping you guys would say no chance on a hardtail so I could get it out my mind. Now I have to ponder this race again even though it scares the bejeesus out of me.

Included in entry fee yes.

For those that did it last year, how technical was the singletrack? Will my hands survive it on a hardtail? I remember watching a video last year where it looked extremely rocky in some parts.

Yes. You going to get the same disposable one they’ve been handing out at recent events which mount on your seatpost.

Tailwind. Perfect for those with gut problems.