Recommendation for mechanical support for Sani2c

[BigDL]

So, we have managed to get an entry for sani next year. Looking on their website, there are a number of suppliers of mechanical services. Just wondering if anyone could make a recommendation based on personal experience? Thanks in advance.

[Cav']

Cycle House (Anton)

[Benjamin]

Good2Go. Jason and Mark

[mazambaan]

If Good2Go you probably better book now!  A few years ago they were full months before. But they are Good.

 

I have used Hattons who are indifferent.

[ians H2Sport]

if your bike is well maintained you shouldn't need this service. Provided it doesn't rain, Sani is not tough on a bike

[rudi-h]

sani is short and easy on your equipment.  service your bike before and lube your chain and you'll be good to go

[Monark]

good2go - great guys and a nice security blanket/insurance policy

[Pusher]

sani is short and easy on your equipment.  service your bike before and lube your chain and you'll be good to go

Agree. Don't need a service package!

[budd]

Good2Go for sure !

[V12man]

We don't generally bother with a service package for Sani (proper service before) - but we have used Bobby's cycles at J2C and he was great - think he does do Sani as well.

[BigDL]

Thanks for all of the help and advice. Normally would not worry too much re mech services, but as I am flying from the uk, I really want the comfort of someone there in case something goes wrong, to minimise the risk of a) missing any of the ride or b) spending half a night trying to fix a bike.

[Hackster]

I haven't done many stage races. But two experiences stand out.

 

In W2W I was riding an old bike with a group set of mixed pedigree and vintage, I had a brake fail on me towards the end of the second day. But this was fixed by a onsite bike shop at the end of the leg.

 

In J2C I was riding a new bike, I didn't have a single mechanical. That said, I did take the bike to my LBS for a prerace lookover, no work needed, and after the ride for a post race clean-up. Needed new chain and lube service. My partner, who should have known better, fitted some new kit the day before we left and this caused him endless kuk on the ride.

 

On both races I took responsibility for looking over the bike after each day, and lubing the chain daily after it had been washed.

 

Based on my limited experienced I'm not convinced that a service package is required. But I'd like to have access to a mechie if something does break, and I guess a service package offers you that. That's not to say that the workshops in attendance won't help you if you're not signed on, you'll just be at the back of their queue.

 

I am always surprised by the number of mechanicals that one does see along the way on MTB races. My personal theory is that if you look after your bike, and are aware of its condition, you should be okay without a race package.

 

I'm also fully aware that having sprouted forth all this smug nonsense I'm going to experience a castastrophic mechanical failure on my next race which will require that I get choppered out and have to replace every component on the bike other than the seat post.

[Dustbin Dog]

Do your own you woessie. It is all part of the experience.

[madbradd]

My first Sani I got the guys from Greg Minnaar to do my mechanicals. Nice to have the peace of mind. On day 1 my RD slipped along the (brand new) cable after I went down the hill after WP1 a bit fast and landed in the bushes. "Fixed" this on trail and got the guys to replace the cable for me. Day 2, no issues. Day 3, RD slipped again, fixed on trail.

A friend of mine didn't take a mechanical package, lost some spokes on Day 1, took it to one of the shops, and they rebuilt his wheel for him. Cost him about R250 or R300.

 

Second Sani I decided not to take a mechanical package.... No issues.

 

In future I don't think I would take a package for Sani. There are so many "shops", that you're bound to find one with some capacity to do a repair. All of them carry stock on components, so you'll be able to get anything you need. Small repairs and "servicing" are quick and easy to do yourself if necessary.

 

If I was doing something with "long" days, then it becomes more worth it.

 

All the above said, it's very lekker to not have to worry about your bike.... that if it breaks you drop it off, go chill in the race village and pick it up in the morning and it's working again. BUT (BIG but, and many hubbers will agree here), you're putting your bike in the hands of a "stranger" (not your local, trusted bike shop). If you go this route, go with someone you know / have solid reference for, don't select the mechanic based on price / availability.