Kom

I get what you are saying, but as much as I love apple hardware and operating systems, i still use google suite for productivity (vs Apple mail, calendar, docs, numbers etc), Spotify (vs Apple Music), Netflix (vs Apple +) and especially GarminConnect and Strava (vs Apple Health). The featureless Apple Health is the most relevant for me and the single reason why buying any Apple Watch does not make sense. Before they make a single device improvement (although I’m still scratching my head on how they think 36hrs is good enough for battery life), they need to look at allowing Garmin connect integration or a serious improvement on apple health metrics.

Windy seems to show there is a wind direction change from Caledon, but not sure i understand the data in this view i.e if its relative to travel direction - hopefully the downhill home negates the wind what ever its doing.

Im seeing a tailwind that might help a little 😆

Gusting doesnt seem to be as bad anymore in the Saturday forecast

Surprised this event is not listed - being gravel champs and all. Any weather predictions for saturday? Looks gusty from the NW

Event Name: King Price Race to the SeaWhen: 03/09/2022Where: Franschhoek, , Franschhoek, Franschhoek, Western CapeCategory: GravelKing Price Race to the Sea is making history by being announced as the first-ever South African Gravel Bike Championships set to take place in 2022. Riders over the age of 19 who hold a valid CSA license are eligible to enter this momentous event. Go to Event Page.

Did anyone do this event?

You really need to be fit to get the most of the Levo SL - but agree that its way better to have the nimbleness at 16kgs vs. >23kgs on full blown e-bikes. This is the most useful question/s to be asking yourself before getting an e-bike - i would also ask how technical you are, you could easily be dropped on the downhills at Tokai or Jonkers if you end up buying a 23kg beast thats hard to turn. FWIW - i would (and actually have) not ever choose an ebike based off of frame manufacturer - the make of the motor/battery/software is way more important, then components, then frame. The bosch components in the Scott Spark Strike's you been quoted are probably among the best you can buy.

4iii deal currently on is worth a look - use the code JUNE2022 at checkout for a 20% discount. The Ultegra 172.5mm left arm works out to R5600 - brand new - that's not an easy price to beat. GEN2 Ultegra and Dura-Ace cranks are running low on stock though, so no 175mm. Ive used the 4iii for a couple of years, super consistent. Im keen to give pedal based power a try now - ive just got too many bikes to buy crank based power meter solutions for ...

Garmin Connect also has segments and the ability to follow others, obvs for Garmin users only. Strava intersects segments, across hardware - this single facet grew its user base, not the training metrics or useless routing feature.

I was surprised to see that WP Cycling went ahead with the conditions in Paarl today, any one here that rode today?

If you’re working towards road events, you’ve got to look at gravel bikes, they really allow all the road, and most of the off roading you would/should get started with. if wifey wants to get into the technical MTB stuff at a later stage, you will keep the gravel bike, if you buy an entry level MTB now as a first bike, it will certainly be sold on an upgrade path to enjoy the good stuff. I find the size medium/54cm gravel bikes going on the hub within reach of your budget too.

A lot less so than Brazil, and net net still 3rd in the overall. still blows my mind to see a saffer mixing it up in the top 10, the level of skill/fitness/preparation to be up there is just insane.

Matts pre-BWR interview runs through the setup on his CRUX - how he road a gravel event on 32c Specialized Roubaix tyres (literally road purposed) is another marvel. I didnt see much of the coveragle, but just how much gravel was involved for BWR?!?

i still ponder this too - i really tell myself that cross and gravel bikes are completely different, then you see Matt almost win a 100mile event on one.

good point - also climb pro just doesnt seem to want to work for me either.

Opinions on the RGT game play / virtual experience? Seems like much better graphic quality and the GPX upload / magic road feature seems quite appealing.

Not really, if you pay annually, your net increase is < $1 and you gain the subscription to sufferfest for free. I personally only run a zwift sub in Winter, so not keen on an annual commitment, but for most i sense it will.

I had a KS on my Commencal - not the best dropper ive had, and frequently needed topping up. Side thought but the cartridge based droppers i.e like the Lyne are just more pleasant to live with on the maintenance front, but frustratingly develop play over time.

solid point! i see the OP has his ad up now - this is a good spec to hunt for! https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/dual-suspension-bikes/547571/wanted-specialized-epic-evo-comp-2021-l

I started picking up crazy surface rust on my XX1 chains, so stopped doing it. I wouldn't easily go back, the methods ive picked up i.e organic degrease, proper dry/clean with a fibre cloth, 24hr lubbing just works for me now.

Gravel events are popping everywhere for winter, might be worth a consideration until summer returns.

The epic Evo replaced the camber with 120mm travel for an already excellent chassis on the 100mm travel epic. if you plan on doing stage races, you won’t go wrong with either, but the trend is to go 120mm travel.

Check out Sick Bikers channel on Youtube - a number of really good hacks he gives that i live by, and I also do >5000 km on my chains before reaching a 0.5mm gap for replacement. A couple of my own mistakes: 1 - not Lubbing when the chain is dry 2 - ignoring the cassette (even brushing on a micro layer of Q20 works magic) 3 - over degreasing (at one point i was soaking my chain in paraffin, not recommended)

There were a number of attempts to open spinning studios with Kickrs and Wattbikes before covid, all closed within a year, investors out of pocket. I would feel very sorry for an investor trying to do the same in the current climate of post Covid gym culture where most have converted their garages/dining rooms into personal gyms.