Where has your bike taken you today?

[TyronLab]

Some more post-work Elands Valley goodness with the Slade.

 

elandsvalley.jpg

I'm seriously considering that bike as an upgrade to my current bike. What were your previous bikes, and did they include a 100mm HT XC bike?

 

If so, how does this bike relate in terms of comfort on the trail and climbing?

[DJR]

you defo need a new bike...look at the wobbly wheels, bent frame and there is a whole section missing from the chainring up front.   

Any excuse is a good excuse for a new bike!   (Panoramic failure even  )

[henningvr]

I'm seriously considering that bike as an upgrade to my current bike. What were your previous bikes, and did they include a 100mm HT XC bike?

 

If so, how does this bike relate in terms of comfort on the trail and climbing?

My previous bike was a Specialized Chisel (XC bike with Reba 100mm fork), and the bike before that was a Momsen STR single speed with rigid fork.

 

I was not sure how the Slade would handle the climbs around the Boven area (pretty hilly around here), but I was pleasantly surprised. It climbs really well, so much so that I'm not seeing any difference in my times and average speeds per se (I use a Garmin watch for tracking).

 

With regards to comfort the Slade wins hands down. I can spend pretty much all day in the mountain without experiencing the same fatigue (especially lower back) I would on for example the Chisel.

 

The Slade is a very capable trail bike. I am riding trails and clearing obstacles with confidence that were very sketchy on the previous bikes. I can't recommend it highly enough if trail riding is your thing.

 

Note1:  I made a few changes to the stock setup:

 

- SADDLE: Specialized Phenom Expert 155mm

 

- GRIPS: Rapidé Isolator Lock On Grips with KCNC 'Outta My Face' Bar End Plugs

 

- HANDLEBARS: Rapidé SkyRize-R 780 Bars, Dia:31.8mm, Backsweep: 9°, Upsweep: 5°; W: 780mm

 

- PEDALS: Shimano Saint Flat Pedals (PD-M828)

 

Note2:  The dropper post (1st time I've ridden with one) is such a great addition. I'll never ride without one again. What a blast!

Edited August 21, 2019 by henningvr

[Vetseun]

Single Speed time.

Edited August 22, 2019 by Vetseun

[Hairy]

Single Speed time.

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That bike looks so lekker Vettie's!

[henningvr]

Single Speed time.

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Nou maak jy my weer erg lus vir 'n SS. Awesome looking bike man

[AlanD]

My teeny tiny little practice bump in the local woods :-)

[Slowbee]

Single Speed time.

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How do you keep the belt tensioned with a vertical drop out?

[DJR]

How do you keep the belt tensioned with a vertical drop out?

From the picture it looks like it could  be an excentric BB

[Vetseun]

How do you keep the belt tensioned with a vertical drop out?

Bike shop does it SB. Something with the BB.

[Slowbee]

Bike shop does it SB. Something with the BB.

How do you deal with a dropped belt ?

 

Asking because I kinda like the idea and have a frame that could be used for this

[ABrooks]

 

Eden Paradyskloof

 

First time back on the bike in a while, felt great to be out riding again.

Edited August 23, 2019 by Andreas Brooks

['Dale]

Sunrise

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Vetseun]

How do you deal with a dropped belt ?

 

Asking because I kinda like the idea and have a frame that could be used for this

All that gets dropped is me out the back of a slow bunch.

But I checked last night.

Put the belt on the rear pulley and then as far as possible on front ring then turn the crank arm. Goes on easy.

Edited August 24, 2019 by Vetseun

[Rouxenator]

[Frosty]

First ride, today, where the ride distance has been in triple figures (before the decimal point), since the Maluti Double90 in April. It’s been a lazy, but active, late-Autumn and Winter for me.

 

Some previous rides, although only 80-odd or 90-odd, felt like 100.