Zula

I would get the Silverback. Ultimately a HT is a transition. You will at some point want a DS. I saw that Silverback in a shop this morning. You cannot beat that build package. When you get a DS frame, the silverback components is what you will want. Also the MErida has a DT Swiss fork which I have heard are average. A rock shock SID on the other hand...........

That's because they are all pro's. Pro's get the latest and greatest equipment where cost is not an issue. The average guy doesn't have 80k for a bike. Keep telling yourself that 26 DS bikes are dead ad buried. Maybe you need to justify the bike you sold for a pittance? All I know is that its shortsighted to flog perfectly good working 26DS bikes for a 29HT. That is regression.

I agree with the sentiments above. Everybody and his dog has sold his 26DS for a 29HT. People a HT is still a HT regardless of the wheelsize. The benefits of DS will still eclipse a HT each and every time. There are some silly good deals to be had on 26DS because everyone wants a 29 even if its a HT. I think a 29HT is a temporary measure as ultimately you want to ride a DS. 29DS bikes are pretty pricey and I think they still have some way to go in terms of technology. In 5 years time the options will be even better as 650B makes an entry into the market. Get the best that you can afford even if its a 26DS. I met a guy who just bought a top end spec'd Zula for 13k. That is daylight robbery and also just sad that someone would sell such a great bike for so little cash. For the record I ride a Zula and at this years Sani2c I remembered just how much fun it is. I would never in a million years sell it for a HT experience. DS wins every time regardless of wheel size.

I think LA is awesome. A proper inspiration to everyone out there. Every now and then a super athlete comes along and dominates everything. LA, Woods, Schumacher, Federer. Take it all in people. At some point in time his career will be 100% over and then all you will have is memories and stories.

Take it with a pinch of salt I say. We all know that you are supposed to schedule rest into your regime. For some that's once a week and for other its the winter months. It all varies. Studies do show one thing though, that little or no exercise is definitely not going to do you any favors. Bottom line is that anything in excess is bad for you, even exercise.

Agree 100% with TNOSE Its going to be a while before you are back riding in such incredible scenery. Enjoy every second of it and rather slow down to take it all in that zoom through.

Speaking of Silverback I noticed their Storm 1 carbon hardtail 29er Full XT Full Carbon Rock Shock SID ZTR Crest Wheels FSA Stem and handlebar For R24k! That is good value peeps! Even if you buy it and replace the frame one day with your dream frame I cant see how you can go wrong with that.

I was quite shocked to see that the Tru Cape fell on the same weekend as the Houw Hoek. Clearly I don't know the whole story or organisers are not interested in maximising revenue. I would have liked to have done TRu Cape. It was one stern challenge last year. For the record, Houw Hoek was awesome. The vibe an scenery were amazing and the fact that everyone was out there having a jol and not "racing" per se made it even more enjoyable.

It always gets a little stressful before a big event where you have put a lot of time and money into Breath in and breath out. Its all gonna work out fine

That's rough dude. I was watching supercycling a few weeks ago and Dr Swart was talking about this erratic heartbeat as a result of a virus. It sounds pretty serious and definitely should be taken seriously. My advice to you, as hard as it sounds, is to opt out of the Trans Baviaans. It will do nothing other than add pressure extra to you to get better and start training. Your main objective now is to heal 100% so that you have no long lasting effects from the virus. Perhaps you can swim or walk? Something less strenuous on your heart? Best of luck!

Mixed responses. Thanks chaps. Always interesting to see other peoples points of view.

Interesting responses I used to live in Gauteng and fully comprehend the distances needed to be covered by some and the resulting difficulty which some of you face in light of the recent price hikes. Fortunately, I now live in Cape Town with no e-tolls and a 7km drive to work, so my life has not bee as effected as others. That said, the petrol price is out of hand and is going to put further pressure on an already highly pressured economy. I just read that Brittain saw negative growth in the last quarter. Unfortunately for us, the arabs are controlling the world by controlling the oil and there doesn't seem to be an end in sight unless there is a drastic improvement in the exchange rate. The only thing we can do is cut down on the stuff that we don't really need. Its difficult, but the reality is that is the times we live in.

Can I ask a question out of interest: As a result of the increase in petrol price and the e-tag system in Gauteng how many of you are SERIOUSLY considering changing the way you get to and from work be it either by bicycle or some form of public transport or a car pool? Interesting to see the answers

One of three things Undertraining Mentally unprepared Mechanical I would imagine that anyone who dropped out would have been able to tick one of those boxes. As for tons of training, I haven't done an epic but I beg to differ. It requires tons of training, in the region of 15 - 20hrs a week during the bigger blocks and immense amounts of sacrifice.

At least this will keep interest rates down. That's about the only positive thing to come from these increases.

So as winter is approaching the thought of riding early in the morning is obviously not as appealing as it was a few weeks ago. What generally happens to your training during winter: Do you train more? Do you train less? How do you keep motivated? Personally, I am doing Sani2c and then intend having very little structure to training besides for my swimming which I intend to keep up with. I intend on going on lots of easy rides with mates which should ensure a healthy base come the warmer months and the next season. What are your plans?

No foul mood here. It just amazes me at the moronic nature of some people in this world specifically yourself. You missed my entire point. Google the word humility and read up a little. Better yet, take some of your cash and give it to charity and do something good with it instead of rubbing it in everyone's faces like you have done here.

Unfortunately Sir, you are a moron.

. Have you ever heard of the word humility?

Mnr Taut seems to know the answers to most things

What you are is a k@k ambassador for cycling.

Fair point. At least then there is benefit to my taxes with SAA. A hell of a lot more benefit than the other causes the government throw money at which I/we never get to benefit from. Although I must say, since i moved to CT I actually feel like I am getting some bang for my buck in terms of paying taxes. This city really does operate well compared to the concrete jungle up north. That said, flying with bikes will always be contentious. The airline industry is a marginal business and low cost airlines is even more marginal. They are always going to charge you for excess baggage as that is where they make easy money. If you were CEO of the airline you would do the same and if you didn't well then you shouldn't be CEO. As for the @ssholes comment I totally disagree with you. I have used kulula plenty in my time flying between JHB and CT. My family use kulula a lot as well as they come down to CT fairly often. I can confidently say that 8/10 kulula flights are delayed. Compare this to SAA where I have hardly experienced as many delays and a far more comfortable, newer and cleaner aircraft. Its a personal preference, and I do believe you can live life without experiencing @ssholes.

As much as everyone hates the I dig SAA. 20kg's free sporting allowance, a meal and a flight which generally runs on time. Kulula are a bunch of @ssholes. The only reason they barely have their head above water is because of Discovery Vitality.

If you not hell bent on the Garmin, I have a Polar RS800CX. Awesome watch and does everything I need it to.

What he is saying is that you can get carbs from other sources besides the traditional ones we know