GrantRH

I think I will rather go with this explanation: http://www.wellsphere.com/exercise-article/low-maximum-heart-rate-signals-fitness/77937

I wonder if Nick would have paid out under those circumstances?!

the guy had a kinda confused look on his face when he looked up at the GoPro. Wasn't sure whether he wanted to steal it as well or not. This is a good reason to ride in groups.

a quick look tells me 177.

nope... 37!!!

Not sure if it is the same one, but when I was looking for new bikes at my LBS, the Merida Big Ninety Nine I looked at had a very chunky rear triangle, which made the bike quite heavy. Notwithstanding, my LBS said it was a great riding bike. I ended up buying a Specialized Epic Elite and it has blown my mind. Yes, it is double the price of the Merida, but undoubtedly the right choice for me. Can't give any insight to the Rocky Mountain, but I am seeing more of them around.

Clearly I'm dong something wrong then. My highest heartrate for the year was the Argus. Average 143bpm and maximum of 167bpm. I need to push myself a little harder.

What the hell is going on just above Swaziland? Is there some secret track I don't know about?

How do you save a race route you have ridden on? I have seen how you save segments or plan routes on the route planner.

What was the Camber like? My LBS tried to sell that to me over the Epic Elite, but I am a junky for gadgets, and the brain (front and back) made more sense for multi-stages. I agree that the fast track standard tires are kuk though. Playing around with pressures to see whether I can find a sweet spot. But looks like I'll be moving on to the Rocket Ron and Wolverine/weirwolf combo. What tires you running/recommend?

In fairness to the Vipa fans, here is a Vipa review: http://www.bicycling.co.za/bikes-gear/reviewed-momsen-vipa/

And here is a review for the Epic Comp Carbon: http://gear.bikemag.com/2014-bible-of-bike-tests/cross-country/specialized-epic-comp-carbon.html Pity that Bikemag don't have a review for the Vipa. Even though I am a big fan of my Epic Elite (one up from the Comp Carbon), the VIPA is 2nd on my list.

If I need help from Linden Cycles I try not go there on a Saturday because that place is like free doghnuts at a police station. It is a little inconvenient to go during the week, but then I know they are more manageable and have always been quick to help me, including Joneen even when juggling a call in the other hand. They have always gone above and beyond in my experience, which is becoming more and more rare these days.

I demand a recount!!!

Apparently, as soon as you buy a 650b you are in contention for a podium finish at the Epic. I am more of a social rider so went for the 29er

Get an electronic gauge, the foot pump gauges lose accuracy over time. That way you also save on buying a new foot pump. You then need to play around with the pressures until you find the sweet spot. Also depends on the tire.

At the risk of be criticised for not placing on the podium, I also favoured a 29er over the 650b, specifically because it would take less out of me over 3 days. For the podium finishers they probably don't worry about that, which is also why hardtails still feature.

on a slightly different note, I was riding the spruit a couple of months back going over the koppie just before Linden Rd (heading towards the Dam). I came down the little hill with some speed and there were 4 MTB'ers standing in the middle of the trail having a chat. I (wrongly) assumed that they knew what they were doing, as they had fairly decent equipment, and would move off the trail as I approached. They just stood there and watched me approach at speed until I had to hit the brakes and almost took the 1 guy out. I shook my head as I went passed them and the one then turns to me and says "You should have gone around boet". It took me all my strength to ride on, but I looked back and saw that they were still standing in the middle of the trail chatting. Do they make bullbars for bikes?

Nice Rat, You might even find sponsors for your races just so that we can read about them afterwards.

I think that race organisers should include a basic etiquette section in their entries... I have seen it in some MTB races. Unfortunately, fun-riders just don't know about basic roadie etiquette. I remember the first time I started riding road I thought that roadies had their own sign-language that involved wafting motions from their backsides. As with any sport (I can't tell you how many times I got sh@t on when I started surfing), it take a little bit of time to learn etiquette. That being said, I have almost been taken out by the "fun riders" who veered across my line. As I have entered more races and my seeding has improved this has become less of a problem, but it still happens. There is no reason why the fun riders can't enjoy their rides and still adhere to etiquette, assuming they are made aware of the etiquette first.

Done, just need to testride is now, was too hungover yesterday.

I need!!!! Wonder how it holds up in wet and muddy conditions?!

... need... to ... restrain ...... myself

Hehe, if only I could find reliable insurance.

My birthday present to myself: 2014 Speshy Epic Elite. Replaced the grips with chunky Esigrips