nonky

@OP the following youtube channel may be of interest to you (he mostly tests watches): https://www.youtube.com/@TheQuantifiedScientist

Unfortunately, I haven't visited for years (moved away) so cannot give you any recent info. When i was there last, the trails were in good shape and lots of fun. Lots and lots of gravel (forestry) roads in the area too, if you like that kinda thing. Also climbing and trail running - see the website. https://tranquilitas.com/activity/mountain-biking/

Love this trail

sECOND THIS

I worked on the assumption that Iceland is NOT part of the EU-SA FTA (free trade agreement). However, it turns out that the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which includes Iceland, signed a FTA with SACU in 2006. The products involved in the FTA include: "Industrial goods (including fish and other marine products) and processed agricultural products. Basic agricultural products are covered by bilateral agreements with individual EFTA States". For peace if mind, i included the 15% duty in my calcs.. .but i could be wrong. Alternatively, i could be correct but a customs official interprets the Lauf as originating in the US.

My best understanding follows but any shipment could be treated differently: Made in Iceland but shipped from the US dealer. 1. 15% Duty on 100% of the declared value (duties are based on the country of origin and not where ordered from) 2. 15% VAT on 110% of the declared value (so effectively 16.5% VAT) 3. Shipping fees 4. Local handling Fees AFAIK, Lauf do NOT ship frames outside of the US/UK/Can. *Please provide an update if you do purchase one, as I have been staring at their website for wayyyy too long.

Update Aug 2024: https://www.sars.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/Legal/SCEA1964/Legal-LPrim-CE-Sch1P1Chpt1-to-99-Schedule-No-1-Part-1-Chapters-1-to-99.pdf

The Rancilio Rocky is about the best grinder (can grind fine enough for espresso) at a "reasonable" (R6,500) price. Unfortunately, good grinders are expensive. capecoffeebeans is a good website to check out for info but search the web for specials. If your budget doesn't stretch that far, consider a good hand grinder (R1.5k+) or, at a push, a Krupps burr grinder (R1300).

Agreed - Hario pourover + hario filters = the easiest & cheapest way to make good coffee. You can even use the supermarket ground coffee lurking at the back of the cupboard, it is that foolproof

Aeropress is about ZAR999 locally. Need a good burr grinder for best results

Not sure whether posted before - site needs work but there is info and a hi-res downloadable map https://capecycleroutes.co.za/route/cederberg-circuit cederberg route.pdf

And other cyclists STILL ask me why i ride with lights (F&R) during the day...

I would go for the newer bike, the titan. or this: https://solomonscycles.co.za/products/titanracing-cypher-rs-sport-29-dual-suspension/ or this: https://solomonscycles.co.za/products/2023-titan-racing-cypher-rs-dash-29″-mtb/

Unfortunately, you are 100% correct. I have engaged with the ratepayers / residents association (GP); and with both ward councillors (sea point and green point) - the usual answer is that they have no jurisdiction over table mountain and cannot do anything. Local residents and private security do SH clean-ups from time to time but there's little more that they can do. To be fair, the homelessness problem along the Atlantic Seaboard is overwhelming the available resources and, for the most part, they do NOT want to be helped (rehab, shelter, halfway house etc).

For those who can't get past the news24 firewall: https://www.2oceansvibe.com/2024/06/21/trail-runner-lucky-to-be-alive-after-knife-attack-on-signal-hill/ Trail Runner ‘Lucky To Be Alive’ After Knife Attack On Signal Hill Read more: https://www.2oceansvibe.com/2024/06/21/trail-runner-lucky-to-be-alive-after-knife-attack-on-signal-hill/#ixzz8dmax1lEC A Cape Town trail runner sustained several injuries when he fought back against two men who accosted him while running along Signal Hill. Gardens local, Barry Smit, managed to rough up his attackers badly enough to scare them off, injuring his knee in the process. “I put up a fight as best I could. I am just very lucky to be alive,” says Smit. “I was running along the footpath when suddenly these two guys with big knives jumped out of the bushes.” Smit said a scuffle broke out as he tried to get one of them off of him. Smit says the attacker’s partner was above the pair, but ran off when he saw his buddy was getting roughed up. After he let the attacker go, he realised his leg was badly injured and managed to get himself to the nearest Mediclinic facility. Smit says that just before the attack he ran past a ‘dodgy looking guy’ who might have been a lookout for the thugs hoping to rob a cyclist or runner. Despite hearing about several incidents on the slopes of the mountain last year, Smit says he did not think it would ever happen to him. Western Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said officers from Cape Town Central police station were investigating a robbery case. SANParks also cautioned visitors to remain vigilant at all times and report suspicious activities on 086 110 6417. It’s still a jungle out there folks, take care of yourselves. Read more: https://www.2oceansvibe.com/2024/06/21/trail-runner-lucky-to-be-alive-after-knife-attack-on-signal-hill/#ixzz8dmasDdEL

Thank you for this link. ZAR735.00 a year for an MTB permit and, by all accounts, they provide nothing in return.

Thanks very much - will do

Agreed, good recommendations! Constantia is going to start getting muddy as we hit winter (after the rains hit). TM jeep tracks are still the ONLY place i have managed to come off a bike going UPHILL. Def not for beginners.

thanks for the recommendation!

This is the comment you can trust - it's from a mechanic and local bike shop owner in Cape Town (in case you didn't know).

How many Roxette tickets did you buy on the Discovery pre-sale? 😁

Putting the FUGLY into FUGitive...

Stéphane Peterhansel, 14x winner of The Dakar, is an ACE mountain biker...he rode Lesotho Sky one year

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.