RobertWhitehead

I used to have a 1x10 with a 32T oval in the front on my 26er . I then built a 29er with a 1x11 and 34T oval. For me, (this is my experience) - I found that the 34T makes me considerably slower on the climbs because you try to conserve so you automatically use a smaller gear and then end up spinning more than needed. I then swopped the cranks (BCD's on the chainrings are different) and that to me is the sweet spot. A 32T oval in the front with a 11-46T at the back. I climb much stronger and faster and never feel that I do not enough gears. To me a 2x10 config is very annoying and you always fiddle to get the right gear - hence why I went with the 1x10

Check out my post I made on a previous post: https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/180544-entry-level-smart-trainer/

Great project and initiative from you dad! Hope it all works out, I will keep a close eye and offer some advice if needed

From a structural point of view: It can become a weak spot on the frame but you also have the crank providing some integrity to that area so will it lead to failure? Difficult to say, it could last for years or it can create a failure point where a crack originates from. From a cosmetic point of view: It does look k@k but at least its at the bottom of the frame, if someone notices it it either means you ran that person over or you came off the bike. Neither of which is advised .What would I do if it was my bike? I will get something between the two parts which are rubbing at present. Something like that sponge tape that looks like double sided tape. After which I will forget about it until it becomes a major issue

Have done 3 in the past and it's amazing to say the least. Logistics is an absolute nightmare and I never like that bit. Keen to do it one day again . I'm nowhere near under the 10 hour mark Tyron, send me a pm so that I can give you some pointers

Go to Cowhouse

It does suck yes! Sorry to hear that, is this not a blessing in disguise? I mean your biggest focus point now needs to be beating the big C . If it was me, I would take what I can get (within reason that is) and then walk away. You honestly do not need additional distractions and stress on top of everything else Cheers

Here's a novel idea, why not have a "rent a mechanic / reasonably component friend with all the right tools day" and share the fun / experience? I'm sure you'll be able to find one or two of those around .

Get a saddle set-up done and look at getting a new saddle. A normal set-up may also be a good idea if you've not yet had that done.

Awesome, thank you

How can the riders not in CT get hold of Enduro? I looked at their website but could not find the basket to put my spoils into . I used a product - which I cant recall the name, was like R70 for a 250ml bottle. Absolute garbage, I rode through a thorn and the stuff just streamed out of the hole. I had to cut the tire to get a plug in and even after the plug the stuff still did not do much. I fitted a tube and went home. Got some Joe's sealant (solely because it was cheaper than Stans) and it sealed the hole even after I removed the plug I fitted. Bat seal is not bad either, I used it for a while, I just found that the sealant became a solid piece of latex in the bottle after a while

I'm keen to enter the 2019 Jammie. Is there a place I can see the times of 2018? I would just like to gage the effort level ????

Sorry to hear about all the hick-ups, all the best and shout if you need any support / assistance / comic relief

I bought a 130mm stem from Solomons the other day, they wanted R20 for it, I just couldn't let it go . P.S. I use it on the trainer . I'm a fairly tall chap - 190cm so I use a 740mm (I think) riser bar with a 50mm stem. It does work well for me but I've managed to successfully ride a 570mm or 600mm bar on my ss for about 2 years . Admittedly I felt like the slightest bump was going to knock me over, really twitchy. Just make sure that you don't end up having your arms so wide that you end up with neck and upper back pain, you'll know exactly what I mean when you do start getting that pain.

I've stumbled across this discussion purely because I'm scared "s***less" of something like this happening to me. I suppose one just take it one step at a time, just another hurdle to clear and it kinda puts life into perspective. One can get all emotional and negative about why it happened to you / or oneself but does that help? The answer is a resounding no and mother nature or the universe doesn't discriminate, your body is an amazing machine that can withstand massive amounts of pressure and I am 100% sure that you being a cyclist know that already . My advice even though not medical is this: "We are ruled by what we believe whether it's true or not" So keep up the positive thoughts through this tough time and don't be "proud / strong / stupid / hard headed" - to ask for help where ever you can get it. This is not something which you can face on your own All the best and if there is anything I can do please feel free to shout.

Thank you very much Sias I'm a fairly competent climber but I'm not a fast climber - I have quite a slow cadence (I am more comfortable at a lower cadence than spinning) - I think I will go with a 2x11 to be safe, I do have all the parts and may just as well slap it on .

Hi Dave Thank you very much for the reply A friend and I want to do it solo but ride together (don't even know if that'll work) - I've been reading all the past treads now as well and I must say that I will not consider the 1x11 anymore . I'm going to go with a 2x11 rig - I just think the 2x11 will give me more options. His family stays in Namibia so we will definitely mingle with the locals

Afternoon all I've added this race to my bucket list for 2019. Now I've been wondering about what sort of training the experienced riders have put in for previous races? Would a similar training program which I used for the Baviaans (between 12-15 hours of training per week) suffice or will I have to up the anti? My next question is about the bike, will I be able to ride on a steed with a 1x11 gear config? I have an oval 34T in the front with a 11/46T at the back. Much appreciated PS: I've not read the whole tread so please feel free to point out if the above mentioned have already been discussed Cheers Robert Whitehead

Sufferfest has what they call "free rides" or "cadence builders" which doesn't have any settings, you can put the resistance at the same level for the entire 20-40min ride, perfect for Mrs Slowbee . Remember one thing: A Smart trainer works independently from the likes of Trainer Road and Sufferfest and all the other apps. If you say for arguments sake go for a Tacx trainer you can just ride off the Tacx app and leave it at that. You don't have to pay subscriptions to a third party app if you don't feel like doing so. The main difference between a normal "dumb trainer" and a "smart trainer" part from the obvious is the fact that the trainer provides you with data. With said data you can analyze your ride and automatically sync with the likes of Strava. If Mrs Bee doesn't have a need for all the above then I would suggest looking at the entry level "smart trainer" in the Tacx range: Satori Smart. The Satori trainer provides a total resistance of 950W for 1 minute and has a manual resistance adjuster. You can get one of them for around R2k second hand.

Sufferfest makes you monster strong, I think it compares with Cadence Cycling studio when done correctly. Send me a PM and I'll drop you a WeTransfer with a video to try out at home without any costs

Ok, so I've read page 1-3 and now page 7 of this discussion, so if someone already mentioned what I'm about to say then I'm sorry for repeating it . I've never used Zwift and do not plan to ever do so but, in my humble opinion: Download Sufferfest App onto Apple or Windows, pay the 10 AUS $ per month +/- R134.00pm after the 7 day trial and forget about high data charges. You can download the videos or stream them and it works a treat . It works great with ANT+ dongles or just a normal "dumb trainer". It tells you where your power and cadence should be at any given moment.

I was part of the 2015 group of riders who followed the route set forth by Rob and a few riders the year prior. Our ride had huge challenges (due to the non-race / structured format) and I gave my two cents when it was all said and done. I promised Debbie (Wild Trail) that I'll be back to do it once again but not on my single speed though. Comparing this race to the Trans as per the above comments: Chalk and cheese!!!! You can't compare the two, the Trans is absolutely majestic and there's no comparison due to it going through a reserve. With that being said, the logistics involved with entering and doing the Trans is way more expensive than what you would have when doing the C2T. If your goal is to push yourself to your limits and try to find out just how far you can go, then enter and complete the C2T. If on the other hand you want to do all of the above and have quite a bit of cash to burn on fuel and accommodation along with endless amounts of leave then my answer will always be the Trans.

I bought myself something similar to this one: http://www.takealot.com/sabre-cyclist-pepper-spray-with-adjustable-bike-strap/PLID41545318 Mine doesn't have the bike strap (which I think is worthless if someone knocks you off the bike) but it's very nice and compact, it's about the same length as the grips on your handle bars but slightly skinnier. It does have a safety on the trigger i.e. the whole button rotates and slides over the barrier section on the side of the nozzle. I've not yet had the opportunity to use it before but, the slogan reads: "Making grown men cry since 1975" . That in itself has to stand for something And P.S. if you purchase today and they've got stock you may have it before the weekend All the best and be safe out there Cheers

Wow, what a crap message, its early ok! Will there be entries available for the 80km race on Friday / Saturday? I've got a friend who's keen to join the 80km

Is there entries available on the day? I will also be going through on Friday but a friend ants to join.