Grootgert

S-Works Roadbike recovered in Mossel Bay on 16 December 2019: https://www.mosselbayadvertiser.com/News/Article/General/do-you-own-this-bicycle-201912160421

I thank you all for the advice. I think I am going to investigate a Maxxis Exos Icon and Ardent combination further. I normaly keep a set of 2 rear and 1 front tyres in reserve. I live in Hartenbos and 27.5 tyres are not readily available here. I usually replaced a used spare tyre when I visited the Republic (anything north of the Swarberge), but lately I have started ordering online. Somehow it seems the Conti tyres fell out of favour, and one sukkels to get them.

Thanks Stephen. Are there any different levels of puncture resistance? Like Conti has Pure Grip (not so great) and Protection (great).

I know there are many "what tyre" threads, but the advice I'm seeking is rather specific. So please humor me. I ride a 27.5 Trance and I cover approximately 5000km of loose gravel road per year. I am 50 years old, I'm no weeny and weigh 130 kg. I have always used Continental "Protection" Mountain King 2.4 at the front and X-King 2.4 at the back. These gave good kilos, good comfort, good traction at the front, little rolling resistance at the back and nice stiff and strong sidewalls. Lately I have been struggling to find my favourite tyres readily available. What alternatives would you guys recommend for front and rear, both in 2.4. I seek good traction at the front, acceptable rolling resistance at the back, good comfort, good strong sidewalls, good kilometres and good availability. I'm not to worried about price. I understand that Maxxis may be good alternatives. What models? Any other recommendations are also welcome.

Thanks for the interesting chat guys. As for maintenance, I brush off my drivetrain and lube with Squirt after every ride. I also wipe my stanchions and lube with Brunox after every ride. That way, for me, they last a long time. I have not finally made my mind up, but at the moment I am thinking XTR or XT shifter, Sram 1×12 10-50 cassette, XT derailleur and XT or SLX crankset with 32 or 34T and XT or SLX chain. I have been told the SLX 7100 groupsets should become available very shortly.

Very interesting insigh Robert, thank you. I see you mention cassette replacement around 2000km. I have now done 14000km on my drivetrain with no replacements,except a new chain every 3000km.????

Yes, consumables are a consideration. I have to update my profile, we have moved to Hartenbos 3 years ago, so I do a fair amount of climbing. That said, my standard SLX 2×10 gear ratios are quite adequate. I need to replace because of wear: my drivetrain has now done 14000 km without any replacements except a new chain every 3000km. I might as well upgrade... I am starting to see the light, XT 1x11 with 32 at the front and 11-42 at the back should be quite adequate and make the most sense.

Thanks Morné, it does look like something to explore

Thanks, that is something to think about. I'll crunch the numbers on the gear ratios, because my standard 2x10 setup has never left me wanting a lower gear. Maybe a 1×11 will be just fine, as you say.

Thanks Naas!

Naas, forgive my ignorance. I didn't see any XT 1x 12 speed cranksets on the site. There was a XT 1x 11 speed though. Would it make any difference, is a 1x 32 crankset compatable with 11 speed and 12 speed?

When Giant replaced my frame I had to upgrade the rear hub to boost. The rest of the questions I cannot answer. That is the reason why I am reluctant to buy online. I would prefer to go to my local shop and get them to order the correct stuff from their suppliers and fit it for me. The local shops say these components are not yet available to them through their suppliers. That was the real reason for my enquiry. I can still wait a while though...

I'm a big guy, if I go to 1x I will need all the gears I can get.

Thanks Naas, I will go check everything on the site now.

Thanks Naas! I will check it out now. Depending on the price, I may prefer to go 7100. Any idea when to expect that?