On 1/22/2021 at 9:05 PM, NC_lurker said:It's not a 4 seasons, but then we're in SA..
I'm 1.85m so some of the ultralight tents are a little cramped, but this one works very well, especially at only 1.7kg.
https://www.naturehike.co.za/collections/tents/products/cloud-up-2-ultralight-2-person-tent-upgrade
Can vouch for naturehike's service and their honouring of a warranty - they replaced a bag that broke a clip without quibbling (and paid for the postage to and fro).
14 hours ago, Steady Spin said:Forekaster
This ^ or an Aspen
Been using various maxxis tyres for a while and have no problems to report. Current set (rekon race R; F aspen) have done over a 1000kms over rough terrain without a puncture.
Previous rear didn't last long but that due to user error (under inflated over rough terrain).
I've stopped here after riding in Tokai. Friendly peeps and the shop stocks some nice kit and gear, as well as a good variety of snacks / stuff to eat.
Definitely need to try out the track next.
On 4/11/2022 at 2:20 PM, Spafsack said:What options are out there if you looking at a 2.3 mtb tyre, fast rolling, decent grip on drym hard pack. It seems vitoria and maxis are only 2.35 and not 2.3? Spez maybe, but then its over a grand a tyre?
Maxxis 2.35 tyres mount very narrow (on a 30mm internal diameter rim), so may be worth a bash.
Try: Recon, Recon Race, Ardent, Ardent Race
19 hours ago, love2fly said:Looked at Forekaster a while ago. Maybe time to relook that chapter. I have s brand new Ikon in the cupboard. Would love to swap that somehow....
Forekaster is definitely worth a try, especially if you ride in the Gauteng / sand or loose over hardpack. That is if you can find one. I was lucky to find an ardent 2.4 at olympic in CPT, as all the forekasters were sold out but they are available online from CWC/Cyclelab at a good price.
3 hours ago, love2fly said:I'm currently rideing 25mm ID rims with 2.35 Ardent Race in fron t and 2.25 Crossmark 2 on rear.
I have another Ardent Race 2,35 and an Ikon 2,35 new in cupboard and have heard that one can ride Ardent Race on the rear also.
I'm not sold on the Arden Race other than its light and steering is light.
Was considering:
1. Ardent Race Front & Rear
2. Ardent Race Rear, Crossmark 2 Front
3. Ardent Race Rear, Ikon Front
4. Leave as is
I ride mainly dry, sandy single track and virtually never mud and enjoy high speed twisties....
Any suggestions?
Ardent or Forekaster on the front (negligible increase in rolling resistance and fantastic grip on loose over hardpack) - nice sideknobs for leaning into the twisties.
Rekon Race or Ardent Race on the rear
5 minutes ago, DieselnDust said:I on the other like that Vye is shorter in the torso because a bib is supposed to be supportive so having lose fitting bib straps negates the purpose of bibs (to keep your chamois in your crotch.
They have also made improvements to the Mirage and Velo Race bibs, the former receiving a longer cuff and Velo Race some panel shape changes with improved gripper.
You are right, of course, we are all shaped differently. I was irritated because I engaged with them regarding the sizing (before and after) and their attitude was " it will stretch to fit".
On 8/15/2020 at 8:53 PM, Jewbacca said:Inconsistent sizing is just poor craftsmanship.
It would be interesting to know if they have an in house cmt team or if they use an existing team say, part of the Bold gear work force or the old Elzet group? Is it even stitched here?
You can have the best fabric and the best designs, but if your sewing is sloppy, seam allowance not cut/used correctly or it's stitched on the stretch, you will always have issues.
Vye is excellent. I like that not everything is branded with massive try hard logo's. I hate it when something has an awesome colour and/or design but then lights you up like a flashing brand billboard.
Enjoy is rad too but the bibs don't fit me. The straps are too short but I am oddly shaped.
Dunno, if you're going to make a big song and dance about how trendy and tech your garments are without having a decent QC, you will generate good 1st and second sales, but you will need to keep generating these sales as people will stop coming back consistently for number 3, 4, 5 and 26
Vye baggy mtb shorts are AWESOME *****stars.
The bibs, however, are very SHORT in the torso and mine are too tight to wear. I am an XL, even in italian "race fit" and never had a problem with sizing, EXCEPT for vye.
If you have the cash on hand, specialized has new 2020 bikes (XC and trail) selling at near cost on their website.
it's sad that "its" is repeatedly spelled as "its'".
Pedant of the day, thanks.
they are alive ... and very well! https://youtu.be/J2DXEzuM4DE
Jeez, that is some awesome riding on some BRILLIANT trails.
It is to some degree but there are alot of events guys trying to keep their heads above the water so there can actually be some people around to run events when this all passes.
More to the point, ask them what their plan is if the ban on events hasn't been lifted by then and what is their cut off point?
I got a message from an event later in the year offing an early bird special. It's an event I'm super keen to do. First thing I asked was what their contingency plan / refund plans etc was and they came back with:
"we are applying our minds to what is appropriate. I guess that if normality hasn't returned by say end-July we'll probably offer refunds or carry-over to the next planned event in early 2021. I see you have an UK email address. Are you considering coming out for this ride? If so, I would advise you to look at travel insurance to cover you in case we are forced to reschedule the September dates."
I think if you are sending out invites while all this is going on you have to communicate a clear, solid policy and for it not to be a bit of a 'ummm... errrrr... well I guess...'.
I'll translate:
"Once we have your hard-earned money, whatever happens thereafter is YOUR PROBLEM..."
Zoom, definitely Zoom.
Skype is OK but needs bandwidth (struggles in Africa).
We had endless problems with MS Teams and this option was generally disliked by users, even when we managed to get it working.
WhatsApp works for voice and video but needs a stable connection or voice quality can be iffy. It appears to be more data efficient than Skype but i am no IT expert.
All sports are struggling big time -
USA Rugby just filed for Chapter 11.
Premiership rugby cut wages 25% across the board.
Barcelona FA players agreed to huge wage cut.
All Blacks training staff have taken pay cut.
Aussie Rules players agreed big (50%) wage cut.
Read somewhere about a charity appeal for lower-ranked tennis players.
The list goes on and on and on...
for better or worse these items are STRICTLY priced on RRP .....
Bike Addict often throws in a "voucher" to sweeten the deal
Bought mine Mid last year, and the RRP was R 14 999 then. And do recall the same price for many months before that, as I was looking for a good deal.
Yeah, "Strict RRP" is often referred to as "price fixing", "collusion" or "market dominance"...
But that's a thread for another day.
Couple of those ebikes in stores ... NX and SX ...
I wanted to comeback with a witty or sarcy comment but I'm at a loss for words...
Better enjoy the specials while you can, with the Rand as it is, cycle stuff is going to skyrocket.
Free waterbottle to the first hubber who spots a R100k bike with NX or SX Eagle drivetrain?
Almighty bloodbath on the way...your LBS or fancy spez dealer down the road may not see Easter, let alone Xmas.
Have you guys checked out the Asgstore specials, i have been viewing their specials for months but always seems overpriced or am I wrong? I have never purchased any of their products yet so could be wrong
Nice guys in person, but i had a bad experience with them online with vitality gear in the past.
I am a fairly persistent person but, eventually, i had to give up after a few months. Never received the goods or a refund.
Won't ever buy anything from them again.
Edit: spelling
With gym visits cancelled for the foreseeable future, I will definitely be riding - usually solo but sometimes with other/s.
No coffee stops though, which sucks but isn't unbearable.
And elbows bumps all round as the new method of greeting.
If we go full lockdown, all bets are off (as they say in the classics).
The Bontrager lights are awesome - front at rear.
I NEVER ride without mine and they've given me 2.5 years of faultless service.
Reviving a very old thread here but after being away from enduro and Mtb for a number of years I've finally got a new bike built and ready to make my way off the tar...
In light of this thread are there any enduro events or rides still happening in and around the Gauteng area?
I know Hakahana closed down but have seen a new bike park opening in Pretoria that seems to cater for enduro type riding and events.
Following that is there still a series and/or events happening in KZN, if it means getting a few guys together to make the drive down that way for an event and some good riding I have no issues.
Keen to hear some thoughts and feedback from the vaalies
Quite a drive out there but definitely worth it for the regular trails.
The enduro lines look HECTIC, ie unrideable on an XC bike.
FYI, it gets HOT in the summer.
Big sale during March on MERIDA HARD TAILS at Bike Addict - 25%-30% off.
Worth a look.
Any cage that hold onto a bottle well, will scratch it over time because friction. But that's a trade that I am willing to make
These two have served me well over the years:
Specialized Zee
Lezyne Flow
This ^^^^ + Spez bottles are the best combo for road and MTB - I've never lost a bottle.
If you are *** fancy, you can get the Spez CARBON bottle cage for ZAR1,000
MTB Tyre Choices
in Technical Q&A
Posted
MY BAD, finger trouble / brain-freeze, I meant a Maxxis ARDENT