Vroetelvarkie

They are closing down for good

Yes agree to all above, when your budget is R15K plus. But with a R6k budget I disagree. I had a Merida Big 7 which I used to prepare for the Sani, and did a few 50-60km races, and finished the same times as 29'ers.... (and I weigh 100kg) Big 7 will get you decent RS fork, hydraulic brakes and 2x11 SLX/XT groupset for R6-R8k. If you can only afford the "Civic" you can still enjoy it as much as the guy with the truck, and maybe even win him!

I see the comments about the thin sidewalls on the Barzo, what about the Cape Cobra version, is that the same or something else with thicker sidewalls and then obviously heavier?

For that budget I would suggest to also look at a 27.5" second hand, will get you a bit more bike for your R's.

I did the Sani in December with this combo. Handled the mud well (except the part where not even motocross motorbike tyres would have helped!) Very happy with them!

Try Spectacle Warehouse, branches in Pta,Jhb and Cape Town. Pta branch got a sport specialist Optom, named Clive. He can discuss various options for you, suiting your budget. They have onsite labs, and patented lenses etc...

Send me a pm, I may have stock, if I don't have I will find for you. Can also assist with prescription lenses.

Decent breaky beforehand, then High5 Zero tablets during long rides. Beer or a Super M afterwards...

FTech from ASG. We made same corporate kit for the Sani. Yes I know their customer service is questionable on the hub, but that is more for online sales. Jocelyn who handles the clothing is op dit! Premium product

And they say you can't hear a picture....

Where are you from? This is not a sales pitch, but I work at a big Optom group and have a few options, very similar to the Rudy Project Rydon, but fairly priced. Send me a pm then maybe we can assist.

One thing no one mentioned yet, and I think is also a factor, same reason why motorvehicles is much more expensive in RSA than in Europe for example and that is financing options and structures. Very easy to get finance, pay ridiculous interest rates but the installment is manageable. Very few people does the calc to see how much interest they pay over the period. So due to this option, they are paying more, buying items for a higher price, and so suppliers keeps on lifting prices... My 2 cents and some change

I did a fitting with a young guy, Jandre Storm at the new shop Bicycology in Groenkloof. He comes from Bruce Reyneke. Charges R750 and for me it was worth every cent (and rand). https://www.facebook.com/crazybikeguy.cycling Kim le Court does it out of ASG shop, charges R1000. https://www.facebook.com/info.absolutefit

Do you guys think the Sani in December will go ahead?

You can ride out on Lynnwood/Atterbury to Boschkop, around the wingerd (check strava) , Rosemary Hill trials and surroundings, Hazeldene area (Cowhouse market)., Wolwespruit. Stay away from Klapperkop/Groenkloof if you are not riding in a big group. If you want to drive out, check out Big Red Barn, Buffelsdrift...