RossW

Canyon are making some spectacular bikes at the moment! Now to be able to buy them from RSA ...

Just as SurferChild says, I started on FA and would swop between FA and Cape Storm (CS). I then got a chance to try Craft when they were on special and from that moment I simply couldn't go back to either FA or CS. With the CycleLab sale on at the moment I took the plunge and went for something new - Giordana and Pearl Imuzi. I tried the Giordana (Silverline) the other day and now I'm wondering whether I will ever be able to go back to Craft! I must still try the PI but wow, the improved fir from the Giordana compared t othe Craft is amazing. Assos next!

Certainly a place to start. I simply don't have any "reserves" to lose.

I would have hated to have been on a sturdy 14kg all-mountain/enduro type bike for the Mationals route in PMB this year. I swear that route was 80% climbing.

I believe so. However I do feel that this can be extrapolated to flat riding and downhills. Perhaps not to as much of a time saving. We don't race at a constant wattage, rather a constant speed. Convert the constant watts to a constant speed means that for each reduction in weight, the watts required to keep you at a constant speed are reduced. Ultimately, this provides for a decrease in fatigue and energy use of the distance. I'm sure however that no one wants to race on a 15kg bike when you could have an 11kg bike.

So you save 7.5 seconds over 1 mile (1.6km). Take that to a 75km marathon means you'll save (75/1.6)=46.8 miles. 46.8*7.5=351 seconds 351/60=5min51seconds. As Hairy and rouxtjie say, this is secondary to the feel of the bike which can change remarkably with a reduction in weight.

There used to be a sign indicating a separate line for the up ride. The Spruit Fairies installed the secondary route about 15 months ago if my memory serves me correct. The up route can/could be found further away from the fence. It worked well at the beginning. I only ride that route in the same direction as the OP.

Velolife stocks them. I have seen them at Rosebank shop and I'm sure they are in the PTA shop as well. Pretty good bang for your buck.

Spelling is questionable in the picture....

What does the Epic Comp Carbon weigh as standard? I'm currently toying with the idea of getting the Epic CC.

I'm also looking at the XR729. I think it's amazing value for money. My question revolves around the E:i system. Just how reliable and hassle free is it going to be? Will I be locked in to one LBS to service this equipment? What if something goes wrong while doing for example the Cape Pioneer etc? Everything else is telling me this is going to be a great bike to ride!

When does the seeding email go out?

I rode this race last year. The numbers were appalling low. I thought it strange as well considering how many people ride MTB there. Hopefully it'll get better this year, but not much by the sounds of it.

Can't wait! Back to home soil.

The "new" Oom Piets is not the greatest piece of single track that I have ridden at VG. Was having a ball until then and then I hit the proverbial wall. Wessel, everything else was brilliant. Thank you.

Ai dude. That sucks.

It's a long steady climb. The VG regulars might have some extra or alternate information.

Saturday morning at the farm, open from 6 a.m. I think.

I don't know how your rims don't look like the blades of my oscillating desk fan already! Holy cow. I would suggest some additional sky in your rounds for sure!

Agree. As a light weight, 60kg, I run mine at 22psi which is about 1.6 bar.

I think I've ridden this Nguni trail. Nice piece of real estate. I think the key with the babyheads/marbles is to call "track" clearly and early if you're riding it.

Any pics of "Jou Baas"? Sounds like "Oom Piet" has become "Blixem Piet"

You'll make lekker side-winder tracks like that We know the answer for both though don't we? As much speed as you can muster and keep that cadence high.

Hopefully good enough to replace the current Scorpion King.

I can see Skillzzzz going for a swimming lesson when the fatigue sets in.