HdB

A significant update is now available - new area, roads and routes, graphics improvements, completely redesigned menus, and a lot of bugs fixed and other improvements. Just in time for the next Free 4 All Tuesday next week. The companion app has also seen quite a few updates in the last few months - being able to view and enter events, chat, and control the menus and in-game actions. It does need an update for the new roads. (The device running the companion app needs to be on the same network as the device running the game - it could require updating some firewall settings for the chat/control to link correctly)

Well, entered for my first one, will worry about accommodation later. Better do some heat training this Dec just in case

Personally I'm eyeing the Gen 2 DC Comp. I've seen mention on Facebrick of XT and LTD models that are coming for a bit less, but I don't know enough about the various shocks and forks to know if the difference in price is worth it. The bigger brands spend a lot more on marketing, including reviews on Youtube etc. That probably helps explain at least some of the price difference. The components are the same, and the warranty looks very good.

Anyone else on the fence about entering for next year's event? Seems a bit strange that there is no option of tented accommodation at or near the start venue, as with the Prince George and so many others.

https://www.nag.co.za/2025/07/23/wheel-world-an-interview-with-messhof-about-their-open-world-cycling-game/ Should be released today, according to Steam. And Mavrix should be released tomorrow.

So... who do we bribe to lock this in?

The standalone indoor bikes that can connect to Zwift etc are almost all way more expensive than your budget, and the ones that are close are unlikely to compare to the features of the Kickr Core etc. As for damaging the bike, nah. It is possible, I'm sure, but if you aren't rough with the QR or thru-axle and watch out for bumping the rear derailleur then it should be fine. I've had my bike on and off our trainers (Saris H2 initially, then H3) since 2019 with no damage that I am aware of. And yes, you can train together, if both riders have a smart trainer setup. During Covid I bought the H3 so that my wife could use the H2, and we rode together quite often on Zwift or Rouvy. Use a sweat protector and/or towel(s), or dry the bike off very thoroughly after every ride. Depending on your bike size some of the sweat protectors could rub against your knees - the Ciovita and Tacx ones look like they have less of a flare at the handlebars. Plus a decent fan. Ideally also a mat to keep sweat away from your floor/carpet, it also helps a bit with noise if you have a hard floor. As for the software, there are so many options and tastes differ. I prefer TrainerRoad for workouts, and occasionally TrainingPeaks Virtual for a race. My wife prefers Rouvy for the variety of scenery. Zwift has the most users, so it can be a more social experience. MyWoosh is free and pretty, but seems to need a more powerful laptop or tablet to get the most out of it. BikeTerra also has a free option, but it looks a bit more basic.

By the way, they're doing something called Free 4 All Tuesday:

Yep. Once bitten, twice shy, as they say. I see the Bikehub Pay fee as the cost of my sanity. By the time I click on "Make an offer", I've made my peace with the advertised price, BHP fee and shipping, if applicable.

The Kickr 6 also comes with the squishy feet, so might be a bit more comfortable for longer rides? Then again, you can probably do an el-cheapo tennisball hack on the Core Other than that, unless the race mode or wifi connection are important to you, I'd just go with the Core.

I only use TPV for the occasional free ride, or some races, so I just leave it at full. So I'm really just guesstimating here. That route has a few sections at 10-11%, so maybe try the Slope Feel at about 45%-50%? Then the steep bits should not bog you down too much, without making the rest too light.

The Easy Climb might be the closest to what you are looking for, but it is probably not long enough. https://tpvirtualhub.com/map?r=Easy+Hill+Climb Theoretically, if you adjust the Slope Feel setting lower, and then use the Straight Up route, that should give you more than enough road to work with at a fairly steady resistance? https://tpvirtualhub.com/map?r=Straight+Up

New Yellowcard, whooo!

BicyclePower used to sell the trainers, and I see they still list some spare parts on their site. Perhaps they can help: https://bicyclepower.co.za

I rode pretty much the entire Bergplaas climb in my granny gear. Thank goodness for that 50T. Which reminds me, I better start getting used to the energy drink now, to avoid 🤢🤮

What is the max size for your Sram derailleur? There are some suspiciously cheap 11 speed cassettes available on Takealot, for example: https://www.takealot.com/kmc-cassette-11-speed-cs11s-11-50-hg-compatible/PLID94551798 https://www.takealot.com/sunshine-sz-11-speed-11-52t-silver-black-mtb-bicycle-cassette-hg/PLID93384887 But you would have to get one and test, and if it doesn't shift well then it's money wasted. If it does shift OK, then the bigger chainring will make up for the missing 10. The 2x10 could work, Radarkop test to be sure. As long as it is not a muddy race?

...after about 130km gravel with Jean 🦾

Just to add - there were some very rugged downhill sections where bottles could (and did) fall out, so check how well your bottles cages hold your bottles. I still need to test some rubber bands or velcro straps to secure mine, especially for the rear bottle where I have to use a side-entry cage. My saddle-bag also got ripped loose on the Bergplaas decent, so now I use an extra velcro strap on that as well.

36T or 38T front then, and just crush the climbs at a 40 cadence

Since you already have an HG freehub, could you not test a SRAM 11 speed 11-42 cassette (PG1130 I think)? If you are spending a lot of time in your 10 for this race, you are aiming higher than mid-pack 😁

I had no issues with using my hardtail last year, and will almost certainly use the same bike this year. Possibly just with a change of tyres, 2.4s instead of 2.2s (assuming they fit). We could always be unlucky and the corrugations are very bad, hope not.

It sounds like Shimano Sora shifters. The newer Tiagra 2x10 should already be a lot better, ex: https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/complete-groupsets/815096/tiagra-4700-groupset-with-mechanical-disc-brake But 2x11 Shimano 105 or Ultegra shifts really nicely, ex: https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/shifters/815613/selling-shimano-105-shifters Whether your current wheels' hubs can work with 10 or 11 speed is another matter.

Luckily we were on an annual plan with Rouvy before their pricing changed and, for now at least (touch fake wood), it just keeps going as long as you don't try and change anything or take them up on their Black Friday deals, etc. I use TrainerRoad, but my wife and dad uses Rouvy. The latest update looks quite good!

My 530, that I've had for a few years now, also still has good battery life. It (barely) made the TransBaviaans last year. I will have to turn off some things for this year though, I expect at least 2hours more with a different teammate.