bertusras Posted September 6, 2017 Posted September 6, 2017 Okay so I'll be in Plett for about two weeks in December, but I have a conundrum - which bikes do I take? I have a roadbike, a hard tail, and a gravel bike, and only three spaces. Simple you would say, take all three! But no, the girlfriend's roadbike also has to go. So out of those three, which two should I take? Are there locals who organise road rides over the holidays that I'll be able to join? Is the 7-Passes route a realistic solo adventure on the gravel bike (if I organise a lift to the start, which is the better point to start as well, George or Knysna?). I know the Garden Route Park is not too far, but would I not enjoy it as much on a hardtail? I'm listening!
V12man Posted September 6, 2017 Posted September 6, 2017 Take the roadbike and the hardtail - that can double as a a gravel bike - and gives you the opportunity to ride all the trails in the area - harkerville etc - lots to choose from - including the bike park.
Grease_Monkey Posted September 6, 2017 Posted September 6, 2017 Just make sure one of the two is the hardtail. If it were me I'd take the hardtail and road bike. EDIT: Just thinking to myself, these are some serious first world problems hahaha
Popit Posted September 6, 2017 Posted September 6, 2017 Hard tail and road bike .... Harkerville .... yes please !!
Ispeed_V Posted September 6, 2017 Posted September 6, 2017 Road bike and HT. That way you can explore some of the awesome trails around Plett as will as accompany the GF on some road rides. There are a few groups that ride from Plett to Natures Valley and back. Makes for a nice challenge especially the climb out of Natures Valley.
Meezo Posted September 6, 2017 Posted September 6, 2017 i took hardtail only last time i was there, and when i needed to do distance i just pumped the tyres hard enough. ...but like most say if you are planning on taking both, roadie and ht
bertusras Posted September 6, 2017 Author Posted September 6, 2017 Wow. No fans of the gravel machine. I guess it's settled then, thanks for all the input guys and girls!!!
Shebeen Posted September 6, 2017 Posted September 6, 2017 Wow. No fans of the gravel machine. I guess it's settled then, thanks for all the input guys and girls!!!I guess that answers all the "do i really need a gravel bike?" questions. the real question is, do you want to ride the road sections on your gravel bike, or the gravel sections on your HT?
bertusras Posted September 6, 2017 Author Posted September 6, 2017 I guess that answers all the "do i really need a gravel bike?" questions. the real question is, do you want to ride the road sections on your gravel bike, or the gravel sections on your HT? Well my question in Pretoria is "do you really need a mountainbike". Looking at all the weekend riders I pass on the gravel bike almost exclusively riding Jeep track and district roads, I much prefer the gravel bike over a heavy dual suspension. I probably would prefer to do something like the 7-Passes on the gravel bike, but if that's the only ride the bike is useful for, I'd rather take the MTB and enjoy the trails. I could probably join the roadies on the gravel bike as well, but I fear that the gearing might leave me wanting. Road bike and MTB makes sense, but I'm really loving the gravel bike as of late.
madbradd Posted September 6, 2017 Posted September 6, 2017 Definitely the HT. There are some great gravel tracks out that way, but nothing you would specifically want the gravel bike over the HT. And for the rides to natures valley you'll want the roadie over the gravel bike for sure.
Duane_Bosch Posted September 6, 2017 Posted September 6, 2017 HT and roadie. The trail park is AMAZING and you definitely need a mountain bike for those delicious bush tunnels. Also you can rent a bike there for wifey and she can tag along. There's nothing too hectic there apart from the crazy Fest series stuff. The road from the trail park to the N2 and back is also a fun ride btw. Quiet for the most part with a nice road surface. Some proper (11%) climbs on the way back. Just don't let Rob see you and call you Lycra Lord!
porqui Posted September 6, 2017 Posted September 6, 2017 As Meezo says just pump up the HT for road. So leave the roadie Garden RTP you WANT full suspention.
T-Bob Posted September 6, 2017 Posted September 6, 2017 Hardtail and road bike... you can do gravel and on the HT and then ride the road with the your GF. There are quite a few more trails in the area than just Harkerville so it's worth a search about. Personally I've only taken a road bike down that way once and wouldn't again. The people riding the N2 and other main roads around there dicing with death and doublely in the holiday season. Some of the driving is insane, the amount of traffic going some where and coming back is hectic and the amount of people blatantly under the influence at all stages of the day around xmas is scary. So personally I'd give the HT to the GF, buy a trail bike and hit GRTP.
Jase619 Posted September 6, 2017 Posted September 6, 2017 Always interesting how these threads progress from: "What's the best between A, B or C?" to " Definitely take X and Z, or sell a kidney and choose Y" Based on your choices I would say take the HT and the road bike.
Duane_Bosch Posted September 6, 2017 Posted September 6, 2017 Always interesting how these threads progress from: "What's the best between A, B or C?" to " Definitely take X and Z, or sell a kidney and choose Y" Based on your choices I would say take the HT and the road bike. Hahaha. Ja. Sell the Girlfriend into slavery and Take all 3 bikes to Europe.
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