Shwetty

Another advocate for the 2x11 setup here. My 'daily driver' is set up with the 50-34 up front, and an 11-36T at the back. I'm rolling on 50 mm tyres, which adds incredible top-end to the ratios, so I only run out of gears at about 68 km/h (cadence of about 110 rpm). I live in the KZN midlands, and regularly encounter gradients north of 13%, and the 34-36 combo hasn't got me into any trouble (yet). A couple of years ago I put an 11-42 cassette on the back for the Swartberg100, and with the b-screw all the way in on a 105 long-cage RD, I could get through all the gears no problem. But as previously mentioned, that was only to get up the last couple km's of the pass with 150 km in the legs already. Ratios like that really aren't necessary for 99% of your riding. I'm very happy with my setup - on tar, on smooth gravel, and on chunky rocky jeep track. I reckon it's almost perfect for this area.

Well, seems like the jury is in with a unanimous verdict of HTFU. Fair enough 😂 Now on to the next race that I under-prepare for and complain about afterwards!

You're aware that the race entries were open for a few months before it was chosen as the SA champs race as well, right? And you did read the website that quite clearly encourages mass participation (and has done so from the very beginning when the event was first announced on various social media platforms, right up until race day), right? While I understand that racing is supposed to be challenging, I think all you lecturers and professors are missing the point I'm trying to make here. I think it is possible to make a race difficult enough such that it selects for the best in the business, while still managing to avoid unnecessary dangers. These dangers also put the pros at risk. And yes, everyone has different risk appetites, and if you want to win you'll probably need a substantial risk appetite. But just because they can race over anything placed in front of them doesn't mean that race organisers should seek out the most hair-raising stuff to throw in the mix. Take ATP this year, for example.. the race organisers canned the event only the day before because of the weather, citing safety concerns of all involved (see their FB posts). The race organisers of the GoGravel Midlands had months to find a few alternatives to the route that would have made it just as challenging and selective for the pros, but a bit safer for everyone. And I'm not calling for their heads on a chopping block either, just for them to be a bit more cognisant of these things for the next event. Pros, amateurs, and weekend warriors alike are surely allowed to raise safety concerns like this? I don't really understand why you all have such an issue with it. Just out of interest, how many of you guys actually rode last weekend?

As a silly thought experiment, I'd like to know how many entrants would choose to do that race again if they could go back in time and were, for example, offered their entry fee back if they chose to withdraw. No bike/gear changes allowed - you either race it again with the same setup, or pull out and get your money back... What I'm getting at is; if the sport as a whole is to grow and be successful, we need people to *want* to race their bikes. For the pros, maybe this *want* fire isn't fueled by having a somewhat positive experience on race day. For the rest of us plebs, though, enjoyment (with maybe a smattering of masochistic suffering) is an important aspect to be considered by the powers that be. What I gathered from over-hearing many people during the race and afterwards around the country club, was that most of them thought that it was actually kind of a *** experience. Yes, they raced hard. Yes, they finished, and maybe got some sense of accomplishment from overcoming the day's challenges. But was it worth travelling from all over SA for this event? My guess is, probably not. And that's a pity. Especially given the fact that despite the almost infinite number of amazing gravel routes in the Karkloof/upper midlands, the race got taken on some of the worst roads in the region. And regarding that whole "know what to run" story, the route was released only a couple of days before the event. Not allowing much time at all to chop/change/test/buy the perfect setup. And besides, the marginal difference that a 45 mm tyre at 1,7 bar makes over a 40 mm at 2 bar (or whatever), is kinda detached from the big-picture point being made here. But then again, maybe all you hardcore okes are right, and I'm too much of a sissy for this gravel scene that is reserved exclusively for the real toughies among us. If you're not willing to risk life and limb, 'tsek. Right?

RideTheKaroo 100 miler - https://100miler.ridethekaroo.co.za/ (3-5 March) Looks like the Eastern Cape is severely under-represented here relative to the huge potential for gravel races there.. Grahamstown and the surrounds are a treasure-trove of epic gravel roads. Maybe I should put something together - I've got a few routes in mind... 🤷‍♂️

My gravel riding exploits have been concentrated mainly in and around Makhanda, as well as a few excursions in Joburg, where it was easy to avoid riding in wet conditions. I recently moved to KZN and have realized that getting used to riding in the rain and mud will be a necessity. In accepting that unfortunate truth, I have had to delve into the unfamiliar territory of mud guards, and so the search has begun. Anyone out there with any suggestions, preferably with a pic or two?

Nevermind, I'm confusing offset with a different measurement.

Much appreciated David! I managed to source a b-axle assembly from CWC, so I should be able to sort it out once it arrives. Thanks again for your help.

The metal of the spacer through which the b-tension screw is threaded has failed (see attached images), which meant I couldn't tune my gears properly. I cannot find a replacement part anywhere, and the next available solution is to replace the entire b-axle assembly. Does anyone have an old 'broken' 6800 or 6870 rear derailleur lying around that could potentially be stripped for parts? Would be hugely appreciated! Cheers

Looking for the B-axle assembly for an Ultegra 6800 rear derailleur. If anyone has an old 'broken' derailleur that could be stripped for the part I'm after, please let me know.