Rigardt@Scott

Ja... sure.

My gpx routes wouldn't be of much use because it mainly covers a very small portion of the routes... But here is a link to the trails on Google Maps: https://wannabees.co.za/cycling-routes/ - there is allot to choose from.

I would hit the like button 10 times if I could!

It is propper fun on a gravel bike. There is even a dedicated gravel bike route. Whilst everything is rideable on a gravel bike, places like waterworks / Faure is a bit more fun on a hardtail with a suspension fork. But I guess that all depends on your definition of fun.

I feel like I am being personally singled out (minus the stickers of course, a real wildcat doesn't have stickers)

LOL there is one thing on my wish list right now, and I would only get it in 10 years time haha

Yup. Can't say I struggle anything on the classifieds - but I price my items right. I think a good starting point is that no second hand item should ever be priced at higher than 60% of the new price. Start there and adjust down based on condition/use. The only item I have struggled to sell was a bike I was hesitant to let go recently. I advertised for what it was worth to me - which was a bit more than I would have paid for it second hand, and it sat. So long story short, if you want to sell something - price it for the amount you'd pay for it 2nd hand if you were buying, not what it is worth to you.

Ja haha, that exchange rate means no new frames for me from UK, or anywhere for that matter! I was considering a Ragley some time ago when I was looking to replace my Solaris Max (Medium size - should've bought a large). I ended up going for a Slade purely based on price - I don't regret it, but I miss steel. I've also never really had an affinity for Ragley, but this colour is very enticing. As for this over a Solaris Max - at the same price I'd take the Cotic. I just have a special place in my heart for any bike they make, and I absolutely loved my first gen Solaris Max. It was the most versatile bike I've ever owned, but the fact that I bought a medium meant it was a bit short and had a 75mm stem on - great for XC/bikepacking/etc, but it got a bit squirelly on steeper stuff and I actually had 2 big falls which prompted the acquisition of the Slade. I'd buy one again in a heartbeat if I had the funds available - especially with the updated geo. I'd just get a large this time around

That colour actually everything about that bike. How's the Rand/Pound exchange rate looking these days?

I think he is talking about the Mobu. Prices not yet confirmed, but guaranteed it will be more than the Epic.

Yup, and that's why the masses should rather opt for the Evo - easier to ride well. Marathon bikes don't leave room for error (although the modern ones leave a little more than the older ones). Bikes like the Epic Evo and Stumpy ST make up for the lack in skill.

It's not Envy, Envy goes better with Santa Cruz or Yeti - and that's even more expensive

I know I'm the one the brought up price to start with in in this thread, but I am actually surprised the frame isn't more. Right before lockdown I was looking at replacing my alu Sentinel with the new carbon smuggler (not released yet), or a Evil The Offering - but those frame prices have gone up with about 30 - 50% of their RRP during lockdown (there is no way I am paying that regardless of any exchange rate or inflation justifications). If Spez had done the same that would've put their frameset at 90k. Agreed, 60k is hardly a sensible start to a build though....

Most bikes come with 175mm cranks. It's only recently that bikes have started being specced with 170mm - and mostly on trail and enduro bikes. This is a great move from Spez. I like shorter cranks - but that may be because I have stumpy legs. Very few bikes come with 165mm cranks - mostly DH bikes actually.

I'm not moaning about Spez pricing specifically compared to other brands - more the prices of high end bikes in general. There really is no way those prices can be justified. None the less, doesn't take away from how awesome it looks. But anyway, wasn't looking to debate pricing. Just an observation.

Looks like an awesome bike. Those prices are just getting stupid though...

Yes, for sure worth watching. Intense, good twists and turns. I was quite glued to the screen.

That's coz dogs are cute And nothing happens to me if the dog bites me (except a bit of pain), the snake on the other hand.... chances are it won't bite me, but if it does - eish. But on a serious note, I take a wide berth around any dog I see when out riding, they are just too unpredictable. In the last 2 years I have had encounters with 3 puffies, and 4 mole snakes / cobras (sure about some, unsure about others - I do not know snakes well enough to tell a mole snake and cobra apart while they cross the trail quickly), and some sort of black snake that slithered into the water at Oak Valley. On all occasions except one the snakes got out of my way much faster than I could get out of their way. The one that did not get out of the way was a cobra that was sunbathing on Helderberg. I just stepped WAAAY back until it decided to get off the trail. On that specific day I actually saw another snake on my way down the trails too - was quite paranoid after that ride because I had spotted another snake crossing the trail the ride before that too making it 3 in 2 rides. That was spring of 2018 though where there were apparently a higher number of snakes than usual out and about. I am not gonna run away from snakes, but I have a healthy fear of them and will stay well away from them if I spot one.

Is anyone selling, or know of someone selling a used bench vise? Drop me a DM if you have something...

I paid R899 for the Grid version (29x2.6), and R1099 for the Black Diamond version (29x2.6).

I was also impressed with the Eliminator up front (only had it on for 2 rides before I decided to propperly kill my DHF before using it). I just picked up a Black Diamond for the back as well that will be going on soon. I have heard a few people say they like it front and back. Keen to see how it stacks up against my usual Agressor/DHF combo.

Season 1 was the only season worth watching. They should've ended it there.

No local agents anymore. You can order direct from Cotic UK - they ship to your door. The derailliuer hangers are Syntace, not sure of the exact model (check on Cotic's website). You should be able to order one of them from any SA bike shop.

Did you put the cone on because she was licking the wound, or did you just put it on as a preventative measure? I ask because both of my dogs, after being spayed/neutered, went bannanas when I put the cone on. Diesel got out of it in a few mins. So I decided to just go without and both of them were fine, didn't lick their wounds at all. The only thing I had to do was keep them apart after Mila was spayed so they didn't run around and play with each other while the wound was recovering.