Kotiet

I owned two road bikes, of which one I still have. Had many other great bikes, but somehow these felt different and made me stronger in the mind than my legs would support. Also great comments at the coffee shops. The aero frames also not bad climbing bikes. Would love to hear other comments on different frames. Loved first one, and second one even better.

I started on a hardtail. Had 3 top end duals....gone back to hardtail. Sworks with lauff fork. Best bike for me ever. Gone up Sani pass and down. Good rider on dual could not shake me down. Up the pass was more fun seeing him suffer with 12kg plus bike. That bike is fast on any segmant up as well. Tested it to softail. Much quicker for me. Gave bike to my eldest daughter...started buying parts and did build my current hardtail. This time with the rubber insert in frame. Dt swiss fork. More than I need. I done two Attas on single speed with rigid fork. First guy to complete K2C on any roadbike. So...for me a normal hardtail is soft. Just compare where we came from. We lost some sanity on the way. Some bikes can fly..the way they glide..as they say over the bumps..Believe they should fly next time then...why ride trails and gravel then.

Many bike shops wont take it out on its own. When the bearing feels worn..they chuck whole thing away. There is always sand behind this on a mtb or gravel bike. Ask them for a old set of bb bearings with these waiting for the bin...take out..clean..fit

I got a Peter Allan today. Built also by Le Jeune cycles. Still awesome..800 bucks..cool bike..paint good..

Hi I do ride my single speed with 32 and 17 at back often. Done this years Atta under 8 hours as well with one gear..that being said..we sit with too much gears and let ours skills out the window. We change to often before we reach a climb..losing half the momentum just there etc. 1 x 10 or eleven wont give you all what you want for every race, but then you ride with what you got. I did Epic on 36 front and 11-42 back. Your body will adjust to what you have when it becomes used to it....but the game has changed just now... With Sram having a ten at bottom ring...you can have lots of speed on bottom, and 42 -44 at top..allowing you a bigger ring at the front. Rule changer now..I got hold of a 44-9 cassette which I will try out. Now you can ride a 32 at front and still manage good speeds on flats...and crazy granny at the top... Will fit next week and see if it is better that the two blades in front I sometimes miss...specially in Baviaans.. Keep you posted... Regards

I did send all the mails and done as asked...not even a reply...waste of my time..and will ride all my next races and the Epic on my piss pot Merida fun ride helmet

Bought a lefty dual now..was always afraid of it..it is a super ride, light on the wheel at the front and do not lose too much speed over stones and logs on slow up hills..as the wheel float over easily..had great bikes in past..tried this. Well.so far so good. There were 5 around me in first bunch start group 3 weeks ago...all the colours and specs.. Stiff when shock is locked and bike treat me well..so I will look after it as well.

I would stick my head out here...I like the Vipa and done the Epic on it. Had a well specked MTB(name does not matter) and changed to the Vipa..climbed very good..36 blade(1X10) and goes down as hard as far as you want to leave the breaks...you do not get scared. The issues on rear triangle are sorted and as all brands it takes time to solve every weight issue cracks etc. The new triangles look awesome and made much stronger. Yes I would buy again as my body felt nothing after the Epic and could ride 2 days after and race in same week. It looks after your body, and yes...90% of the bikes are great out there. Find one you like, then you would be fast, strong and cant wait to get out with your mates, riding trails and having fun. Not about the bike. Just buy from a reputable bike shop and service ..service all bearings before a stage race. The bike can only performs as designed if all joints and bearings work 110%. Also very nice if your friends dont want to load your bike with their bikes..always great fun.. Kind regards

Ja jou snake...jy moet omkyk..heheehe

Hi Guys. Done the Epic on the 36 and was fine. Legs was good and the travel I get on the 36 makes that I dont get too much slip on loose gravel. I rode almost everything, only the one climb on day seven for 80m I walked...as everyone did.(Flats..great) The congestion at Worcester to Wellington stage up the mountain I rode most on the bad line as almost everybody walked. I find it good in sand as well as my travel is a bit longer and helps with rotation speed..the pace sand needs..and this was the thick sand.( tyre pressure makes a huge difference here as well, and ride it mostly soft on sandy days.) I would fit a 34 in near future to see how it feels and have a tested argument for myself and maybe help for others. It was a good Epic though. Regards Kotie

Hi Depends on the amount of electrolytes taken. We lose it at different speeds and even at a point where you dont seem to lose sweat..be aware. Keep hydrated and eat the salty potatoes at the tables..may just give you the power and enjoyment of no cramps..drink the right stuff..stay away from lots of sugars..You do not normally eat so much sugar during you work days, so why so much at the tables. Do what you do in normal working days, as you must learn to eat the stuff you need on the bike, if it a lot different than the ones you consume now. Tested it perfected over months. Eat while you still are very strong, not when you feel light headed..just a thought.

Thanks Meezo

Seems nobody want these..After a week I will give it to schoolboy, as I do not ride with someone else property..and do not want it. Good glasses by the way.

I found a set of Glasses at the Attakwas race earlier this year and forgot to give it in after the race before we left. It was lost before the race on the gravel road leading to the race village. If you can describe it I will post it to you. If you know of a friend that lost his there, please pass this on. Regards Kotie

Ride a Vipa..the best. Very good parts on it...I am not man enough for all he can show...