Blackheart

After years of trial & error (lots and lots of error) I found what works for me is: Fuel from real food (baby spuds, biltong, bananas [but watch the potassium intake], cheese rolls, fig biscuits). On proper long rides (5 hours and up) I find that you cant really eat too much, so go mad. Hydration and electrolyte replacement from water with a bit of salt or half a tab of Powerbar electrolyte/High5 Zero. 600ml per hour, increase intake as needed. I'm no expert at all, but thats what I landed on after 30 years of riding and trying most things.

Hi At first glance I'd say it's not worth it. Geometry has come such a long way in the last few years. The steep head angle, slackish seat tube angle, and the 27.2mm seat post diameter would put me off straightaway. Without doing more research I'm assuming that it's non boost, straight headtube and the reach is based around a 70/80mm stem. I think there are better options for a project to build up in 2023.

Just another good reason to ride alone

I also buy, sell and trade across different platforms and in my sequence of events is usually: Sale terms are agreed. Payment is made and POP received. Goods are wrapped in anticipation of funds clearing (assumes an EFT). Goods are posted same day funds clear. The 2 days it usually takes for the funds to clear should be ample time to plan a trip to Postnet. A pic of the waybill and of the goods being wrapped are sent to the customer. Sticking to this, I have never had any issues. If I want an instant transfer then I too have to be prepared to reciprocate and have my **** together ready to go. If I'm buying, then I expect the same vmg in shipping as there was in paying.

Do Toits carries a lot of heavy goods traffic and boy racers, I'd stay away. Bains Kloof up both sides is lovely and usually much quieter.

And I thought the first question would be 'What does it weigh?'.

I broke my collarbone just watching.

I've been there and done it. I wouldn't do it again and doubly so if it meant having to take on a partner of any kind.

I had to make the call about a year ago. I think it has more to do with where you are in the arc of your cycling life. I decided I'm not chasing numbers or positions anymore, but I still wanted to ride hard up and down. I wasn't doing any more Trans Karoo's or 24 Hrs, and I wasn't interested in losing those last 3 kilos of good living weight either. I also wanted a bike that would handle pretty much any trip I chose to take. I landed up with a Niner RIP9 RDO, which for me has a perfect blend of travel 150/150 and not too slack geometry 66.5 HA and 75 SA which helps to offset the longer travel when climbing. The frame is light enough to build up to a decent finished weight, mine is just on 12kg with an XX1 build. Yes, the front end wanders a little on the really steep stuff, but the trade off is the rear never, ever loses traction and it will clear techy, nasty climbs that my hardtail would never. Yes, I do feel the weight difference from my 9 kilo hardtail, but that really only matters on long smoother climbs. The trade off there is total composure on the descents, this thing just holds its line. I'm a bit slower on the long climbs, a bit faster on any descent and about the same everywhere else, but I'm having way more fun and I can do more laps because I'm not getting beaten up by my 'race' bike. My 2c on the tyre difference - The wider tyres with bigger volume do tend to understeer at slower speeds or if they're not leant over like they should be. I also believe that most Trail riders are over tyred for most local conditions and there is no need at all to be dragging around 1.2 kilo tyres. Most of our rides and conditions just don't warrant it. For dry conditions I've settled on: Front - Schwalbe Hans Dampf Evo Supertrail Soft. Rear - Schwalbe Rock Razor Supertrail Medium. For me these are the sweet spot of weight, rolling speed, grip and puncture protection.

Bulls did try the SA Market about 10 years ago. The problem mainly was, apart from the usual stock/size/model issues, nobody other than from the avid Epic follower had ever heard of them. They were really great bikes, but a very hard sell.

Hi Dan As a one time bike shop owner, maybe I can offer a little advice? 1. Location - Keep your overheads as low as possible. Foot traffic is way overrated and is in fact a liability not an advantage. Reputation is worth much more than visibility. 2. Parts - It is going to be a challenge to source parts as the large importers are fully subscribed and will not deal with so called 'garage' businesses. Finding a sympathetic LBS is great if you can, but most are fighting for their own survival and won't welcome the competition, also no matter how sympathetic they are they will still not sell on to you at cost. That means you will have to reduce your own profit to be cost competitive. You will have to essentially buy your market share initially. Importing grey or parallel parts can save cash, but exposes you to warranty issues. 3. USP - Why will people use you and not someone else? Having somebody's business trust is an honour and an obligation, not a right. Determine from the start what makes you better than 'the other guy' and then stick to that no matter what. 4. Consistency vs honest mistakes - You can do 25 amazing services/fixes/can you justs with very little reward, but 1 cock up can be a disaster and everybody gets to know about it. Fix honest mistakes quickly and with humility. If you are making dishonest mistakes then you are F*&%'d anyway. I hope this helps a bit. It is not impossible, but like anything worthwhile takes dedication and perseverance. Please feel free to DM me if there's any other questions you might have. All the best.

DMR Deathgrips are the shizzle.

Guys, I don't comment very often on this thread, it is sometimes just too hard. Cois and I do chat occasionally, less recently, and I'm sorry about that. He knows me and my story. What I have highlighted above is critical. I waited too long and then didn't initially get the right attention. I eventually got out the other side. But only after an unnecessarily long and harrowing fight. I was one of the lucky ones, but I'll carry the physical and mental consequences for the rest of my life. I can't shout it loud enough: Get checked. Get the right treatment. Fight like hell. Live a good life everyday, because it can change faster than you can imagine. Cois, you are a true warrior and a genuine human being.

I've used them all. Cura's have stayed on my bikes for the past 2 years. Would not consider anything else now.

My Niner ROS with Ohlins RXF36 150mm. Sold it a few months ago. Missing it. Something more tasty incoming...