WIN! DETAILS INSIDE
TREAD M O U N TA I N B I K I N G W I T H S O U L www.treadmag.co.za
M O U N TA I N B I K I N G W I T H S O U L
RACE YOUR HEART OUT! YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO:
STEEL FRAMES
• Downhill racing • Your first race • Stage racing
make an impressive comeback!
TREAD_ISSUE 10 COVER.indd 2
Calendar of upcoming races
Cape Pioneer Trek - toughest of them all?
3
NEW TRAILS • Zombie Birdhouse • Welvanpas • Sabie
ISSUE 10 JAN/FEB 2011 R36.95 (incl VAT)
ISSUE 10 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
TO FIND THE FLOW EVERYTHING NEEDS TO COME TOGETHER JUST RIGHT. AND THAT'S HOW WE CREATED THE STUMPJUMPER FSR – BY BRINGING TOGETHER THE PERFECT COMBINATION OF FSR SUSPENSION, BRAIN TECHNOLOGY AND THE LIGHTEST, STIFFEST CHASSIS AROUND. IT’LL HELP YOU RIDE IN FLOW MOTION EVERY TIME. LEARN MORE AT SPECIALIZED-SA.CO.ZA
R80 000!
TREAD
EVENTS
RIDE IN FLOW MOTION
A PIVOT BIKE OF YOUR CHOICE WORTH UP TO
6
BIKES TESTED
Whyte 19 | Momsen Twen-9AL SCOTT Voltage FR20 | Cotic Soul Specialized Camber | Volcan 29XC
TOP RIDERS | BEST RACES | SKILLS | TRENDS | GEAR | NUTRITION 2010/12/06 8:44 AM
Contents MAGAZINE
REMARK-ABLE
TREAD M O U N TA I N B I K I N G W I T H S O U L
“The strange thing is you can’t feel any pain at all, which is why I can still exercise at such a high intensity. But my advice to anyone that starts peeing blood is to immediately get checked out. The sooner you catch it the better.” Mark Thijs, ‘My Challenge’ Page 84 “It descends far quicker, which is useful because then I can’t hear Sam screaming; it climbs a bit slower and it takes some getting used to on the acute-angled trails – bit like a stretch limousine in a car park. It also sometimes bounces way off a line because of the long wheelbase, which causes some nervous moments.” Ian Martin, ‘My Bike’ Page 82 “Punctures are like mosquitoes – nobody likes them, they violate you without warning and it’s impossible to completely eliminate them.” Sean Badenhorst ‘Starting out’ Page 52 “The 120mm Reba is a good, solid choice for the front suspension, if not conservative, with the smooth SRAM X9 rear derailleur paired with plasticy X5 shifters (proof that drugs and bike-speccing shouldn’t be done on the same day) and Elixir 5 hydraulic brakes.” Tim Brink ‘Steel is Real’ Page 65
ON THE COVER James Morland rails a berm at Zombie Birdhouse on a SCOTT Voltage FR20 PHOTO: BEN BERGH
“The climbs get steeper and the route more twisty; lose momentum in a corner and you’ll be doing a high-speed uncleating on the next gravelly incline. Respite comes after the second of two power-climbs. Padawans should go left at the V, whereas those who think the force is strong in them should head right.” Barry McCallum ‘Zombie Birdhouse Trail’ Page 24
CONTENTS
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
SOUL PROVIDER FEATURES 4
Editor’s welcome
DROOL 6
Wish you were here
CLUTTER 10
Dept. of Current Affairs
20 Stoke
TRAIL 24
Zombie Birdhouse, Gauteng
26
Sabie, Mpumalanga
28
Welvenpas, Western Cape
PEOPLE
30
Wash, rinse, repeat - Stage racing
81
MY FITNESS Ester Cluer
40
Take the plunge - Downhill racing
82
MY BIKE Ian Martin and Sam Moss
84
MY CHALLENGE Mark Thijs
COUNSEL 48
Skill - Master the manual
50
Fuel - Quick fix
52
Starting out: Go race!
GEAR 56 Tested
- Bikes from Momsen, Specialized, Scott, Volcan, Whyte & Cotic
70
Reviewed: Hot gear
EVENTS 88
Cape Pioneer Trek
93
Calendar of races for January and February 2011
RETRO 94
Hite Rite The cool forest is a refreshing relief from the scorching mountains at the Cape Pioneer Trek, featured on page 88
PHOTO: KARIN SCHERMBRUCKER
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Soul Provider PHOTO: BEN BERGH
Editor: SEAN BADENHORST sean@treadmag.co.za Contributing Editors BARRY McCALLUM, ANDY ELLIS, TIM BRINK Contributing Photographers GREG BEADLE, Dion Lloyd, TIM BRINK, BEN BERGH, KELVIN TRAUTMAN, KARIN SCHERMBRUCKER, SVEN MARTIN, GARY PERKIN, NICK MUZIK, IAN HYLANDS Creative Director: SUZIE ASSENMACHER Contributors: Donovan Jackson, CHERELLE GORDON, BRIAN DINKELMAN, JAMES MORLAND, BRYCE MUNRO Publisher: JOANNE BADENHORST joanne@treadmag.co.za Editorial Address: 22 Collins Street Kensington B Randburg 2194 For advertising enquiries joanne@treadmag.co.za. Subscriptions info@treadmag.co.za or call 083 279 7797
TREAD magazine is published with passion alternate monthly by Retread Publishing CC. All material is copyright and may not be reproduced or used in any form without written permission from the publishers.
LIVE IT UP, GO DOWN
T
he difference between small and niche is credibility. I don’t think downhill racing is small. Niche yes, but not small. It has a huge international following, even more so these days with live online footage of the world’s biggest downhill races. But niche is good. Niche is aspirational, appreciated, respected. Downhill mountain bike racing is niche because it’s dangerous, fast, cool and colourful and it involves wheels – which youngster isn’t attracted by that? You need some real skill and courage to steer a bike down the side of a mountain off huge drops, across deep ruts, over exposed, slippery roots, through massive rock gardens and around tree trunks. Anyone can get fit for a marathon mountain bike race. It doesn’t require talent to get fit, just commitment. But not just anyone can get on a downhill bike and complete a downhill course fast without having some kind of talent. Like skateboarding, surfing and BMX racing, the average age of a downhill
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mountain biker is low. It’s one of those high-risk sports where a momentary lapse of concentration can lead to a serious crash and weeks or even months of recovery. Older guys tend to pay more attention to consequences than youngsters. But that doesn’t mean to say it’s only a sport for the young. In fact the age groups at downhill mountain bike races don’t stop at 30, they go right up to 55-years and older! Sure, the older guys aren’t as quick as the ‘kids’, but they still love a good rush down a tricky slope. Good for them I say. And I speak from experience. Well, an experience. A couple of years ago I got to ride a downhill bike on the downhill course in Pietermaritzburg that was used for the 2009 UCI World Cup. Patrick Morewood, former multiple SA downhill champ turned bike builder, loaned me his bike and all the protective gear and gave me some pointers. I let go the brakes, nodded a full-faced helmet ‘howzit’ to gravity and just let myself go. A downhill bike makes everything seem less intimidating and I quickly gained confidence and scooted down the course
– not as fast as the pros, but certainly not slow. I was like a kid on a rollercoaster ride for the first time. My adrenal glands were exploding, my heart was beating in my mouth, all my senses were sharpened, I shouted the occasional whoop. Everything was a blur except for the track a few metres ahead of me. Patrick and my wife were in a car and arrived at the bottom about five minutes after I did. I was sill sitting on the bike catching my breath and trying to absorb the most amazing sensual feast ever! I’d never felt so alive. I was quivering with excitement. My wife said that even though I still had the full-face helmet on, she could see I was smiling. She was right – ear-to-ear! Downhillers are good people – some of the finest I know actually. Downhill racing is misunderstood, which is why we ran a feature on it in this issue. Downhilling may be niche, but it’s not exclusive. Live a little – give it a try. Sean Badenhorst Editor
Drool
Droll
SWITCHED ON
P
aul Morris shows how to ride a hairpin
switchback descent high up in the Jonkershoek Valley. He’s descending
off ‘Project Fire-Ace’, a new section of trail cut by Ace of Spades, with the help of sponsors, friends and volunteers. PHOTO: GREG BEADLE
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Feature
CLUTTER CONTENTS MEDIA: READ, SURF & WATCH THIS... - 10 CONCEPT STORES OPEN IN SA, 3 THINGS - 12 NEW SPONSOR FOR TEAM GHOST - 13 NEW TEAM FOR GEORGE, EVANS - 13 LESS IS MORE SAYS SRAM - 14 GENDER BLENDER - 15 A BEER WITH KARL PLATT - 16 STOKE - 20
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Clutter
Compiled by Barry McCallum
READ THIS…
SURF THIS…
of February. The launch issue of this offering
It’s not unusual to be Facebook friends with brands. Many of us mountain bikers have the names of bike and component manufacturers, agents, shops, etc, under our list of friends on the social networking website. Some of us here at TREAD have something a little different...a mountain biking sheep. If we said the name Mishun H Sugworth you’d most likely reply: “WHO?!” That’s the real name of MBUK’s legendary carton character Mint Sauce. He started life in the UK’s Bicycle Action magazine 1988 – ‘displaying,’ according to his creator Jo Burt, ‘a certain lack of off-road panache’ – before moving to MBUK towards the end of that decade. Although sensitive to the outdoors he’s an arrogant little sheep, who even Burt can’t decide if he likes or not – ‘The size of Mint’s head increased over time, in line with his ego’. Other characters pepper the strips, including his girlfriend Oonagh Herwick (although Summer is Mint’s ‘true love’), his rival Cattlegrid Coleman the Cow and Death, who hovers every time he tries a stunt. Burt created http://homepage. mac.com/pfellows1/thisiswhy/about.html ‘to share some of the sheep’s finer (and perhaps less fine) moments, and to delve back into the rich history of the world’s only famous imaginary ex-farmyard mountain-biking cartoon cycling livestock’. Add him as Facebook friend by going to
from cycle style mavens Rapha came out in
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2307479347. While you’re at it, find TREAD on
It may be a long wait, but we reckon it’ll be well worth it. The second edition of Privateer magazine is scheduled for shipping at the end
October last year, and took our breath away. Come on, even those of us who’d turn our noses up at tight-fitting biking gear have to admit to more than a passing admiration for the stylish British brand of clothing (and skincare products ‘based on the aromatic plants and herbs that grow on the slopes of Mont Ventoux’). It’s not Rapha’s first foray into publishing; it also produces arguably the world’s most beautiful roadie mag, Rouleur, which snubs the usual race-report-and-biketest-route and instead focuses on the style, spirit and ethos of the sport. The same approach has been adopted by Privateer. It’s aimed at those who have ‘a permanent bond with the trails, the sounds, the fear, the great outdoors, the beads of sweat, the coffee and cake, the beer – a bond between rider, bike and terrain that grips forever’. The mag is image-driven – the launch issue carried a wraparound cover by renowned snapper Seb Rogers, and featured the work of Steve Behr, among others – and feature-heavy, with written contributions coming from DH World Champ Steve Peat and the well-respected former MBUK editor Tym Manley. It ain’t cheap: a six-issue subscription to the bi-monthly mag will cost you roughly R1 200. Even subscribing now, you will immediately be sent a copy of the first issue; or if you’d rather just test the waters, order No 1 for around R100 (prices subject to currency fluctuations). Subscribe at http://rouleur.cc/privateer-1
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Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=63716066791 and this mag’s editor on http://twitter.com/Mr_TREAD on Twitter.
WATCH THIS… At the time of going to press Stance Films seemed as unsure about the actual release date of their much-vaunted and anticipated Life Cycles as we were. It’s been in the works for nearly two years, and, although premieres had already been planned late last year, some Ultra HD duplication problems had reportedly once again set back the release date. But, if the teaser (view the official version here: http://www.lifecyclesfilm.com/ or watch some others here: http://www.lifecyclesfilm. com/visuals/teaser) is anything to go by, the bar has again been raised in terms of production values in the mountain bike video genre. It opens with footage of what appears to be a bubbling pool of primordial soup, setting the tone for the film’s premise – ‘the spectacular story of the bike, from its creation to its eventual demise’. And, if you’re looking for people to destroy stuff, you’ll have made a good choice by signing up freeriders like Brandon Semenuk, Matt Hunter and Thomas Vanderham and Cam McCaul. While surfing for info on Life Cycles, we came across another bit of news that is going to have us digging our nails into our remote controls. Freeride Entertainment – who, as reported in TREAD previously, wound down its NWD series of films with Dust & Bones – are back in production. Details are scant, but we do know that it’s called Where the Trail Ends, and the teaser was originally scheduled to debut before Life Cycles at Interbike. The early teasers featured some epic riding from Darren Berrecloth, Kurt Sorge and Jamie Doerfling shot in the Gobi desert. ‘The lid is pretty tight on this one,’ said Freeride, ‘no one knows if this is the start of a feature film on big mountain riding in the Gobi or just a part of something much bigger, which would include many remote international locations.’ You can check out the teasers here: http:// www.nwdfilms.com/visuals/2010/9/22/where-the-trail-ends.html and The Claw’s amazing ‘2000-foot’ descent – ‘You work half the day for 20 turns and those turns are some of the best you’ve had in your entire life...’ – here: http://www.nsmb.com/4019-2000-feet-with-the-claw
Clutter
Clutter CONCEPT STORES OPEN IN SA
NEW SPONSOR FOR TEAM GHOST Team Ghost, a local racing team that comprised mostly female members in 2010, has been boosted by a new title sponsor for 2011. DO IT NOW, an adventure lifestyle brand, has committed to becoming the title sponsor of the team, which retains its female core, but has been boosted by the addition of two male racers, Jock Green (Sub-veteran men) and Joel Hieber (Under-16 Boys). “I jumped at the opportunity to become the title sponsor of these up-and-coming cycling sensations for 2011, as the individuals involved and DO IT NOW share common goals and ideals,” said Francois Flamengo, DO IT NOW owner. “The team’s professionalism, dynamism, energy and passion are reflective of
everything that DO IT NOW stands for. In addition, it’s an exciting sport to be associated with and just as importantly, there’s the fun factor; something that is often lacking in so many professional outfits these days, and very much a part of why we do what we do. DO IT NOW will also act as the media partner for Team GHOST DO IT NOW by publishing monthly tips, tricks and training advice from these pros, as well as race reports and behind the scenes information about the team throughout the year, on its website and in the magazine. The team comprises: Sanet Smal, Savannah Vosloo, Saffron Vosloo, Simone Vosloo, Jock Green, Joel Hieber.
NEW TEAM FOR GEORGE, EVANS Two of South Africa’s most successful bicycle racers, Kevin Evans (pictured left) and David George, have set out to become the first South African team to win the ABSA Cape Epic.
PHOTO: DIMITRI NENKOV
From 2011, the pair will race for Team
L
ePeloton, the South African wholesaler of Specialized, probably the world’s biggest performance bike brand, recently opened two concept stores in South Africa, a move likely to alter the local retail landscape for good. Melrose Arch, the upmarket shopping and business destination in Johannesburg is the venue of the first store, which opened on 19 November with the second opening on 17 December in Waterfall, west of Durban. Known as Concept Cyclery, the stores follow an internationally successful formula in terms of layout, look and feel. They’re very clean, modern, spacious, well-lit and well stocked, mostly with Specialized bikes and accessories, but also offering alternative brands in order to give customers some choice. “Specialized makes virtually everything to do with cycling. Until now, we’ve never been able to import and distribute even half of Specialized’s comprehensive range,” said Le Peloton’s Wayne Plit at the opening of the Melrose Arch store. “The Concept Cyclery stores give us the opportunity to showcase a lot more of Specialized’s range, allowing consumers to benefit from the depth of the brand.” An important aspect to the Concept Cyclery stores is the in-house Body Geometry (BG) Fit Centres they offer. These are Specialized’s own bicycle fitment facilities that are based on clinically proven scientific principals in bike sizing and set-up to ensure optimal comfort and control. Personalised service from qualified BG Fit specialists at these BG Fit Centres adds to the appeal of the Concept Cyclery stores, an important factor with online shopping finding its place in as an option the retail segment.
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360Life, a unique new life assurance product
Skeptics have called the move risky in what is essentially a relatively immature retail market, but LePeloton’s Rob Ambler Smith is confident South Africa is ready for concept stores. “We believe there is place for both traditional retailers and concept stores, the latter giving customers – especially brand-loyal customers – more choice. Specialized bikes and products will still be sold by regular retailers too. We’re not out to take anything away from the retail sector, we’re out to enhance it,” The Waterfall Concept Cyclery is co-owned by international mountain bike racing star and Team Specialized team rider Burry Stander, who has training rides, led by himself, starting and finishing at the store. “Traditional retail is no longer enough, customers spend a lot of money on cycling and it’s important to offer them depth of choice and new cycling experiences. Concept Cyclery is a one-stop shop that caters for everyone, from newcomers to seasoned pros. It’s the right time to take retail in South Africa to the next level,” said Stander.
from the Nedbank group. In 2008, Evans and George, racing for MTN Energade, won two stages and became the first South African team to finish on the podium at the ABSA Cape Epic when they claimed third place overall. In 2009 they finished fourth overall. Both times they were the leading African team. But they felt under-prepared on both occasions. “In the past we had to fit the Cape Epic into a very busy season. Now, we’re structuring our whole season around the Cape Epic. It’s a race that requires year-round focus to win. And we believe we can win it,” said George. “Kevin and I are good friends and have built up an excellent understanding as teammates, especially in mountain bike stage races. We believe we haven’t yet reached our potential and appreciate 360Life for giving us the freedom and the opportunity to be able to pursue our goals.” George confirmed that the team’s other main goals will be the 2011 UCI Marathon World Championships, the 2011 MTN PHOTO: KARIN SCHERMBRUCKER
National Ultra-marathon Series and a couple of European races.
Gender Blender
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Honey, just go faster! Trust me.
LESS IS MORE SAYS SRAM After introducing 10-speed to mountain biking in 2009, SRAM has embarked on a mission to convince us that 2 x 10 is where it’s at when it comes to popular forms of mountain
My husband keeps telling me that
you need to. Straight away let go again for
10 is impressive (SRAM also does
momentum is my friend and that I must
another five seconds. Repeat this the whole
a 3 x 10 option), it’s impractical.
At Complete Cyclist Bryanston,
just ride faster over technical terrain like
way down. Remember no hard pulling on the
SRAM says its research has shown
ruts and stones. I’m scared of falling and
brakes. Repeat this a few times until you
we have built a reputation for selling more
that there are only 17 gears that are
just keep pulling brakes when I feel like I’m
feel more comfortable. Then increase your
truly functional on a mountain bike and
going too fast. It usually ends up with us
no-braking interval to 10 seconds. Soon you’ll
that’s why 2 x 10 makes more sense. X-Glide
fighting. What should I do? – Christine, 34,
be whizzing down technical singletrack with a
married for nine years
smile on your face!
biking. SRAM argues that while 3 x
is what SRAM has called its shift optimisation
ADD STYLE AND COMFORT TO YOUR RIDE.
design, which sees 14 ‘sweet spots’ even
as well as new colour options, nine-speed
spaced around the chainring designed to
options, a 10-speed chain that SRAM claims is
ensure precise shifting on demand, even
stronger than 9-speed and brake levers from
under pressure. SRAM for 2011 will include
Avid for XX. For more detail on SRAM’s 2011
four complete groupsets: X7, X9, X0 and XX
line-up, visit www.sram.com.
Your husband does actually know what
than her. She doesn’t ride at all, but I think
he’s talking about. Cut him some slack and
she’ll enjoy it and will understand why
consider if it’s something you’re willing to
I enjoy it so much. She’s very particular
work on. Think of a hurdles runner; which is
about her hair and nails and says that
easier, to approach the hurdle at a running
mountain biking would be too dirty and
speed and then glide over it or to walk up to
grimy for someone like her. How can I
On one hand, the evolution of mountain bikes is
it and then try hop over? Obstacles are simply
convince her to start riding? – Stephan, 23,
exciting. On the other, it’s frustrating because
easier to get over when you have momentum
dating for just over a year
designers are constantly searching for ways to
to help you. If you are up for the challenge
Your bike demands no more than the
make bikes stronger or lighter or stiffer or more
here’s how you can get more comfortable.
occasional wash and service and gives you
comfortable; or a combination of those.
Find a piece of singletrack that flows nicely,
hours of riding pleasure, which is why you
Headset design and fitment reached a tipping
but still has some turns and basic obstacles.
love it. But it’s never going to love you back.
point recently, forcing six headset manufacturers
The challenge is to ride without pulling brakes
You need to invest time in your relationship
MOMSEN
to collaborate to develop a standardized headset
for at least five seconds. You’ll go faster but
just like you do in your bike. It’s not about
system. Standardised Headset Identification System
SILVERBACK
don’t panic. After five seconds you can touch
convincing her, it’s about romancing her
(S.H.I.S) is the result providing comprehensive and
brakes lightly just three times, and only if
into loving riding. Find somewhere that has
FINALLY, A HEADSET STANDARD
requirements based on frame and fork interfaces. Acros, Cane Creek, Hope, Race Face, Reset and Ritchey are the proactive manufacturers that have committed to integrate the S.H.I.S into their respective businesses over the course of the next year and encourage additional headset manufacturers to follow. A full explanation of the new system can be downloaded as a PDF file at this url: http://canecreek.com/docs/Standardized_Headset_Identification_System.pdf
These silicone grips are easy to install, shock absorbing and give you increased bar control. They are long lasting, conform to your hands, are available in chunky or racers grip and a wide range of colours to add comfort and style to your ride.
D
I
N
THINGS…
coastal scenery, you get the picture. Now here’s where the sacrifice comes in for you. The route must have NO single track, NO hectic hills, NO rocky sections and definitely NO muddy puddles, just amazing scenery.
by fully qualified mechanics. We carry the following MTB brands: BH NINER PINARELLO CUBE LYNSKEY VOLCAN
NEW Store in Bryanston! Coachman’s Crossing Centre Peter Place Shop 086 111 6230 mike@complete-Cyclist.com www.complete-cyclist.com
The ride is not about you. It’s about her, so
undemanding ride together where there’s no pressure. Let the scenery do part of the romancing and you do the rest. Stop often to admire the view. Let her know how great it is
1. Children riding bicycles 2. Bike Pure (www.bikepure.com) the unofficial conscience of pro racing 3. Felllow competitors offering to help repair a puncture during a race
countryside can really open her up to the idea
…that makes us smile a cynical smile:
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romance. Winelands, mountains, wildflowers,
…that make us smile a happy smile:
G
Exclusive Importers and Distributors of Ghost Bikes, ESI Grips, Halo Headband, Chamois Butt’r, Buh Bump, SockGuy, Bike Medicine, Bike Brake, SDG Components, Zero Flats and Zero Goo Hydration Dryers. Office: +27 11 023 4478; Email: info@bbtrading.co.za TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011 Website: www.ballisticbiketrading.co.za
incredible scenery, somewhere that oozes
specific requirements, only worked on
grin and bear it. You want to her to enjoy an
BALLISTIC BIKE A
ALL mountain bikes, including shock and
My girlfriend thinks I love my bike more
format, helping improve communication on headset
R
We are service specialists in
I’m afraid I have to concede on this point.
scalable headset fitment information in a standard
T
than just a product.
1. MTB race entrants that complain the race is too technical 2. MTB race entrants the complain the race is too tough 3. MTB race entrants that complain about the weather
that you can ride together. Biking in beautiful of riding more often. In time she may learn to love it, even when you introduce some mud and singletrack. Got issues with your other half when it comes to mountain biking? Send your dilemma to Cherelle Gordon on info@treadmag.co.za and write GENDER BLENDER in the subject field.
r: AG offe ine into AD M az E g a R M T EAD off R T f o you 5% . opy c e iv is g h t l il e Bring we w he stor re and ase in t h c r u the sto p g you anythin
Clutter
A BEER WITH... KING KARL
I
f ever we need to crown a Mr. Epic, the first person on the list would be German pro Karl Platt. To start with, he has won the event four times (in seven starts) and only missed the podium once. But, mainly, it is because he is a mountain biker, through and through: he prefers to stay in the race village, rather than lord it with the B&B option, and if you are looking for him during the Epic, the beer tent is a good place to start. He even gets postEpic depression, just like the rest of us. By Tim Brink
PHOTO: NICK MUZIK
H
ow did you get into cycling? I loved my bike basically since I was born! I used to spend all my time riding and fixing my bikes – taking them apart and putting them back together – most of the time this was successful. When I was 15, I did my first mountain bike race, and I have been racing since then – 17 years now! We know you from the ABSA Cape Epic, but you do race in other events? Sure! I have won seven Transalps. The organisers call me Mr. Transalp. I have ridden some World Cups, finishing 13th one year at Houffalize, but I am better at the longer racing. I race some road races and a lot of criteriums, to make me fast for the endurance racing. You have had a long career already, and you are only 32! What are the highlights? Obviously racing and winning is my job, so when it happens it is a highlight. But I really have to say that riding with new people, in new places is even better. This trip we were in Tokai Forest for my first time. It is so nice there and we were riding with two strong young guys from the Epic Bike shop – laughing, having fun. For me, that is the best – when we can all share our experience. If I have to have
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a highlight from racing, it is Stage 9 of the Epic every year… we go for a relaxed, fun ride the day after and just have fun. Who is your favourite rider to race against? Wow, everybody really? I love to race, and if a rider is stronger and I can’t beat him, that is also cool so long as we race with respect and it is all fair. If you make me choose, I will say Jose Hermida (current XC World Champion) – he is always happy and funny and respectful, and manages to be like that winning or losing. So what brings you to Cape Town in November? Secret route-scouting for the Epic? No, not really, we just ride whatever route Dr Evil sets us, so we don’t look too hard at it. I am here to promote Bulls Bikes – I am a partner in the SA importers, with Vincent, and we’ve come to launch the new 29er range from Bulls. It took Germany a while, but finally you can race them there? Yes, they (29ers) were not allowed for a long time, but now they are and I am very pleased. They ride so well for a race like the Epic – I am loving the new Black Adder carbon one! [Ed – full review in the March/April issue!]. Outside riding bikes, what do you do? I love spending time with my family – my wife
and children aged six, four and number three on the way! I also love driving my Porsche GT3, and I spend a lot of time at the Nurburgring, driving the Nordschliefe. I am getting better every time, and it is so much fun! And I think it helps my reaction times on the bike. (Quick, indeed. Karl’s PB of 7min50sec is just 10sec off the all-time professional GT3 lap record…) So, after cycling you will be a racing driver? There is no after cycling – after racing, maybe, but cycling I will always do! Now for the tough one – what is your favourite race? It has to be the Epic. The racing is the best in the world – the competition and the route are always tops. The organisation is perfect! The TV coverage is easily the best in the world… And the community of the Cape Epic is unique – we like to spend time with the other riders, and even the ‘important’ riders that come for the first time end up being part of the social side very soon. You can’t help spending your time off the bike relaxing with the other riders. It is good to race seriously, and then have a beer afterwards with the guys. And nobody paid you say that? No way! I mean it. I tell everybody to come and ride the Epic, it is the best!
HOT DATES Okay, okay…yes, we, like, totally agree: there should be a similar version featuring MTB beefcakes for the girls. But until someone gets round to shooting Greg, Sam, Sik Mik, etc, in the near-buff, please – pretty please – ladies, let us enjoy this… It’s really not about scantily clad, athletically chiselled bodies draped over bikes – or near them. Promise. There are bikes and bike parts too... [poor attempt! – Ed]. The arrival of the Cyclepassion Calendar with its first edition back in 2006 was described at the time as the cycling world’s equivalent of Pirelli’s annual pictorial almanac. It was, reportedly, conceived by “cycling widow” Anke Wilken as revenge on her bicycle-obsessed husband (now ex) who is said to have “argued that beauty solely lies in the engineering and technical aspects of a bike”. Well, Mr. Technohead must be kicking himself these days when he looks at the little empire Anke has built up for
herself. Not only does the calendar sell quickly, but her “Making of” vids have been compared to those that accompany Sports Illustrated’s much-awaited annual Swimsuit edition – only these are real sportswomen. We were blown away by Sabine Spitz and Lene Byberg’s contribution to the 2010 edition, and from early views, photographer Daniel Geiger’s work on the 2011 issue is sure not to disappoint. Roadies will be happy that Liz Hatch features alongside her compatriot and fellow tough chick, Heather Irmiger, the 2009 Singlespeed World Champion, and Willow Koerber, as well as European dirt girls Mona Eiberweiser and Fabienne Heinzmann. You can order the calendar, which is presented in 40cm x 68cm format, and copies of the “Making of” DVD from www. cyclepassion.com. There are also some poster prints from previous years for sale on the site. Our favourite: Gunn Rita DahleFlesja in a gold lame bikini…*phwoar* – Barry McCallum.
Marco Aurelio Fontana, Nino Schurter, Julien Absalon
THE RIGHT GEAR The world’s top MTB athletes have chosen SRAM 2X10. SRAM 2X10 delivers maximum functionality and minimum complexity with faster shifting, more efficiency, lighter weight, and simplicity across a full range of gears. Taking advantage of technologies like X-Glide shifting, X-Dome cassettes, and wide range gearing, SRAM 2X10 gives you a drivetrain ready for any XC, Trail or All-Mountain adventure. SRAM 2X10 doesn’t mean more gears, it just means The Right Gear, right now.
Distributed with integrity by cyclesafrica.co.za | 0861 GO BIKE (46 2453)
S R A M 2 X 1 0 .C O M
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2 0 1 0 © S R A M , L LC
Feature
Stoke Feature
Last Dance
With this Ghost you are up for any challenge Ghost AMR Lector 7700
The music is pumping. This place is rocking. A strobe light threatens to bring on an episode of epilepsy in me. I see gorgeous women. I see boobs bobbing in sync to a belting soundtrack. I want in. Someone motions me to the dance floor. Come on, she gestures. There’s no point in talking here, nobody can hear you. I raise my beer and smile. No, you go ahead, really, I’m fine, I imply with a simultaneous tilt of my head and raise of a brow. I can’t leave my post. I have the distinguished role of being the only lonely sap at the bar. By Andy Ellis
S
he shrugs her shoulders and turns her
for an hour. The dance instructor called the
groove on a berm, the newly exposed root
strapless bra on me. I take another sip
experience ‘the liberation of samba’. My
smack in the middle of a drop off and relook
from the bottle and peel the corner of
poor partner’s feet were so bruised by the
at that terrifying jump I don’t have the balls
the label. It’s okay, I rationalise. I’m married
end of it, she may as well have signed up
to attempt – yet.
to her. We’ll bond while weeding the garden
for the liberation of Baghdad. There was a
The detailed observations also serve as a
in the morning. Tearing this label is just
moment though, a moment when I felt like
welcome distraction to the fireball brewing
something I’ll do until all of my friends come
I was floating to the music. I carried it for a
in my lungs and the battery acid building in
back to the bar.
few steps before kicking a nearby dancer on
my quads from the incessant incline.
Ahh, it’s okay. Go ahead, wipe that tear.
the shin. I’m thinking about all of this while guiding
I experience in getting to the top the hard
my handicap. It’s not that I don’t want to
my bike up a gnarly singletrack ascent. Most
way. The pinnacle of this particular ascent
cut loose, bust out some moves, unfetter
people use the gravel roads that twist like
is often wild with wind gusts and iced in
the Black Eyed Pea that resides deep, deep
national highways through the forest to get
cloud. It’s a pioneer’s thrill. But that’s not
inside of me. It’s just that I can’t dance. I
to the top of this mountain, and then whoop
what keeps me coming back for more. It’s
can hear rhythm in music, I just don’t feel
their way down the singletrack. I prefer to
the dance of going down that makes me feel
it. So I move like a pointsman on duty at a
go against the grain. Riding up the exact
better than Fred Astaire.
faulty traffic light. On the dance floor I’m
way I’m going to come down is part of the
You can ride a bike two ways. Like a
as flexible as dentist’s tongue depressor. It’s
catharsis for me. It’s much harder, but my
machine, or as if in the embrace of an adept
that bad.
ego allows me to get off and push when
dance partner. I yearn for the latter. On my
(absolutely) necessary.
bike I’m the lead. Subtle shifts of weight dip
choice. I fell on my sword for a magazine
Navigating an obstacle in a granny gear
her through the groove. The rhythmic sway
that thought it would be funny to send in
on the up has got a different texture to
of my hips washes the back wheel into every
a Muppet. It’s an occupational hazard, how
when you’re bombing it with the big guns
turn. Her frame moves in tune to the terrain
writers scrape a wage. I stepped onto the
on the down. I try to memorise my lines,
as I control the direction of the dance. It’s
polished parquet, inhaled through gritted
design the choreography of the descent on
like magic.
teeth and twirled some poor girl like a baton
the ascent. I’ve got the time to see every
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TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
The AMR Lector 7700 will be your perfect companion in any scenario: steep uphills, speedy downhills or longer tours alike. Just some of the awesome features: • 10 Speed • Frame: UD-Carbon T2T SCL • Shock: Fox Float RP23 120 mm Boost Valve • Fork: Fox Forx 32FIT-RL 120 mm Tapered 15 QR • Stem: Ritchey Comp 31.8 mm • Shifter: Shimano XT SL • Front tire: Schwalbe Nobby Nic 2.25 • Crankset: Shimano XT • Rear tire: Schwalbe Nobby Nic 2.25 • Cassette sprocket: Shimano XT 11-32
I’ll never tire of the chocolate euphoria
Don’t feel sorry for me. I am at peace with
I went to a dance class once. Not by
With our AMR lector 7700 the dream of a perfect all-rounder has become reality! With this Ghost you are up for the most demanding tours, hard marathons or complicated downhills. The innovative needle bearings reduce friction to a minimum, resulting in the most sensitive chainstay of all time! The pm-and E-type direct and many other technological innovations make your Ghost lighter and shifting gears faster and that means more fun for you.
• Weight: 11.80 kg Whatever you do, do it with Ghost! Available at better bike shops: West Rand Cycles - Roodepoort, Linden Cycles - Linden, Mikes Bikes – Greenside, Finish Line Cycles – East Rand, Hot Spot Cycles – Pretoria East, Cycle House – Pretoria North, Alpha Beta - Kimberley, Xtreme Sports - Nelspruit, Leigh Cycles - Durban, Penford Cycles – Uitenhage, Cycle World – Bloemfontein, Karsten Cycles – Pretoria North, Park Cycles - Potchefstroom, Chris Willemse Cycles – Bellville, Cape Town, The Cycle Factory Store – Montague Gardens, Cape Town, Saleys Pro Cycles – Vereeniging, Cycle Mania – Silverton, Pretoria
Bloody hell, I can dance.
Exclusive Importers and Distributors of Ghost Bikes. Office: +27 11 023 4478; Email: info@bbtrading.co.za Website: www.ballisticbiketrading.co.za
BALLISTIC BIKE T
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Feature
TRAIL CONTENTS ZOMBIE BIRDHOUSE - 24 SABIE - 26 WELVANPAS - 28
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Trail
By Barry McCallum
PHOTO: BEN BERGH
REGION: Gauteng
into a tight bermed lefthander and straight into a bigger bump, which
DISTANCE: Who cares! This trail is measure in playtime.
a chance to firm the ground.
CLOSEST TOWN: Randburg/Sandton
spits you into a fast right-hander. This sets the tone. The climbs get
NOVICE: 2/10 (there are some opt-out sections for non-Jedis)
GET THERE: From the N1, take William Nicol offramp, head south and
DESCRIPTION: Dark Side, North Shore, 12 Steps, Sugar Bowl… the names
steeper and the route more twisty; lose momentum in a corner, and
INTERMEDIATE: 7/10 (you’ve got the fitness and a bit of skill, now go
then left at the first robot into Sloane. Head down Sloane and across the
of trails that many Joburg mountain bikers lamented after the demise
you’ll be doing a high-speed uncleating on the next gravelly incline.
huck it a little)
intersection at Main. Take first left into Libertas Road and the entrance
of Logwood. But missed most of all was Zombie Birdhouse. Fast and
Respite comes after the second of two power-climbs. Padawans should
ADVANCED: 9/10 (sure the gaps aren’t big and you can roll into them,
is on your left.
swooping, it gave the sense that you were racing Imperial speeders
go left at the V, whereas those who think the Force is strong in them
but it’s just that bit more tempting to lay down a little stylin’)
SECURE PARKING: The lot is guarded, but exercise caution to be sure.
through forests on the planet of Endor in Return of the Jedi. Would a
should head right. There is a rock-bed lefthander as you reach the top.
TYRES: Not a biggie, but when the trail is well-packed, drop the tyre
BE SURE TO… warm up on the Ewok trail [enough of the Star Wars
Zombie Birdhouse at the Toyota MTN Cycle Park live up to its predecessor?
Stop here, put a foot down, look left. Smile inwardly at the sight of
pressure a bit for grip on the ups.
references already! – Ed]
Well, yes, er, no, sorta… to stretch the Star Wars metaphor, riding the
commuters backed-up on the N1. Now look right...
BEST THING: Some reckon the new Zombie is too tight and restricts flow.
BE CAREFUL OF… The Mineshaft, an optional drop from the top. It’s a
We disagree. It’s not a section of trail you go to; you have to make it
collarbone snapper if you don’t pay attention to the exit as it flattens
new Zombie is more like roughing it up in Anakin Skywalker’s podracer.
What you’ll see looks like a dual slalom course gone wrong, but in the
If you’re going to make it flow, bring your pump-track arms along, keep
right way. It’s a network of interlinking, well-groomed roll-ins, bermed
come to you. It’s active not passive. We like that.
out.
your pointers off the brake levers and bomb it.
switchbacks, lips, hips and gaps… Plot, pray and play. We think the photo
WORST THING: Casing a gap-jump landing.
CONTACT: www.cyclepark.co.za; 083 725 BIKE
says it all.
BEST SEASON: Year-round, although at its best after the rains have had
Zombie delivers its kicks from the trailhead: a short rise dumps you
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REGION: Mpumalanga CLOSEST TOWN/CITY: Sabie DESCRIPTION: Sabie, a valley town surrounded by forested Mpumalanga mountains, is rich in South African mountain biking racing history. But the great irony is that it’s never really offered ride-anytime trails. That’s now changing. Cyclejunkies, a local bike shop/club/trails company, has been hard at work with the local community and forestry owners to mark out
Trail
SABIE By Dino Lloyd
a number of trails, the first of which were launched in October 2010. Initially, they’re offering four routes starting from Castle Rock grounds over distances of 15km, 25km, 32km and 40km. With gradings of easy, moderate, difficult and very difficult, there’s trail to suit everyone – if need be, you can branch from one route to another as the trails often intersect. Plenty of work has gone into the building of new singletrack as well as utilising much of the older sections of trails used in races. They’ve also creating all-important clear route markings. All trails currently take you in and around the foothills of the Sabie forests, yet there are plans underway to implement more trails – up to 16 in total! Some of these shall offer routes deeper into the mountains for the more adventurous. The routes are very well marked and each distance is identified with a specific coloured circle on the direction boards. Each route circles back to Castle Rock. We rode the 32km route, which consists mostly of jeep track. There are one or two moderate climbs and enough singletrack to keep that stupid grin on your face. A highlight of this trail is that it takes in the waterfalls in the area, but only via short detours from the trail itself. Well worth the detours though! DISTANCES: 15km, 25km, 32km, 40km NOVICE: 8/10 INTERMEDIATE: 8/10 ADVANCED: 7/10 TYRES: Good allrounders that offer confident cornering grip. Not much in the way of thorns so puncture risk is lower. BEST THING: Proper mountain biking terrain. WORST THING: Waiting for the other trails to open! BEST SEASON: All year, although summer rains between October and April and can be quite persistent. GET THERE: From Joburg/Pretoria (approximately 350km) – follow the Witbank highway (N4) to Belfast. From Belfast (R540) turn to Dullstroom, then to Lydenburg. From Lydenburg over the Long Tom Pass (R37) to Sabie. COST: R30 SECURE PARKING: Yes BE CAREFUL OF: Leaves. Yes leaves. They carpet some sections of singletrack so can pose a traction problem (as in a loss of) in some spots, especially if wet. Also, you are in a forestry area, be respectful of the workers and other inhabitants. BE SURE TO: Check out the other adventure activities in town, http://sabiextreme.co.za/ has all the info. CONTACT: www.cyclejunkies.co.za; 013 764 1149
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Trail
WELVANPAS By Greg Beadle
REGION: Western Cape CLOSEST TOWN/CITY: Wellington DESCRIPTION: With a seven-generation history on the Welvanpas farm, including the Voortrekker leader, Piet Retief, it’s no wonder Dan Retief takes everything he does on the farm seriously, including the new mountain bike trails. Three trails are currently available. The 17km Yellow Trail takes you across the Bain’s Kloof road and up to the top forestry jeep track below the saddle set in the Hawekwa Mountains. It’s a steady climb that gets the heart rate up. There are a few loose, stoney sections that may cause beginners to get off and push or grit their teeth and improve their technical skills. The climb is well maintained and passes through a fair amount of forest. The descent begins with a ‘whooping’ section of singletrack, which is fairly technical. It soon transforms into a clean, manicured section of singletrack, which takes you sweeping and swerving back down to the 1700’s farmhouse. The majority of the singletrack is friendly to all levels of rider and, being mostly smooth and flowing, will definitely build confidence in beginner-to-intermediate riders. The tougher 18km White Trail takes you up through the vineyards and drops you pretty quickly into a feast of sumptuous singletrack blur. The trail is awesome, keeping you fully focused at all times. The descents and ascents are properly steep! Compared to the Yellow Trail, where it is textbook up and then down, the White Trail keeps you guessing about what is next. Our only gripe is the size of the direction boards, particularly the arrows. You can only make them out when you’re very close to them. The 8km Blue Trail offers a circuit aimed at entry-level riders. It follows some lesschallenging sections of the White Trail, but is no walkover and still a good route to further one’s skills. DISTANCES: Blue – 8km, Yellow – 17km, White – 18km NOVICE: 5/10 INTERMEDIATE: 9/10 ADVANCED: 9/10 (if you ride the White and Yellow trails consecutively) TYRES: It’s all about grip at Welvanpas, so the gnarlier the tread the better. BEST THING: The combination of challenging ascents and descents with flowing singletrack. WORST THING: The small direction markers. BEST SEASON: All seasons – trails are loose but flowing in summer but will drain well in winter. GET THERE: Take the N1 north from Cape Town. Take the second Stellenbosch offramp (R44) and turn left towards Wellington. Follow the signs through Wellington to Bain’s Kloof Pass. Once you have left town, look out for Bovlei wine farm on your right. Turn left after Bovlei into the Groenfontein Road and immediately right at the Welvanpas sign. A few kilometres of corrugated dirt road will take you into Welvanpas. COST: R30 per rider per day. SECURE PARKING: Yes BE CAREFUL OF: Missing a directional sign, especially at speed. BE SURE TO: Order some delicious freshly baked scones before or after your ride! CONTACT: 021 864 1239 (Dan or Retha Retief); welvanpas@gmail.com
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Feature
Feature
WASH RINSE REPEAT Your bike gets some proper attention, including a daily wash, when you do a stage race. And rightfully so! It needs to be in peak condition to take you through the challenges without a glitch. Of course, this is mountain biking where glitches are as much a part of the appeal and challenge of a stage race as the overwhelming feeling of satisfaction you get when you cross the finish line on the final stage. By Donovan Jackson PHOTOS: SPORTZPICS - Sven Martin, Nick Muzik, Karin Schermbrucker, Gary Perkin and Greg Beadle
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Feature
Feature delivering not only international status, but
S
also unparalleled organisation and execution.
o, you’re keen to try a stage race/event. Good job too, because South Africa has more stage races every year than any other country.
Your choice of partner is probably the one factor that can make or break your entire stage race experience.
It also spawned a market for stage racing, which has led to us having such a rich multiday racing calendar. Ready to race? Here’s what you need to know:
BIKES & SET-UP The general rule, loved by bike shops, viewed with suspicion by (non-biking) wives is that you should buy the most expensive bike you can afford. You do get what you pay for. Terrain can be brutal, which exacts a toll on your gear; the more expensive stuff does tend to be more durable, but the most expensive stuff is often that pricey because it is light. And light isn’t always durable, so weigh this up when making your purchases, particularly with moving parts.
T
XC-style race bikes, while most of the world
fact that we have vast and varied
prefers longer-travel trail bikes. Either is
terrain, which is absolutely ideal for
suitable; if you’re not a race-snake, chances
mountain biking, great year-round weather
are the latter will be better. Hardtails are
(on the whole) and resourceful, passionate
quickly giving way to full-suspension; the
event organisers. Add to that the substantial
long distances involved in even two or three
demand from mountain bikers who want to
day races means you will appreciate the ‘give’
ride safely in exotic but local places, and
of a full squishy. But 29-er hardtails have
Commonly encountered ‘off-the-peg’
SADDLE: Your choice of saddle is also
GLOVES: For the hands, good gloves are
you have a super-full calendar. So full (with
now become another option are essentially
brands include Specialized, Merida, Bulls,
important. This is a very ‘personal’ thing,
another non-negotiable. Full-finger or cut-
over 20 stage races per year) that you can,
a (rough) compromise between a 26-inch
Giant, SCOTT and Cannondale. But being
but find (and test!) a seat that your bum is
offs are fine; giving your hands some extra
theoretically, do a stage race every month.
hardtail and a full-suspension frame.
‘real’ mountain biker’s territory, expect to
going to be happy with for many hours in the
positions on the bars can be relieving, too,
It’s not just a volumes game, either. The
Any decent bike will suffice, but pay close
see a full range of bikes on show, including the
saddle. Again, lightweight is not the priority,
so if you don’t already have some, consider
experience that comes with each passing
attention to a good fork, strong wheels and
‘boutique’ brands like Santa Cruz, Yeti and
comfort is. Take a second saddle with you to
fitting bar-ends.
year means our race organisers are among
reliable gears and brakes. Before you start,
Ellsworth. What is for sure, however, is that
your stage race. Make sure it’s a different
the best in the world...if not THE best in the
check all bearings (especially wheels and
the camaraderie which is part and parcel of
brand. Should you end up with painful saddle
world. Whether on the Subaru Sani2C, the
bottom bracket), make sure gear cables
any stage event provides a great opportunity
sores, fitting different saddle could offer
ABSA Cape Epic, the Fedgroup Berg & Bush,
and brake hoses are in good nick and brake
to find out what others are riding and why.
some relief.
the Fairbairn Capital Old Mutual Joberg2c
pads are far from the wear limit. On full-suss
or the DCM Cape Pioneer Trek, when you
bikes, make sure linkages are sound. In short,
show up for the first time, you are in very
it is advisable to have the bike looked over
good hands. That is reflected in the smooth
thoroughly by someone you trust.
operation and coordination of the vast
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TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
South Africans are uniquely fascinated by
he reasons for this include the
As far as setup is concerned, don’t go for
PARTNERSHIP Friendships are made or cemented in a stage race. They can also be destroyed. Your
SHORTS: Good, well-padded shorts are
choice of partner is probably the one factor
GEAR
essential; help your swimsuit area out with
that can make or break your entire stage
Outside of your bike, there are a number
chamois cream, liberally applied, which
race experience. Absolutely top of mind:
of things you will want to look at to ensure a
not only prevents chafing, but also provides
you need to be a good partner as much as
successful stage race.
some antibacterial protection for those
your counterpart does. Your expectations
long hours in the saddle. Take a few pairs
have GOT to be aligned, or you are asking for disaster.
resources, which are involved in ensuring
an aggressive, stooped position. Comfort
TYRES: Tyres are almost always top of the
hundreds of people are catered for, kept
is king: you may be on the bike for up to 6
list for mountain bikers to argue about. The
and not all from the same brand. A different
safe, abluted, fed and accommodated in
hours or more per day, so have your stem
rules here are simple: strong trumps light
design could be the answer to relieve painful
places far from the concrete jungle.
point upwards, not down, and consider a riser
every time. Tubeless is a non-negotiable;
chaffing.
While ‘To Hell & Back’ is widely regarded
bar rather than a flat one. A slightly lower
you must have it. A good UST (tubeless)
SHOES: Shoes have to be good for walking
Other qualities you want are a person who
as the first stage race, dating back to 1995,
saddle height (0.5cm) is often preferred by
tyre weighs up to 750 grams, even more.
as well as biking; most stage races will
is dependable, resourceful, tough, stoic,
special mention has to be made of the Cape
‘first timers’ or converted roadies, as it gives
These are the ones you want. Popular brands
involve some ‘hike a bike’, so being sure
determined and – definitely – with a great
Epic. Started in 2004, this has become a
a little more control, especially on the tricky
include Maxxis, Continental, Schwalbe and
they are comfy on the bike is not enough.
sense of humour. Mountain biking is a very
globally recognised, premier event that
stuff. Again, professional help with setup is
GEAX, but all brands are likely to have
They should also be tough: many a racer has
demanding sport; hardship is not only your
every mountain biker aspires to ride at least
recommended – either from a bike shop, or
appropriate models, just be sure to specify
made it to the end of a stage with duct-taped
friend, it is your constant companion. You
once. It is the gold standard for stage racing,
someone you trust.
strong sidewalls.
shoes.
will have good days, you will have very, very
Typically, you will expect your partner to be prepared to the same level as you are.
TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
| 33
Feature bad days. So will your partner. You should
good partners stick together and help one
for the portages. Pace yourself, too. A heart
expect your partner to be honest with you
another through the various (sometimes
rate monitor is considered by many to be
about how they are feeling and how they are
mundane) tasks of stage racing. That is how
essential equipment; if you are reasonably
coping: whining is never nice to hear.
the bond, which gets you through three, six
fit, you should keep your heart rate below
or eight days of racing, is formed.
80% for those 5 hours. So long as you keep
When (not if) there is a crash, your first concern is his/her wellbeing; the second
You can even do an event with your wife
‘fuelling the machine’, you should be able
is that of the bike, the third is returning
or husband: all of the above apply, but
to steadily keep going for 7, 8 even 9 hours.
to the trail. Support, respect, patience,
familiarity can certainly breed contempt. Be
And consistency is key. Start preparing
encouragement and understanding are key
aware of that; be careful. But if you can pull
three or more months before the race and
actions.
it off, mutual respect will only strengthen
consistently get your hours in.
And when tempers fray, which they do, remember the golden rule: what would you
your bond.
NUTRITION
do in their position? Fatigue and hardship
TRAINING
strip airs and graces and can expose the
Its simple: the better you train, the more
is concerned, is to stick to your regular
nastier side, which is part of everyone’s
enjoyment you will get from your stage
diet. Eat whole foods (in training and at
personality. Step back, ask yourself if you’re
race. That doesn’t mean you have to break
the event itself), eat the good, healthy
being reasonable. Be honest with yourself;
yourself, it means you should make the
stuff. If you have a craving, it is often your
if you’ve snapped, apologise. It makes every
best use of the available time you have.
body telling you it needs something; obey
difference.
The simplest advice where nutrition
For most of us, that means perhaps 10 to
it (within reason). And during the event?
Each stage finish is an accomplishment;
12 hours a week; this is sufficient, but use
If it’s a calorie, EAT IT. More is more.
whatever happened ‘out there’ can be
those hours wisely. Get long rides in; this is
Supplements, of which there are plenty of
forgotten as you cross the line, triumphant
the really important thing. Anything over
options, do provide nutritional support. But
in conquering the day’s challenge.
3 hours is good; a 5-hour ride or two is
try the supplement in training to ensure it’s
That presents a great opportunity for
strongly advised. A short run once or twice
something you can stomach on a daily basis.
reconciliation. And even after the stage,
a week will add strength and prepare you
During the race and harder training
SUPER ENERGY– SUPER EASY
USN’s new 90g Vooma Gel tubes are the most convenient and practical way to get the instant kick you need during lengthy endurance events. During high intensity road cycling and mountain biking you can burn up to 1000 calories per hour. Add to this the loss of essential electrolytes and phosphates when you sweat and it’s no wonder fatigue, dehydration and cramping start to set in. But when you’re out in the hot sun, grinding away one pedal stroke at a time, making sure you don’t get dropped from the pack, or maintaining that all-important rhythm, you need your energy to be fast – and practical! USN Vooma, South Africa’s most trusted sports energy gel contains a scientifically formulated blend of short- and long-chain carbohydrates, which supply a rapid, lasting energy boost. It also contains essential minerals to ensure ongoing electrolyte and phosphate replacement, which combats fatigue and muscle cramping.
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“In a mountain bike race, I can’t afford to waste time by stopping or risk crashing to take in my energy supplement. USN Vooma’s new tube is the perfect way to get a quick energy boost without the risk of losing time – or control of my bike.”
WHY IS VOOMA GEL SO EFFECTIVE? VOOMA is scientifically designed to assist in ensuring optimal energy delivery through the addition of short and long chain carbohydrates. The product will ensure that phosphate levels are maintained during an endurance event, as well as providing the necessary electrolytes for adequate homeostasis in and around the muscle tissue and optimal muscle function. USN VOOMA is now also available in a convenient 90 gram tube, which offers the following benefits: • Easy to carry in your pocket • Longer lasting • Flip-top cap for one-handed ease of use • Lower litter risk • No sticky fingers • Re-usable if not empty • Available in Peach Flavour & Unflavoured
Karien van Jaarsveld, leader of MTN National MTB Marathon Series
“Unlike many of my rivals on bigger teams, I don’t have the luxury of a support vehicle to carry my nutritional back-up. The new USN Vooma tube is the most practical way for me to ensure I’m always topped up with energy and electrolytes.”
34 |
Cherise Taylor, South African Elite Road Champion TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
www.usn.co.za
USN SA
@USN_BikeRunSwim
Feature
SPARES SPARES
segments, recovery is critical. It near
Know the difference between speed
impossible and often impractical to get the
and pace. Speed is just a measure of how
nourishment you need to recover completely
fast you’re going. Pace is a measure of the
mountain biker, although you will find plenty
from whole foods, so add a high quality
effort you’re putting in. On long stage races,
of help from fellow riders. The spares you
recovery shake or drink from a reputable
it is highly advisable to pace yourself so
should carry with you should be carefully
supplement brand to your post ride routine.
reasonably that it feels like you are under-
chosen: you don’t want to lug unnecessary
Don’t wait too long either, your body is at its
exerting, especially on the first half of the
gear over hundreds of kilometres and
most receptive to recovery nutrition within
first stage. This allows you to ‘ride into’ the
thousands of metres of climbs. Include these
30-40 minutes of finishing.
race. Far better to get stronger as the days
items as a comprehensive minimum:
go by, than to face each new dawn with fear
• Multitool with chain breaker
in your heart. A good rule of thumb is to
• Quicklink and chain pin
Don’t show this part to your spouse. Stage
know your max heart rate; set an alarm to
• Rubber ‘noodles’/plugs and tool (the fat
racing is not cheap. Entry fees vary quite
warn you when your heart-rate touches 80%
ones are best, even for small holes)
substantially, from R 29900 per team for
and do not exceed that. It seems impossible,
• Derailleur hanger (make sure you have the
the Cape Epic (8 days), to R15500 for the
and that you’re going too slowly, but trust
right one for your frame)
Cape Pioneer Trek (6 days) and R7960 for the
us on this one. You will pass loads of people
• Chain lube (a small ‘eyedropper’ bottle)
Sani2c (3 days). Above that, you will incur
in the last 20 or 30 kays that didn’t listen…
• Emergency tyre gaitor (piece of old tyre
COSTS
expenses in training; training camps are a
Self-sufficiency is expected of the
wall cut to an oval shape about 10cm long
good idea, but they cost. You will need to
FOOD
prepare your bike, travel to the start, pay
Perhaps surprisingly, in most stage races
a night’s accommodation before the race
you actually don’t need to take a great deal
starts, cover ‘incidentals’ (repairs during
of chow with you. The seconding tables
the race) and have some spending money to
tend to have a veritable smorgasbord of
be used as an emergency tyre gaitor)
satisfy those cravings.
goodies up for grabs (and sometimes the
• A small Leatherman (specifically for the
most obscure of munchies can be the best…
pliers).
Some also have to weigh the cost of being out of the office for several days, too. What you end up spending is a very personal matter, but it can – and does – run into the tens of thousands. Some have been known to spend over R60 000 on a Cape Epic; conservatively, however, provide for R5000 to R10 000 over and above the entry fee during the race. When you are out there, halfway
through
an
and 5cm wide) • Cable ties • One tyre lever • An extra energy gel (packaging can also
like the red grapefruit at the
• A tube generously duct-taped to a
Cape Pioneer Trek). However,
strategic point on your frame is also
beware ‘the bonk’. You do
highly
need a lot of fuel. You can
intrinsically useful, while a tube is
speed and pace.
get the majority of your
the ultimate last-ditch to solve stubborn
energy from a high quality
Speed is just a
inflation issues.
powdered carb drink (take
measure of how
in sandwich bags to refill at
Know the difference between
water points if necessary).
Pace is a measure
that much time exercising
of the effort you’re
solid food. It is often the
event, and you need a
the
duct-tape
is
STAGE RACES Here’s a list of established South African stage races which might appeal to you: • Fedgroup Berg & Bush Descent KwaZulu-Natal (November): www.bergandbush.co.za • Subaru Sani2c KwaZulu-Natal (May, from 2011): www.sani2c.co.za • Imana Wild Ride KwaZulu-Natal (July): www.wildride.co.za • ABSA Cape Epic Western Cape (March): www.cape-epic.com • Sabie Experience Mpumalanga (December): www.sabieexperience.co.za • DCM Cape Pioneer Trek Western Cape (October): www.capepioneer.co.za • Fairbairn Capital Old Mutual joBerg2c Gauteng, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal (April/May): www.joberg2c.co.za • To Hell & Back Western Cape (November): www.tohellandback.co.za • Contego Wines2Whales Western Cape (November): www.wines2whales.co.za • Isuzu Three Towers Mpumalanga (October): www.mankele.co.za • Cradle Quest Gauteng (September): www.cradlequest.co.za • Nando’s Magalies Adventure Gauteng, North West (August): www.magalies@adventure.co.za • Lord of The Chain Rings Eastern Cape (November): www.easterncapemountainbiking.co.za • Bonitas Rhodes Extreme MTB Challenge Eastern Cape (September): www.rhodesextreme.co.za • Logico Swazi Frontier Swaziland (October): www.theswazifrontier.co.za • Grape Escape Cape (March): www.grapeescape.co.za • Garmin Rooiberg Eco Ride Limpopo: www.rooibergecoride.co.za
additional servings of powder
fast you’re going.
putting in.
advised;
Feature
But when you’re spending you should also eat some easiest stuff to eat that is best. A good idea is some dry wors, some fruit squares
repair, you will pay whatever it takes to start
and the ever-dependable banana. Pre-cut
the next stage. Make provision for that!
and package your food snacks into easy-toaccess, bite-sized segments.
PACE YOURSELF Something that those new to stage racing learn very quickly, if inadvertently, is to pace themselves. Almost always, the uninitiated will overestimate their abilities and underestimate the terrain. You do not want to be spent 30km into a 120km stage. It takes ALL the fun out of it.
36 |
TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
DON’T LITTER Most stage races will take you through unique, beautiful and restricted areas. For the love of all that is good, DO NOT LITTER. If you see someone else doing it, politely ask them not to and let them know that doing so flies in the face of what it means to be a mountain biker. TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
| 37
Feature
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We’ve taken this winning combination to a new
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38 |
TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
| 39
Feature
Downhill mountain bikers may just have it all. They’re laid back, funloving, they look cool and they don’t feel the need to rush to the top of any slope – ever. And then they get to embrace gravity and ride as fast as they possibly can down any descent, mostly not pedalling, flowing smoothly over the roughest terrain, impressing their peers, pushing the limits of physics, maxing out their adrenal glands and suspension travel and just having a lot of fun. Want some of that?
By Brian Dinkelman and Sean Badenhorst
PHOTO: BEN BERGH
40 |
TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
| 41
Feature There are three main ‘downhill hubs’
produced one of the world’s greatest
that have formed where the gravity riding
Downhill racing in South Africa started
downhill racers. Unfortunately, the local
is a lifestyle – Pietermaritzburg, Cape Town
in the early 1990s, shortly after it became
and Joburg.
popular in the United States. In a relatively
cycling media tends to forget that there’s more to South African downhill racing than
appropriate
short period it developed into a high-
geography, it makes up for in numbers of
profile international sport. In the early
enthusiastic riders that have accepted
years downhill riders were often viewed
provincial
regular travel to sloping ground as part of
by traditional mountain bikers as a motley
affiliates, ensures there is a minimum
their passion. They’re also a resourceful lot
bunch of crazy adrenalin junkies. Spot
number of races each year to create
though, literally making mountains out of
on! Besides the edgy, alternative look and
opportunities for the relatively small, yet
molehills where they can.
attitude that prevailed, their bikes were
one hero. Cycling South Africa’s Mountain Bike Commission,
through
its
fiercely passionate downhill mountain bike community.
What
Joburg
lacks
Pietermaritzburg,
the
in
hometown
of
modified cross-country bikes with very
Minnaar, is about as close as you’ll get to
little suspension and V-brakes. They were
Niche is a better term than small. And
a gravity-riding capital in South Africa. It
either totally mad or extremely brave and
it’s niche for a number of reasons, including
boasts a World Cup downhill course as well
talented and if they had not risked all back
the fact that the high cost of bikes and
as a number of good riding spots within a
then, constantly seeking progress in bike
equipment doesn’t match the income of
50km radius.
and gear design, we would not be where
the relatively low average age of the ideal market.
But the close proximity of real mountains
The face of downhill racing has changed
It’s also a discipline that requires some
The majority of the country’s downhillers
dramatically since the 1990s and today
proper gradient. There is no shortage of
live here. Some have moved to Cape Town
the bike norm is around eight inches of
mountains and big hills in this country, but
from afar to be able to call this descender’s
suspension travel front and rear, lightweight
South African towns and cities tend to not
nirvana home, while most have simply
aluminium or full carbon fibre frames,
have been established where the contour
grown up with downhill riding being a strong
hydraulic disc brakes; and they cost at
lines almost touch.
option when seeking a teenage thrill…
least R30 000. Clothing is now specifically
42 |
+
IT’S A PERFECT EQUATION.
My suspension picks up where I leave off. Performance + Control + Efficiency = Results Minnaar didn’t become a dominant force in DH without it. Visit rockshox.com
we are today.
makes Cape Town the downhillers’ Mecca.
TREAD PHOTO: BEN BERGH NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010
© 2010 SRAM LLC. All Rights Reserved
I
History
n Greg Minnaar, South Africa has
RockShox products are distributed in Southern Africa by Cape Cycle Systems (Pty) Ltd www.capecycles.co.za ROCKSHOX® is a proud sponsor of the Santa Cruz Syndicate mountain bike team featuring: GREG MINNAAR Featured product: BoXXer World Cup + VIVID R2C
Feature
Feature
manufactured for downhill racing to afford
have photos or video footage!) to show for
the rider the required protection with the
their unplanned dismounts.
in all the bicycle-racing disciplines.
taped on both sides from start to finish and
Registration: 08h00 to 10h00.
There’s a lot of family involvement
all potentially dangerous protruding stumps
Practice: 08h30 to 12h30 – all riders must
How can I get started? Firstly you need to join a local cycling
least amount of additional weight. Riders
While a high level of fearlessness is
too. Transporting riders to the start of
and rocks are sprayed with a fluorescent
complete two full practice runs.
club and then get licensed. The club you
can now compete at regional, national and
required, the competitive downhillers are
the track during training requires support
paint, to be more visible. The specified
Racing: Starts at 13h30 and each rider
join will assist you in applying for your
international level, where there are many
bristling with bike-handling skills, quick
– and parental support is usually the most
CSA warning signs are positioned along the
completes two timed runs with the best
CSA license. Get the right equipment as
professional riders making a living from
judgment and a fantastic sense of timing.
forthcoming. This
track to warn riders of pending dangerous
time to count on the day.
recommended above, make contact with
the sport. Only a handful of South Africans,
They’re also generally very fit – heart rates
friends together and it is during this time
sections.
Cash prizes are awarded to the first 3 places
other DH riders in your area and arrange
however, have made a career of downhill
of riders during downhill races can get close
that strong bonds of friendship and mutual
Marshals: Marshals are positioned within
in all CSA age categories.
to do some riding.
racing.
to their maximum.
respect are built.
eyesight of one another along the full
Racing:
a
experienced riders will be more than happy
What’s needed to take part?
length of the track. They are equipped with
predetermined start order and at 60-second
to show you the basics and always willing
whistles and flags and some at strategic
intervals. Riders mount their bikes in
to have you join them when practising or building tracks.
brings
families
and
Competitors
start
in
You will find that
as
The sport is unforgiving and leaves no
we know it today was born as a dirt-road
margin for error in both riding ability and
Technically and legally, all CSA requires is
downhill race called Repack on the slopes
mechanical failure. It is common for the top
that the rider must be licensed, wear a full-
locations have radios.
the starting gate and are released on a
10 finishers in a race
face helmet and a long-sleeved riding shirt.
Medics: Medics are stationed at dangerous
countdown basis. They then race as fast
to be separated by
They do recommend that a rider should also
points along the track where the race
as they can to the finish line where their
less than five seconds
wear protective clothing in the form of body
director requires them. All medics have
time is recorded. Each rider completes two
and
the
armour etc, but it’s optional. The majority
radios and are in constant contact with
timed race runs and their best time is used
mishap
of experienced riders wear elbow and knee
the race director and the start and finish
to determine their position.
will result in a rider
guards or ‘slammers’, goggles, a neck brace
officials. An ambulance and medical GP are
What downhill races are on the CSA
www.nsrmtb.co.za
dropping
several
and downhill riding shoes. Many also wear
on standby at a local hospital.
calendar?
www.facebook.com/#!/blizzardcycle
rider
upper-body armour, which protects their
Transport:
to
The full downhill calendar consists of a
another’s triumphs
can afford to get a
back, shoulders and chest, but it is hot and
transport the riders to the start of the track
5 event Regional Series, a 4 event National
puncture
heavy and can restrict riding style.
but offer truckloads
throughout the practice session and for the
Series, the SA Champs and the African
a chain or misjudge
A proper downhill bike goes a long way
timed race runs.
Continental Champs. These 11 events take
of empathy and
a corner. Race runs
to making downhill racing faster and safer.
Programme for regional events: Official
place from February to July and riders
www.andrewneethling.com
need to be error-
And it’s highly recommended.
practice and racing takes place on the
therefore have the opportunity to compete
www.gmfanclub.com/ride
same day.
in a race virtually every second week.
Appropriate
fact:
Mountain
of Mount Tamalpais in Northern California in the mid 1970s. What is downhill racing? Downhill racing is quite a unique cycling discipline that’s considered
an
extreme
sport by some. Not surprisingly, since it’s an adrenaline rush from start to finish as competitors race individually down steep and technically
challeng-
biking
There’s a strong sense of community as even rivals celebrate one
support when there’s a serious injury.
therefore
slightest
places.
No or
break
to
But don’t think that you have to have a
win an event and
downhill bike to get into downhill racing.
reliable
Everyone has to start somewhere and many
free
in
order
equipment and
a competitive rider started out on a five-
It’s probably the most
constantly needs to
inch travel trail bike, cautiously opting for
be
‘chicken runs’ and discovering – sometimes
close-knit community
replaced.
quickly – the value of high-performance,
What attracts riders
large-rotor brakes, huge suspension travel,
in all the bicycle-
to the sport?
relaxed frame angles, a longer wheel base
racing disciplines.
quality time on the
It is possible to pick up a relatively good
fine line between a
second-hand bike but, before buying one,
challenging as possible, with riders having
fast time and an arm sling for four weeks
get it checked out by a local bike shop
to do minimal pedalling. They include a
is the main attraction. In other words,
that knows something about downhill bikes
mixture of big drop-offs, jumps ranging
pushing the limits of the laws of physics and
or at least by an experienced downhill
from 8–15 metres in distance and sections
human capability. It’s risky, stimulating,
rider. Once you get serious about the sport
of track littered with roots, ruts and rocks
unpredictable, rewarding, heartbreaking,
you will want a new bike and there are a
(rock gardens). On faster sections riders
bone-breaking (sometimes) but a generally
number of good brands to choose from.
will record speeds of over 60kph and the
fun, healthy way to live large. For want of
What’s involved on race day?
winner’s average speed on most tracks is
a better term, it’s also quite a ‘gentleman’s
The Track: The track has to be at least 2
around 40kph.
game’ in that riders compete against the
metres wide and, where possible, must
clock and there’s no physical contact or
give riders the choice of optional lines that
heated incidents.
they can take, especially through or around
ing tracks to see who can record the fastest time. The races are based on a time trial principle with riders leaving the start gate at 60-second intervals. Tracks are designed to be as fast and as
The danger element is high even for the most experienced of riders, as they are
is
essential maintained
Spending
or
some
always pushing the limits of their ability. It
dangerous sections. It needs to be between
is the exception for any rider not to have a
as even rivals celebrate one another’s
2km and 4km long and must include a
potentially serious crash during the season
triumphs, and offer truckloads of empathy
number of technical obstacles, many of
and the experienced campaigners all have
and support when there’s a serious injury.
which have to be built by hand, such as
battle scars, interesting stories (some even
It’s probably the most close-knit community
jumps, berms and bridges. The track is
TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
trucks
are
used
visit these useful websites:
www.cyclingsa.com/mtb www.gibagorge.co.za www.mankele.co.za
and of course a chainguide.
There’s a strong sense of community
44 |
Open
For more information,
PHOTO: IAN HYLANDS TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
| 45
NEW EPIC TURBO RACE-FUEL
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PROBLEM: LACK OF MOTIVATION How many times have you woken up for a planned ride with your buddies at 5am and you just don’t have the energy or ‘the legs’? Should you send the ‘regret SMS’ or just drag yourself out of bed? SOLUTION: EPIC TURBO Drag yourself to the kitchen, mix one sachet of Epic Turbo with water and gulp it down. Within minutes your heart rate picks up and your legs start tripping around. You’re eager to get your gloves, shoes and helmet on... Suddenly you experience that sheer sense of fitness, something you haven’t felt in months or even years. And shivers of anticipation... It’s only a training ride with your cycling buddies but NOW, you’re ready to race – ready to tear up the road! PROBLEM: MID-RACE SLUMP You’re still in the bunch but don’t have the legs to hang on, it’s only halfway into the race and you’re suffering. Your legs feel depleted, your breathing is heavy, your confidence is so low it feels like it’s dragging on the road. And you’re convinced you are pedalling in squares and decide to shift down to the small chainring, but realise you’re already there. SOLUTION: EPIC TURBO Take a couple of gulps of Epic Turbo and within two minutes you feel comfortable. It feels like the pace of the pack is slowing down ut in actual fact, your pace is increasing. Your legs are back in action, you’re looking for a bigger gear, your breathing is rhythmic and steady and you’re feeling invincible. This is when you make a mental note to never start a 100-kay race without Epic Turbo. PROBLEM: LACK OF SELF-BELIEF Sprinting to the finish has always been a serious mental block... “I’m not a sprinter, I don’t have the fast-twitch muscles for speed,” you constantly tell yourself. You stay with the bunch for as long as you can, often all the way to the finish, but hardly ever get near the front when you hit the final dash to the line. “I finished with the bunch,” becomes your most repeated post-race sentence. Where’s the satisfaction in that? SOLUTION: EPIC TURBO Epic Turbo changes the way you finish races. You know exactly what you usually feel like approaching the finish line, but this time you began drinking Epic Turbo just after halfway. Your legs feel unbelievably strong and you find yourself in a surprisingly favourable position three bikes from the front. Now it’s all a matter of timing, the power is there... Don’t slow down, keep going harder because – and this is the most surprising part – you can... Beat the bunch because now you can!
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THE WAY YOU TRAIN AND RACE WILL CHANGE FROM YOUR FIRST SERVING. www.usn.co.za
USN SA
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TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
| 47
Skill
Master the manual
Probably one of the most useful skills to master is the manual. It’s essentially a wheelie without pedalling and it’s your ticket to becoming a smoother, faster, more in control rider. By Sean Badenhorst
SKILL 48 |
TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
PHOTO: BEN BERGH
There are different levels of a manual with
3. Stop pedalling and keep your pedals level
the most basic level being where, while
7. Hold your position and enjoy the moment.
standing on your pedals (not pedalling), you
4. Ensure your weight is centred over the
8. Tap your back brake if you feel you’re
lift your front wheel in order to clear a trail
obstacle or scoot through a small dip. By
lever.
9. Practise for an hour and you’ll be in a
manualling, you get to maintain, and even
5. Move your weight back so that you have
position to be able to do basic manuals on
build, momentum instead being slowed
the back of the saddle touching your
the trail.
down.
inner thighs. Your front wheel will be
10. As you get more accomplished, you’ll
1. Find an obstacle-free gradual uphill slope
slightly unweighted now.
be able to hold a manual for longer.
– this helps you get your weight back.
(9 o’clock & 3 o’clock position). bike with two fingers on your rear brake
wheel off the ground.
going too far over the back.
6. In one smooth movement, straighten
You’ll also be able to do a manual varied
2. Pedal up to a moderate speed (jogging
your arms, shift your weight forward,
surfaces and downhill slopes like the rider
pace).
then shift it back, lifting the front
in the photo.
USEFUL TIPS: • • • • •
Practise with flat pedals and grippy shoes to minimise your fear – and risk – of flipping backwards. Lower your saddle initially. Hydraulic disc brakes, properly set up, will allow you to optimal two-finger braking. A hardtail bike is easier to manual than a dual suspension bike. If you have a dual suspension bike, lock out the rear shock, or set it onto pro-pedal. A riser bar gives you a more controlled position than a straight bar. TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
| 49
Feature Fuel
Feature
Quick Fix Running out of energy isn’t something you plan – it happens as a result of a lack of planning. And it’s not pretty. If you’ve ever run out of energy during a long ride or race, you’ll know what we mean. You feel weak, helpless, hopeless. The simple, subconscious act of turning the cranks becomes a calendar event. The last thing you need is some smart arse telling you what you should have done. The first you need is fast carbs – now! By Sean Badenhorst
sugary drinks and foods. They taste
F
carbohydrates
great and are the world’s most
functioning of muscles. Most energy gels
• Try different brands in training to
popular form of quick-fix energy – think
will contain the following electrolytes:
determine which works best for you.
Coca-Cola, chocolate, sweets… But they
sodium, potassium, and/or magnesium.
• Choose a flavour that you can cope with
ast carbs are usually found in high-GI
lift you up and then drop you again quite
Electrolytes are essential in metabolising
Potassium
and
is
the
for
major
the
proper
electrolyte
ENERGY GEL 101
for hours or take different flavours and
quickly, which isn’t really ideal when you’re
found in all of your body’s cells. It plays
alternate.
2-3 hours from finishing your ride or race.
an important role in the transmission of
• After you’ve emptied your gel into your
You need to get to quickly replenish
signals to nerve impulses, muscle cell
mouth, wash it down with a few
carbs, but you also need to keep going as
contraction and overall maintenance of
mouthfuls of liquid (preferably
steadily as possible. That’s where energy
your cardiovascular system.
water).
gels can come to your rescue.
Magnesium is essential for the efficient
Energy gels are a specifically formulated
metabolism of carbohydrates.
• Take them on their own (every 30-40 minutes) or in conjunction with regular carb drinks (in the second half of the
mix of simple and complex carbohydrates
Since most energy gels are a concentrated
and water used to energise your body
carbohydrate, you should always consume
race).
during exercise. They provide more energy
adequate amounts of water when taking a
• Return the empty gel packaging to your
(calories) per gram than sports drinks and
gel to aid absorption and hydration.
pocket – don’t litter!
are easier to digest than solid food.
They’re designed to deliver a quick rise
• Options other than in your jersey
of
in blood sugar and to maintain that glucose
pocket is under your shorts’ cuff
concentrated carbohydrates and simple
level for up to 45 minutes while you’re
elastic or taped to your bike – tape
sugars. Sometimes electrolytes and other
riding. Easy to carry in your pockets or
just the tear-off bit so as you pull
ingredients such as herbs and caffeine are
taped to your bike, energy gels make for
the gel sachet it opens.
added to the gel, giving you more than a
a helluva convenient, effective source of
physical boost, but a mental one too.
quick energy.
Most
50 |
energy
gels
are
made
TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
| 51
Feature Out Starting
GO RACE!
working as it should and get them to tighten all bolts. Gears and brakes should work properly, obviously, because you use these more than you’ll know during a race. TACTICS Be realistic and self-seed yourself on the start line. Starting at the back of the field isn’t a bad idea. That way you have no pressure from riders behind you and you get to pick your way past slower riders, which gives you a mental boost. Start off at a steady pace, one that allows you to talk quite comfortably to your riding buddy. Speaking of which, it’s a good idea to ride your first few races with another mountain biker. Preferably someone with a bit of experience that can guide you or help you repair a puncture (spit) if necessary. By starting at a steady/comfortable pace, you’ll be able to conserve your energy and big efforts for later on or when they’re needed for a tough climb or a rough surface. AVOID COMMON PROBLEMS Chain derailment – usually happens when you shift under pressure to a smaller chainring on a climb. Anticipate and shift before you hit the
So you’ve been riding for a while, you’ve got to know your bike, you’ve got to the point where you’re excited about your next ride. Now what? How about trying a race?
meat of the climb. Becoming an obstacle – if you have to stop or dismount, move off the trail as quickly as possible to allow those behind you clear passage. Becoming a hindrance – on singletrack, if you’ve been caught by a faster rider that needs to pass, look for a widening of the trail and move over for a moment. They usually shout ‘TRACK!’ when they’re
NO MORE FLATS
approaching from behind. Don’t panic, don’t say ‘pardon’, just move By Sean Badenhorst
over where possible and let them pass. Forgetting to drink – a common problem, especially if the terrain is
R
ace is a strong word. Think of it as
cricket. Mountain biking isn’t predictable
And a very simple solution is to mix a
an organised challenge where you
and it isn’t necessarily easy. A race is the
good quality powdered carb drink to your
get a time and a position. The good
same. Part of the appeal of a mountain bike
hydration pack or bottles. They’re designed
thing about a, er, race is that there’s a whole
race is that it challenges and sometimes
to give you fast-acting carbohydrate energy
lot of you with a similar goal – to finish the
surprises you. Add in the fellow-competitor
and electrolytes to help combat cramping
event and enjoy it in the process. You should
factor
increased
and dehydration. Also take along a couple
also get a well-marked/marshalled route,
pressure. Go for races that range from
of sachets or tube of sports energy gel for
refreshment stations and medical support (if
15km-40km. Know that a 40km race can
a quick boost should you need it. And don’t
necessary).
take up to 4 hours if the course is tough and
feel shy about stopping at the water points –
A race environment can be intimidating
you’re not conditioned to manage it well. If
they often have fruit and snacks too.
because of the intensity and energy. And
you have any doubts, make your first effort
BIKE
then there’s the crowd. Most of your rides
un-ambitious, and live to tell the tale, then
Punctures are like mosquitoes – nobody
have probably been alone or with one or two
move on to the more challenging one the
likes them, they violate you without warning
friends. You may have encountered other
next time. Aim too high, and you might
and it’s impossible to completely eliminate
mountain bikers on your rides, but never as
frighten yourself off the next one.
them. But with tubeless tyres filled with some
many as you’ll encounter at a race. CHOOSING A RACE For your first race, pick a distance that’s within your fitness capabilities and terrain
and
you
have
some
Note: The calendar of events at the back
form of gooey sealant, you can dramatically
of this magazine has a comprehensive listing
reduce your chances of puncturing. Speak
of upcoming races.
to your local bike shop about converting –
NUTRITION
you’ll never regret it. Never. If your wheels
that’s within your skill level. Most races
The one thing you want to make sure you
have a website which contains detailed race
don’t run out of during your race, is energy.
information. And if you’re still uncertain,
It’s fuel for your body – it makes your muscles
Tighten all bolts (preferably with a torque
call the organiser who will usually give you
respond to the demands you place on them
wrench) to ensure nothing rattles loose
even more specific route information.
and helps you think clearly and focus on the
during the race. Or ask your local bike shop
trail ahead. That’s a very simple explanation.
to service the bike and check everything is
Remember, this is mountain biking, not
52 |
TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
are not tubeless-ready, slime-filled tubes are also available, and work almost as well.
challenging. Try and stop every 15 minutes and take few mouthfuls of your carb drink before continuing. TAKE STOCK The morning of your first race is nerve-wracking. If you were to forget your helmet, or your shoes at home, you would not be the first, nor last to do so. In the panic of getting ready, you will be surprised what lunacy can creep into your head. So, put them in a plastic bag, and tie it to the handlebars the night before the race. Oh, and if you have to remove wheels to transport your bike/s, count how many wheels are in the car before you drive off… Often – more often than ever thought possible – they stay propped up against your bumper, where you left them as you rushed to load your bike.
JARGON Chute: barrier-taped area at the start and finish to guide you on your way out and one your way back. Track!: What faster riders approaching from behind will generally
ZEROFLATS is a formula of nanoencapsulated natural latex that stays liquid inside your tyre. When you get a flat it instantly forms a permanent plug, blocking up the leak for good.
shout to warn you of their imminent arrival. Bomb: The cylindrical metal tubes that contain compressed CO2 gas that inflate your tyres fast in the case of a puncture. Goody bag: A bag/packet you often get when you register for
BALLISTIC BIKE
your race – sometimes contains something useful, but mostly not.
T
R
A
D
I
N
G
Don’t judge a race by its goody bag. Number: Seems obvious, but your number identifies you for the sake of safety and your finishing position/time.
Exclusive Importers and Distributors of Ghost Bikes, ESI Grips, Halo Headband, Chamois Butt’r, Buh Bump, SockGuy, Bike Medicine, Bike Brake, SDG Components, Zero Flats and Zero Goo Hydration Dryers. Office: +27 11 023 4478; Email: info@bbtrading.co.za Website: www.ballisticbiketrading.co.za
Discover Mpumalanga’s Newest
Mountain Bike Trails at Misty Valley Lodge Family Resort’s Mountain Bike Park and Trail Centre
BIKE & GEAR CONTENTS MOMSEN TWEN-9AL - 56 SPECIALIZED CAMBER - 58 SCOTT VOLTAGE FR20 - 60
J
ust a two-and-a-half hour drive from Joburg/Pretoria, just outside Waterval Boven, is where your next great mountain biking experience awaits. From children to active teens to recreational riders to hardcore racers, there are purpose-built, flowing singletrack trails to stimulate and satisfy every level of mountain biker, including: 4 Green Trails 4 Blue Trails 2 Red Trails 1 Black Trail Our Trail Centre has high quality bikes of all sizes for hire, a bicycle mechanic and stocks basic consumables and spares.
VOLCAN 29XC - 62
Come for the riding and stay overnight. All styles of accommodation, from camping right through to luxury chalets, is available in the vicinity.
GEAR REVIEWS - 70
BIKE SPECS - 64 STEEL IS REAL - 65 WHYTE 19 - 66 COTIC SOUL - 68
To find out more about our affordable mountain biking weekend packages and other off-the-bike attractions, visit www.mistyvalleylodge.co.za Tel: 086 136 4789 E-mail: bookings@mistyvalleylodge.co.za TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
| 55
Tested
Tested
| Rxxx MOMSEN name TWEN-9AL | R2 650 (frame only); r19 950 complete
M
omsen is a new brand, but its
100mm travel fork
namesake and founder, Victor
with remote lock-
Momsen, most certainly isn’t
out. The wheelset
new to the bicycle industry. With years
was a dreamy Stan’s
of experience in creating or fine-tuning
ZTR Crest combo
designs and sourcing quality, value-for-
with WTB Nano 2.1
money spec for a couple other successful
tyres and the group-
brands, this Port Elizabethan is now
set a full SRAM X7
using his experience to build his own
10-speed set-up.
bike brand.
Bars, stem and seat-
PHOTO: xxx
post were, appropriTHE BIKE
ately, from Momsen
It felt quite exciting to unpack, build and
Design, the bike
ride the first ever Momsen bike. The white
brand’s parts and
with black/red decaled frame looks clean
accessories sister-
yet racey. The 7000 Series aluminium frame
division. The bars
is triple-butted and hydroformed to be lat-
and stem were car-
erally stiff with some vertical ‘forgiveness’
bon and the seatpost lightweight aluminium.
cended with consistent agility, especially on
while still being relatively light. The head-
Some 29-ers look a little unbalanced, but the
long smooth climbs where you can lockout the
tube is tapered for improved front-end
Momsen just looked right.
fork and really power up. It handled descents
strength and steering precision and is quite
THE RIDE
with confidence over even the roughest sur-
It was extremely smooth and fast and as-
short “in order to offer a low, aggressive rid-
And it rode like it looked from the first
faces and bit firmly into turns. In all, a very
ing position,” says Victor Momsen. Cables
pedal stroke – just right. The set-up with the
well-balanced ride, which means that the
run neatly underneath the top tube to the
wide-ish riser bar was a perfect blend be-
angles – headtube: 71.5-degrees; seattube:
rear brake and derailleurs. We also like the
tween comfort and aggression and allowed
73-degrees – are spot on for marathon race
us to confidently
courses and most trails. The SRAM X7 groupset
tackle any kind of
went about its business without complaint,
trail. The low-ish
with crisp shifting and predictably smooth,
bottom
bracket
yet powerful braking the norm. The Stan’s
keeps the centre
ZTR Crest wheelset was superb (see review
of gravity in a good
on Page 56) and kept the overall weight of the
place for control at
bike a very respectable 11.1kg (with pedals).
high speeds, but it
THE VERDICT
requires some con-
As a frameset, the Momsen Twen-9AL of-
scious adjustment
fers incredible value for money and gives
at first to avoid
those on a budget access to a 29er bike op-
clipping the pedals
tion. Our complete test bike would cost just
on the occasional
under R20 000. The Twen-9AL was equally
rock or clump of
proficient in marathon races and on steady
grass. Members of
trail rides. We think Victor Momsen’s deci-
our test team rode
sion to create his own brand was a smart one
the
for
and has resulted in a bike that’s very well
seven weeks and
suited to South African riding conditions. For
kept
up
the pure racers, there’s a carbon version out
drainage hole underneath the bottom brack-
with compliments. It was equally at home
soon, but for most of us the Twen-9AL is as a
et – thoughtful.
on long, steady trail rides as it was on fast,
good an allrounder as you’ll get.
Momsen coming
Momsen sells the Twen-9AL as a frameset
furious loops on XC-style course, although a
only or with fork and wheels. Our complete
little less nippy through the very tight stuff,
test bike came with a Rock Shox Recon Gold
but nothing unusual for a 29er.
56 |
TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
X C - M A R AT H O N - T R A I L - F R E E R I D E PHOTOS: DINO LLOYD TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
| 57
Tested
Tested
| RxxxCAMBER COMP| R16 995 SPECIALIZED name
A
PHOTO: xxx
fter
giving
the
Specialized
using Specialized’s in-line shock design
Stumpjumper 140mm of travel
(where the shock is aligned with the
for 2010, Specialized had no
seatstays). The shock is driven directly
model in the increasingly popular 120mm
from the end of the seatstays, with a
category. The new Camber fills that gap
one-piece forged linkage connecting the
perfectly.
stays to the seat tube to keep everything in line. The Rock Shox Ario RL has 120mm
THE BIKE
of travel and full lockout. Nice and simple
Some say the Camber is just a recycle
really. The fork is a fairly entry-level Rock
of the old Stumpjumper. Well there’s
Shox Recon Silver with 120mm of travel and
nothing wrong with that, since the Stumpy
lockout, while the wheelset is a marriage
is a worthy trail-tamer. We can see some
of DT Swiss 445D rims and Specialized
similarities, but can safely say the Camber
sealed cartridge bearing hubs. Shimano SLX
has a character all of its own. Gold bling on
derailleurs, Alivio shifters and Tektro Draco
a bike? Bling is perhaps too strong a word
hydraulic disc brakes and Specialized XC
to describe the detailing on the Camber.
bars, stem and seatpost complete the deal,
The black and white swoopy hydroformed
The continuous cable housing and cable
aluminium frame is livened up by gold detail
guide clips on the side of the toptube to
on the shock mount below the top tube and
accommodate remotely operated telescopic
on the inside of the seatstays. The link
seatpost, confirm much attention to detail
between the ‘seatstays’ and the seat tube
was given to the Camber.
(because they’re completely separate) is
THE RIDE
gold as are the gear cables, seat rails, grip
The fact that there’s no Brain inertia
clamps, seatpost clamp, spoke nipples and
valve shock on the Camber encourages
of course the ‘S’ on the headtube. It really
more rider input on the trail, which we
is a good looking combination, which drew
rather liked. Having said that though, the
many an second glance and compliments
suspension was generally very balanced
from other riders.
between the front and rear, although the
The rear suspension is pretty simple,
fork was a bit out of its depth on some of
kind of traction we expected on loosesurfaces. The Tektro brakes worked fine, but felt like budget-beaters at times, especially through fast technical sections where late-braking decisions are common. The Shimano gears never disappointed, shifting on demand in all conditions, but the rear mech did need some fine-tune adjustment after a few weeks. The riding position, courtesy of the wide-ish riser bar, short-ish stem and relaxed 68.5-degree headtube angle, was very assured and inspired confidence, especially on the more technical trails and descents. THE VERDICT A very good looking bike that’s been thoroughly thought out and is fun to ride. The fork and tyres might be the first the place
the more rocky descents. It’s not an nimble climber, even with all suspension locked out, but then we didn’t expect it to be. It’s not slow though and really came alive through technical singletrack, tight turns and descents. We quickly discovered the tyres – Specialized The Captain 26x2.0 – weren’t ideal for a bike that’s aimed squarely at trail riding, puncturing on a number of occasions and not offering the
58 |
TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
to consider upgrades if you’re an ambitious, skilled rider that likes to push the limits. But for anyone that wants a do-it-all, no-nonsense bike at reasonable price, the Camber is a worthy candidate. Ideal for those buying their first dual suspension bike or looking to add more than just half-marathons/marathons to the their riding. X C - M A R AT H O N - T R A I L - F R E E R I D E PHOTOS: DINO LLOYD TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
| 59
Tested
Tested
SCOTT|VOLTAGE name Rxxx FR20 | R19 700
S
PHOTO: xxx
COTT’s range of gravity bikes has
travel. The hubs
been gaining credibility over the
are SCOTT’s own
past few years (SCOTT sponsors
and the rims are
a professional international DH team)
bombproof Alex FR
and SCOTT’s pricing has now become
32s, seated inside
extremely competitive. Combine the two
Schwalbe Big Betty
and you get one impressive package!
DH tyres. Shifting is supplied by SRAM’s
THE BIKE If you could hear in colour, you’d hear the
X5 shifter and X7 rear
derailleur,
Voltage FR20 before you see it! You can’t
while
a Truvativ
get more dayglo green if you tried, but it
Hussefelt crankset
actually works well for a bike that’s meant to
and
push limits and is softened somewhat by the
chainguide complete
white parts spec. The chunky frame is made
the
from 6061 aluminium tubing, square-edged
drivetrain. Stopping
in places where it needs strength and welded
power is courtesy of Avid’s Elixir 5 hydraulic
South Africa does not have too many bike
using the Full Nelson™ technique for even
brake system with 203mm rotors front and
parks, and it is for this reason we won’t be
more big-hit peace of mind. The suspension
rear. The cockpit comprises a SCOTT Pilot
surprised to see the dayglo green Voltage
travel and frame geometry are adjustable
FR 1 750mm-wide bar, Truvativ Hussefelt
at most of downhill races. It is admittedly
with two positions for the shock mounts
oversize stem and SCOTT seatpost and
not intended for this purpose, but our
that allow for 160mm-180mm travel
Voltage FR saddle.
gravity test team was hugely impressed
options for the Fox VAN R shock.
Edgy decaling on
with the performance of the Voltage FR20
There is also an interchangeable
the rear hub and
on downhill courses. It accelerates out of
dropout with 12mm thru-axle. The
rims is an indication
the corners really fast and gets up to speed
fork is a confidence-inspiring Rock
of the high level of
quickly in the pedally sections. Sadly, the
Shox Boxxer RC with 200mm of
attention to detail
same geometry that makes this bike easy
in this bike, which
to pedal, corner and jump, also makes it
turned more heads
twitchy on the high-speed stuff. But it is a
than any other test
sacrifice worth making if you’re looking for
bike we’ve ridden!.
a wallet-friendly DH racing option.
E-Thirteen no-nonsense
THE RIDE
Shifting was consistent and braking was
SCOTT has given
appropriately precise and reliable, while
the Voltage FR20 an
the fork did a masterful job of anything we
80%
pointed the bike at.
freeride/20%
downhill
rating,
For the price, you can’t beat the SCOTT
the bike. We rode the ‘long’ size and our
FR20. Under twenty grand for one of the
initial feeling was that the cockpit was
most versatile, reliable bikes we’ve ridden.
too cramped. But once on the bike this
The gravity riding marking in South Africa is
soon altered as we were in a position that
relatively niche, partly due to the high cost
combined comfort and confidence. The FR20
of appropriate bikes, but with the Voltage
accelerates and corners exceptionally well,
FR20, SCOTT is definitely lowering the barrier
thanks in large to the freeride geometry,
to entry, but certainly not compromising
and it is for this reason that this bike is really
on safety or fun. Highly recommended for
content on drop offs, jumps and bermed
anyone with an active adrenal system.
corners. It is as happy manualling, as it is hitting step-ups and fast flowing trails, a really well suited bike to the freeride set.
60 |
TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
VERDICT
and this is evident as soon as you get on
X C - M A R AT H O N - T R A I L - F R E E R I D E - D H PHOTOS: DINO LLOYD TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
| 61
Tested
Tested
| Rxxx VOLCAN name 29XC | R49 000
K
evin Evans and Yolande Speedy
PHOTO: xxx
lateral stiffness in the rear triangle.
gave Volcan more than enough
Volcan has different build options for the
race-cred, both enjoying prolific
29XC. Ours came with an American Classic
a podium-topping 2010 season. The brand
tubeless wheelset, SRAM XX 10-speed group-
continues to focus on high performance,
set, FSA carbon stem, Truvativ carbon flat
yet reasonably priced bikes and has
bar and Volcan lightweight alloy seatpost
wisely added a the 29XC full carbon bike
with a Sella Italia SLR perch. The suspension
to it’s line-up for 2011.
responsibility was given to a Rock Shox Reba Team with 100mm of travel and lockout. The
THE BIKE Wow! A real looker. Volcan has taken
whole package was a scale-friendly 9.5kg. THE RIDE
the power of the red, black and white
If light and responsive were Volcan’s
combination and made it into its trademark
goals with the 29XC, they achieved them.
style. With low weight top of mind, they
Each of our test riders was blown away by
use the dark charcoal of the carbon as
how fast this bike climbed. Acceleration
a colour and only paint the white and
isn’t a strong point of 29ers, but we found
red, which gives the frame some texture
this to be the most responsive 29er we’ve
variety too. Certainly very classy looking.
sections
The unidirectional carbon frame has been
the
shaped for speed, with very direct, shortish
suspect certainly
wheelset and the very capable
73-degree seattube. And it sits firmly in
fork played a role in this. The
the featherweight division at 1050 grams
Continental Race King 2.2-
(Large).
inch tyres rolled very well
The headtube is tapered from 1-1/8-inch
in dry, firm conditions, but
at the top to 1.5-inch at the bottom to
were a bit unpredictable on
increase front-end stiffness. The headtube
sketchy surfaces leaving all of
has been kept short to give the rider a
our testers with some nervous
more aggressive racing position. We love
moments (and our editor with
the internal cable routing, which keeps the whole look of the bike very clean. The rear
ridden, especially so when it comes to
disc brake mount is positioned on the inside
acceleration. The short head tube does
of the chainstay, removing braking forces
get you into an aggressive enough riding
from the seatstay and allowing for more
position without having to use a negative
design manipulation to achieve optimal
sloping stem. We found it super fast along more
predictable
terrain,
but
it
felt a bit twitchy in
tight
Running
turns. a
lower
tyre pressure on the front did improve this
slightly,
not Despite
but
completely. its
light
weight, the XC29 felt quite stable on technical descents and through rocky TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
we but
not heavy American Classic
seatstays and a 70-degree headtube and
62 |
and
strong,
a deep gash in his knee). The SRAM XX shifting was precise and consistent and the stopping power of the brakes was generally good, although the bike did arrive with a spongy rear brake, which required bleeding. The fact that it still had Kevin Evans’s name on the frame (he raced it for a short while in 2010) added a bit of character to what is essentially a very clinical race machine. THE VERDICT Light weight, responsiveness and topspec parts were the highlights of the XC29. If performance is a priority to you, then it’s worth having a closer look at what is essentially Volcan’s confident arrival in the 29-er race bike market. X C - M A R AT H O N - T R A I L - F R E E R I D E PHOTOS: DINO LLOYD TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
| 63
Feature
Tested MOMSEN TWEN-9AL
VOLCAN 29XC
SCOTT VOLTAGE FR20
GEOMETRY SIZES: S, M (tested), L, XL TOP TUBE LENGTH: 595mm SEAT TUBE LENGTH: 430mm HEAD TUBE ANGLE: 71.5 degrees SEAT TUBE ANGLE: 73 degrees CHAINSTAY LENGTH: 445mm WHEELBASE: 1085mm SPECS PRICE R2650 (frame only); R19 950 complete as tested FRAME: Hydroformed and triple butted 7000 Series aluminium COLOURS: White WEIGHT: 11.0kg excl.pedals FORK: Rock Shox Recon Gold with 100mm travel & remote lockout SHIFTERS: SRAM X7 10-speed rapidfire FRONT DERAILLEUR: SRAM X7 REAR DERAILLEUR: SRAM X7 CRANKSET: SRAM X7 BRAKESET: SRAM X7/Avid Elixir S hydraulic disc with 160mm rotors front & rear WHEELS: STAN’S ZTR Crest wheelset
GEOMETRY SIZES: S, M (tested), L TOP TUBE LENGTH: 615mm SEAT TUBE LENGTH: 480mm HEAD TUBE ANGLE: 70 degrees SEAT TUBE ANGLE: 73 degrees CHAINSTAY LENGTH: 440mm WHEELBASE: 1122mm SPECS PRICE R49 000
GEOMETRY SIZES: Short, Long (tested) TOP TUBE LENGTH: 582mm SEAT TUBE LENGTH: 365mm HEAD TUBE ANGLE: 65 degrees SEAT TUBE ANGLE: 73.3 degrees CHAINSTAY LENGTH: 425mm WHEELBASE: 1159mm SPECS PRICE: R19 700
FRAME: Unidirectional carbon fibre
FRAME: Hydroformed 6061 aluminium
TYRES: WTB Nano 2.1-inch front & rear OTHERS: Momsen Design carbon riser bar and stem, alloy seatpost with WTB saddle CONTACT: www.twowheelstrading.co.za; 041 368 5708 X C – M A R AT H O N – T R A I L - F R E E R I D E
TYRES: Continental Race King 2.2-inch front & rear OTHERS: Truvativ World Cup carbon flat bar, FSA carbon stem, Selle Italia SLR saddle, Volcan alloy seatpost CONTACT: www.emotioncycling.co.za; 011 262 6512 X C - M A R AT H O N - T R A I L - F R E E R I D E
SPECIALIZED CAMBER COMP
COLOURS: Dark carbon, white & red WEIGHT: 9.5kg excl.pedals FORK: Rock Shox Reba Team with 100m travel and lockout SHIFTERS: SRAM XX 10-speed rapidfire FRONT DERAILLEUR: SRAM XX REAR DERAILLEUR: SRAM XX CRANKSET: SRAM XX BRAKESET: SRAM XX/Avid hydraulic disc with 160mm rotors front & rear WHEELS: American Classic wheelset
T
ravel back in time, just a little, and join a world where steel bikes ruled the cycling world. In the mid-eighties, the likes of Hinault, Lemond and Fignon
were still winning the Tour de France on Reynolds 753 and Columbus-tubed bikes,
some of which were similar in weight to today’s machines. The drawback, then, was that to get that light, they became fragile and flexible, two negatives that the new-fangled over-size aluminium frames addressed with ease. On the fledgling mountain bike scene,
the techniques used to turn that tubing into
few manufacturers took shortcuts to make
bike frames, pretty much as quickly as it did
superlight steel frames, as the bend- and
on the aluminium front; it was just that the
break-rate was simply too high. Tange led
financial and marketing departments saw a
the field with their Prestige tubing, as found
better future in the newer material. Custom builders – mainly in the USA, but
was THE bike to own at the time. Then,
also dotted across Europe – were still making
Cannondale introduced their first mountain
delicious steel offerings, and slowly, in the last
bike, the 1984 SM-series, and were the first
five years, a minor underground revolution has
to make mainstream (Gary Klein got there
seen the material make a solid comeback. Top
first, but ‘Dale made it famous!) the super-
of the pile is the Reynolds company, which has
rigid, oversize aluminium-tubed bikes that
been a market-leader since 1889! In 1995 they
transformed performance cycling, both on
launched 853 – intended for the road market,
and off road.
but increasingly used on mountain bikes, like
COLOURS: Satin Fox Titanium WEIGHT: 12.6kg excl.pedals FORK: RockShox Reba SL with lockout
GEOMETRY SIZES: 16-inch, 17.5-inch (tested), 19-inch TOP TUBE LENGTH: 577mm SEAT TUBE LENGTH: 445mm HEAD TUBE ANGLE: 70 degrees SEAT TUBE ANGLE: 73 degrees CAHINSTAY LENGTH: Not given WHEELBASE: Not given SPECS PRICE: R5 600 (frame only) R23 000 as tested FRAME: Reynolds 853/631 steel COLOURS: Bright Orange; Super Gloss Black WEIGHT: 11.6kg excl.pedals FORK: RockShox Reba XX with Hydraulic lockout
SHIFTERS: SRAM X5 Trigger FRONT DERAILLEUR: SRAM X5 Trigger REAR DERAILLEUR: SRAM X9 CRANKSET: FSA Afterburner BB30 44/32/22 BRAKESET: Avid Elixir R
SHIFTERS: SRAM X9 2x10 FRONT DERAILLEUR: SRAM X9 2x10 REAR DERAILLEUR: SRAM X9 2x10 CRANKSET: SRAM X9 2x10 42/28 BRAKESET: Avid Elixir CR
WHYTE 19
GEOMETRY SIZES: S, M (tested), L
TOP TUBE LENGTH: 590mm SEAT TUBE LENGTH: 445mm HEAD TUBE ANGLE: 68.5 degrees SEAT TUBE ANGLE: 71 degrees CAHINSTAY LENGTH: 420mm WHEELBASE: 1118mm SPECS PRICE: R16 995 FRAME: M4 hydroformed aluminium COLOURS: White, black, gold WEIGHT: 14.2kg excl.pedals FORK: Rock Shox Ario RL shock with 120mm travel and lockout SHIFTERS: Shimano Alivio 9-speed trigger FRONT DERAILLEUR: Shimano SLX REAR DERAILLEUR: Shimano SLX Shadow long cage CRANKSET: Shimano FC-M430 44/32.22 BRAKESET: Tektro Draco hydraulic disc with 160mm rotor (front), 180mm rotor (rear) WHEELS: DT SWISS 445D rims, Specialized disc hubs TYRES: Specialized ‘The Captain’ Sport 2.0-inch OTHERS: Specialized XC low-rise bar, stem, seatpost, Specialized BG Rival saddle CONTACT: www.specialized-sa.co.za; 0861 SWORKS X C – M A R AT H O N – T R A I L - F R E E R I D E
TOP TUBE LENGTH: 583mm SEAT TUBE LENGTH: Not given HEAD TUBE ANGLE: 68.2 degrees SEAT TUBE ANGLE: 72.7 degrees CHAINSTAY LENGTH: 425mm +/- 10mm WHEELBASE: 1085-1102mm SPECS PRICE: R20 760 FRAME: Reynolds 631 steel
TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
By Tim Brink
on the masterful Bridgestone MB1, which
GEOMETRY SIZES: S, M (tested), L, XL
64 |
COLOURS: Daylglo green and white WEIGHT: 18.1kg excl.pedals FORK: Rock Shox Boxxer RC with 200mm travel SHIFTERS: SRAM X5 trigger FRONT DERAILLEUR: N/A REAR DERAILLEUR: SRAM X7 9-speed short cage CRANKSET: SRAM XX BRAKES: Avid Elixir 5 hydraulic disc with 203mm rotors front & rear WHEELS: Alex FR 32 rims, SCOTT Comp hubs TYRES: Schwalbe Big Betty 2.4-inch front & rear OTHERS: SCOTT Pilot FR double-butted bar, Truvativ Hussefelt oversize stem, SCOTT DJ seatpost, SCOTT Voltage saddle. CONTACT: www.probike.co.za; 041 404 8500 X C - M A R AT H O N - T R A I L - F R E E R I D E - D H
STEEL IS REAL
WHEELS: Mavic XM-317/Hope Pro II/No-name-brand TYRES: Maxxis Aspen 26x2.25 OTHERS: Fizik Gobi XM/Truvativ Stylo Race CONTACT: www.whytebikes.com; 083 449 5409 X C - M A R AT H O N - T R A I L - F R E E R I D E
COTIC SOUL
WHEELS: American Classic 26 Tubeless TYRES: Schwalbe Rocket Ron/Smart Sam OTHERS: Velo Plushseat/Truvativ Stylo Team & World Cup CONTACT: www.cotic.co.za; 083 557 0613 X C - M A R AT H O N - T R A I L - F R E E R I D E
Blinded by this new science, we all rushed
the Cotic tested over the page, and more
headlong into riding bikes that, when ridden
recently with the amazing stainless steel 953
today, are mystifyingly horrible. The ride was
road-specific tubeset they launched in 2005.
so harsh – they had perfected the stiffness,
With 953 frames coming in under 1 400g, they
at the cost of comfort – that the top pros still
are not in the realm of the super-light carbon,
campaigned on custom steel bikes, or their
or even ali machines, but the ride quality is
super-expensive titanium cousins. But the
surreal. The comfort is remarkable, with the
strength, reliability and, pretty early on in
steel frame soaking up much of the roughness
the product cycle, affordability, of aluminium
when riding on the road, yet the new alloys,
frames ensured they were here to stay, and
allow the tubing to be drawn to similar wall
we are still riding them today, albeit in a far
thicknesses as back in the eighties, but with
more cultured, sculptured and forgiving way
much, much more inherent strength.
that now sees the material used in preference
So why would you want to ‘regress’ and ride
to the new new-kid-on-the-block, carbon
a steel frame, when you can buy a cheaper,
fibre, when some comfort is sought.
more efficient, lighter aluminium or carbon
So, what happened to steel? Well, it
fibre one? It is all about feel and comfort. If
never really went away, it just became a
you want to race all day, you might not get
kind of underground material, used by niche
the steel thing. If you want to ride a frame
custom builders to create individual, non-
that makes you feel part of the ride, rather
mass-market masterpieces. The technology
than a white-knuckled passenger hanging on
evolved in steel tubing manufacture, as did
for dear life, you will love the ride it offers. TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
| 65
Tested
Tested
whyte 19 | R20 760
W
hyte has pleasured us for
bearings in its bottom bracket. A nice touch
a number of years now with
on a lively frame. Move backwards, and the
their ultra-plush full suspension
19’s real party trick is the rear drop outs,
bikes. The 19 is an unsurprising addition
which slide forwards and backwards to the
to their line-up, for a brand that is aimed
tune of a centimetre, allowing you to play
squarely at the enthusiast mountain biker.
with chainstay lengths, for the tinkerers, or run the bike as a single-speed, for the nutters.
THE BIKE
The 120mm Reba is a good, solid choice for
The heart of this bike is the Reynolds 631
the front suspension, especially with the
frame, which, essentially is 853 without
stiffened 20mm Maxle, and the rest of the
expensive heat-treating. It makes for a slightly
spec is sensible, if not conservative, with the
heavier frameset – a shade over 2kg – that
smooth SRAM X9 rear derailleur paired with
will, ostensibly, not last as long (wear one of
plasticy X5 shifters (proof that drugs and bikespeccing shouldn’t be done on the same day) and Elixir 5 hydraulic brakes. The wheels are a nice surprise; with Mavic’s bulletproof XM-317 rims laced to a non-descript front hub, but a glorious-sounding and indestructible Hope Pro II rear number. In a word, the spec is eclectic, with a mixture of brilliance and average. and down. Climbing is less fun, unsurprisingly, THE RIDE
but actually not too bad. Don’t expect the
After our first trip down memory lane on
snappy, sports car acceleration of a ‘normal’
the Cotic, our second steel escapade proved
hardtail, this bike is just that little bit too soft
to be as fun as the first. It was surprising
and heavy for that, but do expect to be able
how agile and capable the Whyte was, for
to settle in and spin up your favourite climbs
a relatively heavy machine, in the technical
in comfort, as the fat takkies and supple
stuff, especially with the chainstays at their
frame soak up all the nasty bits. Traction, as
shortest – the riding position is fairly upright,
with the Cotic, is remarkable – this is one of
so lifting the front
the areas in which steel really has it over its
and
the
more exotic opposition – and tight switchback
back wheel through
climbs, rocky patches and wet roots are
trouble is a cinch.
Nirvana on the 19. We were surprised at how
The 19 is specced
well balanced the bike was, overall, given
with massive 2.25”
the strange parts mix, and must take back a
these out and earn
Maxxis
Aspen
little of what we said earlier – but only a little.
Gold Noddy Badges,
rubber, combined
Replace the X5 nonsense, it is like wearing
with sequins, for
with
Crocs with a Versace dress: we know they are
life!). Thanks to
precise Reba up
Whyte’s custom-
front (thru-axles
drawn tubeset, with
rolling
the
stiff,
really do make a
comfortable, but it is still wrong! THE VERDICT
gussets, swoops and sensible design features
difference) and the end result is a bike that
Yes, please. If you want a fun play bike that
aplenty, breakage is simply not going to be an
feels a bit like a jump bike in the slower,
will handle any weather, any abuse and any
issue here! It is a typically British bike, with
more technical stuff – jumping, lifting and
scrutiny from the Tupperware-bike-crowd,
massive tyre clearance, continuous outer
placing the front wheel and manoevering are
here it is. Just let them have a ride first – they
cables and a set of bolts under the down tube
surprisingly effortless. The relaxed head angle
will be sold in seconds.
for a crud-catcher. Mud dispatched, the next
helps with the predictability and stability of
thing that catches the eye is the FSA Gossamer
the steering, and the equally laid-back seat
crankset, complete with stiff, oversized BB30
angle is a lifesaver on the steep stuff, both up
66 |
TREAD NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010
X C - M A R AT H O N - T R A I L - F R E E R I D E PHOTO: Tim brink
Tested
Tested
COTIC SOUL | R23 000
M
an, were we happy when we heard
the super-stiff American Classic wheelset –
rumours that Cotic was coming
tubeless-ready – and Schwalbe rubber. Braking
to South Africa! Based in the Peak
came from Avid’s ultra-reliable Elixir CR
District, in England, their reputation as
hydraulic disc setup, and the finishing touches
manufacturers of no-nonsense, ride-anywhere
from Truvativ’s top-end aluminium Stylo Team
bikes preceded them, and we were dead
and World Cup ranges. Just the sort of spec
keen to try out their lauded steel offering:
you would expect on a race-ready aluminium
the Soul.
hardtail. Two minor irritants – and they are more cosmetic than functional – come from
THE BIKE
the SRAM X9… the colour-coding on the rear
Let’s start with the visual impact of the
derailleur is perfectly matched to a post box,
Soul. Impact is not an inaccurate word here;
but, unfortunately, clashes with virtually
the bright orange frame (Bright Orange,
every piece of mountain biking equipment
officially, should you want it) emphasises
ever made. What were they thinking? Then,
the relative spindlyness of the dead-straight,
those cranks. They ride fine, but look like an
perfectly round tubes. And it means you are
entry-level no-name-brand two-piece horror
unlikely to lose it in the forest. We asked for
show. At this level, we have come to expect
While not as responsive to pedaling as an alloy
our test machine to be specced with a 120mm-
something sculpted and sexy. Fortunately,
frame, we found the bike plenty lively enough
travel setup, even though it is designed to run
as we said earlier, they are stiff and shift
on the climbs, certainly more responsive and
up to 140mm, as we were not sure a 140mm
perfectly.
faster than a similar-weight dual-suspension
hardtail made sense. To that end,
rig. The 2X10 makes sense on paper, and more
it came with a Rock Shox Reba XX
so in the wild: we never found ourselves in
front end, attached to the sub-2kg
between gears, and the 28-36 ‘granny gear’
Reynolds 853 main frame, which is
climbs walls. For most of our riding in the
supplemented with a 631 headtube
month we rode this bike, we were in the big
(stiffer and stronger) and 4130
ring, such is the range of the rear cassette.
cro-mo stays. SRAM’s new X9 2x10
And when you point the long-travel fork back
drivetrain was a nice surprise, and
down hill again, the fun really begins. Loose,
complemented the slightly racy
rutted and rocky descents are this bike’s
setup of the bike perfectly, as did
playground, as the ‘compromise’ between hardtail and steel make for a bike that loves to be thrown into corners, and through really rough stuff, where a regular hardtail might spit you off. It will never replace a fullyTHE RIDE
suspended bike, but certainly fills a gap in between the two extremes, that makes it
Our first ride in Tokai Forest was on a misty,
an absolute blast to ride on all but the most
cold Cape winter’s morning, and maybe it
hectic of descents – expect to stay with your
was the Derbyshire-like weather that inspired
fully-suspended mates.
the orange monster, but we ended up riding far longer than first planned. The start of
THE VERDICT
the Tokai ride, up the Faerie Garden, is a
No bike collection is complete without a
technical ride in the wet, with slippery roots
quality steel hardtail, and the Soul fits that
and rocks aplenty, and we found the traction
bill perfectly. If racing is your main thing,
from the rear wheel impressive throughout.
this is not the bike for you, but if playing and
Where an aluminium/carbon hardtail frame
smiling is, go for it.
would have been expected to skip and slip, we found we could regain traction far quicker as the frame soaked up some of the impact.
68 |
TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
X C - M A R AT H O N - T R A I L - F R E E R I D E
OPTIONS We tried desperately to get hold of a steel 29er for this test, but the neither of the two options available in South Africa – Niner imports one, as does On-One – was available in a size we could test. Which is a pity, as we feel steel is a brilliant option for a the larger-wheeled hardtail brigade. Hopefully, we can make a plan to ride either, or both in the near future. The other interesting option in the steel world is custom – it is easier to make a made-to-measure bike from steel tubes and lugs than it is to create a custom mold, or hand-draw aluminium frame components. And a darn sight cheaper. At the top end of the market, go and have a look at www.ifbikes.com for some of the sexiest machines on the planet – and a two-year waiting list for some models! More realistically, visit www.curtlo.com for reasonably priced, fullcustom builds, of which there are a number on South African trails already. There are many, many more boutique builders in the US, and in the UK, and these two will give you a small taste of the possibilities. PHOTO: Tim brink
Gear
Gear
STAN’s NO TUBES ZTR CREST 29er WHEELSET
MOMSEN DESIGN CARBON STEM/RISER BAR
With fork and frame weights now down to an acceptable level for the weight-
Carbon-fibre stems on a mountain bike are seen by some as
conscious, the next frontier with 29-inch bikes is wheel weight. Stan’s has
a step too far in the quest for weight reduction. Concerns
managed to lead this weight reduction quest with the ZTR Crest, offering a
over their strength compared to the far more popular alloy
combined wheelset weight of just 1560g.
stems, combined with a higher cost, have kept them pretty
Of course the tradeoff for low weight is usually low strength. Our testers on
niche.
this wheelset, admittedly none whom weighed more than 80kg, put the hoops
Momsen Design, a South African brand, has both options
through all kinds of riding for seven weeks and they seemed to hold up very
and we got to test the Stem-OV Carbon mated to carbon
well, despite a couple of those hard hits where you hold your breath for a few
Bar-OV. They came on the 29-inch Momsen bike we were
seconds afterwards waiting for something to feel wrong. The hubs are plain
testing, which gave us a seven-week test period with almost
black, svelte and businesslike, rolling incredibly smoothly with the rear giving
daily riding.
off a rather ‘meaty’ ratchet sound, which some of our testers really liked.
The stem isn’t actually all carbon, but has a carbon wrap
Spokes and rims are also black while the red alloy nipples add a dash of colour.
over a forged lightweight 7050 aluminium body, which has
Important to note is the rim width of 21mm, which, combined with the
a reduced wall thickness that’s stiffened and strengthened
brand’s Bead Socket Technology (BST) – essentially a shallower rim profile –
up by the unidirectional carbon layers. Adding to the low-
makes the ZTR Crest give any tyre bigger volume and an improved tubeless
weight theme are the titanium bolts that secure the four-
seal. Our test wheelset came with WTB’s Nano 2.1 folding-bead tyres, which
bolt faceplate. The matte finish on the carbon stem and bar
are already high volume tyres and seemed an ideal match-up. Bigger volume
is ridiculously attractive!
tyres offer more comfort and traction, critical on a racing hardtail.
The 660mm wide bar has six degrees of rearward sweep, five
COLOURS: Bar – matt carbon or painted white; Stem – faceplate
Despite cautions about durability from some, we didn’t experience any
degrees of upward bend, 15mm of rise and really does hit the sweet
available in anodised green, gold, red or blue
issues during our test period and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the ZTR
spot between comfort and control and racey aggression. Our testers
SIZES: Bar width – 660mm; Stem – 6/84-degree angle; 80, 90, 100,
Crest to anyone for whom optimal performance is a priority. And the price isn’t
found it ideal on technical trails, especially through corners and tight
110 and 120mm length
bad for a lightweight XC/Marathon wheelset.
turns. There was no noticeable flex or annoying creak. The bar and
WEIGHT: Bar – 190g (198 painted white); Stem – from 102g
PRICE: R5 950 (per wheelset)
stem are obviously available separately, but we think the combination
PRICE: Bar – R1195; Stem – R825
CONTACT: www.twowheelstrading.co.za; 041 3685708
of the two is first prize.
CONTACT: www.twowheelstrading.co.za; 041 3685708
GORE RIDEON CABLES Cables are cables right? Not quite. As we discovered with the Gore® RideOn® cables we fitted to two of our test-crew’s personal bikes. The main difference between these and standard cables is the continuous cable protection and seals combined with patented cable-coating technology, which is meant to offer low friction shifting and durability. We got experienced bike mechanics to fit them so that we could get their feedback too. They installed as easily as regular cables, but you need to be careful not to cut the protective sleeves too short. Precision measurement is important and worth taking a bit longer on. We installed the road-bikespecific Low Friction System model on a road bike (duh!); and the Sealed Low Friction System model on a hardtail 26-inch mountain bike. Four months later and some proper wet/muddy riding and we can say that we’re suitably impressed! Our tester with the road bike cables says he’s had very consistent shifting and braking performance and not had to adjust his gears once, despite riding often in rainy weather (he’s hardcore). Our tester with the mountain bike cables says he felt immediately that shifting was noticeably crisper compared to that with the previous regular cables he had on his bike. He also found that this crispness wasn’t compromised in any way by numerous washes and muddy rides.
Headset Solutions Simplified!
R
Extra-long options are also available for those on big-travel suspension bikes or tandems. COLOURS: Black White, Red, Blue
Making life a little easier!
PRICE: Between R399-R699, depending on model. CONTACT: www.cyclesafrica.co.za; 0861 GO BIKE
70 |
TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
www.canecreek.com/headset-fit-finder
Exclusive distribution by Cycles Africa TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011 www.cyclesafrica.co.za - 0861 GO BIKE (46 2453)
| 71
Gear SPECIALIZED RENEGADE CONTROL 2BLISS 26 X 2.1 TYRES
Gear MAGURA DURIN RACE 100MM TRAVEL FORK Think 100mm-travel XC race forks and we bet Magura doesn’t feature in your thinking. Well consider opening up your mind a bit because the Durin Race fork we tested recently undoubtedly left our test riders with a fresh perspective on the German brand’s suspension pedigree. At 1430 grams, the Durin is not only one of the lightest forks we’ve ridden, but also one of the stiffest, no doubt largely as a result of the distinctive dual brace design. The first bit of travel is stiffish, ideal for racing, but from then on it’s as plush as any other top race fork we’ve ridden, taking bigger hits with trail-ready composure. The remote lockout worked perfectly and is both durable and low maintenance as well as precise and consistent due to low cable housing friction courtesy of an integrated cable stop in the crown. The workmanship on the fork is impeccable with crisp castings and it comes in a generous five colour options! We found the rider/weight pressure recommendations to be reliably precise. Even though the stanchions collected dust quite quickly, the Durin never faltered in its smoothness throughout the 100m of travel. You can confidently add the Durin to your options when you’re on the hunt for a high-performance fork. COLOURS: White, yellow, red, gray and black PRICE: R9 000 CONTACT: 082 563 3698; corrie@iconnection.co.za
For mountain bikers, by mountain bikers. .
Enter at www.joberg2c.co.za Clearly built for speed, the Renegade Control is a lightweight (500g) race tyre through and through. Well, the 2.1-inch width may be a tad broad for some thoroughbreds, but our superquick Elite XC tester didn’t have an issue with the width. They seated easily onto a tubeless converted rim and didn’t lose any pressure from the 2 bars of pressure we tested them at. They also have quite a round profile. Rocks, especially in Gauteng, offer some of the biggest challenges for tyres but the Renegade Control held firm. Specialized claims they have a 15% improvement on cut resistance with a higher density casing. They roll superfast thanks to the low knob height and relatively wide knob spacing. The side knobs are a little more pronounced for cornering grip. They were a little washy on loose gravel and in mud, but were phenomenal on hardpack and rock. A great XC race tyre if the conditions and terrain are right. PRICE: R495 each CONTACT: www.speialized-sa.co.za; 0861 SWORKS
29 April - 7 May 2011
Gear DIRT NURSE BIKE CLEANER
Gear KNOG LIT, LOCKED & LOADED PACK Knog is easily one of the coolest brands we know. But that’s mostly because it doesn’t follow the flock and comes up with original marketing ideas. One of those ideas is a Christmas gift pack called Lit, Locked & Loaded. It’s a powerful bike lock with two strobe lights (one white/front and one red/rear) – packaged and labeled like a Christmas gift set. It also comes with a limited edition Knog Badge, which is similar to a Noddy badge only it doesn’t require doing a good deed to get it. You just have to pay the bike shopkeeper and it’s yours – or, it could be a thoughtful gift for the mountain biker that has everything… PRICE: R349.95 CONTACT: info@hullabaloo.co.za; 012 660 0016
IMPROVE RIDING COMFORT
One of the biggest frustrations of mountain biking is having to clean your bike so often,
Menthol, Witch Hazel and Brazilian Peppertree and a non-greasy chamois cream feel make this the number 1 choice in skin lubricant for cyclists.
especially in the rainy season. We discovered a product called Dirt Nurse that’s made our lives a lot easier. Already very established in the off-road motorcycle industry, Dirt Nurse is making its way into bicycle shops and straight into mountain bikers’ good books. It’s a bright pink, highly concentrated soap solvent emulsion that you spray onto your mucky bike after a ride. Leave it for 10 minutes to really get hold of the grit around and then spray it with hose and watch the dirt and grime disappear! The good news is that it’s safer than a Fisher Price toy in that it’s non-caustic, non-alkaline,
BALLISTIC BIKE T
R
A
D
I
N
G
non-acidic, water-soluble and seal- and bearing-safe. It contains an additive that nourishes plastic and rubber and prevents streakiness after washing. You can use it as is, or dilute it for a weaker solution. It comes in four different sized containers and is very reasonably priced. We’re impressed (as if you couldn’t tell) and think that you will be too. If the bright pink liquid
Exclusive Importers and Distributors of Ghost Bikes, ESI Grips, Halo Headband, Chamois Butt’r, Buh Bump, SockGuy, Bike Medicine, Bike Brake, SDG Components, Zero Flats and Zero Goo Hydration Dryers. Office: +27 11 023 4478; Email: info@bbtrading.co.za Website: www.ballisticbiketrading.co.za
doesn’t catch your eye, the 36DD-sized nurse on the packaging will… PRICE: 250ml – R40; 1l – R95; 2l – R130; 5l – R200
BEST BRANDS, BEST PRICES, BEST SERVICE WHY SETTLE FOR ANYTHING LESS?
CONTACT: www.dirtnurse.com; 076 4153882
086 199 0001 | info@buycycle.co.za | Making Cycling Affordable
Gear
Gear
ZEROGOO HYDRATION BLADDER DRYER Thoroughly drying your hydration pack bladder is a near impossible task, especially if you use a Camelbak or similar round-opening design brands. One guy, Trent Ballentine, an American mountain bike enthusiast, got more frustrated than anyone else and invented a portable dryer called Zerogoo. It’s a basic plastic fan device, which is obviously more like an expeller than a fan, which removes the moisture from the soggy bladder. Simple as that. It makes a similar sound to a hairdryer and takes a couple of hours to do its job. But it does a good job and germs that once found hydration pack bladders to be perfect breeding grounds, now have to look elsewhere. PRICE: R299 CONTACT: www.ballisticbiketrading.co.za; 011 023 4478
BEPOP PEDALS In a world so dominated by one major pedal brand (Shimano) and a
undoubtedly a big plus for those who struggle with knee ailments.
few smaller brands filling any gaps left in its wake, it’s surprising to
They’re also flippen light! Our test pair, with a stainless steel axle,
see another pedal brand emerging.
weighed 195grams for the pair. The cleats weighed 75g for the pair.
The BeBop pedal’s minimal design belies its capabilities. It can be used for road riding and mountain biking (yes, both), is super-light and offers clip-in options on both sides.
The BeBop model with a titanium axle weighs 150 grams for the pair
C
(75 grams for the cleats). Unbelievably light!
M
We found them a bit tricky to walk in (a bit like a road shoe).
We had to cut some rubber off the sole of our shoes for optimal
They’re growing on us though and we like that BeBop offers a
pedal clearance, which was a little irritating. It also took a while
refreshing take on what seemed like a thoroughly explored theme. If
to be able clip in and out effectively every time – the mechanism is
you’re looking for something different or lighter in the pedal dept,
in the cleat, not on the pedal. But once we got the hang of it, we
look no further.
gained confidence in this new peg design. We liked the expansive
PRICE: R1 500 (Titanium R2900)
lateral movement (float), which gives 20 degrees of freedom,
CONTACT: 082 563 3698; corrie@iconnection.co.za
76 |
TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
| 77
MY FITNESS - ESZTER ERDELYI - 80 MY BIKE - IAN MARTIN AND SAM MOSS - 82 MY CHALLENGE - MARK THIJS - 84
TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
| 79
S
he seemed to just appear on the KZN and national racing scene and start challenging for podium places. And that’s pretty much exactly how the short mountain biking career of Hungarian Eszter Erdelyi, now a South African resident, has been. She’s had a short introduction to mountain bike racing, but it would appear the 28-year-old Pietermaritzburg resident has a long career to look forward to. By Sean Badenhorst
MEET
MULTIGIRL It’s probably quite obvious, but how did you
You won national series cross-country and
What has made the biggest difference to
get the nickname Multigirl?
marathon races in 2010, which do you
your performance as a mountain bike racer?
As a multi-sporter it was quite easy to come
prefer?
Number 1, my coach, Johann Wykerd. He
up with a nickname like that… I love multi
I love cross-country! The technical bits make
made me the mountain bike rider I am
sport so I am proud of the name. I am working
it challenging. It’s really intense and never
right now. He taught me everything and
on making it a brand not just a name.
boring. Good for spectators too. I don’t mind
his training programmes just worked really
When did you first visit South Africa?
marathons but they are a bit boring for me.
well with me. A good training programme
I came to race at the Xterra World Cup in
Hopefully that will improve.
and someone believing in you can make the
Cape Town in 2007. It was a quick decision
What is your long-term sporting goal?
biggest difference. I can never thank him
to travel so far, but it was worth it. It must
Long term? Oh wow! I suppose Olympic
enough! I will miss him as my coach.
have been, since I am still here. I love South
Games, World Cups, World Champs… Race as
And number 2, my Garmin, which is the best
Africa!
much as I can, be as good as I can be
training partner ever. I never go for a ride
And what can we expect from you in 2011?
without my Garmin.
I will be riding professionally for Team MTN
How important is nutrition supplementation
Qhubeka, so will race the Cape Epic with
to you?
Yolande Speedy, which I’m super excited
It is really important but I am so bad at it.
about. I will also compete in all the major
I just cannot take pills… they annoy me so
local races and the team will travel to all
much, I even liquidise my multivitamins!
the World Cups. It’s like a dream come true!
I usually try to drink Future Life recovery
Give us an example of an average training
shakes, but nothing more serious than that. I
week when you’re preparing for a major
really like eating so I guess I am focussing on
MTB race?
proper food – at least I know where it comes
Wait, I just download the files from my
from. During a short race I use energy gels
Garmin…ha ha! Seriously though, Mondays
and for marathons I drink Sure2Endure carb
are usually easy or no ride at all. During the
drink.
week I do all my interval training and the
What advice would you give to women that
weekends are long rides… that is about an
are just starting out in mountain biking and
average week. Before a big event the rides
want to become faster?
are shorter but more intense. My training
There are lots of skill clinics out there, some
will change a lot because I am working with
aimed only at ladies. I really think that they
the MTN team in 2011 and they are very
are awesome and lots of fun. I would suggest
Championship in Hawaii.
scientific with their training.
that everybody try one. They teach you skills
You’ve been a podium contender at high
What is your favourite training session and
you never imagined you could do. Being
profile national mountain bike races (XC and
why?
more skilled makes you less fearful and then
Marathon), but in 2010 you became a regular
Oh that is so easy. Definitely my 2-hours hills
mountain biking becomes amazing! I would
podium topper. What changed to make you a
session, where I have to push every hill. I love
also suggest finding friends to ride with. Not
consistent winner?
climbing. Luckily I live in Pietermaritzburg
guys – they can be really annoying… Most of
More mountain bike-specific training – that
where I can’t do anything without climbing
them don’t have the patience to teach or
is all.
some hills.
wait.
How did you get into mountain bike racing? I started riding mountain bikes because of Xterra, which is swimming, mountain biking and trail running. In 2008 I had a knee injury and after the operation I was battling to run, but I was still keen to race, so I switched to mountain biking for the time being – now I love it so much! Mountain bike races are actually amazing in SA. I think this is the best place to ride and race mountain bikes. You’re a former European Xterra champion, have you switched your focus completely to mountain biking now? I was supposed to ride bikes to recover from my injury but I really got into mountain biking and that’s where my focus is now. I am in the Hungarian Olympic Team for mountain biking and that is all I see now – at least until 2012. I will only ride bikes. At a later stage I still want to race the Xterra World
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TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
My Fitness
Keep track of Eszter’s progress at www.multigirl.co.za or follow her on twitter: @Multigirl
TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
| 81
Times Two
I
t’s one thing tackling challenging terrain on a mountain bike but quite another on a tandem. Ian Martin and Sam Moss, are regulars on the mountain bike-racing scene on their Grinch Green Ventana El Conquistador dual-suspension bike. By Sean Badenhorst
My Bike
Sam, what were you thinking? Surely it
pedal seated – as we did for the entire
must be scary as the stoker?
2010 joBerg2c because of chain derailment
Well it can be scary, but it’s mostly fun.
issues – your glutes and hamstrings take
Ian is quite skilled and has got to learn the
huge strain.
bike’s limitations so we tend to crash less
Mechanically?
now.
Ian: At first we had a lot of problems
What made you decide to mountain bike on
with the synchronization chain coming
a tandem?
off, especially when standing, probably
Ian: Initially, to be able to enjoy mountain
because of the increased frame flex. But
bike events together despite having such
now we’ve fitted chainguides, the same
different fitness and skill levels. The
as the ones downhillers use, which is far
tandem is a great leveler and allows me to
better! Maintenance is critical to minimise
ride as hard as I want, while allowing Sam
the risk of problems, but in general it’s not
to ride as hard as she feels she can ride.
too different from a regular bike.
And more recently, it’s become a vehicle
Have you made any modifications to the
for us to raise funds and awareness for
bike?
MAD, the Make a Difference Foundation,
Ian: Not much has changed from the
which gives disadvantaged, but talented
original bike. We did have stronger wheels
young South Africans opportunities to reach
built, added the chainguides and converted
their potential. The tandem is a bit unique
it to tubeless.
so becomes a talking point at events, which
Which major races have you done?
helps raise awareness.
Sam: Many! Most of the popular marathons
What are the main differences with regards
in the Gauteng region, but the stage races
to handling compared to a single bike?
are our favourites.
Ian: Well it’s very stimulating – never a dull
Rooiberg, joBurg2c, Sani2c, Berg and Bush,
moment that’s for sure! I always have to
Cradle Quest and Tour de Tuli, spring to
think about Sam and warn her of significant
mind.
obstacles so she can be prepared.
What is your occupation?
Sam: We’ve developed a 14th official
Ian: I am a qualified exercise physiologist.
language for this – mostly short grunts and
I advise and consult to a number of
body movements!
companies on health and wellness and I
Ian: It descends far quicker, which is useful
have a business called Coach One, which is
because then I can’t hear Sam screaming; it
a sports- and life-coaching package.
climbs a bit slower and it takes some getting
Sam: Mine is far less exciting. I am the
used to on the acute-angled trails – bit like
Director of Investor Relations at First Rand.
a stretch limousine in a car park. It also
Your next big races?
sometimes bounces way off a line because
Sam: The Desert Dash, a 340km race in
of the long wheelbase, which causes some
Namibia and the 2011 Absa Cape Epic.
Sabie
Experience,
nervous moments. And physically?
PHOTO: BEN BERGH
82 |
TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
Ian: It’s very tough on the body, tougher
SPEC SUMMARY
than a regular bike, but once you’re used
Bike: Ventana
to it it’s amazing what you can do.
Model: El Conquistador
Sam: Well you can’t stand nearly as much
Frame: Oversized aluminium
as you would on an single bike, so you
Weight: 17kg
end up taking quite a beating, physically.
Fork: Marzocchi 140mm travel
The suspension obviously soaks up a lot
Shock: Fox 5-inch travel with lockout
of the rough stuff, but after that it’s your
Brakes: Avid Elixir hydraulic (185mm rotors)
body that has to absorb it. And when you TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
| 83
Courage Under Fire
My Challenge
When he was first diagnosed with bladder cancer in January 2009, Mark Thijs, a competitive veteran mountain biker from Sandton, decided that he was going to prove that cancer picked the wrong guy. He’s been proving it ever since… By Sean Badenhorst
F
orty-nine-year-old Mark Thijs has
club since then and is one of the club’s most
one because they discovered 20 tumours.
never been afraid of a challenge.
experienced members. His competitive
It’s really aggressive but I’ve got to fight it
Just as well, because he’s currently
nature led him to virtually permanent
with aggression in return.”
involved
in
overcoming
the
biggest
challenge of his life as he defies an aggressive personal battle that’s not only tough, but ironic.
Pushing the physical limits had become
races. In 2010 he did Sani2c, Cape Epic, joBerg2c and Tour de Tuli stage races as
with the bladder cancer two years ago. He
well as numerous other single day road and
if he continued to live the way he was, he
discovered the problem while training for
mountain bike races.
wouldn’t live for much longer.
the Cape Epic.
“I’m a very goal orientated person and
“I was fat, did absolutely no exercise
“There was blood in my urine which I
that’s why as soon as I’ve achieved one
and spent a lot of time with my motorcycle
had checked out and which eventually led
goal, I find another. It keeps me busy and
buddies on weekends drinking and taking
to the discovery of the cancer. It’s a non-
focused on my fitness and health. It’s my
drugs. I was a real mess,” recalls Thijs.
invasive cancer, which means it’s expected
way of fighting this thing.”
“But I turned things around and became
to stay confined to the bladder, but you
Thijs has had three lots of chemotherapy
super fit and healthy, while many of my
can never underestimate this disease and
treatment, each lasting six weeks. He’s due
old buddies have continued to live a life of
it’s important to manage it and monitor it
for another round after his next operation
excess. And now I’m the one that facing this
closely.
in February.
extreme challenge, not them. It’s ironic
“The strange thing is you can’t feel any
“It’s been a constant battle and I couldn’t
and I suppose some would say unfair, but we
pain at all, which is why I can still exercise
fight it as well as I have without the support
get what we can handle and maybe I’m just
at such a high intensity. But my advice
and love of my wife, children, family and
better at handling this kind of challenge.”
to anyone that starts peeing blood is to
friends.”
the original Cycle Lab in Paulshof.
immediately get checked out. The sooner you catch it the better.”
“There’s a chance I will lose my bladder eventually. So many tumour removals just
Thijs goes for a check-up every three
leave more and more scar tissue. It can
“I lost some weight, gained fitness
months. Most of the check-ups have
only handle so much. But I’ll worry about
became healthy and made new friends.
revealed three or four new tumours in the
that if I need to. Right now I’m focusing
Then someone said I should try a mountain
bladder each time, which are immediately
on the South African road cycling champs
bike race at Leeuwkop Prison. I did the
removed under general anaesthetic.
in February. I move into the 50-54 age
race, thoroughly enjoyed it and became hooked on cycling!”
TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
Thijs’s show of defiance includes riding his bikes daily and entering plenty of
the norm for Thijs when we was diagnosed
Thijs got a fright with that diagnosis a
84 |
teams.
Ten years ago, doctors warned Thijs that
decade ago and started spinning classes at
PHOTO: BEN BERGH
status in the club’s veteran road racing
Thijs has been a member of the Cycle Lab
“I’ve had seven operations to remove
category and I’m on the hunt for a medal!
tumours in the past two years. My last check-up in early December was a tough
Follow Mark on twitter: @MarkThijs TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
| 85
Feature
DCM CAPE PIONEER TREK - 88 CALENDAR OF EVENTS JANUARY - 93 CALENDAR OF EVENTS FEBRUARY - 94
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86 |
BURRY STANDER STORE Shop 35, Link Hills Shopping Centre Inanda Road, Waterfall, KZN Opening December 2010
TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
WWW.CONCEPTCYCLERY.CO.ZA TEL: 0861 RIDE-ON
MELROSE ARCH STORE Corner High Street & Whiteley Road Melrose Arch, Gauteng TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
| 87
Race with Soul
DCM Cape Pioneer Trek
A
lready
considered
one
of
the
toughest races on the calendar (see sidebar story), the 2010 edition
maintained the high points of the first race and delivered some more, including these:
Lonely? Bored? Need some mates? The DCM Cape Pioneer Trek is just the thing for you. This is one race that stands out from the many as an event where you will make friends, and the chances are, keep them too.
The first stage of 135km was a beast of a ride, covering much of the legendarily tough Attakwas route and taking riders from Oudtshoorn to Mossel Bay. The finish, along the waterfront of this picturesque coastal town, made the preceding kilometers even
By Donovan Jackson
more worthwhile. As did the following
PHOTOS: Karin Schermbrucker
morning’s departure, with a 10 kilometre stretch on the beach before peeling off inland and heading to George. The Kamanassie… ah, the Kamanassie. A notorious word for any mountain biker; Stage 3 took riders into what the inimitable route designer, Katot Meyer, described as ‘the big toe’ of this stunning and demanding landscape. Reward enough, where the terrain is rugged, the mountain biking is superb. The bivouac in De Rust remains one of the best in the business: riders are tented in the church grounds, providing easy access to salvation for tortured souls.
88 |
TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
| 89
Race with Soul
Race with Soul
Despite being on dirt road, the climb out of Prince Albert and onwards in the stage to Calitzdorp must rate as a scenic treasure; the snaking Swartberg Pass, built by master engineer Thomas Bain in the 1880s, is a marvel to behold, despite its gradients of up to 12%. The final stage was a case of saving the best for last: some very fast, technical and highly engaging jeep track took riders along the Gamka River, across the Gouritz (‘you may find it odd to see so much water in this area’, said organizer Henco Rademeyer… correctly!) and, finally, the Gamkaberg River. The slog on to Oudtshoorn completed a 680km journey through what is undoubtedly some of the most amazing mountain biking available anywhere. As a race, the DCM Cape Pioneer Trek has advanced substantially from its first iteration to the second. But it retains its status as a rider’s race: whether you are multiple world champion, Christoph Sauser, who returned for the second edition, or Joe Average, you are special – to the organizers and to the race.
90 |
TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
| 91
IS THIS THE TOUGHEST STAGE RACE IN SA? How do you measure tough? Usually by the extent of your suffering, right? Well, since there’s no scientific MTB race suffermeter invented yet, we thought that the comparison sent to us by Jacques Swart, who participated in the 2010 editions of the ABSA Cape Epic and DCM Cape Pioneer Trek, was a good start. Distance travelled and altitude climbed are probably the two main contributors on which the toughness of a stage race can be measured. And because the Cape Epic is two days longer than the Cape Pioneer Trek, the daily average is the more appropriate
EXPERTS IN FORK & SHOCK SERVICING WHEEL-BUILDING 29ers SINGLESPEED PERSONALISED SERVICE SPECIALIZED DEALER FOR 9 YEARS We stock top end mountain and road bikes and love building bikes from the frame upwards in order to make your pride and joy more personal. We specialise in Specialized, Silverback, Niner as well as 29-inch and singlespeed bikes. We can help you with the best build to suit your needs as well as your budget.
tel: 011 315 8311 summit@mtnloaded.co.za Midrand
measure. In the table you can see that while the total distance and altitude gain of the Cape Epic is superior in quantity, the Cape Pioneer Trek’s daily average is higher. Other factors like riding surface, temperature, humidity etc will also affect the toughness of a stage race and provide interesting conversation material for – we hope – years to come! STAGE
2010 CAPE EPIC
2010 CAPE PIONEER TREK
1
117km / 2190m
135km / 2820m
2
90km / 1625m
110km / 2495m
3
115km / 2280m
106km / 2450m
4
86km / 1640m
110km / 1465m
5
27km / 860m
105km / 2030m
6
123km / 2240m
114km / 1895m
7
99km / 2160
8
65km / 1640m
TOTAL
722km 14635m
680km / 13155m
Daily Ave
90km / 1829m
113km / 2193m
Calendar
Classifieds
JANUARY Place
TO ADVERTISE IN TREAD MAGAZINE, CONTACT: 98mm x 112mmmm Ad 8/2/10 11:41 AM Page 1 Joanne Badenhorst | Email joanne@treadmag.co.za | Cell +27 83 279 7797 | www.treadmag.co.za
Schedule of South African mountain bike events
Date
Race
Discipline
Distance
Contact Person
Contact
GAUTENG PROVINCE Hartsbeespoort
Sun 23rd Jan
Penny Pinchers/ Timber City MTB
XCM
Suncrest High School
Sun 30th Jan
Midas Fast One MTB Challenge
XCM
Bennie Bester
082 783 0086
60km/30km
Bettie
083 434 3515 082 748 7581
130km/75km/ 45km/10km
Wessel van der Walt Advendurance
083 327 2499 wessel@advendurance.com
Sat 29th Jan
MTN #2 Barberton MTB Marathon
XCM
Morne Odendaal
082 498 8088
Dryland Events
082 379 1177
KWAZULU-NATAL Pietermaritzburg, Cascades
Sun 30th Jan
Greg Minnaar Mongoose DH Cup #1
DHI
Oudtshoorn
Sat 15th Jan
MTN #1 Contego Attakwas Extreme Marathon
XCM
WESTERN CAPE 121km/52km
Bring your rods, bikes, boardgames and books and relax amongst the game, a mere 230km from Johannesburg towards Harrismith
FEBRUARY Place
Date
Race
Discipline
Distance
Contact Person
S L L I K S In Partnership with
MPUMALANGA Barberton
TREAD Cult cycling
TREAD and Cult Cycling have combined more than 40 years of mountain bike skills experience to bring you a comprehensive series of practical educational modules to give you the confidence to ride your bike better – no matter what challenges you face.
CONFIDENCE CLINICS New to mountain biking? This is your perfect introduction
Contact
CENTRAL GAUTENG Emperors Palace, Kempton Park
Sat 5th Feb
Emperors Palace MTB Classic
XCM
Lanseria Airport, Lanseria
Maropeng, Krugersdorp
40km/20km
Fri 25th - Sun 27th Feb
The Route 69 MTB Experience
XCM Stage Race
Sun 27th Feb
The Route 69 Mini MTB Experience
XCM
3 days, 3 stages
60km
Cyclingnews Office
Leverage Corp
Leverage Corp
Email: events@cyclingnews. co.za www.cyclingnews.co.za 011 463 7730 email: infor@leveragecorporation.co.za www.leveragecorporation.co.za
Composite
011 463 7730 email: infor@leveragecorporation.co.za www.leveragecorporation.co.za
cyclepark
KWAZULU-NATAL Pietermarizburg, World's View
Sun 20th Feb
Greg Minnaar Mongoose DH Cup #2
DHI
Wartburg Kirchdorf School
Sat 26th Feb
The Wartburg School MTB Classic
XCM
45km/20km 10km
Morne Odendaal
082 498 8088
Antony Jarvie
082 571 6380
TREAD SKILLS 101 Beginner – Stuff you think you know, but don’t really
TREAD SKILLS 301 Advanced – How to get your picture taken and impress others
FREE STATE Clarens
Sat 5th Feb
MTN #3 Clarens
XCM
120km/78km/ 50km/20km
Wessel van der Walt
083 327 2499 wessel@advendurance.com
Nic Burden Cycling South Africa
082 806 1232 nic@cyclingsa.com
Brett Coates Lowveld Chaingang Cyc Club
082 774 5821 brettc@lantic.net
WESTERN CAPE Cape Town
Sat 12th Feb Sun 13th Feb
African Continental Championship
XCO / DHI
MPUMALANGA Sabie Classic
Sat 26th Feb
MTN #4 Sabie Classic
XCM
110km/70km/ 40km/20km
Addo Polo Club Addo Elephant National Park
Sat 5th Feb
Herald VW Mountain Bike Challenge 2011
TO EVENT ORGANISERS Listing of events in this calendar is free but dependent on timing and complete event information. Send your complete event info to info@treadmag.co.za. Event advertising can also be placed. Call 083 279 7797 for rates.
XCM
• Operating hours from sunrise to sunset • Night rides every Tuesday evening till 8pm • Secure parking and safe riding environment • Change rooms and toilets • Course Ground Coffee Shop • Tech centre for bike repairs over weekends
EASTERN CAPE
• Bike wash facilities available 85km/65km/ 42km
082 594 0771 info@leisurecycletours.com www.heraldcycletour.co.za
TO MOUNTAIN BIKERS This calendar was compiled with information available to us and we assume it is correct. However, we cannot be held responsible for any errors and recommend you confirm event details with the organiser if you’re uncertain.
TREAD SKILLS 201 Intermediate – Avoiding unforseen trouble – and seen trouble
• Corporate Team Building programs available contact us for info and bookings • Family fun days with full catering • Bike ability for kids available during school holidays • Regular skills clinics
Visit:
www.treadmag.co.za for full details
• Various Multi visit membership card options available see website for more info
• Ladies morning rides every Tuesday and Thursday from 08h00
for more information: www.cyclepark.co.za Riaan La Cock: 083 725 BIKE (2453) • cyclepark@cyclelab.com TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
| 95
o r t Re
Feature
se i r p r u S Spring
s defie t I . s thing cycle fying ingle i s t s a y s en t are m er wh lemen h s t p e e x m g i o o any Toolb join t pedal how m n wilfully e of n e o c n t e s a ing ju sci ec -throw rieve y er wir t o t e t u r p a com ross a ough ing to led ac ay thr e try b r w a m d i u u t s yo was m ently er. It t I rec a h t spann o t n st ry. ike hi gleme b n a n t i e a d unt of mo piece
lever – while still riding – sit on
By Tim Brink
the saddle, and it would drop 3 inches (7.5cm), dead straight,
N
ot too long ago (for some of
before you closed the lever
us) mountain bikes had rigid
again. At the bottom of your
steel frames, rigid steel forks,
insane drop, stand up, release
questionable tyres (who can forget the
the lever, and your saddle
first time you hit something wet on the
would return to its proper
first-generation Ritchey Megabytes?) and
height. It was revolutionary,
toeclips strapping your feet to the pedals.
then, that you could do all this
And trails were gnarly: in the mid eighties,
without stopping! They cost
there was none of this made-for-mountain
about fifteen dollars, weighed
biking sculpted switchback stuff – you rode
116g (in an age where a 15kg
where the path took you, and had to make
bike was not bad), and you had to know
do with skill, bravery, and a large helping
somebody heading back from the US to get
of luck. Even if it was straight down the
one, or you just couldn’t join the cool gang.
mountainside.
Today, we have seen a resurgence of similar
The technique for descending the really
gizmos, particularly in the freeride arena
steep stuff was quite simple: ram your
(all we could do back then was freeride!).
seat down as low as it could go, put your
For a couple of grand, KS, RockShox,
weight as far back as possible over the back
Gravity Dropper and Crank Brothers all have
wheel, and go. At the bottom, flick the
telescopic seatposts that let you achieve the
seatpost quick release, put the saddle back
same result as the Hite Rite, most even have
up at the proper height, presuming you had
a hydraulic remote lever option so you can
remembered to mark it, get back on the
activate it from the bars. Somehow, they
bike, and off you go.
seem a little unnecessarily complicated
Enter Joe Breeze, and the Breeze and
though, compared to the Hite Rite. But, I
Angell Hite Rite… essentially a spring that
suppose, so do suspension, indexed shifting
linked your seatpost, and its QR. Undo the
and clipless pedals…
96 |
TREAD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011