etienne_jordaan

Throw away and get a aluminium Thomson. End of story.

Just an amazing person. A big loss to cycling and the world in general. Condolences to his loved ones.

Congrats to everyone that rode. Well done. The Overberg can get chilly this time of year and the wind was pumping here in Hermanus. I was there last year prepared and ready to go for the 200 miler and since then the training motivation just hasn’t been there. ……. Maybe next year.

I live in Hermanus. We had a lot more than 88mm of rain. That I can promise you.

I went over TWK dam/overflow this afternoon at about 17:00. It was not trickling. Proper overflowing.

Hi With regards to your initial route. Ruben’s recommendations are spot on. Stay on the R43, do not go into Hawston. We’ve had incidents in the past on the R43, at the 2 traffic lights, but the last couple of months no issues. On the Karwyderskraal gravel section Ruben also changed a little loop you had. Please don’t go onto private property. Stay on gravel roads or the marked trails of Hermanus Trail network. Still extensive roadworks and flood damage from last year in the first 7-8km going up the valley, but you will be fine on a mtb or gravel bike. Ride on the side closed for vehicles. Stanford road is fine and safe, broad shoulder. From Stanford there is various gravel options. A nice 100km loop of mixed surfaces is to go up the H & A valley, turn right before Shaws pass towards Tesselaarsdal and onto the Raka/Stanford tar road, which has a decent/broad gravel shoulder, onto Stanford and back to Hermanus.

Novatec hubs are not bad, but I would say you’re better off with the SLX hubs. All Shimano hubs are cup and cone. Just have them serviced once or twice a year, depending on how much you ride and they will last for years.

You can hardly see an dent on that photo. Ride it as is, it will not do anything. You should see the dents on some of my riding buddies rims.

Trails are safe to ride alone. I do it often. Although it is always beter to ride with someone, not only for safety, but to assist with a mechanical or crash.

Hi I’m a Hermanus local. We unfortunately don’t have any trails to cater for Downhill/Enduro needs. Some of the terrain in the valley might allow for something to be built, but don’t think there is enough demand to make it worthwhile. If you want to go that direction, please speak to Kobus from Dusty Feet, he manages the trail network in the Valley and has the relationship with all the relevant landowners. And as a heads up, please stay clear of the Fernkloof reserve hiking trails. I’ve been in Hermanus for 30 years and it is an absolute No Go for mountain biking.

Depends on the area and surface you ride. For a fair amount of tar and smooth gravel a 35/38c tyre is fine. If the roads get rough and corrugated, you want to drop tyre pressure to take the edge off. For that you need volume and 45/50c would be the way to go.

Racepace

I think you misunderstood. I referred to shop owners paying low wages for mechanics and hence you getting poor workmanship and lack of experience/expertise. But they still charge the customers premium rates, because a lot of people don’t know any beter.

The old saying “ You pay peanuts, you get monkeys” is very true.

Spot on. Couldn’t agree more!!