Mountain bike questions

[HenningM]

11 hours ago, PhilipV said:

Bear in mind that you will need to get a a Winelands permit to do any exploring around the Helderberg area. A Winelands South permit will get you access to the farms betwixt S-West and Stellenbosch that allows bikes. 

No that is more of a setup issue. A Clutch derailleur and the correct length chain will mostly avoid that. Chain guide is just added insurance that will help in the extreme cases. But it's not a "must -have."

 

Thanks, yes I saw that it's something like 1800R a year, but if I remember correctly I can get it for 1000ish R if I only get it by August (or so I hope). I need to double check on that.

 

Anyways, I decided to get the bike from Robert. I'm pretty excited about that. I used to cycle a lot about a decade ago and look forward to get back into it.

[Sandro]

12 minutes ago, HenningM said:

Thanks, yes I saw that it's something like 1800R a year, but if I remember correctly I can get it for 1000ish R if I only get it by August (or so I hope). I need to double check on that.

 

Anyways, I decided to get the bike from Robert. I'm pretty excited about that. I used to cycle a lot about a decade ago and look forward to get back into it.

Good choice, thats a great buy and Robert knows what he's doing!

[Jako De Wet]

Nice one Henning!

Just an FYI, the R1800 pass gives you access to way more than just Helderberg and surrounds. It includes some trails in Paarl, Wellington, Boschendal, Banhoek, Bottelary, Oak Valley, Jonkershoek and more. 
Many happy miles and have fun!

Edited July 19, 2023 by Jako De Wet

[ChrisF]

Congrats.

 

Southy Vines is a nice spot for you to get the basic skills.  And free access while you save up for the Winelands permit.

[Robbie Stewart]

1 hour ago, HenningM said:

Thanks, yes I saw that it's something like 1800R a year, but if I remember correctly I can get it for 1000ish R if I only get it by August (or so I hope). I need to double check on that.

 

Anyways, I decided to get the bike from Robert. I'm pretty excited about that. I used to cycle a lot about a decade ago and look forward to get back into it.

Congrats on the new bike Henning. Many happy miles. You won't regret it. Don't fret the membership board now. You can pay day pass at most all trails and you'll have hours of fun either way. Also if you ride Banhoek, Boschendal and Plaisir you can do them all on one day pass. Spend that money on a decent helmet rather which you must have to ride trails.

[HenningM]

Thanks Robbie, yes a helmet is definitely important. I just had a look and found this one which looks like a good offer.

https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/helmets/652597/giro-fixture-mips-helmet-adjustable-size

According to the reviews people are happy with it.

[PhilipV]

9 hours ago, HenningM said:

Thanks, yes I saw that it's something like 1800R a year, but if I remember correctly I can get it for 1000ish R if I only get it by August (or so I hope). I need to double check on that.

 

Anyways, I decided to get the bike from Robert. I'm pretty excited about that. I used to cycle a lot about a decade ago and look forward to get back into it.

Happy days!

 

I have a Winelands South membership. This gives access to the trails between Somerset West and Stellies up to Mont Marie. This could keep you busy until next year with the occasional day permit if needed for Jonkershoek, Oak Valley or Banhoek. 

[RobertWhitehead]

2 hours ago, HenningM said:

Thanks Robbie, yes a helmet is definitely important. I just had a look and found this one which looks like a good offer.

https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/helmets/652597/giro-fixture-mips-helmet-adjustable-size

According to the reviews people are happy with it.

I have one of those and yes, they work great 

[HenningM]

Morning guys, I got my new bike from Robert (thanks again Robert) a new helmet, gloves and just bought the discounted south winelands permit.

I just need to get myself some cycling shorts and then I am ready to go. Is buying one of these cycling bibs a huge advantage towards getting one of the cheaper shorts?

The weather forecast looks great this coming weekend, so I'm really looking forward to try out the new bike :).

[Bub Marley]

I would definitely go bibs over traditional shorts. 

[El Duderino]

1 hour ago, HenningM said:

Morning guys, I got my new bike from Robert (thanks again Robert) a new helmet, gloves and just bought the discounted south winelands permit.

I just need to get myself some cycling shorts and then I am ready to go. Is buying one of these cycling bibs a huge advantage towards getting one of the cheaper shorts?

The weather forecast looks great this coming weekend, so I'm really looking forward to try out the new bike :).

Cheaper shorts will be fine when you are starting out and doing shortish rides. Once you get fitter and start doing longer rides, spending more time in the saddle, you will appreciate a good bib short.

Ciovita is having an archive sale, there may still be some good deals there on both shorts and bib shorts:

https://ciovita.co.za/collections/the-archive?pf_t_category=Category%3A+Bottoms

[ChrisF]

3 hours ago, HenningM said:

Morning guys, I got my new bike from Robert (thanks again Robert) a new helmet, gloves and just bought the discounted south winelands permit.

I just need to get myself some cycling shorts and then I am ready to go. Is buying one of these cycling bibs a huge advantage towards getting one of the cheaper shorts?

The weather forecast looks great this coming weekend, so I'm really looking forward to try out the new bike :).

 

I prefer the "shorts".

 

The bibs to work better with a bit of a boep ..... 

 

The actual part that counts - the quality of the chamoise.

 

 

Rapid Sports sells some very nice shorts and bibs for a fraction of the price of Ciovita and ASSOS.  I have had Ciovita, gave the second pair away ...  Assos are very nice, but using Rapid Sports and Assos on consecutive days on a 3-day stage race I am VERY happy with Rapid Sports !!!!

[HenningM]

Great, thanks for the input everyone. I'll need to check out that link now Chris!

[Ruben101]

35 minutes ago, ChrisF said:

 

I prefer the "shorts".

 

The bibs to work better with a bit of a boep ..... 

 

The actual part that counts - the quality of the chamoise.

 

 

Rapid Sports sells some very nice shorts and bibs for a fraction of the price of Ciovita and ASSOS.  I have had Ciovita, gave the second pair away ...  Assos are very nice, but using Rapid Sports and Assos on consecutive days on a 3-day stage race I am VERY happy with Rapid Sports !!!!

Is there a specific product or "model" bib from rapid that you would recommend?

[ChrisF]

30 minutes ago, Ruben Hechter said:

Is there a specific product or "model" bib from rapid that you would recommend?

 

I use their cycling shorts, which use the same chamoise as their bibs.

 

I have found their sizing chart to work well.

 

For the rest you choose based on the print you want.

 

 

You can drive into Cape Town to their factory and have a look at their range of products .... maar dit kan duur raak ... hulle het BAIE lekker goed. 

 

 

PS - they also made the tops for this event 

Edited August 1, 2023 by ChrisF

[Wheelie87]

On 7/19/2023 at 9:39 PM, Jako De Wet said:

Nice one Henning!

Just an FYI, the R1800 pass gives you access to way more than just Helderberg and surrounds. It includes some trails in Paarl, Wellington, Boschendal, Banhoek, Bottelary, Oak Valley, Jonkershoek and more. 
Many happy miles and have fun!

Is this still the case for 2024?