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Pure XTC

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  1. That's correct. Probably my favorite section of trail in the area. Sketchy "widowmaker" downhill leads you on to undulating trail with sneaky overgrown twists and turns. Rocky climbs and decents and Mont Marie at the end. Super fun and the view is worth the effort.
  2. I recently had a Scott Spark XC bike that I unfairly treated like an enduro bike and put it through the ringer a bit but I never had a problem with any paint chipping due to rocks bouncing up on to the frame or chain slap or rubbing from transportation. Subsequently I've had 2 TREK EX 8's and the 2017 model (black) has shown chipping on the frame around the BB / top tube area and the chainstay. Bizarrely, the 2016 EX version didn't even come out with a protector on the chainstay so I wrapped an old tube around it for protection but it still took a few nasty hits. I even resorted to covering most of the frame in Gorilla Tape to prevent unsightly trail damage but I do think this was a little OCD. Now, on Sunday, I see a chip on the piece of frame on the seatstay near the wheel on the 2017 model (silver). Peculiarly it is on the top side, not the bottom where you would expect because that where most of the action happens. No dent, no scratch, no transporting, no rubbing. It's almost as if the paint just fell neatly off the frame. Judging by the photos provided I wouldn't accept what looks like a faulty paint batch and so ultimately compromises the overall look and feel and aesthetics of the product. Would you accept it on your brand new car. Definitely not. I can live with the blemishes on my steeds. I also don't have the energy to take it further and just painted over them with black model paint and silver engine enamel respectively but today's bikes are expensive so we shouldn't nonchalantly accept what the suppliers tell us. In my opinion bike manufacturers will try as hard as they can to shift the goal posts to avoid responsibility. They entertain your whims and whines to a point before getting disinterested and then block you. It's not just with their bikes either but on their apparel too, as I have experienced with a pair of expensive trail shoes (no name shaming but they are the one with the big red S). I love my TREK and can't fault it too much but I do think that their paintwork, again my opinion, could do with a little more attention to detail. Faulty paint can happen and I think as a brand if you engage with your consumers in the correct manner then you will most likely have brand loyalty for life. If not, and you treat them like a gump, then don't be surprised if they next spend their hard earned cash at your competitor. BTW. I have decided to buy from another brand when buying my next pair of shoes.
  3. Jonkershoek map. I think that Zululand has been added to the trails but it isn't indicated on this map as yet. http://www.bmtsa.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/BMT_Jonkershoek_Trails_Map.pdf 50ZAR to get a day pass.
  4. Mr GT I would take the 2017 without losing sleep about it as I don't think the 2018 offers a R10k worth of difference that you would notice. I have the 2017 model and absolutely love it. It's was like having a new girlfriend - took a while to get used to the design and geometry but once dialled in - went like a Boeing. Yes there are definite differences between the 2 year models if you start looking at the detail - noticeably the wheelset & drive chain which are all pricier hence the addition to the total bike cost, but what you are getting in the EX8 is a very capable bike that you really don't need to add any upgrades or make any changes to. You can go straight out the show room and on to the trail. So, would I pay R10k extra for a 2018 model. Simply put - no and this is my personal opinion of course. This is not because I don't have the cash to do so but based purely on the fact that I don't think it will add that much value to your ride in the overall. The jump up between the EX's is not thaaaat of a wow compared to say going from the EX8 to the EX 9.7. Then I think you will start feeling the difference and at only R9k more might be a thought. (Time to do some bike-math). Besides the cost, there are also other factors that come into play that I think determine your purchase - like when and how you ride, what terrain you ride, who you ride with and if being a bit of a show pony is your thing. Judging by the decision to buy a 130mm trail bike I assume you are not a lycra-clad weight obsessed XC jeeptrack rider so that may render the last point redundant. I say this because if you ride twice a week with your mates over undulating hills to get to the pub then why spend more? I ride where the terrain is very up and down with a little bit more up and more down so I am grateful for my 2x10. I certainly wouldn't spend money getting the eagle or converting back to 1-by even though I love and miss the simplicity of the set up. I always seem to be able to find the right gear ratio which is handy and I also don't spin out as much. The Bontrager Duster Elite wheel set is more than capable and robust enough for the trails. If the money was no option and I had to upgrade something, I would spend it on a nice set of 32mm Corse rims but it is not a necessity. I have to say that I absolutely love my EX8. I have been pleasantly surprised by it's nimbleness and comfortable seating geometry and have gotten used to it's weight having come from a lighter less trail-orientated bike. I have a guaranteed smile on my face after every ride and like ChrisF said - you will enjoy it either way. Happy riding.
  5. Hi all I had my bike stolen a few weeks back so Santam said I can go get another one. I had no doubt it would be a trail orientated one but the question was which one. I looked at the obvious 'usual' brands like Giant, Scott, Specialized, Rocky Mountain, PYGA and Trek (I am not a great fan of GT, Orbea or Merida I'm afraid - had a wee look but didn't take it further) as well as boutique (Santa Cruz) and imports like Canyon, Transition and YT. As with most of us, we start with the affording what we can buy and end up buying what we can afford. Luckily I insured for replacement value as I have made that mistake once before. I initially wanted the Scott as I had one previously and loved the look of the new Genius (I rode Andrew Neethling's and fell in love all over again) and wouldn't hesitate to get one. I test rode the PYGA and the YT as well as the Tallboy and while all satisfied the desire, none satisfied the wallet. I look at overseas but the hassle of anything going pear shaped and having to send it back etc etc put me off. I ultimately settled on the TREK Fuel EX 8. I have already owned the previous generation TREK EX 26'er so I know the brand and I'm aligned with their ethos so it's not unknown territory there. I liked what was available in the suspension aspect - 130mm front and rear and I liked that I got it for a great price being a clearance bike. My LBS also stocks them so if I have a problem I just go a'knocking. All things being equal - if money wasn't such an issue would it have been my go to? I don't really know. Just for the record, my first look was at the Santa Cruz but my eyes watered just looking at the price-tag. What I do know is that the Fuel Ex is a great bike, handles well, is comfortable and the kicker that sold the deal, it has a lifetime warranty on the frame. I also realised that I will most likely never never be happy with what I ride but I should be as I own a very nice bicycle. I did a review here on Instagram if anyone is interested and I will be doing a review preview shortly now I have a proper feel for it. Cheers
  6. Stolen: Scott Spark 940 2014 When: 16 July 2017 Where: Cape Town, Western Cape Lifted from the back of my VW Kombi during a 20 minute mid-afternoon visit at my brother’s house in Kuilsriver. Quickly and quietly disappeared. Get further details about the incident in the Stolen Bikes section
  7. Just got a dog last year. My wife thought it would be good for the kids but apparently it's mine now. First one. Ever. Pound special. George, bless him, has a small brain but a big heart. All good so far. George takes me running and I reciprocate the favour with a ride. The idea was he become a sort of trail dog. Everybody loves a trail dog. My work colleague has done it but he has a Vizsla and so is probably brighter than all of us combined. So I started taking my mutt training - always on a leash as we had some command and listening issues to sort out. Months later and he is doing a lot better than I expected. Just for the record, I do most of the ride with leash but I do take it off at two places just to let him run free a bit - and then on the leash again. That was until I met a fellow cyclist on his training ride who had a story to tell. Said cyclist explained to me how a dog had run in front of him. Said cyclist fell and broke ribs and pelvis. Said cyclist sued dog owner. Said cyclist angry as he was off the bike for months. So it got me thinking what if that had been me injured or the one being sued and out of pocket. It was not something I had given too much thought to. So now, George is always on a leash until we are off tar roads and we try to avoid other dogs, and people, for that matter, as much as possible. It's just a lot simpler that way. No mess, no fuss. In my short time of dog ownership I've also learnt a few things. If you own a pet it comes with responsibilities, not just towards the dog or those that share your space, but to those out there in the world too. There are quite a number of people who are nervous of dogs. Dogs are unpredictable but people more so. Dog people are, by right, always right, all the time. It is never the dogs fault, always yours. And lastly, most dogs do actually look like their owners. Safe riding
  8. Thanks! Wanted one for so long, just no cash! Does anyone know - Garmin uses Garmin Connect. Can I export my activity to Strava?? Yes. Garmin Express - Export activity in GPX format on to PC Strava - Upload activity - choose file. Viola!
  9. http://www.cwcycles.co.za/product/continental-x-king-pure-grip-tubeless-29er or http://www.cwcycles.co.za/product/continental-mountain-king-pure-grip-tubeless-29er
  10. Hi Spirog Funny you should bring this up because my wife was needling me about this over the past weekend. There are quite a few apps out there and I have even installed and tested a few with no great success but I have recently discovered locatoweb which comes highly recommended and costs ZAR 30 to purchase - https://locatoweb.com/ Also search Google Play - live gps live tracking and trial & error your way through them to see which works best https://play.google.com/store/search?q=live%20gps%20tracking&hl=en Good Luck
  11. Hi all Just heard over the weekend and confirmed it this morning at the gate that the Jonkershoek permits are doubling up in price as of the 1st September 2015. One time entry: R50 Single annual: R500 Family annual: R700
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