2014 Staalwater: The Caledon treated outdoor enthusiasts to a spot of fun
The breath-taking scenery, diverse landscape and quiet dirt roads of the Overberg region provided the backdrop for the 5th Annual Staalwater MTB Challenge and Spring Trail Run this weekend, 6-7 September. The fun-filled weekend was hosted by Dirtopia at The Caledon Casino, Hotel, Spa and Entertainment and catered to both amateur and advanced mountain bikers […]
Planning your training
The purpose of all the hours we spend training for a specific event is to improve our performance. Depending on your current level of fitness and experience, improvements could mean finishing in the middle of the pack rather than at the back, winning your age category, or taking the top podium position at the elite […]
Strength training for endurance performance
The benefits of strength training on endurance performance have long been debated. Previously strength training was thought to negatively affect endurance performance due to increases in muscle mass and the feeling of tired or heavy legs. However, recent research has shown that it is possible to improve endurance performance by incorporating well-structured strength training as […]
Review: 661 Rage knee pads
Any gravity rider worth their weight in Stan’s will tell you that a solid pair of knee pads is essential to feel confident about bombing trails at 100%. With side protection and a big, solid front pad, the 661 Rage knee pads look the business, and are aimed at pure performance. The 661 Rage knee […]
User Review: Bianchi Methanol 29 FS
I was recently given the opportunity to ride a Bianchi Methanol FS 29 for a few weeks and after months of riding my 29er Hardtail in multiple stage races I was very well dialed into my bike, and so thought it would a great time to compare rides. Components: Model: Methanol 29.2 FS Shimano XTR/XT […]
User Review: SRAM Guide RSC brakes and Centerline Rotor
SRAM recently released the Guide family of brakes that supercedes the Avid range of brakes. SRAM claims its been designed from the ground up to essentially address all the long standing problems that plagued Avid brakes. I recently received the RSC model to find out if SRAM has succeeded. Inadvertently, I’ve become a dedicated SRAM […]
Review: Bontrager Rhythm Elite gloves
Bontrager may not be the first name in gloves or cycling apparel, but they are certainly making their mark. Offering an array gloves to suit most people’s needs, we have had their Rhythm Elite pair on hand for a little while now. How have they stood up to the abuse, and can they compare to […]
Video: Guy on MTB wheelies alongside Tour de France
So you think you have what it takes to ride alongside the top road cyclists in the world? How about on a mountain bike while doing a wheelie? The man’s got style, got to give him that. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f78ad23NKBk
Review: Helmet shootout: Part 2 – Bontrager Lithos, Giro Xar, Fox Flux
When I go into most bike shops it’s seldom I will see a helmet that is not suited to the road or XC purposes. There’s countless options of them out there. It’s not often you see something with some rear and side support – more focused on the trail and all mountain side of things. […]
Review: One Industries Zero gloves
It is a particularly hard thing to find gloves that fit, that last and also look reasonably stylish. The One industries Zero is a minimally padded and cleanly designed pair of gloves that are made for those who want to have full contact with their bars and are fine with sacrificing a little bit of […]
Review: Spank Spike pedals
When Spank set out to create the Spike flat pedals, they aimed to create a thin, lightweight platform pedal that could still withstand the kind of abuse dished out by amateurs and pros alike, week after week in all weather conditions. The Spike design incorporates a total of 20 pins (10 per side) of which […]
Technique: Pedal stroke – Pedaling around the clock
There many theories behind correct pedaling technique and how one can utilize the optimal muscle groups to achieve perfect cycling ergonomics. Ultimately the best way to achieve that smooth circular motion is to train the correct muscle groups. But which are the correct muscle groups to be used? A good indicator that you are not […]