RyanD

I wear the garmin softstrap out in around 10 months. It does not go in the wash machine. I rinse it in the shower as soon as I fining the workout. The plastic around the sensors that contact against the chest perish and then won't read properly. I must have corrosive sweat. Warranty is a year and garmin replace the strap without issue for me. Just keep the invoices up to date! The polar strap lasted 6 months.

Is the garmin app on your phone?

It was my go to shop as well. I too wonder what transpired there. Who are the Cannondale guys now in KZN?

Remove tyre. Remove rim tape. Remove rattle. Last resort I know but perhaps pull the rim tape off and inspect the nipples. I have the same situation with a nipple breaking. The tyre would not hold pressure so when the nipple popped, I pulled the tape off. Upon inspection all of the aliminum Nipples were corroded. The bike shop is swopping them to brass ones. I surmise that the Stan's worked its way around the rim under the tape and when it got to the nipples the corrosion began.

Good spot in Fourways, Broadacres centre. Next door to Mellowvelo

Yes. Up your magnesium intake. Helps me

I always just buy motocross gloves. Scratch in the bargain bin and one often gets last years range for cheap.

Four ways mall to sterkfontain dam, then back. Perhaps speak to cycle lab in four ways I recall an article on Andrew MacLaine which mentioned he rides from there to the dam and back. Challenging ride though.

Castelli gets another vote from me. I have three pairs and they are about 4 years old now. Hundreds of hours in those bibs and no issues at all. MTB only.

Any Kway product has disappointed me. Buy a proper hiking bag. Don't rate Kway.

Running. I run trail and when I am in a position from a conditioning perspective, where anything under 15k does not hurt then my leg strength is good when climbing on the bike. Core. I need a strong core to transfer power well on the bike.

Not for me thanks.

No ways. I paid full price on those. I have enjoyed them. Light and good grip. Enjoy.

Pepper spray, the stream type rather than the mist type sprayer. It is less sensitive to wind. Spiderco with pocket clip. Have the knife against your belly with the clip hanging on your bib.

It's actually quite tough, if you try to ride it fast, they take you through all the ecosystems of the park. Day one is quite sandy, and the single track is rough as the hippo tracks are really uncomfortable to ride through. Hippo leaves a big print in the mud and when dry it's a square edged hole that batters you. Day two is along the lake edge. Long day, invariably into the wind and soft under tyre. From there it's just wonderful. The tribal lands, Phinda and then up to Mkuzi is special. I am happier in the rocks and hills. Nothing technical at all, but if you ride like a clown you will hurt yourself and help is along way away. If you are moderately fit and pace yourself it is a fantastic ride.