DrRichard

I bought some Boyd carbon wheels (small but reputable US company) - never regretted it it but it all depends on what riding you are doing. unless you are going for a Zipp 202 (and have deep pockets) lightweight aluminum probably will beat carbon for weight - so if you are hill climbing may not be helpful. for road - mid depth carbon are wonderful but not cheap - and yes if you plan on swapping between rims - then you have to change pads each time - I have not ridding on my mavic Kysriums since getting my carbon hoops. they should make you go faster - but if you are dropping over 10k - maybe a gym contract or coach may be better spend depending on your fitness etc maybe loosing the weight on your frame and getting a stiffer frame would be better than just going carbon wheels? I would personally not buy directly a cheep Chinese set - all are pretty much made in China/Taiwan - but what you want/need is the guarantee / backup that they will not implode spontaneously and you have someone to go back to if there is a problem...

I assume I am slow off the mark - but your Hub user name is an aptronym?

I had my fitting done at science to sport - was very happy with detailed setup for road and MTB - but unfortunately they confirmed my old XTC NRS dual SUS 26r was toooo small - forced me to buy a medium 29r - but had paperwork to confirm to the wife why I needed a new bike!

Thanks will try them out - the box is the issue I guess - frame may weight nothing but when in a big box the price is calculated by dimension not actual weight.

Hi fellow hubbers - no recent updates on this thread but am looking at a frame on the hub but need to get it to Cape Town and then add that cost onto the purchase price? Any suggestions to secure, cost effective and reasonably speedy courier service to use?

The strategy of pre planning works really well for quitting smoking! If you leave it to chance as to what you are going to do when you have a craving for a smoke - you smoke! if you have an exit strategy - i.e chewing gum then you at least go to that first! For my snacking habits - I have cleared my office of any "bad snacks" and make sure I have my nuts and fruit ready for the day with me - otherwise the vending machine wins every time - I also struggle though when I get home as there is a fridge and pantry! but again pre planning - like eating an apple in the car on the drive home stops the munchies on arrival at home and reduces chances of snacking on high calorie rubbish

I'm in 1,75m 45 in feb2018 82.5 kg Target under 75kg Can't enter into spread sheet from iPad but will do so when back at work next week I liken the weight to 2l milk bottles on my frame - I aim to take 4 of them off - at 8kg lighter will have a bike under the UCI limit!

Have a set - in Cape Town - never punctured - but too am low on the life time puncture stats! Good all round tyre - I just swap out for big races

fantastic study - the participant must have been very excited to get free EPO and then very disappointed to know it did not make them go faster!

Just go to your local hardware - got some for R120 at mica - as soon as a bike shop or a bike tool company brand them price goes through the roof - you cut cables so infrequently that a cheap hardware store one will last- or you can replace 3 times before spending on a park tool one ( even if they look much nicer!)

I know it is a sensitive issue as some areas are still burning and Kynsna is coming to terms with the loss, but does anyone know if the MTB and Marathon events are still going ahead? On the one hand would bring support and donations, but on the other might detract from the rebuild. NYC marathon was cancelled after a hurricane a few years back- bottom line they could not justify handing out water to runners coming past houses that were destroyed and had no water themselves!

another question to the thread: long sleeve top or short with sleeves? I never seem to be warm enough with short sleeve and arms - then too hot with windproof gilet especially when mountain biking! Enjoy and first ascent have long sleeve the look a bit warmer over the chest the a normal short sleeve?

at least we can't blame the South Africa drivers for this one!

Had Silverback Sola 1 - loved it - the Titan is 2013 vs. Silverback 2015 - The frames I suspect are pretty much on par - but the components are at least 3 to 5 years old - so a little bit of a lottery - but at the price - can't go too far wrong either way. - also factor in R1000 for courier if you are not in George or joburg. At this point after sales service will be null and void - Also depends on your budget and you might need to factor in a new chain/ derailleur or cassette as an expected additional cost. Go with your gut at this price - Titan is very good looking but older! If you are thinking of this being a step to something better - then don't overspend now - save it for your final buy.

if you are going to do it yourself - just make certain every spot of grease is off - other wise paint will not stick. Does anyone know if there is someone who can produce transfers/stickers to go on after the paint or replace old ones wearing off?

Thanks for all your hard work - had opportunity to ride there two weeks ago after 2 years absence- must say my single track skills are a little rusty - but amazing work done by some very committed people - kudos!

I have a sola 1 - upgraded from dual sus 26r - absolutely love it - just get them to do tubeless upgrade - remember rocks don't distinguish xt from slx will break them both! Can upgrade the bits and pieces later

Regarded by some as the best coastal road in the world: https://www.buzzfeed.com/travelguru/the-worlds-most-beautiful-coastal-drives-w9r0 I also tend to get off it before the cars in summer and avoid the howling south Easter - especially heading back towards Betty's bay!