I've tried the "ride 'til it's toast" and it's taken almost 2 years of heavy use. Now that it's toast, everything is needing replacing because the stretched chain has worn the casette and chainblades (and SRAM 3x10 blades are not available so whole crankset is probably going to have to be replaced). Cost of complete replacement is about R2000- R3000 whereas regular chain rotating would have probably worked out cheaper. If using high spec components, it definitely pays to swap the worn chain :-(
hmmm - morbid fascination got me to open this thread? I normally have 1 gel with caffeine for the last 10km in a 60km race. I'll take in something solid (normally banana) at the 90min mark when the glycogen stores start running a bit low and also have a hypotonic solution in my water bottle (race with 1 bottle and refill en route). I tried using gels mid way through Attakwas once and started cramping very badly so haven't tried it since.
I use the specialized bracket and cage. While it is sometimes a bit difficult to get the bottle out (especially if caked with dried mud) I've not had a problem with it popping out.
also had hectic wind, rain and cold (2 degrees) driving from JHB to CPT yesterday. Feel for the truck drivers who'd stopped on the side of the road after dark and ended up stranded when the road was closed.
a bit late off the mark in this thread - I have ztr crest on A2Z hubs on my hardtail 29er and american classics on my DS 26er. Both have now done about the same mileage and I've had to have my ZTR's trued about 4 times already (granted I ride them pretty hard, with low tire pressure but I'm less than 60kg). The American classics are still true as the day they were bought.
I'd recommend dual sus 26er - it's more comfortable and more forgiving on technical than a hardtail (have hardtail 29er for racing but my ds 26er is more fun and more comfortable for general riding).
I had the same problem so I've put an 80mm stem (inverted to get the bars lower) and my setup is quite similar to my 26er. I test rode the new Epic 29er this weekend past and the small size comes standard with an 80mm stem and the horizontal top tube length (554mm) is quite a bit shorter than my 16.5" hardtail (590mm). The Giant website doesn't indicate if the TT length is horizontal or effective but the small is 574mm. Before making any decisions, it would probably be best to do some research yourself as 29er geometry varies quite a bit and once you have a shortlist of makes, go to the bike shops that specialize in those makes and take some bikes for a test ride.
You're right Skubarra, the longest variation would be majik, nitida, hillcrest red, kliprug, lap of contermanskloof and then back out via kliprug, it would be between 3 and 4 hours but you can make it shorter. Please remember to put your R30 in both the hillcrest and Contermanskloof honesty boxes.
Pronutro bar is a perfect size and easy to chew but I prefer to avoid processed stuff so also try to stick to bananas and dates (the whole dried ones, not the compressed type you find at the supermarket)
these included riders that didn't start. It was quite an impressive turnout considering the entry fees and the problems from last year. Have to say that it was wonderfully organised this year - well done organisers!
There were fast downhill sections, but relative to the amount of time spent climbing, they were insignificant!What awesomely beautiful scenery and the singletrack was 10/10 (lucky enough to not get stuck behind others too often).
we bought the half-wheeler 2nd hand and latch it on the back of my hardtail. Agreed that I wouldn't do too much off-road riding - both because of the load on the attachment and seatpost but also that my 5 year old daughter bounces a bit at the back. We often ride to school and back through kenridge which is very hilly and my passanger is not good at sharing the workload so it's a mean workout. One worry is that if she leans over to the side it does make it difficult to control the steering.
probably the red route climb on hillcrest which wasn't a spectator hot spot. Thankfully they rode down the green corridor hill (between hillcrest and contermans) which is about 25% gradient too.
We've been having considerable difficulty maintaining the trails without rain - the clay forms a hard crust and when the crust breaks (as happened above stairway to heaven) it turns into poof dust. Good news is that considerable rain has been forecast for Thursday.
I love future life but find it needs at least 2 hours to digest before a hard ride. Oats / oatso easy works for me or pronutro mixed with water. I aim to ensure that the glycogen tank is full before a big race and ensure I'm getting some calories on the bike within the first 90min (that's generally when the glycogen stores are empty).
this is cape town - it's probably something like this start at city centre - 20 degrees, clear, no wind blue route - 18 degrees, partly cloudy, wind 30km/h SE simonstown - 22 degrees, sunny, no wind cape point - 18 degrees, overcast, wind 50km/h SE misty cliffs - 16 degrees, raining, no wind ... get my drift
All ppa events at this time of the year are cash cows and it is for this reason that I decided to not ride the mtb event this year. Being in the prize money last year barely covered the entry fee, which for an event of this size is dismal. There are smaller events on the calendar which give excellent value for money, awesome routes, great organisation and vibe.
