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?

My entire SLX m675 2×10 drivetrain on my Trance is due for replacement due to wear. While I am at it, I may as well upgrade. I recently got a new 2019 frame on a warranty claim, so it will be worth my while. Does anybody know when the XT 8100 or SLX 7100 1×12 upgrade kits will become available locally?

I bought an Edge 820 from Navworld on Thursday. It sure is a nifty little computer. I have now done 3 rides of 40km each, and have three things to say. First, I like it. Second, the performance of the touch screen does not reflect the price of the unit. It does not always respond immediately as it should when swiping from screen to screen. Third, the Grade function suffers from lag and is terribly slow. I am already halfway up the next hill, when it still shows the negative incline of the earlier downhill. I also think the grade readings are a tad optimistic. Yes, I have done the software upgrade to version 4.10 before I started using it. To be fair, this is my first dedicated bike gps computer. I have up to now used my Garmin Montana 610 on my bike. The unit is much bigger and heavier and probably has much more processing power.To compare these two is probably not ideal, though they are in the same price bracket. The Montana gave less optimistic grade readings on the same routes, and it did so much much quicker. All in all, I do like the 820, and it is a pleasure not having to lug half a kg of gps on my handlebar.

My Trance 2 outside Mossel Bay.

I entered from the top behind the Van Riebeeck stadium. Didn't see no signs there. You're right, its not very rideable. I did enjoy riding there in the early 90's when I was younger and much lighter...It remains one of my favourite hikes though.

I entered from the top behind the Van Riebeeck stadium. Didn't see no signs there. You're right,its not very rideable. I did enjoy riding there in the early 90's when I was younger and much lighter...It remains one of my favourite hikes though.

On the St Blaize hiking trial running from Mossel Bay to Danabaai. The scenery is truly spectacular.

Hehe, that dashboard is a Garmin Montana 600 fitted with a motorbike bracket. It's heavy and its for navigation, but it does have a heart rate monitor and doubles as a bike computer.

My Trance

Thanks JXV, that is my main concern. I read somewhere that a guy who wanted to do the conversion, had to swop out the whole rear triangle of his bike for one designed around the 11x cassette. If that would be necessary, it would just not be worth my while.

That is what I was hoping for pellieg. Thanks to all the guys for their input.