Don't write any brands off and give them all a go. When I started looking at bikes the consensus was "stay away from Spez". I nearly gave the brand a complete miss. Running out of options I popped into a Spez store and arranged a test bike for a weekend. Sold! Never looked back. You know immediately when the bike suits you. Test rides are mandatory!
Been flat pedals since 2014 and tried cleats for 5 months last year. No improvement climbing. I suck period. Getting used to clearing and uncleating was a ball ache. I wasn't quicker in cleats using Strava / Garmin as a reference. Sticking to flats for the foreseeable future. I focus more on fun Enduro / shuttle rides and avoid long +50km rides. Biggest gripe - flat shoes just don't always look as cool as cleated shoes.
Gear has dramatically increased in price. Trying to find baggies and inner for under R1000 is going to be a stretch. I got lucky on OneDay only with Dakine baggies, no inner, for R1100 (I think) otherwise most brands are close to 2k for a pair of frikking shorts.
The Moto jerseys tend to fit a regular size - I'm medium and medium Fox, Thor jerseys are all pretty slim fitting. The Fly jerseys tend to be a little loose to get over the gear.
Definitely Shimano over SRAM GX (and by default will include the NX). Keep an eye out for a XT shifter. Deore 6100 series is also out and really well prices. Schlep with Shimano 1x12 is having to get a microspline comparable free body for the 10-51 cassette. The UFO sized 51 tooth granny gear comes in handy on big climbs: where (some weekend warrior) riders on 1x11 wish they had 1 more gear.
Above all the opinions...it's all about the fit. Check for crash warranty, ease of access to replace parts / liner and read as many reviews as possible. Happy trail riding
The three thugs that bike jacked us took our Camelbaks and walked away with backs towards us. Didn't check pockets etc. If I had a weapon they would be toast... If they did a body check and found a weapon it would have been sketchy.
The problem with expensive gear is that they're destroyed, by a fall or snagged on thorn trees, just as easily as non-expensive gear. Regular scouring of the interwebs and lbs will land you some good kit at a better price. Just takes a little longer.
A bunch of uncouth schmucks! The group riders (illegal) down Cedar towards Lanseria and the vehicles, with bikes on racks, racing (speeding - illegal) to get to their departure point because they are most probably late. No doubt taking up a parking wherever they feel entitled too. Not some random incidents either; it's a regular occurrence and has gotten progressively worse.
There are a number of online bike related stores that have gone this route. They even make you pay and get back to you after a few days, after following up with them, that they don't have stock of items ordered and will refund in full. Annoying as hell!!!!!!! Grease_Monkey Bike Addict... ja. Advertise things, then you request a quote (why??? Advertise what you have in stock, and let me click on buy now),
Started off with a watch and then got a 130 (great little device!). The watch and cycling aren't a good combo; although a watch is more versatile - hiking, running, walking, treadmill, stationary bike etc.
Worst case scenario...take the bike to your lbs. What I couldn't get loose over a long period the technician did in a minute. I like to believe I did all the prep work for the easy removal. Yes, I felt like a tool taking my bike in to get a pedal removed. I now use anti seize grease. Makes life easier.
Found gem of a site looking for a packable rain jacket - trailshed.co.za & went for a Mac in Sac. Good quality and price. Took it on a ride to test breathability and worked brilliantly as a wind breaker too. No rain test though although there are plenty of online reviews etc. Trailshed also stocks this monster - ULTIMATE DIRECTION – ULTRA JACKET V2
