Matt Page has made a plan to tackle the hardest races in the world. Although it is often argued what they are, having raced the Crocodile Trophy, Iron Bike, Grand Raid, Andalucia Bike Race, and now the Mongolia Bike Challenge (amongst a host of others) he’s on his way to ticking them all off. Having […]
The bike of a Sella Ronda Hero
The bikes of Marathon racers the world over have common themes: Carbon fibre, 29er wheels, and a hardtail. While there are many exceptions to this rule, these does typify the majority of bikes in a Marathon MTB race. For stage races, especially something like the Cape Epic, you tend to have a few other common […]
What do you carry for the Tour Divide?
What? Once people get past the sheer ‘why would anyone want to do that?’ thing of an adventure like the Tour Divide Race, the next series of questions delves into a series of discussions about what sort of gear you need to carry with you in order to do it. Basically carrying gear on a […]
Reviewed: Michelin Wild Race’R Tyres
Earlier this year I received a set of Michelin Wild Race’R tyres to fit up and review. And although I have used a wide variety of fast rolling treads over the past 15 years, the past 18 months have seen me settle on one tread pattern and tyre volume as my ‘go to’ tyre. So […]
Time ATAC XC 8 Pedal Review
There are a some key parts of your bike that everyone has a favourite item for – and with good reason. Typically, these are your contact points – your saddle, your bike shorts, your grips, handlebars, shoes, pedals – and your tyres too. Your legs are the strongest part of your body, and having the […]
Roeckl Moleno MTB gloves
For a cross country mountain bike glove, the Roeckl 809 has quite a rugged look. Known for their strong and well padded fingerless road cycling gloves, Roeckl carry their brilliant construction and heavy gel padding into their mountain bike line. Despite their first appearances, the gloves do feature a lightweight full mesh back, with a […]
Review: Bellwether Distance Jersey and Forma Bib Shorts
For a company that’s been around for 30 years, I must confess I knew little about Bellwether before drawing together the full-length zip on the Californian company’s Distance jersey. But after several weeks testing out their Distance top and Forma bib shorts I’m pleased to report it’s been a pleasant introduction. The company started life […]
How To Maintain Your Bike at a Stage Race
Keeping your bike in one piece can be half the challenge in a demanding stage race. Depending on the mountain bike stage race you are in, you may be faced with mud, dust, sand, or all of the above. Add a lot of climbing and you will also add a lot of descending – increasing […]
What the top riders race at the Absa Cape Epic
Related Event: ABSA Cape Epic
The Absa Cape Epic is a beast of a race. Every year it is hard. Even though the rate of attrition dropped from 2011 to 2012, that doesn’t mean it’s getting easier. Riders are just preparing themselves and their equipment better. And the Cape Epic is highly demanding of both the rider and their equipment. […]
Magellan Switch Up GPS Multisport Computer
I remember chatting to a mate a number of years ago, who at the time was racing for a continental team in Europe. Our conversation fell to the topic of what happened to riders who got dropped from the peloton, especially in big races where team resources would be dedicated to those who remained in […]