RossW

+1 I have found that by having a too linear (vertical) hip to bb plumb line, the patellar tendon gets inflamed and painful. By ensuring that the BB sits in front of your hips and therefore having a greater "forward" pedaling action, this can be rectified. You will however need to improve your lumbar flexibility as this position produces a more acute thigh to torso angle.

I'm currently based in Dar es Salaam. Nice to know I'm not the only hubber who gets sent to the arse-end of Africa. Gems....most certainly How often do you guys come up to Dar? I'm wanting to bring my bike up next year. Most likely my old road bike with a stationary trainer - too dangerous to ride on the roads etc here.

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. The longer you watch it, the better it gets.

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The new carbon Niner FS is sex on wheels! I also like the JET. Not a huge fan of the longer travel RIP and WFO's looks. I'd still own a WFO though!

The new E.M.D is really nice looking! Major improvement.

Yes please!

+1!! I agree with everything you said.

My answer is based on the Fox service guidelines. If I remember, they say service every 50hours of riding. That is extreme though. I service my fork every 6 months. My riding is 75% on the WC course in PMB and then dirt and road. Each time the technician says there was nothing wrong. Music to my ears. I'd rather that than only service when I see/feel something is wrong. R150*2 or R6500 for a new one.

They are the best!

I believe some were doing it on a hardtail. So take what you have I say.

My favourite band! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoH5hjneqR8

+1

I had a Revelation RL delivered in stead of a Reba 29er. I sent it back and got my money back. I did however lose the VAT I had paid on the item. I phoned them and they were very helpful. The process of receiving the wrong item is very frustrating though.

I can't fault the race route. The riding was thoroughly enjoyable. A side note; it was thoroughly enjoyable when not riding through settlements and being chased by dogs and having children try and grab your water bottle because the contents looked like juice! They put some effort in cutting new ST but they had a bit of a "fail" when the ST was cut too close to the water at the dam and the ST was water logged and slippery when all around was dry and dusty. The cattle tracks that we followed were super-tube smooth which was awesome. The river crossings were interesting - no safety officers present at these crossings, not sure if it is a requirement of a race? I was very disappointed when after finishing Day 1 I thought I'd get a bite to eat. Oh no, no free food for riders. Only if you paid the camping fee of R500 are you entitled to food at the finish. I was supplied with a ISO100 drink and a dry, sun-baked muffin. Couldn't eat it with the dry mouth I was experiencing after the mornings ride. The second day started with a boat trip across the dam - not sure if they were simply trying to blow smoke up are arse, but it seems an unnecessary expense and the money could be spent elsewhere. We were "given" a facecloth to dry our feet which we gave back to be reused next year? Day 2 was bad with regard to riding through settlements (under peoples washing lines) and again, dogs and children asking for sweets and juice. People started referring to the Inanda Christmas beetles, sweeeeeets, sweeeeeets, etc. The ST was better on this section - drop-offs, switchbacks and lovely views. The climb from Inanda Dam wall was torture. On both days, one got the feeling towards the end that they where simply trying to add distance rather than add the fun factor. We were made to criss-cross the main road too many times for my liking and with the main road following a spine of a hill, it meant for short downhills, followed by way too long climbs up the other side. I should clarify; I did receive a long sleeve T-shirt at registration as well as a branded 750ml thermos flask and a small bag of ground coffee. Would I do it as it stands again? NO! Too expensive and simply, not enough value for money. Rumours have been making the rounds that the event sponsors are not impressed due to promises that it's going to be a huge event, better than next year blah blah blah. Limited entries at 300 teams and I think there were about 148 at the end. Everyone has a laugh and says, "Typical Ray promises."

I have the Rocket Ron 2.25 on my Niner .....

I have entered and will be riding - my first Mfula. Speaking to guys around PMB, a lot have a dislike for Ray. They say he blows things way out of proportion as to how fantastic this and that is, etc. This goes for MTBers and Canoeists. The race is expensive, that is for sure! Same distance as Hill2Hill and some 14 times more expensive. I was expecting some goodie bag for my money but on enquiringly, I'm getting a big fat ZERO!! Apparently, if I had entered on or before the 31st May I would have received a T-shirt of some kind. Wow, for R3480, a T-shirt?! So I pay the same money and get less, makes great sense. I'm not enthusiastic about the 2nd day being a copy of the Nationals which were held at Inanda dam. Or so I have been told. Looking at the route profile, it is extremely similar to the route profile of the Nationals, just saying ....

I completely blew my budget and got Schwalbe's. The Tubeless Ready EVO's I think they are. Fitted fantastically with one tyre lever and inflated with a compressor with absolutely minimal sidewall pinhole leaks. Haven't leak since I inflated 2 weeks ago. Very happy with them.

I got mine at Bush & Bundu in PMB. Can't remember the price. Have your local First Ascent dealer order for you. Customer is king!

I have a pair for First Ascent's new long bib tights. I use them for MTB training and are comfortable.

I'm very interested in driving up for the Mankele - done it before? I'm wondering more with jumps; XCer here so airborne is a foreign feeling to me and ski jumps as well ....

FA Vortex I know a couple of guys who ride in this in the FS and Underberg regions ....

I used 2 and a half cups of Stans per tyre/wheel. I'd rather be safe than sorry ....