North Shore

I have that setup on a 140mm 26" Stumpjumper FSR and on a 2014 29" Stumpjumper EVO. I ride at Groenkloof in the week, Van Gaalens, Vori-berg, Redstone and Mankele on weekends and when I'm in Cape Town Tokai (not anymore) and Jonkershoek (was there two weeks ago). I ride pretty aggressively, not with that much finesse and I jump everything I can. I ride the black/DH trails on this setup at all the above mentioned parks.

Iwan, I haven't tried the Ibex, but the new Nobby Nic is so much better than the 2014 version. It feels like a completely different tyre, almost like a Magic Mary lite. Rolling resistance isn't bad, lots of grip in the corners (as opposed to the illusion of grip in the 2014), the casing in snakeskin feels much more sturdy and will allow much lower pressures before caving. Wear still sucks but it's Schwalbe so you knew that already. I have the 2.35 upfront and 2.25 in the back, but will probably be trying the rock razor on the rear next. Give the new version a try.

The northern suburbs of Cape Town (durbanville etc) are very Afrikaans, not nearly as scenically beautiful as the southern suburbs, and certainly not the epicentre of cultural activities/good restaurants etc. The best schools in Cape Town are all in the southern suburbs (Rondebosch/Newlands/Wynberg/Constantia) although there are some good private schools out Stellenbosch and Somerset West side. If I had to choose between Stellenbosch and SSW I would definitely go for Stellenbosch. The number of bike parks and biking culture out there is fantastic and there are some truly great restaurants/pubs/coffee spots. SSW is a boring retirement village replete with thousands of cloned and soulless Tuscan boxes. If that's your thing then you probably will get the most space and value for money there.

Anyone tried those bone conducting ones? Seems like a potentially safer option on SA roads. http://www.aftershokz.com/ I've got the Sennheiser PMX 685i and I really like the single band wrap around fit as I've never had them fall off on any downhill run, wish they'd bring out a Bluetooth version already.

Glock I'm pretty sure you're using way too much lube if you're getting any mud cakes. Squirt (wax lubes) work by sloughing off when dirt collects, and it really works unless you apply too much. Apply only one drop of lube per chain roller at the the bottom to a perfectly clean chain and allow at least an hour for it to dry. I find that after 50+km rides the chain does start to sound dry, but it's not something to worry about and I get ridiculously long life (2000+km) per chain before they begin to show any wear. The best part about squirt is how easy it is to clean without harsh degreasers.

Squirt is what works for me, although it does need a reapplication on long rides the fact that it's so easy to clean means I get on average 2000km per chain (yes, measured with a ruler and a park tool chain wear tool). http://enduromag.com.au/site/product-reviews/enduro-magazine-review-squirt-bicycle-chain-lube/

Also factor in the kit (helmet, gloves, shoes, bibs and top) to your budget and a skills clinic will probably be your best investment.

How tall are you? How much do you weigh? Whereabouts do you live, and where do you plan on riding? How much under 10k are you looking to spend? The more you spend now the less you will have to upgrade later, going too cheap will cost you in enjoyment and replacement costs. At under 10k I would look at a hardtail, as opposed to a full suspension bike, you will get better components and a lighter build with less servicing and maintenance costs, less to go wrong.

3 bikes. Stumpjumper FSR 26", Stumpjumper Carbon FSR 29" and a Stumpjumper S-Works hardtail. Only original wheels are on the S-Works. Previously had Mavic Crossmax and the two roval sets I replaced both with hand built wheels with white industries hubs, crest on the 29 and crest EX on the 26. Both lasted maybe 8 months before needing a rebuild. I ride Groenkloof, Van Gaalens, Vori-berg and most of the smaller races up here. When visiting home (Cape Town) ride tokai as often as possible and Jonkershoek. I'm harsh on most equipment, but usually from doing things my bikes weren't designed to, rather than poor line choice. They cost the same, have very similar weight- to me that's well worth the safety margin.

I weigh the same as you Bos, and destroyed two sets of one crest and then crest EX. Moved to Arch Ex and haven't had any problems. I ride aggressively and hit every jump I can, but wouldn't you rather have the confidence knowing that if something goes wrong your rim won't deform like butter? 50g weight penalty between Arch and Crest. Most of the online local stores have the rims, and I got a sweet deal on an Arch EX, Chris king hubs and Phil wood spokes wheelset from CWC for 11k.

Heart rate, blood pressure and cortisone levels will all rise the longer you're staying awake, regardless of exercise. Resting heart rate is measured at absolute rest first thing in the morning.

Found a bike computer just after the technical climb composed of round logs at around 3pm today. DM me if you think it's yours.

Sounds great, let me know in the morning!

Riding tomorrow afternoon at Groenkloof, two laps and riding to and from hatfield. Keen to ride around 2-3.

http://www.cwcycles.co.za/product/wahoo-speed-cadence-sensor Just remember you need a phone with Bluetooth LE 4.0