TOOLS TO GET YOU THROUGH AFRICA’S
TOUGHEST TEST
there’s no better proving ground for human, machine and
apparel in the world of mountain bike racing than a
hardcore stage race, so we have picked a collection of items
that are proven, or have the makings of, products which
will last the consecutive days of punishment.
LUCKED IN
LUCK Pro | RRP R2 899 | www.positivesportssolutions.co.za
LUCK’s Spanish-made cycling shoes certainly look the part, especially the custom
collection. For something less fl ash, opt for the Pro model, weighing in at 289g (and with
the price tag, they’re a luck for the bank balance too). We put them through two proper
hot summer stage races. The stiff carbon sole (standard on all LUCK models) felt great,
even during a slow hike-a-bike up shale rock. The upper is constructed from a single
piece of leather, featuring no internal seams to help minimise chafe, and a thin microfi bre
liner to ensure comfort and no overheating. Secure closure is taken care of by a single
ATOP reel with a set-and-forget Velcro strap over the lower
foot. This off ers less subtle mid-ride fi t adjustment and
even with our wide feet it wasn’t an issue, but a
longer single boa lace would make for
quicker access and removal while
standing upright. LUCK
Pro models come
in seven colours
from neon yellow
to classic black.
PRECISION WEAPON
Cannondale Scalpel Si-1 World Cup |
RRP R155 000 | www.cannondale.com
The Scalpel Si-1 was already an extremely impressive machine;
then Cannondale added the new Lefty Ocho Carbon fork…
now it is arguably the sexiest XCO bike around.
We love the look of the Ocho, it is pure
engineering wizardry. How the fork, which
by all accounts is as stiff as the FOX
32 Step Cast or RockShox Sid, was
created is another story, worth
digging into if you are so inclined
(think three-sided stanchions and
roller bearings) but beyond our
space allowances. Even if Manuel
Fumic and Henrique Avancini do
not win the 2019 Absa Cape Epic
you can expect to see a surge in
Cannondales on the trails – because
why would you not choose such a
good looking bike?
82 | MTB | gotta have it
PAVING YOUR WAY
TO THE FINISH
Pavé Summit Bib Shorts
| RRP from R2 500 |
www.pave-sports.com
You will need a collection
of comfortable pairs of bib
shorts if you are to get through
a stage race without having
to visit the bum clinic. A good
option are the Pavé Summit
and Ultimate ranges of bibs,
which feature mountain biking
specifi c chamois pads. The
pads are constructed by
Elastic Interface® and fi tted
to the bibs of these local
custom-kit creators.