Friday, September 03, 2010
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Ride before you buy
Mountain bikes can offer a confusing selection and combination of options, so how do you know what to buy? Well that's why Bicycling Magazine introduced ride before you buy events where you can test ride bikes before you lay down your hard earned cash.
There are so many options of bikes with different geometries and fitted with all sorts of combinations of equipment. The only way to really know if this bike is for you, is to take it on a decent test ride, more than just a cruise around the parking lot. The good bike shops should also be able to offer you a test bike to try out for a day or two, ask them about this.
Bike demo days may be new to South Africa but have always been a big favorite at Eurobike and Interbike shows. Average guy was at Eurobike demo day and rode the new Giant Anthem, Lapiere Spicy and carbon Specialized Epic, check out his views on these bikes and SRAM XX.
Share your views by commenting at out blog or leaving a comment on MTBOnline Facebook.
There are so many options of bikes with different geometries and fitted with all sorts of combinations of equipment. The only way to really know if this bike is for you, is to take it on a decent test ride, more than just a cruise around the parking lot. The good bike shops should also be able to offer you a test bike to try out for a day or two, ask them about this.
Bike demo days may be new to South Africa but have always been a big favorite at Eurobike and Interbike shows. Average guy was at Eurobike demo day and rode the new Giant Anthem, Lapiere Spicy and carbon Specialized Epic, check out his views on these bikes and SRAM XX.
Share your views by commenting at out blog or leaving a comment on MTBOnline Facebook.
Eurobike Demo Day
The show starts tomorrow and I was at the Eurobike demo day today. The weather ruined it a bit so I only got to ride 3 bikes. Unfortunately no 29ers. Ques were too long and 29ers were by far the most popular choice.
I rode a Giant Anthem. I have to admit that I was very impressed by the bike. It feels fast!! It was very solid. It has a tapered head tube and a thru axle. Felt light. Also was running XT dyna-sys 10 speed. Now worries there. Worked very well.
I hate to admit it, but I liked the bike!!
I then rode the Lapierre Spicy 160mm travel that rides like a 5 inch bike. The course was quite technical and very muddy but the bike cruised. Not my choice of every day bike but definitely one for Christie to consider at Megavelanche. It clmbed surprisingly well. I rode it with a standard triple and not the double and bash.
Then for the dud of the day. The top of the line new carbon Specialized epic. Brain front and back. SRAM XX double 10 speed. My first shift on the double front got the chain jammed. I had to stop to fix it and adjust the shifter. Then it was ok, but not great. The course had a serious climb and once again I was left questioning whether I can ride a double. I made it to the top but it worked my legs.
The brain is bad again. Very notchy front and back. And the tyres on the spaz nearly killed me!!!
All in all a good day. Pity about the weather. And just by the way. When it rains here it is worse than any wet course I have ridden in sa. In places the mud on the single track was axle deep!!
Did I mention how bad XX brakes are?....
I rode a Giant Anthem. I have to admit that I was very impressed by the bike. It feels fast!! It was very solid. It has a tapered head tube and a thru axle. Felt light. Also was running XT dyna-sys 10 speed. Now worries there. Worked very well.
I hate to admit it, but I liked the bike!!
I then rode the Lapierre Spicy 160mm travel that rides like a 5 inch bike. The course was quite technical and very muddy but the bike cruised. Not my choice of every day bike but definitely one for Christie to consider at Megavelanche. It clmbed surprisingly well. I rode it with a standard triple and not the double and bash.
Then for the dud of the day. The top of the line new carbon Specialized epic. Brain front and back. SRAM XX double 10 speed. My first shift on the double front got the chain jammed. I had to stop to fix it and adjust the shifter. Then it was ok, but not great. The course had a serious climb and once again I was left questioning whether I can ride a double. I made it to the top but it worked my legs.
The brain is bad again. Very notchy front and back. And the tyres on the spaz nearly killed me!!!
All in all a good day. Pity about the weather. And just by the way. When it rains here it is worse than any wet course I have ridden in sa. In places the mud on the single track was axle deep!!
Did I mention how bad XX brakes are?....
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Tyre rolling resistance - fat beats skinny
Rolling resistance is the force that you have to overcome to get your tyres to roll fast. Ideally you want as little resistance as possible, so you want tyres with very low rolling resistance.
But how do you know what affects rolling resistance and ultimately gives you the lowest rolling resistance possible? Well you need to consider the tyre compound used, spacing of the tread pattern, width of the tyre and the tyre pressure that you run. Tyre pressures are a closely guarded secret by pro MTB and downhill riders, they will hardly ever tell you what pressures they use. Team specialized makes an annual trip to South Africa every year and spends several weeks doing tyre testing with their pro riders on the trails in Stellenbosch.
Most of the views out there are just theories with little published information. However there is one very useful test on tyre rolling resistance published in a German MTB magazine and kindly translated by www.bicicletta.co.za. This useful test looks at wide vs narrow tyres, low vs high pressure and how tread patterns and surface conditions affect rolling resistance. Skinny and hard is for the roadies, if you are ride MTB off-road then you need fat and soft to go fast - don't believe me? - check out the full test
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Online bike shopping
Online bike shopping is a controversial topic in SA, its loved by the customer and feared by the retailer. The internet has changed the world forever and local bike industry could only hide away for so long until they had to sit up and take notice.
First it was Chain Reaction Cycles CRC who have become a major supplier of bike parts to SA despite being located in Ireland. Their keen pricing and large range of stock make them a viable alternative to the LBS (local bike shop).
Then came the local equivalent Chris Willemse Cycles CWC cycles in Tygerberg who challenged the traditional supply chain and continue to source and supply popular brands and low cost. So now local bike shops and distributors have been forced to get online. Some will make it and some won't, it all depends on you the customer.
The online bike shop can't replace the LBS simply becuase they don't serve coffee. But you should be able to save some time and money if that is what you need from your bike shop.
Previous tips
First it was Chain Reaction Cycles CRC who have become a major supplier of bike parts to SA despite being located in Ireland. Their keen pricing and large range of stock make them a viable alternative to the LBS (local bike shop).
Then came the local equivalent Chris Willemse Cycles CWC cycles in Tygerberg who challenged the traditional supply chain and continue to source and supply popular brands and low cost. So now local bike shops and distributors have been forced to get online. Some will make it and some won't, it all depends on you the customer.
The online bike shop can't replace the LBS simply becuase they don't serve coffee. But you should be able to save some time and money if that is what you need from your bike shop.
Previous tips
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Out with the old models and in with the new
Out with the old and in with the new, the annual cycle of new bike stuff that comes around at about this time of the year is getting underway. If you try to buy a new bike at about this time of the year you may be met with some blank stares and low stock levels.
What is left in the shops now is the left over 2010 stock before the arrival of the 2011 stock.
This is not necessarily a bad thing as long as you know what to expect.
If you are looking for a good deal on a bike and you are not fussy or brand conscious then now is a good time to buy. You may not find the colour you are looking for and will need to rely on some luck to get the right size but you should be able to get a good deal on clear out stock. Stores would like to get rid of old stock to make place for new ranges, so pounce now.
If you are looking for the latest and greatest then now is the time to be patient and do your research. Most manufacturers are launching the new 2011 ranges, and you can get your early order in to avoid disappointment. Also with the rand looking strong we should be in for some decent bike prices if it remains at these favourable exchange rate levels.
If you need help deciding what to buy then get some help.
What is left in the shops now is the left over 2010 stock before the arrival of the 2011 stock.
This is not necessarily a bad thing as long as you know what to expect.
If you are looking for a good deal on a bike and you are not fussy or brand conscious then now is a good time to buy. You may not find the colour you are looking for and will need to rely on some luck to get the right size but you should be able to get a good deal on clear out stock. Stores would like to get rid of old stock to make place for new ranges, so pounce now.
If you are looking for the latest and greatest then now is the time to be patient and do your research. Most manufacturers are launching the new 2011 ranges, and you can get your early order in to avoid disappointment. Also with the rand looking strong we should be in for some decent bike prices if it remains at these favourable exchange rate levels.
If you need help deciding what to buy then get some help.
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
How big is your saddle bag?
How much should you carry with you when you ride?
If you are like me you will err on the side of minimalism, if you listened to the "experts" you may end up looking like a pack mule crossing the desert for 3 months with a complete tool box.
I guess the answer really lies somewhere in between, but where? Well ask yourself 2 simple questions.
1. What is the likely hood that I will require this item
2. What is the worst that would happen if I did not have it.
That brings me to the pump and the chain breaker. Without these two items you are definitely in for a long walk because a flat wheel or a broken chain are your most likely mechanicals and definite show stoppers. Not to mention that you feel like a real idiot knowing that they are sitting on the shelf at home as you hobble home.
If you are like me you will err on the side of minimalism, if you listened to the "experts" you may end up looking like a pack mule crossing the desert for 3 months with a complete tool box.
I guess the answer really lies somewhere in between, but where? Well ask yourself 2 simple questions.
1. What is the likely hood that I will require this item
2. What is the worst that would happen if I did not have it.
That brings me to the pump and the chain breaker. Without these two items you are definitely in for a long walk because a flat wheel or a broken chain are your most likely mechanicals and definite show stoppers. Not to mention that you feel like a real idiot knowing that they are sitting on the shelf at home as you hobble home.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Review: Effetto Mariposa Caffelatex sealant
bikefix Exclusive Review: Effetto Mariposa Caffelatex sealant
In the year since a local shop gave us a couple of tires' worth of Effetto Mariposa's Caffelatex sealant to try, I've fallen in to and then back out of love with the the bubbly stuff. My long-term experience suggests that that it does have its place, but isn't the best solution for all conditions (including ours). I was first interested in trying Caffelatex sealant after hearing stories about the effects that ammonia-rich sealants can have on bikes' rims. When corrosive ammonia is exposed to unprotected aluminum, it can corrode the rims of which they're made. Or so I've heard. Seeing as the jury's still out on the chemical's effects when used on tubeless setups, it seemed as though a low-ammonia or ammonia-free sealant (like Caffelatex) might be a good idea over the long haul.
http://www.bikefix.net/2010/07/bikefix-exclusive-review-effetto.html
In the year since a local shop gave us a couple of tires' worth of Effetto Mariposa's Caffelatex sealant to try, I've fallen in to and then back out of love with the the bubbly stuff. My long-term experience suggests that that it does have its place, but isn't the best solution for all conditions (including ours). I was first interested in trying Caffelatex sealant after hearing stories about the effects that ammonia-rich sealants can have on bikes' rims. When corrosive ammonia is exposed to unprotected aluminum, it can corrode the rims of which they're made. Or so I've heard. Seeing as the jury's still out on the chemical's effects when used on tubeless setups, it seemed as though a low-ammonia or ammonia-free sealant (like Caffelatex) might be a good idea over the long haul.
http://www.bikefix.net/2010/07/bikefix-exclusive-review-effetto.html
MTB Tire Sealant
The behaviour of a tyre sealant in case of a flat is not an exact science, as there're so many variables and side conditions that could be the reason of success or failure.
MTB Tire Sealant Stans vs CaffeLatex
MTB Tire Sealant Stans vs CaffeLatex
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Ride like a kid
Kids on bikes are the ultimate source of fun and freedom.
If you have got kids then take them riding. There is no excuse for them being too small or too old. They will love it and love you for doing it.
If you don't have kids then get out there and ride like a kid. Go fast, go hard and follow your nose. Every ride is an adventure all you have to do is get on your bike and ride. If you can take someone with you then even better.
If you have got kids then take them riding. There is no excuse for them being too small or too old. They will love it and love you for doing it.
If you don't have kids then get out there and ride like a kid. Go fast, go hard and follow your nose. Every ride is an adventure all you have to do is get on your bike and ride. If you can take someone with you then even better.
If you want to know where or how go to www.mtbonline.co.za
Monday, July 26, 2010
Team Pilatus finish Transalp: STAGE 8Madonna D.C. - Riva67.26km +1462mWhat c...
Team Pilatus Velomenal-Radsport Transalp: STAGE 8
Madonna D.C. - Riva
67.26km +1462m
What c...: "STAGE 8 Madonna D.C. - Riva 67.26km +1462m What can you say at the end of such a great adventure? A medium length stage with lots of grave..."
Madonna D.C. - Riva
67.26km +1462m
What c...: "STAGE 8 Madonna D.C. - Riva 67.26km +1462m What can you say at the end of such a great adventure? A medium length stage with lots of grave..."
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Team Pilatus Transalp: STAGE 6 Ponte Di Legnol to Male 72,61 km +2363m...
Team Pilatus Velomenal-Radsport Transalp: STAGE 6
Ponte Di Legnol to Male
72,61 km +2363m...: "STAGE 6 Ponte Di Legnol to Male 72,61 km +2363m Today was all about strategy - looking at the course last night we saw there was a 15 km..."
Ponte Di Legnol to Male
72,61 km +2363m...: "STAGE 6 Ponte Di Legnol to Male 72,61 km +2363m Today was all about strategy - looking at the course last night we saw there was a 15 km..."
Team Pilatus Transalp: STAGE 5 Livigno to Porte Di Legno 106.87 km +3461...
Team Pilatus Velomenal-Radsport Transalp: STAGE 5
Livigno to Porte Di Legno
106.87 km +3461...: "STAGE 5 Livigno to Porte Di Legno 106.87 km +3461m Stage 5 of this years Transalp was the longest and hardest in terms of distance and vert..."
Livigno to Porte Di Legno
106.87 km +3461...: "STAGE 5 Livigno to Porte Di Legno 106.87 km +3461m Stage 5 of this years Transalp was the longest and hardest in terms of distance and vert..."
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Team Pilatus Transalp: STAGE 4 Scuol to Livigno 76km +2300m The weathe...
Team Pilatus Velomenal-Radsport Transalp: STAGE 4
Scuol to Livigno
76km +2300m
The weathe...: "STAGE 4 Scuol to Livigno 76km +2300m The weather was glorious this morning in Scuol, as it has been for the whole race so far. We have be..."
Scuol to Livigno
76km +2300m
The weathe...: "STAGE 4 Scuol to Livigno 76km +2300m The weather was glorious this morning in Scuol, as it has been for the whole race so far. We have be..."
Cross Country MTB is great because….
If you have never tried XC mountain biking, or forgotten what it is like, let me remind you, it is a whack load of fun whether you are riding or watching!
For those not familiar with cross country mountain biking, it is a discipline of MTB racing that involves a number of laps on a relatively short MTB route of about 7km long.
It has come back into fashion now thanks to local world cup champion Burry Stander and thanks to the UCI hosting world cup events in Pietermaritzburg in 2009 and 2011.
Cross country MTB took a bit of a beating from all the marathon events over the last few years but is making a strong comeback and rightly so, because there are many reasons to ride XC MTB like
The venues are usually easily accessible and close to the bigger cities
The routes always have loads of singletrack, no boring tar or country road
Its technically challenging so you get a good kick of adrenalin and boost your skills
Your ride laps so you get to do the fun bits over and over again
You race against your age group so its always fair and competitive
You get a decent workout of skills and fitness in just a couple of hours
You can often ride and spectate because there are different start times
The whole family can take part and or spectate and see you riding.
So sharpen your skills, increase your speed and have some fun at a XC MTB event.
For those not familiar with cross country mountain biking, it is a discipline of MTB racing that involves a number of laps on a relatively short MTB route of about 7km long.
It has come back into fashion now thanks to local world cup champion Burry Stander and thanks to the UCI hosting world cup events in Pietermaritzburg in 2009 and 2011.
Cross country MTB took a bit of a beating from all the marathon events over the last few years but is making a strong comeback and rightly so, because there are many reasons to ride XC MTB like
The venues are usually easily accessible and close to the bigger cities
The routes always have loads of singletrack, no boring tar or country road
Its technically challenging so you get a good kick of adrenalin and boost your skills
Your ride laps so you get to do the fun bits over and over again
You race against your age group so its always fair and competitive
You get a decent workout of skills and fitness in just a couple of hours
You can often ride and spectate because there are different start times
The whole family can take part and or spectate and see you riding.
So sharpen your skills, increase your speed and have some fun at a XC MTB event.
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