wings47

Hi, Looking for some opinions from experienced Hubbers who have done Joberg2C and possibly also Epic ... I train and race on a Scott Scale for marathons and 3 day events (Sani, W2W, etc). Really enjoy the lightness and stiffness of the bike. However, for Epic 2014, I switched to my trusted Tallboy (veteran of my previous Epic's) and was very happy given the rough terrain and long tough days. Now planning on Joberg2c .... question is, should I do it on the Scott Scale or on the Tallboy? How rough is the terrain? (compare to Epic) how rocky/loose and steep are the climbs? To a certain degree I prioritise speed over comfort, unless it gets too bad/rough (saddle sores, etc). thanks

Before ride,I use Fissan cream (lots of zinc) on sitbones, then apply Milking cream, and only use Assos for MTB Hardtail races/rides over 3 hrs. Then, after ride, air well (shorts, no undies) the 'area' and keep it dry (even use talcum powder). At night, apply Fissan again to sitbones to 'repair' sitbone area, even if not abrased. I learnt this (the hard way ...) at Epic 2011 from the head nurse in the bum clinic, it has worked well for me.

Hi Kandui, where do you find these tyres "Arisun "Mnt Graham" 29x2.2 tyres" ? sounds interesting .... been using RRalph Evo and Spez Fasttrack thanks!

Great course, far more enjoyable than last year.

Thanks! can you send me the contact for Charles Stander? I have just the standard XX1 crank and spider, I guess it doesn't work with that, does it?

Does Rotor make a 32T Q-ring? (I thought 34T was their smallest)

Thanks for the valuable input and observations. Yes, I had read the link posted by DJR and that got me thinking of going further. Heat will be an issue, but less for me as I am comfortable in hot conditions and my body deals well with heat (opposite for cold ...). If someone has done one of the organised tours and would post their Garmin/Strava tracks, that would be great.

Hi Hubbers, I'm keen on doing a self-supported MTB 'Tour' (ride) from Cape Town to Knysna or Plett in December, taking 4-6 days. There are organised MTB tours that do that sort of route, typically for the Knysna Oyster festival. I think a lot of it is based on the reverse of the early Epic routes. I'm looking for information on the route, possible accommodation along the way (not planning to camp, just B&B or farmhouse stays), etc. It would be great to get the Garmin tracks from someone who has done the route, that would make navigation a whole lot easier ! If you can help and/or provide helpful information, that would be highly appreciated. Thanks,

RIP Burry, you will live in our hearts and our souls for your MTB talent, skill, strength, courage, humility and honour. You have been an inspiration to me, and your legend will live on.

Without you being more specific on the specs and price, the comparison is meaningless ... like oranges and apples. The pic of the SC shows a 120mm fork ... how can you compare that with the Scott with 100mm travel? and you can't compare XX with XT (XX costs approx 2-3 x more than XT and weighs 20-30% less for the groupset!!). I have a SC Tallboy for 18 months and race it competitively mainly against much younger riders on hardtails. It performs really well. Excellent on climbs, superb on technical descents. I have XX cranks, XTR drivechain, R1 brakes and RS Reba RLC fork. Weight less than 11 kg with 'everything' on it. I bought it as a frame and built the bike, changing components over time. If I got the Scott Spark (I'm a great Scott fan, having had both CR1 and Scale), I'd get the frame, chuck away their fork/shock/gadget suspension stuff and fit something lighter and 'mainstream' (e..g Fox RP23 and RS Reba/SID or FOX - if you don't mind the heavier weight of the Fox). And since the frame is so light, would go for lighter components than XT ! and lightish wheels (eg ZTR Crest or even Race, depending on your weight, or carbon) . On the geometries, it looks as if the Scott Spark is more 'aggressive' and less forgiving (Spez has even more aggressive geometry). The Tallboy is quite forgiving and offers a superb ride specially when it gets technical.

Thanks guys for your valuable input / comments. I am swaying towards the new XTR brakes as then I'd combine them with the new 980 shifters and use the ITec single bracket for both. Also for ease of availabilityof spares, service, etc for Shimano. R1 seems to be about 45g lighter than XTR (and costing about R1,200 more) for the brakeset (excl rotors) and RX about 40g heavier (but costing R1,000 less than XTR!).

I weigh 60kg, ride a 29er with tubeless wheels (ZTR Crest) and Schwalbe Racing Ralphs (previously used Spez Fast Track, e.g. 2011 Epic etc). Run front tyre at 1.2 bar, rear 1.4 bar. Never burped. When I pump them to 1.5/1.7 it feels like I'm on a bouncing ball being thrown about ... feels much better and far grippier at lower pressures. But need right wheels and tyres ...

Hi, I'm in the process of upgrading my brakes from the 'old' XT (which I have now sold). I ride and race a Tallboy 29er and am a light rider (60kg). My Tallboy weighed about 11.1 kg with the old XT brakes. I am careful with weight but don't go to 'extremes'. I use single-finger braking. So the question is, what brake to go for, Formula R1 at around 390 grams (and costing R5k) or XTR BL-M985 at around 465 grams and about R4k (both excluding rotors)? My sense is that F1 has better modulation and plenty of power (for my weight anyway), is lighter, but not as 'robust' as XTR and not as easy to get repaired/bled and parts cost more (pads, levers if they break). XTR seems more robust at a weight penalty, provides probably even more braking power than F1 (is this needed??) and everyone knows how to bleed it (seldomly needed anyway). Parts also easily available. (XT is 100 grams heavier than XTR and costs about R2,500)). Would appreciate any thoughts and constructive comments. Many thanks.

Does somebody know how the pivot system works on the new Cannondale Scalpel 29er (the new, 2012 range)? This is what I read in a review (http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/pro-bike-tim-johnsons-cannondale-scalpel-29-31252/) ".... true single pivot design that offers 100mm of travel, large 15mm through-shaft pivot axles and a one-piece carbon fiber rear end that forgoes any sort of axle pivot" - does this mean it that the (only) pivot is through the rear axle, much like the Gary Fischer/Trek Superfly 29er? - if so, how effective is this pivot system? is it "always active" (ie, active while braking), like for eg. the VPP systems (Santa Cruz, Giant, etc)? - and how would it rate in terms of 'ride comfort', 'climbing ability', etc? - and how would it compare with the 26" Scalpel suspension? would the ride be more comfortable? harsher? thanks for your views!

Interesting thread ... I am also considering the H7/H7R (I use MagicLight on the handlebar) but recently saw the BLACK DIAMOND Storm (new model) and it gives 100 lumens without a separate battery pack! It uses 4xAAA on the light unit itself, so it's much lighter than the H7 and more practical for (for e.g.) mounting on helmet. It's a small and very light (54g without batteries). A mate of mine uses the Black DIamond Spot (75 lumens), and is very happy - done TBaviaans, Desert Dash and that's all he uses on his regular road/MTB night rides. Very bright, white light, from a 'midget' unit. Would appreciate any comments/observations if someone else has had experience with the Black Diamond units and how they compare to the H7.