Titan sport 29er size XL

Posted on Dec 1, 2013 by krfarmer

Saturday 30/11/2013 I went to collect my new bicycle. A new Titan sport 29er size XL. Had my cleats moved over from my old Mongoose. Put some bar ends on. Moved cycle computer over. Mounted two bottle holders and my pump. By this time it was dusk and was fixed on taking it for its maiden voyage. Got geared up and took the photo.

Think I will have to call it the Titanic. It was 14 km into the planed 35 km round trip when it started to get dark. So I was putting on my head lamp just as I hit a big rock at the start of the road works. I took a good roll, surprising just a few scratches on the back. I was going about 25km/h. The Titanic however got a puncture, saddle came loose and the chain came off. In the light once I got home it looks like it did not get any further damage. Will have to check the wheel alignment, to see there is no dent in the rim.

In the dark, patched two holes and knowing that they did not look like they were going to hold I turned back the way I had come, as it was the shortest route home. I had to stop three times to pump the wheel in the 14 km back home. Then there was the snake I nearly rode over and a porcupine that crossed the road in front of me.

When I was looking at the bicycle in the shop, I had said to Jimmy the owner, that I will have to change the tyres. I did not think they would hold out in Africa. Well, there you have it, on the maiden voyage they gave in. I would like to put Maxxis crossmark on. This is what I have on my Mongoose. They did Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Not even a puncture on that trip and back home the thorns have given them a good go (I live in the African Savanah, lots of thorn trees).

Anybody got some comments on the best tyre they have used?

Traveling lighter

Posted on Nov 21, 2013 by krfarmer

When at bicycle shop last week Jimmy the owner made some suggestions.

1. Change bolts to Allen keys. So that I only need to carry a multi tool and not extra spanners.

2. Get a pump that can take co2 canisters and do manual pumping. So that if I need to seat tubeless tyres again I can.

3. I should come in for training in his workshop to fix some of the major breakage’s.

4. There is a local trucking company that does trips north of South Africa. I should go speak to the owner to see if could get a lift up to Malawi.

Getting ready for next trip

Posted on Nov 20, 2013 by krfarmer

Last Saturday got a 1.5 kg tent. This will save 3 kg of luggage. To be quite honest this tent will not stand up to a good storm like my other tent. I am taking the lead from http://ultralightcycling.blogspot.com/. He says” so what you get a little wet”. On the other hand traveling lighter makes trip much more enjoyable. I found it gave me extra space in my panniers, this will free up space for other much needed items.This is my old tent.