bikerdoodle

R699 on Takealot today. https://m.takealot.com/#!product?id=55376806

Is something like this a good deal / product? http://www.rapide.co.za/product/rapide-1-x-11-bundle/ How much should I be budgeting for the exercise? I can buy from CRC, have a friend coming back to SA in Feb.

I currently have a 3x9 Shimano Deore/Alivio/Octalink drivetrain/groupset(?), and I'd like to go 1x11: a) free up space for the dropper post lever b) simpler gear changes c) better drivetrain/groupset What should I be looking to get? a) ~34T narrow-wide (oval?) chainring b) 11 speed cassette & 11 speed shifter & new rear mech (with clutch?) c) 11 speed chain (not sure how it differs from a 9/10 speed?) Is it worth getting a new BB and crank arms? Anything else to consider? How does the 11 speed cassette fit into the same space as the current 9 speed, and do I need to worry about chainline? In some ways it feels like an overkill for a R9k hardtail, but a new 1x11 bike is going to cost a lot more than this upgrade, although it will most likely be dual-sus (not there yet).

I think for the first couple of days you should give the wheels a spin once or twice a day, just to help seal, and top-up if required (can even pump a fair bit harder than normal). After that it should be fine. I went about 6 weeks without topping up my tubeless tyres - probably 10 rides.

I was going to start a new post, but since the topic is almost identical, I'll hijack this one... I'm planning to get a Lyne dropper post for my Merida Big Nine 300. Price seems good, reviews seem good, and I need a 27.2mm version - they are harder to find. Only problem, it's internally routed... Some forum posts suggest that one might be able to route around the inside of the BB - no idea how much space there is - but there is a large hole at the top, and smaller hole(s) in the bottom. Alternatively, it's a sub R10k bike, I'm not averse to drilling the seat post - perhaps an inch above the BB, at the rear? P.S. When I asked the LBS for advice, they suggested I buy a new bike that comes with a dropper post, only R45k hey!

Thanks! I could come in via N1/Main Road and park in Green, it just seemed like the longer way around.

First 947 (first road race for that matter)... I'm coming from Pretoria and was going to park in Silver. However, I was planning to be there by 6am, and chill in the Charity Village until closer to our start time (BB - 8h17). If I interpret the map correctly, I won't be able to get from Silver to the Charity village, the start pens are presumably one-way traffic? So I should go for Purple, and then I could make my way across?

The photos are available: https://www.jetlineactionphoto.com/find_photos.php

I've been using Giant Flat pedals (https://www.giant-bicycles.com/za/giant-original-mtb-pedal--core-) for 7 months and Five-Ten Freeriders for about 4 months. (Size 12 shoes) I can't remember exactly when it started, but I've been getting sore feet recently - a combination of numb toes and achy pain in the balls of my feet. It feels like it is happening more frequently, and sooner during my rides. Sometimes within 10km, perhaps because I am riding harder and training more frequently. I usually try backing off, less pressure on the pedals, and more of a mid-foot position, which seems to help. But then it feels like my toes are curling over the front of the pedals, and it's as if the balls of my feet can actually feels the pins on the pedal... Still, the pain goes away after a few minutes, and all is good until I trigger it again. I tend to ride in a higher gear, as I like to stand, and tend to "grind" the pedals slowly, rather than spinning in a lower gear - more pressure on feet/pedals. I also ride a hardtail, so at the bottom of a bumpy downhill I definitely feel it in my feet. I'm thinking I either need 'longer' pedals (width doesn't seem to be an issue), stiffer shoes, or both. Or a change in technique. Those are my theories and ideas, but perhaps some Hubbers can add their two cents...? I can test out a pair of Shimano Saints from a friend, but they don't look any bigger to me. The Catalyst pedals look good, but they aren't cheap...

I saw them, serious respect to team 3113! I don't know which would have been worse, the singlespeed on those climbs, or the rigid forks on the downhills... I was on a hardtail - you just need to stand a little more.

"Proper" flat pedals are probably more important than the shoes - although once you have proper flat pedals you will want a smoother soled shoe. Shimano Saint (MX80) come highly recommended, but there are other good options, DMR, Nukeproof, or even some cheaper Giant pedals - as long as they have pins! Then you can look at the 5-10s, or cheaper options in that vein.

Thanks to this forum's flat pedallers , I replaced the standard pedals on my bike with a pair of Giants (~R400) and even though I'm still riding with a well worn pair of HiTec hiking shoes, the difference in grip was enormous. The next question is (sorry to hijack the thread, but seems relevant): Which shoes can you get locally, and where? Or should I just order Five Ten's from CRC, and if so, what the difference between FreeRider, Impact, etc?

Where does one buy a decent set of pedals? LBS don't seem to stock them. CRC has good pricing/discounts, but after shipping and customs...? (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/za/en/pedals?f=2258) Local online doesn't have much, perhaps these: http://dialdbikes.co.za/dartmoor-stream-pedals.html?

OK I haven't had any major grip problem as yet, but I was thinking of switching to a pair of hiking shoes anyway, as the sole is narrower at the back, the running shoe sole is wider and sometimes catches the frame while pedalling.

No, is that the kind of shoe I should be looking at for flats?