mikkelz

First ride on the 45mm Pathfinder tyres this morning (~32/30 PSI). It's only my 3rd gravel ride (got the bike two weeks ago). I also upgraded the wheelset, Roval Terra CL (25mm inner width) and Rova Terra handlebars (40cm instead of the stock 42cm) after the first two rides. So I'm not just comparing tyre widths. And I have no science to back up my claims. However, it feels freaking awesome! I rode pretty much the same route as my first ride on the bike which had the stock 38mm Pathfinder tyres (previous model) and it feels like a different bike! Much more confidence, better momentum once up to speed and a bit more comfortable (lower tyre pressure + increased volume). I could probably drop the pressure (I think the Silca calculator suggested 27/24, so I might try 30/28 next ride). It felt like riding a hardtail MTB (as opposed to a road bike on a mountain). 😅 I ride an Epic Evo Comp ('23) on the same trails and didn't feel out of place. There's rocky patches (loose rocks) that I battle with on my full suspension due to traction, so I wasn't disappointed when I couldn't ride the odd steep uphill bit. And the best is when I get back onto the tar between home and the mountain. Feels not too far off my road bike (Tarmac SL7 Expert).

Ah, I looked at some Google images for Reverb AXS and they looked a bit different, hence my confusion. Thanks! 🤦‍♂️

https://youtu.be/eytXxn-FFBw Pretty sweet build.

What's that thing in the middle of the seatpost? 🤔

@W@nted picked up a new set of handlebars, stem, and bar tape this afternoon. So it might take a few more days before my bike is ready (I will see what I can get done tonight). But I'll share once I do. 😀

Haven't been out with them yet. 😅 It rained yesterday morning, hopefully tomorrow I'll be able to test them. 🤞

https://off.road.cc/content/feature/bike-check-keegan-swensons-cape-epic-2025-santa-cruz-blur-16783

If you're interested... 😀 I fitted the 45mm Pathfinder TLR tyres to a Terra CL wheelset (25mm internal width). They look pretty chunky! But still plenty of clearance on my Crux (54cm UDH). Going to take them for a spin tomorrow. 👌

https://bikerumor.com/specialized-rolls-out-fast-lighter-next-gen-road-gravel-rubber/ Yeah, there's not much info out there yet. 👆 That was all I couldn find so far, didn't see it as too risky of a purchase though. 😀

I got a pair of 45mm delivered this morning. 😀 Can't wait to fit them and try them out!

Stellenbosch

For what it's worth, it rained about 4mm yesterday afternoon and last night in Stellenbosch. 🙂 Excluding today.

🤣That is freaking funny! 👏

Now you know why there was a water shortage. 😜

I'm sure the rain is a relief from the heat, but camping in the rain isn't much fun. 🙈

Coetzenburg, Stellenbosch. 👌

IF = Incredibly F**ked (or Fit) 😂

Damn, great effort! 💪 So close. 🥲

https://www.epic-series.com/capeepic-riders-liveresults

This and the reports from the tent camp are making the epic start to sound like Fyre Festival. 😂 All those entry fees and they can't even provide the basics? 😢

Thanks for sharing, that looks epic!

When cleaning my bike after the CT Cycle Tour, I noticed a nasty cut on my rear wheel (tubeless) with less than 1,000km on it. 😢 No loss of air pressure, but I decided not to take any risks and bought a replacement. I haven't had a chance to fit it yet, so I'm keen to see if it actually went straight through and sealed, but I doubt it as there is zero visual evidence of any sealant. But yeah, so expensive to replace bike tyres. 🙈

What brand and size tyres are you all running? 40? 42? 🫣 Wider, narrower...

I'll contribute what I can too. Just say the word. 🫡

Wow, I was just about to ask what the surface was. That's a hill on a dirt road. Not even single-track? 🫣