- Active Topics
- Forums
- Create Topic
-
Looking forward to my first event on the gravel bike.
Changed the tyres to 43mm panaracers and I'm surprised by the remaining clearance.
Looking at Around the Pot as the first event on the bike, probably only the 60 mile option.
And ....? Did you get it?
Yes, got the bike and did about 3km with plakkies ... 
Planning to take it out this weekend for a ride.
Has anyone bought one of these titan switch models that can give us a review?
Placed my order on the Switch Pro. Will probably collect the week after Sani2C.
Can't wait to ride it 
Bit of a silly argument, the swartberg 100 is a gravel race, K2C is not. Most people capable of riding 180km around Prince Albert could conceivably ride the event on a roadbike - The general standard of the K2C is far below the Swartberg 100. I'm not looking for an argument and if you are under your own steam you should ride whatever you like IMO.
But these 2 event's aren't nearly similar
Agree that these two events are not the same. However, it seems like the concern from the K2C event organizers could be the additional medical attention that could be required due to riders riding the event on gravel bikes.
It will be interesting to know the comparison or correlation between accidents involving gravel bikes vs mtb's on the Swartberg 100 as both bikes could enter and ride the event.
The comparison between the two events, both events include high speed descents on gravel roads.
When an event is over subscribed you can apply whatever rules you want.
As soon as events that welcome gravel bikes start taking entries away from K2C I am sure you will see the organisers change their stance.
The Swartberg 100 welcome gravel bikes and promote the use of them.
However, not sure how this impacted on the number of accidents requiring medical attention during the event.
I think it's pretty clear they want to make the route safe and less admin for everyone, including themselves.
While it may be cool to do it on the Nishiki Ultron, if you're running tubes and rim brakes, you might not enjoy the ride as much as you would doing it on a regular bike like they suggest.
But, there will always be those who buck the prescribed regulations whose favourite words are 'but technically.....'
If you want to be more hardcore than everyone else, ride a rigid SS or a dirt jumper... but just make sure it's tubeless and has disc brakes for YOUR sake. Advances in basic technology really have given us avenues to enjoy these things way more than we used to.
The e-bike bit I can understand as handling one of those scooters between normal bikes on a route you probably require more skill than handling a gravel bike.
The safety is a real concern however riding the k2c on a gravel bike is not purely to race it, plenty of fun on the day on the bike of your choice ... I see nothing about unicycles in the FAQ.
Racing or not I have never finished in time for a hot shower in Knysna, doubt using a gravel bike will make any difference 
I see in the rules (Frequently asked questions) that Gravel Bikes will not be allowed.
Thanks for picking that up
So who is planning to do the K2C on a gravel bike this year?
Once you are over Ou Wa pad and the rocky decent the gravel roads should be in a good condition to fly along on a gravel grinder
Farr gravel bikes look great and well priced, good deals on the momsen ones. I had a cannondale slate which was super comfortable and fun. I don't really think your options are that limited
Personally I use a light hardtail with a lauf fork and 45mm gravel tyres - I've tried several gravel bikes, this just works better for me and gives me the 1x12 option I couldn't get on any gravel bikes at the time.
Looked at the FARR website but seems like they have very limited bikes sizes available and the only agent in the Western Cape is a bike shop in Worcester which don't even have the bike on their website 
Hi Guys,
I'm looking at buying a gravel bike and seems like the options are limited in my opinion? Perhaps due to the very specific use of the bike and the manufactures not selling huge volumes.
I do not have any experience on the Titan Racing Switch Pro but the bike is well specked and priced. Is this the no brainier option or what other brands should one look at?
The Canyon Grail looks lekker but then the import duties, VAT and the possible long wait makes it slightly less attractive.
Giant has the Revolt and seems like only the Advanced 2 and Advanced 0 models are available in South Africa. The Giant is attractive due to the lifetime warranty on the frame.
Any other comments, models and input will be appreciated, especially from guys who have taken any of these bikes for a proper ride.
So like Patch said if I see someone breaking into your house/ car I should "stay out of it" Or
lets say you fall riding your bike and I come past and I dont stop and ask, because it has nothing to do with me, would you then also say it is ok?
The reference was to crossing a red traffic light on a bicycle when it is safe to do so, keeping that in mind you are probably more likely to be taken out at a green light due to not looking and thinking that you are safe to cross.
I agree that if any action resulted in injury I will also offer assistance.
It is just a pity that people are backing the odds of not being fined or caught, that goes for all levels of breaking the law ... red lights, speeding, murder, etc. sad
Out of interest … why do we comment on other people’s wrong doing and acts as a law enforcing authority. As a cyclist you are responsible for your actions, as a fellow cyclist you might not agree that someone is breaking the law and skip a light, but in actual fact it has nothing to do with you
Funny how people are always so law abiding and never skip a red light. Then as a pedestrian you probably never cross mid-block and only on the 5 – 7 seconds of the green man at every intersection and every time you cross the road, cause if you don’t what is the difference as you are also in the wrong 
the change in registration is not going well ... let's hope the change in the location of the start is going better 
These ones are the ones that you see all over the place. It is actually compulsionary to cycle on these roads if you have choice between this and normal street traffic.
This one normally is used with a pedestrian walkway. It means you are allowed to cycle there but pedestrians have the right of way. It is the cyclists choice if he wants to use the walkway and is allowed to rather ride in the street.,
This is telling motorists to beware of cyclists on the road. We have this in SA as well but it is actually ignored by most motorists I think.
This is a normal Cycling prohibited sign. Normally on any road that has more than one lane. There will normally be a cycle path alternative close by.
All of the signs as listed are within the south african signs manual and available for use. Only the prohibited sign design is slightly different in design, it has an addional line through the bicycle symbol as all other prohibited signs in south africa.
June and still no v650 ......
I really like the look and hope the pricing will make it attractive. It will have to be competitively priced to Garmin products.
Let’s wait and see
2
Although I do not own one of the two I have done some homework the last week or so …. The Tacx seems to be a good trainer, however from various forums they have software issues and the software requires a serious pc to run the software smoothly. There are also many comments on the integration of the software to other app’s like Strava. If you want to have more training features you have to buy additional licenses.
The Fluid 2 is only a trainer with a progressive power curve while the PowerBeam Pro (Cycleops) will compare more with the iFlow. Both have a virtual reality trainer function and you have a monthly subscription on the Cycleops software.
At first I was also looking at the Tacx trainer but now I’m leaning towards the PowerBeam Pro. If you going to spent the money do it once and be happy.
I’m sure some Hubbers who owns these trainers will be able to assist more accurately.
So I’m in the market for an indoor trainer (IDT). After a little research it seems like the Tacx range is not too bad and you can also get some of the models with a virtual reality function.
There are also some posts on the forum of group rides which looks like fun, however, you need an additional licence.
Some help on selecting a trainer will be great:
The youtube videos gave me an indication to what I can expect, but I prefer to hear from the users.
rouxtjie ... what is you view on the following - tacx vortex
where will you rank it, value for money?
The results are out and I was timed 7 minutes longer than my watch. Due to me deciding to rather ride in % than in $.
Guy from our training group did the same but he was timed correctly. Happened to anyone before? How do you proof that you dropped a couple of groups?
02h35 is not bad but will be happier with 02h28 after a wedding and 4 hours sleep the night before.
I ride stans tape with normal foldable maxxis tyres on dt swiss rims ... not the UST type tyre .... no problems to date and have been riding like this for a couple of years.
If I add up number the tyres I have used and the price difference between normal foldable and UST type i have been saving lekker moola for other cycling goodies
[Event] Around The Pot 100miler
in Events
Posted
First time doing the event (60 mile) and on my gravel bike.
Got a puncture in the first 10km which was not ideal as I was feeling up to it on the day. Stop to fix the puncture with the plug which unfortunately came out so had to plug again and stop again to pump thereafter
At the 2nd water point at Malgas I used the proper pump of the tech station and that lasted to the end of the 60 miles. I pushed on a bit after the wheel issues and manage to finish in 04h40'eish which I'm happy with but the legs are still feeling it today.
The later start of the 60 mile was better in terms of light and also had less riders, but agree not sure why you want to climb over things to get to the front and push your way in. If you are that strong you have 60 miles to make your break so don't be a d@@s that time of the morning.
The roosterkoek was a disappointment to me after all the hype, I expected the proper type which I normally buy on the way to Swellendam at a farm stall. I made up for it by stopping there on the way back, do yourselves a favour and stop at Bonfrutti and order a roosterkoek
The weather was great although the start was freezing. Looking forward to do the event again next year and will sign up for the 60 mile again. The surface was fine for the gravel bike ... just the last bit over the grass field was lekker bumpie.