Kom

Another consideration is that your fenix 5 supports "extended display". the Garmin Edge 130 can run in a display mode paired to your fenix which will show nav prompts and a replica of your watch data fields. as pointed earlier, a phone mount and cover will probably run close to the cost of a 130 and to me a much better solution.

Have you considered getting a HRM strap and rather shifting the fenix 5(assume x?) to your handlebar for route tracking? Beyond all the issues with using a phone already mentioned, the most important is poor battery life (screen and GPS running continuous might give you alot less endurance than you're expecting).

😁

Are there GPX files for the route yet?

Bumping this one

Maanskyn around the corner also had great truth coffee 👏🏼

Did the 80km, what a jol! Is the whole route open for a potential re-ride? Aware we road through some farms that might not be open tomorrow?

https://www.printables.com/model/886111-4iiii-precision-powermeter-battery-cover Is it this one? Can print one for you if you're not sorted yet.

after a few years riding 1x on Gravel and MTB, im considering a return to 2x: 1 - Efficiency: 1x drivetrains are typically less efficient than 2x drivetrains because the chain runs at more extreme angles, higher speeds, and higher tensions. 2 - Gear range: 1x drivetrains may not have as extensive a gearing range as 2x drivetrains. (Bigger Jumps) 3 - Component wear: 1x drivetrains experience increased component wear. (Chain monitoring is important) 4 - Chainline: 1x drivetrains have an angled chainline, which can be less efficient. (try rotating your crankset in reverse when the chain is on the top gear, that resistance is real). I think the most underestimated bargain is the new GRX 2x 12-speed Di-2 which is available for cheap money on certain magician labelled web sites who have excellent service 🫣

Not surprised - more so - accomodation literally non-existent too - going to be a good one!

Rain 🌧️ should be on the way for GP - some of the gravel cruising JHB south is great! Thaba trails too. i was there recently, in still washing my bike off of that red dust 😆

In the end it depends on what your TSS target for the week is. if you're already a performant MTB'er, im sure you would be going for > 600-800 TSS leading up to an event. in the week of tapering, or post event recovery road can take the edge off while keeping the legs turning, but otherwise i wouldnt look at a road ride.

Course for course, Intensity Factor on a MTB is always going to be higher than a road bike for the same rider/athlete. Its just psychologically easier to push into tempo on a MTB, knowing you're fighting the bobbing suspension, significant rolling resistance, geometry and bike weight. I've personally been able to spend more time out on a MTB than a road bike, probably due to comfort and "stoke" that keeps the momentum. As someone who trains alone, road riding is quite boring too.

Worth taking a look at the tests done on this site: https://www.bicyclerollingresistance.com/cx-gravel-reviews

Combine wind, actual temps and the damp factor - weather app should read "stay the hell in bed 🛌 " 😂