Joe Soap

Hmmm... Surprised that some of you are very happy with your SRAM BB's. Might have a dud or fluke piece rubbish that found its way in. Will re-verify installation Thanks for the input

Looking for some advice please. I have a DUB crank set and a frame that takes BSA threaded BB. Obvious choice is to use SRAM's BB, which I have. I am not very impressed with the service life of the SRAM BB. Are there perhaps other options available that is comparable with this setup? If not, what is considered the "best" crank standard to use with threaded BB's?

Thanks, I'll see if I can find a used BSA to see if it might work

Now that you mention it... If my logic is not failing me, then technically it's only the left cup that Italian so I might be able to use English with my existing ITA left cup... Not sure if BB diameters and threads are the same between ENG and ITA?

Took me years to just know enough about MTB BBs, don't have time to invest the same in road bikes. I have a cheap road bike that uses Italian BB with Shimano Ultegra 6500 (Octalink) cranks. My BB is not completely vrot yet but might as well start shopping. As far as I can tell, not going to find a BB easy that works with this combo. Any suggestions on other crank options that will work with IT BB that won't break the bank? Or even better, if you have a lead on a Italian - Octalink BB that would be 1st prize.

This bike ticks a lot of boxes I've never been a Merida fan but this bike (and the new long travel HT) I'm starting to reconsider. Some really useful innovation (twist lock/chain guide/top cap/mounting points/seat tube/2 bottles) on this bike not like other new brands that just did a copy and paste exercise Can't justify the price yet (of any new bike)

Bought my itch reliever over the weekend

Still some way off matching the bling on the scoot in the background...

At which Makro's do you get them? I don;t see anything online...

Thanks for all the input, I'm off to the shops...

I weigh roughly 85 kg depending on the whether. Think I'll start of by checking the pressures more regularly before each outing to the spruit. So far I'm fairly happy from a grip perspective, its at least something that I can work with. I like my short bursts at Wolwe but also starting to do longer rides so won't work committing to a super aggressive set of tyres Any size suggestions on a non-boost Anthem? A 2.3 should fit at the front and 2.1 at rear or 2.3's all around?

I try to stay as close as possible to 1.8 to 2 bar but don't check it before every ride. Is that a "safe" pressure or what do you guys run at the back? I agree with the "grip at the front" philosophy but good traction on the steep climbs is good for my sanity

Great, that's what I wanted to hear

Comparison question: Currently have Racing Ralph's snake skins front and rear on my bike. I have managed to pinch flat the rear twice at Wolwespruit. (That's 2 holes per puncture) Will it be any different fitting a Ground Control GRID on the rear or are they similar to the RR SS (from a durability POV)? Or should I just go for a Russian tank at the back (Crossmarks)?

This will be my 1st MTB race and I'm starting to get pretty amped! (40k) Starting in group K with 140 riders per group... will be like Easter weekend on the N3, or everyone will leave me in behind the dust. Will be exciting either way