Kylie

@Titan Racing Bikes can confirm, but I know on the carbon frame I could fit 30C with room to spare

True. I did the last one and can confirm 👌

Also fill this our for what it is worth: https://www.change.org/p/demand-justice-for-idries-sheriff

https://bikehub.co.za/news/route-tweaks-likely-to-produce-attakwas-extreme/

NEDBANK GRAVEL BURN PRESS RELEASE Merino to Gwanishi, South Africa – 31 October 2025 Extreme weather on the route has led to the ‘neutralisation’ of today’s Stage 6 of the Nedbank Gravel Burn. In other words, the riders’ times on the 144km stage in the Eastern Cape - from Merino Farm near Cradock to Gwanishi - will not be counted towards the overall standings. Riders woke early this morning to extremely strong winds and then rain. At one stage, riders were evacuated from their Lapa’s to a central meeting point in the Burn Camp for their safety. It was decided to delay the 7am start by an hour and neutralise the racing to Padstal 1 - water point - at 46km on the route. This decision was welcomed by riders. Unfortunately, Swiss professional rider Andri Frischknecht crashed in extreme crosswinds during this neutralised section - at about 36km - and had to be taken to hospital with concussion and a shoulder injury. We have been in regular communication with the hospital about his condition and will continue to do so. We wish him a speedy recovery. The wind continued to gust, making racing unsafe, and the day became increasingly hot - with temperatures of about 35degC being recorded on the route. After requests from the leading professionals the race commissaire decided to neutralise the entire stage. Race founder Kevin Vermaak said: “This is an obviously unfortunate turn of events and we would like to thank the positive spirit in which riders have approached it and the event crew for their hard work throughout the day.” All riders who started today’s stage will be eligible to ride tomorrow and for a finishers’ medal, tackling the final stage from Gwanishi to Shamwari Private Game Reserve.

https://gravel-burn.link/leaderboard

I'm stoked. I think it's a really bold move by the organisers, as I'm sure it's going to add logistical complexity to what is an already complicated machine. Marathon MTB is one of the few disciplines that I am aware of where women compete in same distance, and given the very real physiological differences between men and women, plus the coverage and spectator dynamics, it makes sense to me to scale things in this way. I do understand the perspective of those women who want to do the full distance (and fortunately they still can). I think this is only going to make the racing closer, and more aggressive and hopefully bring in some more XCO specialists to deepen the field. As I mentioned earlier, this is one of those issues that is always going polarise opinions

Age groupers and mixed will race the full route, as far as I understand this only applies to the Elite field

Another announcement from last night, which was not mentioned in the press release, is that the Elite women are going to race a shortened course to finish in a similar time as the Elite men. Much like how the women's XCO courses are shortened to give a similar race time. This should make it more exciting for spectators, and make the media coverage easier, and hopefully result in some sharp racing. I believe the exact mechanics are still TBC. I have no doubt there will be some very polarised views on this, but I think it's a great proactive step towards deepening the field and raising the level of the women's race.

We've tried many times to get them to use the events calendar for listing their events as cost-effective (free) starting point. There seems to be something about the structure there that nobody is willing or able to tackle marketing.

Sorted. Thanks for the heads up!

Mmmm a gremlin - use this please - I'll go an check all the links: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/329652-sa-dreambike-2025-full-gas/#/

I have no problem entering the 130. It still sounds like a proper big day out and ticks all the boxes for me. I've done the 180km once, and have maximum respect for how tough a day it is. I don't have the time to put in the training necessary to make that fun 😉

Super bleak! Really hope to see it back on the calendar next year 🥲

Only my excel was traumatised in the process 🤣 - updated thank you.

My bad - I thought there was a Cypher DC Carbon Team model, but I see it's only available for the Cypher RS. Good catch, thank you!

That 5 year multi-user warranty is a huge plus in my books!

Yes, I had to put a Lyne Components dropper on. Your LBS should be able to help you with a swap, or you can sell the Transfer SL here - is this the model you are looking at- worth double checking what the story with the frame is: https://bruces.co.za/products/titan-cypher-dc-empire-gen-2-2025?variant=50851921953050&country=ZA&currency=ZAR&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1

I'm currently riding one for a long term review - have done Cape Epic and Berg & Bush. Zero issues. I have only good things to say - geo and handling are spot on for South African marathon riding: https://bikehub.co.za/news/first-look-titan-racing-cypher-dc-carbon-empire/

Our Events Calendar is free of charge and offers really great exposure to a targeted audience, but for some reason we've struggled to get buy-in from road event organisers. My theory is the gravel events are newer and hungrier. I get the feeling that a lot of road events have a "legacy" and tend to lean on their existing database rather than putting in effort to attract new riders. But that's just my armchair hypothesis

https://bikehub.co.za/events We rely on organisers to manage their listings so there are gaps, but plenty of gems to be found!

Yes, the three bike platform rack will be easier from a packing perspective - and less chance of things rubbing

Thanks for writing my race report for me you've summed it it up! Such a special place. And so worth the hefty travel day for us Capetonians

It'll be my third one. It's sad about the route change, but it's a great opportunity to ride a new route! Really looking forward to it

I popped in on Saturday and there was some good stuff left (granted for ladies) - I can't speak for the menswear.