Review: Camelbak Volt LR Hydration Pack
Camelbak’s Charge was one of the manufacturers most popular bike packs when first introduced. It featured a unique low mounted reservoir, which centred the water weight over a rider’s hips. The Charge was adapted from Camelbak’s adventure/trekking line to include bike features, but was fairly compact with a 2lt reservoir and 8lt cargo space. Its […]
Review: Scott Genius 740
Scott’s Genius range of bikes have formed part of their line-up for more than a decade and has undergone numerous refinements since its introduction. In 2013, the Genius was launched in 27.5″ and 29” wheels sizes with the 27.5″ 700 series featuring 150mm of travel, while the 29″ 900 series have 130mm of travel. SCOTT […]
On Test: Giant Propel Advanced 2
Giant first entered the aero road bike game in 2013 with the launch of their Propel Advanced SL. Tests showed that, at 40 kph, the Propel Advanced SL saves 12-36 seconds over 40 kilometres. Third-party wind-tunnel tests showed that the Propel Advanced SL is more aerodynamic from every yaw angle tested when compared to other […]
Review: American Classic Wide Lightning wheelset
Although not the first to launch properly wide rims, American Classic’s Wide Lightning were the first to offer extra width in a light and strong rim. Billed for anything from XC to Enduro, we put them to test to see for ourselves how they hold up after months of real-life use. With availability in both […]
On Test: Silverback Signo Tecnica 279
Born out of a desire to explore, the Silverback Signo Tecnica combines the roll over traits and bigger contact patch of a 29″ front wheel with the quicker accelerating, more agile 27.5″ sized rear wheel. By doing this Silverback believe that they have combined the best of both worlds into one chassis giving the rider […]
On Test: American Classic Carbonator wheels
Following the success of their Wide Lightning wheels launched a couple of years ago, American Classic set out to design and build a carbon version. Featuring thicker sidewalls and 1mm wider outside profile than the aluminium Wide Lightnings (33mm vs 32mm outside, 26mm vs 29.3mm inside) to ensure durability, strength and stiffness. That extra material […]
Hungry Monkey Part 4: The Ride
And so it ends. Or begins. The Hungry Monkey is up and running and all that’s left to do is rip trails and contain my laughter and screaming (like a child) while out riding it. It is everything I hoped for and am glad I didn’t tinker with the geometry. “Bent at the knees, Iwan” […]
Review: Easy Motion NEO pedal assist e-bike
Although this was not the first pedal assist bike we’ve ridden, it was the first that we’ve taken out on proper trails. As a result, I approached the Easy Motion with a bit of apprehension on the first few rides. The Electronic Bits All NEO models in the Easy Motion range employ a rear drive […]
Review: Vee Crown F tyres
The Vee Tire Co. Crown series features three new enduro/all-mountain tyres, designed with the help of former BMX and downhill world champion Mike King. Vee Tire Co. have been manufacturing well-respected OEM and value tyres for years. They recently began to take their offerings upmarket, first with fat bike tyres and now the Crown series. […]
Review: 2015 Silverback Sprada 2
Silverback’s Sprada is in it’s third year and subtle tweaks following feedback from their test riders have seen it mature over the years into the trail 29er it is today. With Jonkershoek and Tokai Forest being it’s testing grounds, it should suit South African conditions to a T. We ride one to find out. The […]
Hungry Monkey Part 3: The build kit
A custom build is always a rewarding project. Part of this is the agonising process of looking for the perfect fit of design and components. For me, the direction of the build gets locked down once the look, or in this case the colours, has been decided. Once that is done, then the hunt for […]
Hungry Monkey Part 2: David Mercer on the Hungry Monkey design
One can almost not help but to order a frame from David Mercer. He is as nice as he is enthusiastic and it’s plain for all to see that he is a lover of what he does. Talking to him on the Mercer Bikes stand at the Africa Cycle Fair left me hungry for more […]