nonky

Two decathlon bikes got mentioned in Bicycling mag's "2024 BIKE BUYER'S GUIDE" - yet, neither has been available in all (or even popular) sizes. Go figure.

That's a SWEET bikepacking rig. I like very much.

See also: Titan Switch 2023 (<ZAR20K); or 2024 (ZAR24K), if budget permits Both have carbon fork; 2024 has SRAM Rival drivetrain

Formerly known as a "monster bike" or "monstercross bike"?

I have flown my MTB - internationally and locally - with cardboard boxes, kindly donated by my LBS (the spez s-works MTB boxes are the best, if you can get one). With careful packing, nothing got damaged and the boxes can be used again or recycled.

Another vote for the Roscoe - that is one helluva buy if your budget can make it (and perfect for Tokai trails). Don't forget to budget R1k-R2k for pedals. Merida 2022 in second place.

The GX cassette and XO1 chain option last forever and ever - it even survived the muddy mess that was the last Joberg2C, which I could not believe.

Nope, you are not an idiot, just new to the sport. Cycling is super expensive, especially mountain biking (things break). The first answer to your post was correct. Ride the bike and have it repaired under warranty for as long as possible. Once you've exhausted the bike, warranty and/or your patience, make a decision about the sport. If the bug has bitten, buy a Titan (best value for money new) or a good second hand bike (ask on here for free advice) Wishing you many happy miles.

Nice pics! What is the condition of the trail like these days? Where did you enter and exit? THx

Thanks for the link - that one was opposed by the District Six residents / associations (IIRC) - it appears that NO ONE wants a shelter on their doorstep, not just the privileged few living on the Atlantic Seaboard. It should be recognized that this is not just simple eviction and nothing else - last night, social workers / CoCT representatives were interviewing the homeless sleeping on the Promenade (which is also a huge problem). Not sure why, just interesting to see the ongoing initiatives.

Any facts to back that up? As far as I am aware, the new 300-bed homeless shelter has been approved and the Haven Shelter increased in size. This was a Court-approved eviction, so due process was followed. The people in question do not want to be housed in a shelter or rehoused. Source: https://www.capetownetc.com/news/citys-300-bed-safe-space-homeless-shelter-gets-green-light/

Dude, it is ALWAYS Argue Season on the Hub.

Robbie, you are applying High Trust Society morals to a Low Trust Society. Our society is, unfortunately, a million miles away from High Trust; and you need to act accordingly.

Under the Oxford definition of FIRST WORLD PROBLEMS, it says: MERCEDES BENZ HITS CANNONDALE Jokes aside, sorry about your bike, PS, and happy hunting for a new one

You are 100% correct, Chrisjan. Stealing AND the receipt of stolen goods USED to be crimes that were prosecuted in SA. Sadly, this is no longer the case.

Suspect accused of Lion’s Head robbery and attempted rape in court Published by Murray Swart on January 26, 2024 54 46 The man arrested at Lion’s Head for robbery and attempted rape appeared in Cape Town Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday. According to IOL, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila confirmed that Sidney Wolhuter (23) has been charged with two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, two counts of attempted rape, and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Ntabazalila stated that the victims were two women: a Japanese and a Dutch national. He said that the State would oppose bail if the accused applied and that the case was postponed until February 7 for bail information. Rangers from Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) apprehended the man on Sunday. This came after a woman was robbed of her belongings while hiking at Lion’s Head, according to SANParks TMNP. The arrest was made as a result of a collaborative effort between SANParks rangers, City of Cape Town Metro Police, and law enforcement officers who located the suspect and recovered the women’s belongings. The man was arrested, and the victims filed a criminal report. Megan Taplin, TMNP manager, thanked all parties involved in the joint operation that resulted in the arrests. ‘Our teams will continue to monitor this area and ensure the safety of the park users. Well done to all involved and keep up the exceptional work!’ https://www.capetownetc.com/news/attempted-rape-suspect/

Book accommodation at the Post House Inn...

Mugger falls to his death with stolen possessions on pipe trail Published by Ilze-Mari Van Zyl on January 22, 2024 2157 70 The body of a suspected mugger was discovered today after members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) returned to the scene to locate a stolen phone. Alderman JP Smith, the City of Cape Town’s Mayco member for safety and security, says a group of hikers were being led along the Pipe Track on Sunday when two muggers confronted them. The tour guide attempted to protect the group by spraying the assailants with pepper spray, after which the two took off running. Today, police returned to the scene after one of the stolen phones was traced to the area where the incident occurred. ‘It was discovered that the mugger had fallen off the trail along with some of the stolen possessions. At the time of his discovery, no vital signs were present,’ says Smith. He adds that the cause of death will be investigated by SAPS

Rider or motorcyclist down at bottom of Glastonbury Drive (Bishopscourt)? Ambulance and ER24 on site at above location, this am, and security says a bike went down / was hit a car in the corner? Does anyone know anything about this; or was it a motorcyclist?

This route is almost car free. You can ride the loop all the way to Tokai and back in safety - your only potential "problems" being walkers, dogs and horses. BTW, there is a dirt track on the side of Southern Cross - it is for going UP the hill, even though it is on the "wrong" side of the road. Personally, I would avoid riding above Kirstenbosch and then down to S-Cross drive, mainly because there are too many walkers and loose dogs (unless very early in the am). If you do take that route, DO NOT cycle into Newlands Forest, as NO bikes are allowed (if you hit the tar, you have gone too far). The official bike path veers down / EAST / to your RHS & towards the M3, just after the steep descent from the contour path / where the road from newlands ravine merges.

I can show you a route from the forest to the top of Southern Cross, that's almost traffic free. Cross under using subway, follow footpath to top of cannon, down cannon, down ravensburg, into hidding, cross the M3 at the lights (shell garage), follow riverside road all along the liesbeek into rose, turn LEFT at the 3-way stop into the park, exit park at kirstenbosch drive and cross into winchester ave, then up glastonbury drive, at top turn RIGHT and head up rhode drive, you will see the start of the official mtb route on LHS of rhodes drive...follow this all the way to the top of southern cross. There is also a nice little diversion off to the LHS just ofter kbosch top gate - you can rejoin the route at cecilia forest or complete the loop (if you still have legs).

I can smell this picture...

ZAR3,699: https://www.garmin.com/en-ZA/p/698436 bundle: R4,399 same link

Freewheel Cycology (spez store) in Kenilworth accepts donations, iirc, which go to songo.info or similar

This statement is no longer 100% accurate. The Quantified Scientist on YT does a bunch of comparative tests and the Ultra and Watch Series 9 outperform almost everything else on almost every metric (EXCEPT BATTERY). The battery life can be largely addressed by switching off the "always on" screen, so it only activates when touched or when you rotate your wrist. Unless you are an ULTRA-endurance (24hrs+) athlete, the apple watches' batteries are more than adequate. A much bigger problem is Garmin's software, especially if you are an iPhone user.