Absa Cape Epic 2022

[DieselnDust]

24 minutes ago, droo said:

You'd be surprised how many okes either cut corners on maintenance before the event, or leave a full rebuild to 3 days before when they're tapering so have no time for a shakedown ride to check that everything's working properly.

 

There's definitely an element of bad luck involved in some of these failures, but there are definitely many that I've seen that could easily be avoided with proper prep and a bit of mechanical sensitivity from the rider.

lack of proper care of suspension components is a major issue but also the event bike wash were recycled water or bore hole water coupled to excessive amounts of soap that destroys oil additive retention on metal surfaces. This gets into gear cable housings, shifters, destroys chain lube and then the chain is re-lubed with splash lube and the bike is then left to dry in a dust environment

[DieselnDust]

1 hour ago, _David_ said:

I wonder when it comes to Free-hubs what is better 3 pawl or ratchet? I had the 3 pawl fail on my bike last week.

a well maintained one is best. New pawls in a pawl system is probably prudent. Star ractchet is pretty much bullet proof as long as its not a 2020 EXP version.

[droo]

6 minutes ago, DieselnDust said:

lack of proper care of suspension components is a major issue but also the event bike wash were recycled water or bore hole water coupled to excessive amounts of soap that destroys oil additive retention on metal surfaces. This gets into gear cable housings, shifters, destroys chain lube and then the chain is re-lubed with splash lube and the bike is then left to dry in a dust environment

Pressure washers cause massive havoc, I'll agree. I'd sooner lick my drivetrain clean after every stage than hand my bike in to one of those event bike washes.

[PhilipV]

1 hour ago, droo said:

Pressure washers cause massive havoc, I'll agree. I'd sooner lick my drivetrain clean after every stage than hand my bike in to one of those event bike washes.

 I had a friend who told me I'm silly to wash my bike myself rather than handing it in at the bike wash. He also thought that his scraped up stanchions on his rear shock was a warranty issue, and he now believes that a neoprene shock sleeve is the right thing to prevent it from happening to him again. 
 

We are not friends anymore. 
 

 

[NotSoBigBen]

2 hours ago, droo said:

You'd be surprised how many okes either cut corners on maintenance before the event, or leave a full rebuild to 3 days before when they're tapering so have no time for a shakedown ride to check that everything's working properly.

 

There's definitely an element of bad luck involved in some of these failures, but there are definitely many that I've seen that could easily be avoided with proper prep and a bit of mechanical sensitivity from the rider.

'Mechanical sensitivity from the rider' ... have to steal that

Overlooked by many a weekend warrior!

[droo]

42 minutes ago, PhilipV said:

 I had a friend who told me I'm silly to wash my bike myself rather than handing it in at the bike wash. He also thought that his scraped up stanchions on his rear shock was a warranty issue, and he now believes that a neoprene shock sleeve is the right thing to prevent it from happening to him again. 
 

We are not friends anymore. 
 

 

You can agree to disagree, just don't send him to your favourite bike shop...

10 minutes ago, NotSoBigBen said:

'Mechanical sensitivity from the rider' ... have to steal that

Overlooked by many a weekend warrior!

When in doubt, rev it out. Or just turn up the tunes till the squeaking stops.

[badiejb]

10 hours ago, Fred van Vlaanderen said:

I've been watching everyday. Really nice behind the scenes stuff.

If you have anything specific you want to see from the team or behind the scenes, let me know. we have 3 more videos to make it happen. 

[badiejb]

11 hours ago, badiejb said:

If you have anything specific you want to see from the team or behind the scenes, let me know. we have 3 more videos to make it happen. 

 

Stage 4 highlights. 

[ChrisF]

35 minutes ago, badiejb said:

If you have anything specific you want to see from the team or behind the scenes, let me know. we have 3 more videos to make it happen. 

Clearly the days broadcast time is spoken for.

 

But you must have lots of extra footage of the privateers.

 

The war stories of those without backup teams ....

 

 

Any chance of a "bonus video, or 2" of the other side of the Epic.

[Jbr]

14 minutes ago, badiejb said:

https://youtu.be/95KBF8kdN0Q

 

Stage 4 highlights. 

Awesome stuff !

[badiejb]

11 minutes ago, ChrisF said:

Clearly the days broadcast time is spoken for.

 

But you must have lots of extra footage of the privateers.

 

The war stories of those without backup teams ....

 

 

Any chance of a "bonus video, or 2" of the other side of the Epic.

I totally agree, but in our case (Specialized Racing) with the limited time and focus, we are dedicated to telling the story from inside our camp. I like the idea and will brainstorm to see how we can incorporate this in future. If you have any good ideas, would gladly hear them. 
 

thank you for the comment. 

[ChrisF]

16 minutes ago, badiejb said:

I totally agree, but in our case (Specialized Racing) with the limited time and focus, we are dedicated to telling the story from inside our camp. I like the idea and will brainstorm to see how we can incorporate this in future. If you have any good ideas, would gladly hear them. 
 

thank you for the comment. 

 

Maybe sell it as an opportunity to provide airtime to the Specialized bikes lower down the field ..... 

 

I certainly ENJOY the YouTube approach.  This year I am just too busy during the day to even watch on the side ..... but after dinner I sit down and watch about 70% of the days broadcast.

[DieselnDust]

There is definitely a gap since 2009 for telling the story of the backmarkers again, especially this year since it is harder than previous years

[ChrisF]

1 minute ago, DieselnDust said:

There is definitely a gap since 2009 for telling the story of the backmarkers again, especially this year since it is harder than previous years

 

These two young Germans without a backup team certainly is bringing the "privateer" image to the forefront .....  let's hope it creates some awareness and a market for more footage of this .......

 

But we all do (begrudgingly) understand the business model of airtime for those that bring in the money for the event and thus the media .....

[Fred van Vlaanderen]

3 hours ago, badiejb said:

If you have anything specific you want to see from the team or behind the scenes, let me know. we have 3 more videos to make it happen. 

I've really been loving every video, so no real suggestions other than keep doing what you are doing. 
1. The editing works
2. The music is great and suits the vibe

3. Love the fact that you're continuously talking to different guys in the team and not only focusing on the front 4 (Matt & Chris, Haley & Sofia). 

Looking forward to seeing the rest! You guys are doing great.

[DieselnDust]

18 minutes ago, Fred van Vlaanderen said:

I've really been loving every video, so no real suggestions other than keep doing what you are doing. 
1. The editing works
2. The music is great and suits the vibe

3. Love the fact that you're continuously talking to different guys in the team and not only focusing on the front 4 (Matt & Chris, Haley & Sofia). 

Looking forward to seeing the rest! You guys are doing great.

 

 

......and I can listen to Sofia talk all day long😍