sendit

Here's my work in progress - got the frame from a fellow hubber and have cobbled some bits and pieces together to get it rolling. It was originally built for bikepacking but Ive yet to do a trip on it...

Thanks for the feedback and advice guys. Based on the replies, I will get the mtb ready to be on standby in case the weather looks wet.

I'm considering doing this on my gravel bike and have been putting in some saddle time to prep. It's my first time so I'm curious to hear from those that have done it before (especially on a gravel bike)... Have you done this on a gravel bike? How was it? What tyres did you use? Any other advice or tips?

Thanks for the excellent feedback guys. I really appreciate it. I'm still trying to find a dealer with stock of the silverback series to see it in person or go for a test ride (had a busy weekend and didnt get an opportunity). Super Sywurm, I fear I may also go back to a hard tail if I dont end up liking the soft tail All this time I have had really enjoyed my hard tail so if for some reason the full sus does not meet up to expectations then that will just burst the hype bubble. Lets see... Tboss - thanks for the heads up on the stumpjumper ST. I had not considered that and will look into it! Ive noticed that the stock problem is an issue with most bike shops at the moment...

Yeah the momsen has the better drivetrain for sure. Thanks Kameel! Which AL version did you go for? I understand that the frame is the same for all models in the series.

Thanks guys. It seems that it's between the momsen vipa and the silverback. Thanks for your valuable feedback Mr Dampf, Trevz and Chad! ???? Tboss1988, I also think the silverback looks seriously fugly, but willing to give it a test drive.. If I can find a store that has one nearby. Super Sywurm, I read some of your reviews regarding the stratos but I'm curious... why did you go back to the hardtail?

Hello fellow two wheel lovers, Im looking at upgrading from my hardtail (SLX with 100mm Rock Shox coil fork) to a full sus bike and want to try out my options for an entry level bike.. I usually do an XC or a trail ride around once a week (at an easy non competitive pace). I've identified the following and would appreciate any advice from the more seasoned hubbers who may have had experiences with one or more of these. They all seem to have similar shocks and travel. Momsen Vipa Trail One (Alloy) - Link It has an NX Groupset and seems nice but cant find any reviews of this model online. Silverback Stratos AL3 - Link SX Groupset. I wasnt a big fan of the frame / shape but apparently it rides well and even has a dropper post Merida Ninety Six 400 - Link SX Groupset and seems lighter than the other two. My LBS has the merida and the momsen in store so I can test them out but the silverback would need to be ordered. Im currently leaning towards the momsen... based on specs, price and looks but am open to suggestions. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks!

Hi Cobus, Im also interested the routes you used. Being based in KZN, it would be awesome to try these out over the holidays. I will send you my email address and would appreciate it if you could share the route as well.

Hi guys, Thanks for all your responses! The initial plan was to organize a lift to the start point and then ride back on our bikes. Had not considered that - thanks for bringing that to my attention. I know that people drive like crazy around the holiday period. Original plan was around +/- 6th dec to around 12th dec. This is obviously subject to change but that was the ball park dates. Awesome!! Thank you so much Duncan! Based on your strava recordings, I can tell you guys must have had an epic adventure. I cant wait to get out there and start. Thanks for the heads up on Tesselaarsdal - will keep a note of that. I will study your routes and give you a shout if we have any questions. Thanks!

Hi All, A friend and I are looking to do a short bike touring trip around the cape in dec. We do not live in the cape and initially thought of riding across segments of the garden route towards the cape town, but I think doing something like the Overberg Meander seems a lot more manageable for us touring noobs... https://www.capecycleroutes.co.za https://www.capecycleroutes.co.za/route/overberg-meander I am aware that Dec may be too hot to ride but this is the only time we can pull this off, and we intend to ride from sunrise to around 10 - 11am max then explore / stay overnight at a BnB until the next day of riding. Has anyone done any of the routes on the cape cycle touring website?Are they safe? Any safety issues we need to be aware of?Any tips, must see places, routes, places to stay?

If it was around Durban, i would have considered it. Thanks for the link though

+1 Fully agree here... I don't mind getting my hands dirty, in fact I quite enjoy it, so really looking forward to the [expensive] adventure Thanks for all the feedback!

Wow! now im fully sold on it Yeah, i must say I am looking forward to it!

Thanks for the feedback Eugene!

Thanks! Im around 90Kg at the moment so should be OK I guess. We've all got to start somewhere, so I really don't mind upgrading in the future once I know what I'd like. The last thing I want to do is spend a fortune on a bike that ends up sitting in the garage all the time.