Review: Specialized Women’s LoDown gloves
The Women’s LoDown are full finger, minimalist gloves from Specialized. They offer a second skin fit for those looking for minimum interference between hand and bar. Comfort and Fit The pre-curved finger and palm construction prevents fabric bunching when the hands are on the bars and the single-layer suede palm means that no unnecessary padding […]
First Ride: SRAM Eagle XX1
SRAM introduced the first ever 12 speed mountain bike groupsets in March with the announcement of their Eagle XX1 and X01 drivetrains. While the Eagle X01 drivetrain is suitable for all riding styles up to and including Enduro racing, the Eagle XX1 is geared towards cross-country with the use of light weight materials. The Technology […]
Contego Segment Hunter #3: The battle for Cape Cobra
The third instalment of Contego Segment Hunter at Hoogekraal’s Cape Cobra turned out to be a fiercely contested battle. Shortly after announcing the segment, Darryn Stow’s title was snatched by Die Muishond. Darryn went back to rectify things but that KOM fell a few hours later when Tiaan Jordaan raised the bar with an outstanding […]
Bike Check: Alan Hatherly’s Olympic Giant Anthem
Alan Hatherly will be representing South Africa in the Rio Olympic XCO on Sunday (17:30 SA time) aboard his Giant Anthem X. Alan races professionally for Kargo Pro Cycling Team with Giant South Africa as the team’s bike sponsor. Photo credit: Tyron Mackenzie | www.tcmphotography.co.za To celebrate Alan’s achievement, his Anthem X underwent some special […]
Review: Specialized Women’s Propero II
The women’s Propero 2 is a mid-range road helmet from the wizards at Specialized. It is a more economical version of the top of the range Prevail helmet, and shares many of the fundamental features – including styling based on the 4th Dimension Cooling System with the Maserati-esque front vent (referred to by Specialized as […]
Review: Lyne Contour Dropper Seatpost
Dropper posts have fast become an expected feature on any decent trail bike and increasingly seen on marathon and cross country offerings. With the rise in popularity comes an influx of feedback on the variety of options available. Amongst the many satisfied dropper owners we see a littering of complaints about the high costs of […]
2017 Cape Town Cycle Tour entry applications open on Wednesday
The Cape Town Cycle Tour is turning 40 in 2017! We are excited to commemorate this massive milestone in the history of SA’s most iconic cycling event and you can be a part of it. Grown from humble beginnings in 1978 when just 525 riders took part, 2017’s 40th event will see 35 000 cyclists […]
Bike Check: James Reid’s Olympic Specialized S-Works Epic
We managed to squeeze in some snaps of James’s Specialized S-Works Epic Torch Edition between the time team mechanic JP Jacobs completed the build and James Reid picked up the bike before leaving for Rio. Along with some other Specialized supported riders, James will be riding the S-Works Epic FSR Torch Edition frame at the […]
Review: Silverback Sphere 1
The Sphere 1 is Silverback’s reimagination of the hardtail with plus sized wheels. It features 3.0″ tyres to add grip, stability, and comfort. The extra small and small bike sizes use 27.5 x 3.0” tyres, whereas the medium, large and extra large bikes are fitted with bigger 29 x 3.0” tyres. There are two models […]
First Look Friday: Garmin Varia Smart Bike System
First Look Friday is an introduction to the gear that we are currently testing for review. This week we’re featuring Garmin’s Varia Smart Bike ecosystem. Garmin introduced their Varia rear light and radar following the acquisition of Backtracker in early 2015. They have since added a smart headlight and in-sight display as well as full […]
Review: EVOC Bike Travel Bag
Travelling with a bicycle can be a daunting prospect. Moving bike and worldly belongings around an airport, and in and out of different vehicles safely is an uncomfortable task; especially for those of us who shirk on gym. Luckily EVOC have developed their bike travel bag to make this process a little easier. The bag […]
Review: RockShox Reverb
It’s hard to imagine that not too long ago dropper posts where an oddity found only on custom builds and made by only a handful of manufacturers. Even though the benefits were clear, the early samples were unreliable, short on drop and needed lots and lots of care. Fast forward to today and dropper posts […]