I’m getting on a plane to Mongolia next month and I’m taking Whyte’s 29-C with me. I’m approaching the Mongolia Bike Challenge with a heady mix of apprehension and excitement. The race is 856km. Based on some (rough) guess work, I’ll spend upwards of 40 hours of my time in Mongolia on board the 29-C. […]
Chinese carbon MTB wheels – how good are they?
Carbon wheels are slowly becoming de rigeur for elite endurance mountain biking. The internet, trails and cafes are awash with carbon bike parts. And for good reason – carbon fibre can be used to make stiffer, lighter, stronger and even more comfortable frames, forks, handlebars, stems, seat posts and rims. The returns aren’t as noticeable for […]
Bike Check: Mike Blewitt’s Bianchi Methanol 29 FS
Bianchi mountain bikes are quite rare in Australia, but they do stock the Subaru-MarathonMTB.com Team with frames to build, so you do get to see them around more than you might otherwise. I’ve spent the past two years racing both a Bianchi Methanol 29 SL hardtail, but also a Bianchi Methanol 29 FS – their […]
Reviewed: ZTR Valor 29″ Carbon MTB Wheels
The ZTR Valor wheels have been long-awaited from the brand that brought us lightweight tubeless rims, and the ZTR Crest, Arch and Race Gold wheel set are be found on many marathon and stage racing bikes. But light alloy rims aren’t without their downsides. Flex can be a problem, if not for lighter riders, for more […]
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 […]