s14phoenix

So after an unsuccessful attempt at converting a roadie buddy to MTB I decided to take this beast we built for myself for some XC duty. I just could not do 100mm suspension. Currently it weighs 11.8kg as is with pedals and dropper post not bad for a ally frame Trance X29. that makes it around 11kg without the pedals and with the KCNC seatpost fitted instead of the dropper (which I am having trouble loosing and will probably not lose.) I think with the way bikes are progressing and the head angles becoming slacker on XC bikes and also the addition od 120mm forks - this bike is a gem which is all but forgotten. Now with the risk of sounding like marketing hype I have to say that this is the "whippiest" 29er I have tried and the tucked back end makes for a very agile machine - almost completely vanquishing my 26er rider fears of bad maneuverability of 29ers. (my 27.5 Trance with 160 Pike is way worse on the tight and twisties but more fun on the steeps admittedly )

best guess would be about 12kg??? maybe a bit less... I would be keen know

Some pros figures... it is embarrassing

Did you use a power meter? or Strava estimate? I got 2:52 and estimated strava was around 229w

Well I started in E which basically splintered on the M1. Rode with some other E D C B mix. Was aiming for sub 3. 2:45 would have been really awesome but ended up with 2:52:01. Happy - yes. Next year - sub 2:45 - 2:30 pie in the sky.

Looks like there is some history of suspect finishing times... may have been doing it for quite some time. I bet there is many many more doing the same thing. I got given a racetec chip once and told to take it with... So I took it with to registration and gave it back to racetec - incidently the person never came looking for their "spare" chip they "borrowed" me.

yeah was also part of CL that got blown apart a couple of times. Worked my butt off a few times to reconnect to group splits ahead bonus of which is pulling a couple of ladies back onto the groups also. Now who can complain about that?? Work is not always just done in the front guys. There is work done in the back also to keep the groups together and shielding on the windy side typically in todays crosswinds. I had fun and although we just missed the sub 3 it was fun!!! Thanks to all the marshals and the guys and gals from Germiston Wheelers for a great event!!!

Was a great day. Totally got my A kicked by this race today though - just cant seem to stay with the front group. Had a great time though. Fantastic organizing and the 30km riders didn't bother much either. think the integration of the routes was well done. Baie dankie!!!

Lekke cant wait now... testing my new 29er setup in this race... building it today from spares to race bike ->>> race tomorrow. might be a late night...

160 snakes... eish ja ons gaan af tjop om by te bly...

good for training = yes race day calm = faster

SSSSSSHHHHH!!! you guys gonna jinx it...

At least it gets addressed - this is much more than what happens at most events. Everyone is much safer that way.

There is unfortunately also the fact that sometimes the slower or dropped riders taking up road space towards the right or middle of the road forcing either the catching bunch or group to squeeze past on the left or have to take avoiding action and hence riding in places they shouldn't to avoid having to climb on the brakes... Should there not be (isn't there) a rule to keep left and pass right? Think a plea needs to be made on the day to all riders to stay left if they are slow or dropped as to ensure their own safety without road closure and the safety of the other cyclists. I am not ranting just requesting and pleading for it to please be made abundantly clear to all on the day.

I hope my swollen knee goes down and I can actually use my mtb and road entries... holding thumbs!

I am currently flirting with 5 but will sell my old roadie and get an lightweight XC race bike.

wish GP had some scenery other than dry grass....

My hardtail... sorry I mean roadbike. Love this girl... my wife is jealous of the time I spend on her (the bike)

pro racers don't need water bottles... they not out there long enough to need a bottle... looking at that Silverback it could suit a pro racer perfectly since I don't see where a bottle would fit on the frame... Then again they might clamp a seatmount bottle holder to the dropper post...pro racers don't use camelbacks do they?

nobody likes a show-off... Can't even imagine the power output that took....

I am also going to test with Shova and Satellite in the coming weeks. Some lekke races coming in the build up to 94.7

I started with the charity groups last year which was better than QQ seeding. I then sat with a slower buddy till he couldnt anymore and then went on my own from halfway down the M1. Finished in 3:30ish in my first 94.7. This year I Will sub 3 no opt out option for me. 50% is training, 25% is all the other stuff. But the last 25% is HTFU and believe in yourself - raw will power

Think I will do the double too... just got to sort my entry now.

If you find some let me know... looking for the same

Oh and with the Giant branded brakes the cable clearance is ok though.