Nick

Here's some more information on this event: https://community.bikehub.co.za/features/_/sponsored/win-big-at-the-fnb-wines2whales-champions-chase-r8194

Don't fall for the trap. F1 is a pointless comparison. Top end bicycles are tangible things you can go out and buy. You can even swap and change most of the components between bikes. The useful things and components that first appear on a super bikes will be available down the range at some stage. While an F1 car is something that only exists and makes sense in F1 land.

Yeah, I find that it is generally very repetitive but there are only so many ways to pitch a bike. Say what you want about it though, we all align ourselves with the brands who's marketing message suits our individual values (even if we think we don't). And companies can't differentiate themselves without it.

All I said is that the shape shouldn't date too quickly. I do agree with you that there are countless viable alternatives, with very different marketing messages, to suit what ever it is each buyer of such a bike might be looking for. Cycling is thankfully diverse in that regard. You speak of pretentious marketing. They're American. It's their business culture Poor stereotyping aside, is calling someone "special" for not buying into the appeal of Colnago or niche brand exclusivity not arguably its own form of pretentious?

Damn, there I was just celebrating not having to hear about dropper posts on SuperSport without Rob today.

Here I was thinking that the Aethos was a decent carbon tribute to the fairly timeless classic road bike look for those that dislike modern dropped stays and aero tubing. This is true. Affordable bikes have never been better than they are today. Making these super bikes less relevant to the average rider than ever before. We can all thank these bikes for the every-day-hero bikes we ride now.

Good to know. I've seen chains not made by SRAM or Shimano cause chaos with shifting on Shimano 12-speed cassettes. Working is one thing but there really is a difference with the new Hyperglide+ shifting, such as under load shifting. I've watched unmatched combos splutter and skip where matching combos are smooth. Is the experience the same regardless of the cassette/chain combo?

If you go Shimano 12-speed, it's best to have Shimano cassette and chain paired. They're designed to work together. I've seen a non-Shimano chain cause shifting problems with a Shimano 12-speed cassette because it can't properly engage the Hyperglide+ ramps on the cassette. Not sure if it's as an issue the other way around but they are designed to work together more so than 11-speed Shimano was.

Hi Johny_mtb I might be missing the point but the cassette usually determines which freehub body you go with. Which cassette are you planning on using?

He'd probably pick this bike. Because it's likely faster. Weight is just one metric to measure a bike. Yes, an easy one to measure and compare so people obsess over it but sheds little light on the speed of a bike. In MvdPs case, he's not going for GC in mountainous grand tours (yet). He's fighting in breakaways or sprinting. Aero is king for this racing. When he feels the need, I'm sure he can just reach for his Canyon climbing bike without upsetting the sponsors.

That specific advert, no, you would not see it. I believe that it is coming from Stan's in America through the Google ad network which we block by default on Plus. What you would see are adverts that we've negotiated directly with local South African distributors and brands. These too can be turned off but they are usually fairly relevant.

From the link I posted? It's the US website.

There is a frame set option. But I doubt we'll see it in our market. https://www.specialized.com/us/en/chisel-frameset/p/184107?color=291519-184107&searchText=71721-7001

No, you listen. I think it is a minor miracle that Chris and his team even produced results at their first enduro. So be grateful that your name even appears on a results sheet somewhere! Can someone in the know please put the correct top 10 in this thread so I can correct the article? Thanks

Please stay humble and remember us grass-roots riders when you go pro.

It's a pleasure but it was mostly Chris and Ded's doing. I just did some cut'n'pasting and moved some photos around.

This out of towner is frothing for an excuse to get back. Still running possible line choices and obstacles I missed through my head. Lots to improve on next time. What's the 2021 date?

From our experience at the Tokai office yesterday. They accept both but if you're in a group then only one form of payment is allowed. If it is card, then only one card transaction. So arrange ahead of time if one person will pay with card for everyone or you all bring cash to pay with cash. No half cash / half card or multi card transactions.

You should pop the preview videos on Youtube too. Far easier to find than IG TV. They're a great showcase for anyone interested in the trails and it'd be a shame to have them hidden away from the internet.

I've been looking for an excuse to get up to George and ride these trails. Pencilling this in.

Garmin South Africa are the current (official) distributor of Tacx.

Reviewing isn't always play, unfortunately. Sometimes you have to work to meet those deadlines.

I tested it on an Endurace. It works really well on the road.

NTT Pro Cycling is delighted to confirm the eight riders that will represent us at the 2020 Tour de France, our team’s sixth appearance at the sport’s biggest race. Click here to view the article

I don't think they'd ever want a Diverge. The new Diverge geo is far from ideal for a world tour racer. The Roubaix would get picked before it but even then, the Roubaix only really gets raced at Paris-Roubaix where some riders are probably being forced. In previous editions, riders have locked out the FutureShock with a custom block. Now it comes with a lockout at least.