Squier

Well done Swift! That's an awesome time! I think I would've died if I had to do that race on a hardtail...

It's ridiculous how many cyclists you see on the N1 in Bloemfontein. Yes, it's Bloem, but it's still the N1. The N4 is also definitely a problem.

I got mine last week and rode the Cradle Quest at Van Gaalens this weekend with it. I have to say that I am really impressed with the GUTR. I spent 6 hours in the saddle and did not have to remove my glasses once. Hardly any sweat got into my eyes and it's so comfortable that you don't even notice that it's there. Definitely a good investment. Two thumbs up from me!

Now that is a good question! Where do we get the results? Under this link it says: Results will be listed on:www.spectrumsport.co.za However, there's nothing there. The race was definitely not timed by SS.

Then we did see you! I was busy plugging the wheel of a girl that we met along the route just after a bridge on the river singletrack when you came through. My mate and I later passed you on the river singletrack. I was on the black and white Silverback 29er and my mate on a black and green Scott Spark.

What bike and kit did you ride with? Maybe I saw you somewhere...

They can only gather the data that you share... Voted with my and mu wife's account. 21 votes so far.

Yes, I agree with you on that one! I suffered for 6 hours, I want a medal! Another area that they could improve on is route marking. Although it wasn't terrible, it wasn't good enough. There's a couple that I missed that my riding partner saw and vice versa. If I was riding alone I probably would've missed a marker somewhere. But I really would've liked a medal!!!

Ouch! That hurt! Pretty much what I expected... 5:53 on the 70km. Yes, I am that slow. The first half of the race was super hectic. We climbed 600m in the first 27kms. It was really awesome climbs though and after each you were rewarded with an awesome descent. And that last climb (that wasn't very steep) almost broke me. Luckily the last 15 odd kms were flat and the river singletrack section was nice to end off with. It was really tough, but another awesome MTB experience.

Now I would definitely wear that...

I still run a Racing Ralph on the front wheel. Would you suggest changing that tyre as well or sticking with my Racing Ralph Geax AKA set up? Not sure as I've never had a sidewall cut on my front wheel... less prone or coincidence?

That is not funny...

They were fitted for me by my LBS so I can't really give you an answer yet, though I've heard a couple of people say the same thing. I am a little worried now...

My bike came out with Racing Ralphs, super light tyre but only lasted about three months before my first massive sidewall cut. I then went for the Geax AKA. It's heavy! I only realised how light the RRs were when I started running the AKAs. But, it has a sidewall thicker than my skull and it's a very grippy tyre. See, that sidewall cut on my RRs really spoiled my day, so I went to the other side of the spectrum. I sometimes wonder whether I went too heavy in an attempt to avoid sidewall cuts but maybe I just need to man up and pedal harder!

The last time we were at Van Gaalens we went over Pofadder... which nearly killed me. I missed the Nissan there last year but from the route markers that are still out there it looks as if they went up Poffader from the other side. Preparing myself for a looooooooong day...

Loving those Easton wheels!! Awesome looking bikes!

I'm in for the 70km! Just entered! 88 entries on the 70km and 70 something on the 40km so far. (If I remember correctly) I'm expecting one helluva tough day in the saddle... Sounds like fun!

That is awesome! Straight on to the wishlist!

Awesome!!

Had a great time at Virginia Farm - blown away! Can't wait to go back! I posted some photos here: https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/92133-virginia-farm-eston-kzn/page__gopid__1485494

Yes, I rode on Monday and Thursday morning, so did the solo thing.

Was in KZN last week for some holiday and did two rides at Virginia. Man, I was blown away. Some of the best riding I've done! Really awesome trails with stunning views. Super fun singletrack! Whether you're staying in KZN or going down later in the year for holiday, Virginia Farm is a must! www.virginiafarm.co.za Some photos:

Which shops in Pretoria stock these?

Got mine as well! Super excited!

I agree. Look he's still young. He needs to gain this type of experience. I think he gained more during this bad season ito experience that he would've if he had a decent season. We're always quick to relate any success or failure to wheel size when, IMO, this isn't such a massive factor to riders of their class. They'd perform on any bike. That being said, I'm sure the riders and manufacturers put a lot of time and effort into researching and finding the best fit for their style and each specific course. I've never done an XC race in my life but I would've thought that 26ers are more suitable to XC racing but it is clear that these decisions relate more to the rider than the course in question.