Absa Cape Epic Stage 1 - 115km : Robertson

[Bos]

 

Pic I took this morning at WP 3.

 

do you have "the big picture" ?

[Topwine]

Yes, if only i know how to post it proper !

[Topwine]

Testing

[tombeej]

People are going on about how they've not learnt their lesson, gone too light again, yadda yadda yadda.

 

But then we see the proof that they are running tyres with EXO Protection, which is a heavier tyre specifically designed to provide high abrasion resistance to sidewall tears.

 

Yet people continue to ignore this fact because they like to think they know better than the pros who eat & sleep this stuff every day. Kevin and Dave would have tested every tyre option, tried to account for every variable, and in the end we see they did opt for a heavier tyre for the protection they needed.

 

Apparently they should have followed Burry with a tyre like the Renegade Control? But those are lighter tyres than the Ikon EXO and have less sidewall protection. They're designed to be lightweight XC tyres.

 

Someone talked about the Schwalbe snakeskin technology. I ride RR snakeskins. Yes, they give extra protection, just like the Maxxis EXO Protection. But they don't guarantee that you'll never get a sidewall tear ever again. If I hit a sharp rock at speed and at the right angle, I'm going to shread my beautiful snakeskins.

 

Jeepers people, this stuff happens. Even to the pros. It's called real life.

[Topwine]

They were only 11 min behind at this time. My heart goes out for them !

[scotty]

Yea that little snippet will haunt them..."one year goes by and one forgets...." Also I am sure I saw Schwalbe RR snakeskins on their bikes in the epic tale, wonder why the change?

We'll see what they start with tomorrow if they've stayed with IKON or changed.

[NotSoBigBen]

We'll see what they start with tomorrow if they've stayed with IKON or changed.

 

According to the 'old coot' they will stay with the Ikon

[Pronutro]

People are going on about how they've not learnt their lesson, gone too light again, yadda yadda yadda.

 

But then we see the proof that they are running tyres with EXO Protection, which is a heavier tyre specifically designed to provide high abrasion resistance to sidewall tears.

 

Yet people continue to ignore this fact because they like to think they know better than the pros who eat & sleep this stuff every day. Kevin and Dave would have tested every tyre option, tried to account for every variable, and in the end we see they did opt for a heavier tyre for the protection they needed.

 

Apparently they should have followed Burry with a tyre like the Renegade Control? But those are lighter tyres than the Ikon EXO and have less sidewall protection. They're designed to be lightweight XC tyres.

 

Someone talked about the Schwalbe snakeskin technology. I ride RR snakeskins. Yes, they give extra protection, just like the Maxxis EXO Protection. But they don't guarantee that you'll never get a sidewall tear ever again. If I hit a sharp rock at speed and at the right angle, I'm going to shread my beautiful snakeskins.

 

Jeepers people, this stuff happens. Even to the pros. It's called real life.

 

Yeah, I think we sometimes assume things, and soon everyone regurgitates it so much that we actually believe it without any facts at hand. If they did cut corners with weight, well, then they have paid the price. But from where I am sitting, it doesn't seem to be the case. Just wasn't their day.

[SwissVan]

Boils down to 2 things

1. Those white socks ... no no for mtbk's

2.20naainer tyres, to much rubber and more chance of getting nicked...

 

On the bright side and although its no consolation to them at least they are both still fit and no one has to ride in the outcast shirt.

[Pronutro]

Boils down to 2 things

1. Those white socks ... no no for mtbk's

2.20naainer tyres, to much rubber and more chance of getting nicked...

 

On the bright side and although its no consolation to them at least they are both still fit and no one has to ride in the outcast shirt.

 

Burry also wears white socks. Well, he did yesterday at the prologue at least. And he also rides a 29er with much rubber. Now what?

 

Edited March 26, 2012 by Pronutro

[scotty]

According to the 'old coot' they will stay with the Ikon

I thought their plan B was the switch to different tyres

 

I dont know the Ikon and there are most likely plenty of riders riding them with no issues.

[_David_]

**** happens.... like Gary Stanley said on twitter: "Although 20something min back we better off than 2011. Big job ahead !!!!"

[Bos]

They were only 11 min behind at this time. My heart goes out for them !

 

That Is my my mate morne In the back ground..He use to work at Kev's shop a few years back.. Probably thinking, Boytjies, What the hell are you doing??

All in good spirit..

[covie]

The only reason we dont break our bikes like these guys is becuase we simply cant ride as hard as they can

[tombeej]

A scenario that I can easily picture: put yourself in a pace line on dusty singletrack, going at 30km/h, riders in front of you kicking up dust, riders behind and right on your wheel. You're in control and feeling good. You've seen 99.9% of the rocks, but you don't notice one sharp edge on a corner and you cut it just a little too close...

 

I would love to hear from Dave how many sidewall cuts he's received in the last few years. One or two? More? I don't know. But If you add up all the km's he's stacked up in training, in testing, and in mtb races (many of which he won) you might want to review your belief that this was down to a lack of skills or lack of thought in equipment selection.

 

Hey, I'm not a member of the KE/DG fan club. To be honest, I haven't really followed either of their careers too closely. But reading some of these comments is like hearing fingernails on a blackboard.

[MANIC CYCLES]

Cmon KE and DG. Show em how to win the Epic!!!

Gotta to have Bomb proof tires!!!