Fauret

If i can give my 2c worth. Did my first on this year as well, finished well above expectation. Few tips that worked for us: 1. If you technical ability is not up to scratch, start now. Get familiar with rocky loose climbs and steep descends. 2. Do some races in the area of the '19 epic routes. This was very helpful. 3. Get your nutrition sorted by December. Mine was Peptopro sport and Enduren Oats Bars 4. Do some 5-6 hour rides on demanding routes. Rocky and jeeptracks, with enough hills. Think Transbreede ultra, Attakwas, Robertson riding (JAVA MTB and other Trails) 5. Assos Shorts and Spez Power saddle solved a lot of problems 6. Rest at least 2 weeks before race, if you are not feeling lazy, you are not resting enough. Edit - 7 .Take good care of your health, wash your hands and eat healthy 8. Enjoy all the highs and lows. Look around and make some friends. Also woolies is a gem after 5 hours of dust in my mouth This list can go on and on but these handfull of tips helped us a lot.

I have a Swat box on my spark 910. Like Benreaper said, it is a tight fit, but if you modify the holes a bit it works great. I think a large or XL frame will work even better.

So i've got some bummer news. Had to pull the plug this morning due to heavy rains and cold on sections of the route as well as further down the road. Enjoyment just was not there. Would have loved to do a great ride report afterwards but due to a restricted schedule i will need to do this trip later this year, maybe September. Thanks again for all your input. This is a bitter disappointment. Very glad about the rain though. Hopefully till next time...

Hi Eben, Bought 2 bags from CWC, for cheap and they work quite well. Spaced into the cables so it doesn't interfere. Friends of mine is on holiday in Hartenbos and I've sent some essentials along for the last stretch.

Thanks, decided to opt for Grootvadersbosch rather than staying in Swellendam, makes my next day a bit easier. Maybe I can do a ride on the trails (although it will be probably very wet) the morning before leaving for Riversdal. I bought a handlebar bag and saddle bag for the trip to store most of the gear on the bike. My camelbak is also coming along so there is some space for essentials. @Robbie - The Trailpark is definitely on my list. Did a lot of epic training there in Dec and it will be a shame if i pass it without giving it a go. Very underrated Really looking forward to this trip. Would like to do a small Ride-report afterwards

In a week's time i will be on my bike somewhere between Robertson and Knysna. This morning I came across a big group of cyclist passing our farm on their way to Montagu with their end destination also being the Oyster festival. So I am currently doing the last preparation for this solo trip. I have changes the route a bit with Barrydale being swapped for Swellendam. (Here is my new route : https://goo.gl/maps/tSipS15U8m82 ) I Still need some help from you guys. 1st - nice places to stop for a coffee or a bite in Swellendam , Suurbraak, Riversdal, Herbertsdale?? 2nd - Best luggage bags to carry, under saddle? On Handlebar? on a Dualsus bike (Looking at the the Roswell bags from CWC) 3rd - What is a realistic avg speed to make my planning? With +/- 8kg of luggage on the bike? Since I have never done such a trip I am quite pinned on the detail.

Awesome video about the most amazing mtb stage race. Saffas featuring often.

The RC Comp will be a fine choice. We rode 910's this year and my bike weighed 14kg 's .... and still we had a lot of fun. We saw quite a few Spark RC's during the race. At the end of the day it will all come down to how much you would like to spend.

Thanks guys, any alternative routes or detours I should consider?

I would go with the Spark 920 as well. Me and my partner rode 920 & 910 for the epic. He killed me with eagle on his though. For most of the riding in SA the 120mm travel version is better and you can go and shred Jonkershoek and other great trails of you want with enough travel and a handy dropper. The RC is very nice for shorter punchy races and rides.

So we are a bunch of friends heading down to the Annual Knysna Oyster festival for the July Holiday with one simple rule - enter at least the half marathon run on the 7th. Great, we will all stay in Buffelsbaai for the weekend, I have 2 weeks of leave and has come up with this marvelous idea of getting to Buffelsbaai on my bicycle. I have 4 days so i have planned it as follows. Day 1 Robertson to Barrydale. Day 2 Barrydale to Riversdale. Day 3 Riversdale to Hartenbos (where some of my colleuges will stay)(backroades) Day 4 George to Buffelsbaai (via 7passes). All and all about 390km My idea is to take only the necessary clothing and a extra pair of cycling clothes. This is an opportunity to ride the amazing gravel back roads, experience some small town hospitality and get a good winter base training in. I will be on my full sus MTB for this trip I need some comments on the route i plan to take. Anything to watch out for, must do stops, route tips, dangerous areas, places to stay. Basically anything useful since i have never done this.( note I am a experienced cyclist, just not a experienced bike-packer) This is the link to my google maps route - https://goo.gl/maps/e4fbrFALWqQ2 Go check it out Thanks

Going with a Ardent Race 2.35 in front with a Ikon 2.35 at the rear. With 80% of epic on home ground (on our farm as well) these tires have survived the past 2 years without problems. Then again, touch wood.

I'm not an expert on suspension but I also have a new Spark 910 and struggled with the same issue. My LBS sent the fork and shock away to Omnico for inspection and they did an upgrade kit and some adjustments. Also try tightening the barrel adjusters on the twin lock. The Suspension is not supposed to lock out 100% but should not bob if you are out of the saddle. I've had some further issues with both the FIT4 fork and shock which the Fox agents can't seem to fix. Hopefully a solution is around the corner.

Pleasantly surprised at the amount of spectacular single track in the area. Routes was tough and technical but rewarding. Lunch and drinks was spot on. Will definitely be there in 2018. Hope to see more numbers at the next addition.

I think this justifies a post Stoked!!!!!

Has anyone bought from the site yet? Stunning bikes

Just when i thought my bucket list is being ticked off at a decent rate....

Same problem here

Baie Lekker roete gewees, behalwe vir die verkeerde afdraai vroeg in die 71km was alles baie goed, goeie waterpunte en lekker uitdagende roete. Sien jule volgende jaar weer...

Iemand wat hom gaan doen??

Hi I'm going to California in October to attend a summit, but i also want to visit a few places that will be interesting for a mountain biker like mtb museums or headquarters of popular mtb manufacturers. Do any of the Hubbers have experience of these places or any suggestions?? Looking forward to your replies...

I've always received the service from them and not to speak on the unbeatable prices on bikes and accessories. The best deals on any scott in the WC by a country mile!!! Happy to call this my preferred LBS.

As far as i know it is just the 2012 range with the chainstray problem, correct me if i'm wrong.

Talked to my LBS the other day he said i can get a brand new 2013 Spark 900 Premium for under 45k. Still a lot of old stock in the country...

Shining