Willy Nilly

Thanks for all the tips and suggestions. I will definitely use them. I now know that I need to do some serious leg strength training... At one point my right calf threatened to spasm, then some time later my left hamstring also threatened... Then, on the "big" climb just after the 20km mark, both my quads spasmed... ended up walking most of that hill... that said, so did many of my fellow riders...

So this was my MTB cherry... First event... Did the 30km... Took it slow, never thought I wouldn't make it, but really struggled at times... The inclines are usually a challenge (with me carrying a few extra kilos) but I struggled and walked and struggled and walked... The mud and loose sand was pretty challenging, but the worst were the inclines that had mud and loose sand... There I struggled immensely... That said, all in all it was fun, and I look forward to my next event... I just need to get a dual susser, as my arse was not a happy camper on that last little ST (more of a walking path) towards the end...

Any update as yet? Almost 2 months later...

Hi, all. So this conversation is quite interesting considering I've been playing with the idea of getting a set of these for my 26er. Seems like those who've ventured to get them have not been too disappointed. Would be nice to see what the other variants of the Chaoyang make its way here. Give the big boys a run for their money. Also would have liked there to be 2.4" derivatives.

Thanks for the rousing welcome. I totally plan to go tubeless. I got a set of ghetto tubeless Nobbys from a fellow bike hubber, so that's going for me right now. I actually want to get a set of conties from evobikes. Going for R495 a tyre. Then just to get the labor sorted. Again, thanks for the welcome.

Hi, all. I've been around the forum for a bit, and basically camp in the classifieds. New to cycling, and loving the MTB trails (so far just Majik Forest). Got myself a 2013 Mongoose Tyax Expert 26er as my starter bike, and I plan to upgrade next year to something a bit newer and possibly with bigger wheels. I've had some issues with my bike in terms of punctures and mechanical issues (brakes), but these are now sorted and I look forward to riding the trails again. Also, I'm a fatbike fan. Cheers

Hi, I am in the market for a new set of brakes and found these that piqued my interest: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/za/en/clarks-m2-hydraulic-disc-brakeset-bundle/rp-prod135593. From the reviews that I've read, it seems that the standard disc pad that ship with the unit tend to work away quite quickly. I need to get additional brake pads for suture use. Any idea what the recommended pads are for replacing the stock brake pads? Thanks.

26er tubeless tyres and wheels will be most awesome!!! having the worst luck with punctures.

Thanks, everyone, for the feedback. I am going t definitely go tubeless. I was not aware that the rim needed to match the valve. Thought getting the presta valve was the way to go, but this is not the case with these rims. Again, thanks everyone. What do you guys think if a ghetto conversion? Been reading a lot about it, even watching some videos. Some swear by it, while others have issues upon issues...

Hi, I'm have a 2013 Mongoose Tyax Expert 26er with some Alexrims Ace24. Bought my it secondhand and have been riding it a bit recently. For 2 weekends in a row, I've ended up walking back to my car due to punctures in my back wheel. This despite having tyre liners and sludge-filled tyres. 2 weekends back, still using my original tubes with schrader valves, I got what I thought was a puncture and had to walk about 1km to my car. When I examined the wheel and tyre, I noticed a tear in the schrader valve right where the rim and valve meet. I decide to get sludge-filled tubes and acquired some from CWC. Got the Kenda ones with the presto valves. Last weekend, with the new tubes installed, I ended up walking 6-7km back to my car. Got a puncture, sludge did its thing and I pumped up my wheel and set off again. About a km away, got another flat and this is when I heard the air escaping at the valve. Checked and sludge was seeping out at the valve. Do I just have worst luck or am I doing something I shouldn't?

http://www.cwcycles.co.za/product/first-ascent-free-rider-mtb-shoe