brussel

OK so some months back I rode a mates 29er to see what all the fuss is about. I came back with a grin on my face and a mission to spend money that I did not have. So here is my new baby: Schwwweeeeeettt! The bike is pretty light, the large frame with XT kit and american classic wheels is a bit over 10kg as she stands. As 29er converts will tell you the wheels roll over the rough stuff and have a odd momentum when you are riding, almost like you have a slight breeze from behind. There has been some talk of the slow acceleration of the heavier wheels, but I cannot say that I have noticed that, and in any case one does not do such serious accelerating anyhow. We're not doing match sprints on the track. The bike is responsive and very fast. It corners like it is on rails, but does feel somewhat different from a 26er and it takes some getting used to. It is a hard tail and as soft as it is for a hardtail - because of the extra flex - it's still a hard tail. Where this this really excels is on the climbs - oh my goodness it is fast uphill. It's really fast (did I mention that already) it climbs like a goat - traction is superb and the light weight makes it go like the clappers. Having a hard tail is nice as the rigidity means that out of the saddle efforts are translated into instant power. So so far I am as happy as the proverbial pig Should you want to buy my Anthem soft tail check here: https://www.bikehub.co.za/index.php?/topic/75504-large-giant-anthem-x1/page__gopid__1076237#entry1076237

it means less shifting up front and less redundant gears. In a standard 3x9 setup about 25% of the gears are duplicated somewhere in the ratios

ChrisH that first one is a winner can I get it in HD? ....love the HDR stuff. What camera and software you using? wohooo ultimate hubber status brussel2010-06-13 12:19:03

well done! what time where you out there. I hit the trail about 10:30 and there where loads of folk out....we're truly privileged to live in this area!

I think ChrisH is using what is called HDR, high dynamic range..the first pic has clearly got multiple exposures if you look at the clouds.... looks wildly cool tho

taken with my phone this morning brussel2010-06-12 09:04:02

how did you do the exposure of those pics? they have a very dreamy quality about them!

Mark when aluminium bars break they do not bend they snap. In an accident they might bend but what happens generally is they get a stress fracture that gradually gets bigger and bigger and then it fails catastrophically Carbon tends to crack easily (it does not bend plastically) but it does not separate because of the fibrous nature of the material... either which way broken bars mean hitting the deck

grip shifts are the shiz...I think I still prefer paddle for the front because there are only three positions, gripshift has more because it allows you to trim. but for the rear, nothing better.

how much for your kcnc?

bos - the x9 cranks look great any idea of release date?

OK so here is a second question: what do you do for 29er bikes. The 29 front-34 rear combo is OK for a 26er but a 29er has a larger ratio because of the larger wheels hence XX offering two different combos 28/42 and 26/39)

stewie911 I see CWC has the triple for R2100 on their online shop. ridr...not too bad a price...hmmm

I also have explored the options...simply taking granny off does not cut it. In the western cape you need something smaller. Ideally 26/40 or 27/40. Keeping 104bcd you can use only 29 (possibly 28) but getting hold of chainrings is nearly impossible and the after market stuff is pricey. XX and rotor are brilliant - but R4000 - wow I can buy a bike for that!

hmmm R57 000 Other than my entry on the two epics I have ridden I spent a sum total of R400 for a new crossmark that I slashed on the time trial in this years epic. I serviced my own bike, never replaced cables (in fact with a full housing from shifter to d?railleur I only replaced my cable about 3000km later) It's as expensive as you want to make it. No massages, no mechanic, a well looked after bike...easily doable for lots less.

hmm sounds like a great price...it is a good bike. I have the 2009 x1 and am very very happy.

agree with Velo on this one. The one shop that is doing well has bypassed the local distributors and has also gone online and is coming in so close to CRC prices that I often buy locally now.

I second super mil...also got a lizzardskin on my anthem x1 and it keeps the shock clean. last time I cleaned the shock was after 2000km of riding and it was as clean as a whistle inside. as for forks...insufficient lubrication of seals. Both rockshox and fox recommend hanging bike upside down so that oil runs up the stanchions to the wiper seals.

I also want to do this...I dont use my granny ring that much and so a 2x9 setup is perfect. but R4000 for XX cranks you've got to be insane...not much out there in chain ring options.

regarding zerts. I suspect that what they do do is to reduce resonance, whether that is even an issue I dont know. Agree with JB They will do squat to improve impact absorbtion.

looks like microcracking in the anodizing with some corrosion coming through. Seems like you may have some corrosion on the nipple too. Being near the sea corrosion is something one lives with, but I would certainly not be happy with that...interested to hear what the agents say.

soltice is that R130 for the pair? or for one? anyone use the zefal ones? not sure how good they would be compared to the machined specialized ones.

Dirtcrazy...it's all downhill from uniondale to the coast Ok you have LOTS of time to get fit. Majik has some great climbs. so from the parking lot to the top of the electric fence in one shot no rests should be a goal. I reckon if you can get as much mileage as possible in as thenoodle suggests. get a long ride in on Saturdays, aim for 4 hours and perhaps one ride of six. The rest of the time as much time as you can at majik and hillcrest, and dont forget contermanskloof - its a great trail. If you can get in 6-8 hours a week you'll easily do K2C

I like those specialized clamps...nice idea. anyone seen any in a shop in cape town? I dont mind a camelbak - I have used one for a long time, but I get hot so extra heat build up because of lack of ventilation - not major but definitely an issue. plentipotential: I am trying to win the race

zip ties - hmmm not sure if they would adequately handle the loads and bumping of an MTB race. As for the other clamps, I will check out the LBS, but still interested to hear some educated opinions on the drilling.