First ride: Haibike HardSeven SL pedal assist e-bike
The Haibike HardSeven SL makes use of a Yamaha electric motor to assist your pedal stroke. In all other respects, the bike is a normal mountain bike. But does it ride like a mountain bike? Watch our review to find out.
Review: Thule Crossover 32L backpack
A comfortable, well-organised backpack is essential for anyone on the move. If your lifestyle demands mobility or you simply need to arrange your clutter, the Thule Crossover may be the ideal backpack for you. While not explicitly marketed as such, I had this backpack marked as a do-it-all commuter backpack. By that I mean protected […]
Review: FUNN Fatboy 35 handlebar and Stryge stem
The current trend in mountain biking is towards wider handlebar and shorter stem lengths. To adapt, some manufacturers have began offering fatter handlebar and stem options. Enter the FUNN Fatboy 35 handlebar and Stryge stem, both made to fit an oversized 35mm handlebar diameter. Initial impressions: FUNN Fatboy 35mm My riding preference is already wide […]
Review: Extreme 2K and Extreme 1200 bike lights
Although the days are getting longer with summer approaching, riding in the dark is still something many of us will do. Whether it’s pre-dawn training or a “just-because-you-can” night ride you’ll want a dependable and effective light. Based in Stellenbosch and having been active on the site for a good few years Extreme Lights are […]
Review: Onza Canis 29 x 2.25 Tyres
Though a little before my mountain biking time, Onza (or OnZa) was one of the big brands in mountain bike tyres and other components in the late nineties. While the brand faded away in the early 2000’s more recently a swiss-based company relaunched the Onza brand and range of tyres. Meet the Onza Canis which […]
Review: Backtracker
Cyclist safety is a serious concern, especially when on the road. Many road cyclists and commuters have at least one story about their dance with death. Ikubu, based in Stellenbosch, have developed a device that they hope will better prepare you to avoid these close encounters. The Backtracker is touted as a device that monitors […]
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 […]
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 […]
Review: Helmet shootout Part 1 – Bell Super, POC Trabec Race, 661 EVO AM
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. […]