GrantRH

Cyclefit in Northcliff. The 1h30 fit costs R700 and it will be perfect to the millimeter. If it is saddle related they can suggest replacements, but if your budget is strained you can always go back a couple of months later and get what you need. It is the best money I have ever spent on my bikes. The guys really know their stuff and are professional and pleasant to deal with. My LBS where I bought my back wanted to charge me double for a full bike fit.

Can't help you there. I ended up with the Speshy Epic Elite... it has blown me away.

I was also recently considering between a 650b or 29'er. Ended up going for a 29'er. My reason was because, like you, my goal is 3 day stage events. Over the longer distances the 29'er takes less out of you. I was also surprised that I smashed my PBs on tight sections with my 29'er where I thought I would be way behind my 26'er times. So it doesn't look like I have lost anything on the tight trails by moving up to 29.

I need to try this out. My new Epic has a squeaky back brake. Really irritating!

Rode Thaba Green this morning (birthday ride). Really enjoyed it. Preferred it to Kingskloof as I found it more manageable but very similar in terms of topography. And you have the option to make it as technical as you want by trying the different blue routes. 2 thumbs up. Haven't ridden VG yet, but Thaba currently top of my list for a general fun ride with some technical options.

Best tires I have ridden are MTB wolverine. They come highly recommended by most LBS. Great grip around the corners and slippery ascents. Just bought the new epic so I will see how the fast tracks go.

I have wahoo HR monitor and cadence monitor. Both Bluetooth to my phone with Strava running. I find it perfect. I see wahoo also now has a reflector, which is basically a little monitor that displays all your reading from your phone. So you can keep your phone in a pocket or camelback (waterproof and safe) but still be able to read the data. Think that is the ideal setup for me. All the wahoo kit costs about R3k though.

Take a demo on both through a trail. I demoed the Expert (not the WC version) and it was lightning fast and easy. Couldn't afford it so bought the Elite, which has also been great.

My Epic Elite

Thanks Nonky, look forward to them then.

Nice guy and incredible course. So sad that he has moved on.

Yellow Saddle swears by motor oil and I have used it ever since I went on the maintenance course. Been very happy with my Castrol. Made a good point: if its good enough for expensive cars and delicate motors it's good enough for my chain,

I have been pretty impressed with my MTB Wolverine 2.2. Have them on the back and front and they have gripped well in Jhb conditions. Just bought a new Epic Elite that came with S-works Fast Track on, will see how those go.