nonky

You are, ofc, correct - my comment was typed from memory (Newlands is the wettest SUBURB in SA, not place). Was lazy, shoulda used google...

Fun fact: bottom pic is the wettest place in South Africa @ 1.3m per annum.

Speak to @droo at Stoke in Woodstock, Cape Town about a Banshee (they are the official importer).

Getting some serious FOMO on this thread, already

Well done, bloody good job.

thank you, that's very kind of you

Second this - battery life is amazing. The user interface (buttons) is, however, crappy IMHO when compared to a touch screen (DC Rainmaker and other reviewers note this for 530 and 540). Shame that the 830 & 840 are $$$

CPT City Bowl

Garmin SA customer service does NOT respond to online queries AT ALL. ALL I need is a SCREW (lost it during transit) for a brand new out-front bike mount and paying R900 for a new one is making me want to vom* *Apologies for hijack.

Two questions - how LONG will you be riding and at WHAT SPEED? If you are doing an all-nighter like Desert Dash or 36ONE or a 24-hour, you will need an external battery pack to see you through the night. Most bar-mounted lights with internal batteries won't last more than 3 or 4 hours at their brightest illumination. If you are traveling at speed (faster than jogging pace), you'll need 1,000 lumens+, in my opinion, to be able to see far enough ahead in the trail / road to be safe. My neck can't handle the extra weight of a head-mounted light, so i'd check that out beforehand and not test on race day. Riding through the night is exhausting and fatigue can be debilitating. I was super grateful for my powerful chinese-special light (2,000 lumens + external battery mounted on frame) during the night at Desert Dash.

Lynnwood Cyclery (Spez Concept Store). I used them for many years (until 2021) and their Service Dept is top. Shop 1a, Willow Way Shopping Centre, Cnr Lynnwood Road & Power Avenue. Pretoria 0081. ZA. phone. 012 348 3132. If it's an older (proprietary) shock, there may be issues with parts availability (eg my 2016 Camber rear sus can't be replaced or serviced).

Is this on? Weather permitting or regardless?

Sorry for your loss, bro. I ride both sides of the mountain and will keep an eye out. Please post a better pic, with detailed description (anything that's unique, eg groupset, seat, panniers...anything that'll help to identify the bike).

Second this - some (expert?) advice would be much appreciated.

How were the Sdam trails? Thanks for any feedback.

Same here, me and my fat feet

Fantastic trails, great race village, lekker vibe, and a drop off the escarpment that I'll never forget. Did it a few years' back and I will definitely do it again.

Was there last year...again. Get better soon.

THIS! Plain water should work. If not, add a half a teaspoon of salt and a teaspoon of sugar to your large bottle. For emergencies, I carry a Fastbar or a Farbar.

I was busy researching trail running watches this morning (work avoidance) and Garmin wins for ultra battery life (the solar version was tops), it appears, over everything else. I dumped an early model Fenix due to its software and battery bugs, so I feel your resentment. I'd take the trade-in offered...alternatively, 6S / solar on special at incredible; and 6X at takealot.

This is great advice.

I am +/- your age and came off during a race about a year ago. Grazes all healed (as they do) but the shoulder didn't, despite physio/s, chiro, steroid injections, oral anti-inflamms etc. Next stop is an operation but the prognosis / likelihood of success is mixed (at best). It's all fun and games until you do permanent damage.

Great article, thanks

this worked for me, with spez / sworks shoes

Cowhouse and/or Rosemary Hills in Pretoria East