Well done for toughing that out! The faces at the end said it all - just wrecked.
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It’s been the most competitive AG in South Africa for nearly 20 years now - a lot of the guys I used to cycle with got really nervous as they approached it 
it does just seem to be a peak and then it tapers down the other side again.
All to do with the ability and capacity to be quick and still race and have slightly more time to do the necessary training as kids have left home and, in some cases, parents still young and healthy enough to not need much attention.
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TestDuro Autumn Edition is up and running in case it’s of any interest.
This one is a 75 km loop from Southampton Sports Ground up and down the Test Valley, about half off-road. Very British ‘gravel’. Nothing massively technical, but definitely some slippery roots and ruts. A bit more adventurous than your average forestry road!
Set route, some Strava segments for a competitive element, open until 1st Jan 2025. Full details TestDuro2024A.pdf - Google Drive
Trails are in excellent condition. Not too muddy yet; almost nothing overgrown.
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Just saw this, didn’t know whether it belongs here or the aero gains thread.
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Can’t imagine it’s much fun with a crosswind 
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For those following this thread, you’ll know about my four or five bottom brackets in two years 
The last of them has been a change to 24mm Shimano and that’s lasted ages now 
However, I changed my headset six months ago (which was an utter ballache) and now that’s gone. Again.
Also, my rear Zipp303 has side to side play. Which I’m hoping is load adjustment and not bearings.
AnnoyedAF.
This has never happened to any winter bike I’ve owned. Which have all been out in far worse conditions. Maybe the grit just doesn’t agree?
Time for some Lizard Skins (or Chris King all round)
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Shimano BB’s are just about indestructible, I’ve had them on poorly maintained winter bikes for years.
Never had a problem with wheel BB’s either, the rims or spokes would deteriorate quicker when I used to go out over winter.
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Sounds like the bearings as I had get my son’s 303s redone after similar lateral play.
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Headset bearings on gravel bikes generally don’t last very long, they get sprayed with crap all the time & rust quickley. On the plus side they are usually cheap by go stainless if changing them is a hassle.
I thought about you when I saw that Hope now do bottom brackets with lifetime warranty. The bearings are stainless.
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I found most higher end bearings to actually be pretty feeble; certainly if press fit. I’m a bit detached these days, bit are some manufacturers going back to threaded BBs?
threaded BBs are virtually indestructable ime.
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They’re the BEST 
And yes.
But I’ve a modified Shimano 24mm press fit.
@doka - I’ve got to take the cables and bar tape off to remove the headset 
I may drill the bars to thread the cables to save my bar tape on future 
Cheers @leahnp - I’ll have a look when I’ve a moment. Super poor for Zipp
Cables… are those the things people used to change gears in the olden days 
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I see you have the special pedant edition of wireless brakes 
Brakes have hoses not cables 
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Superb pedantry, I’m proud 
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Brakes are for wimps, use your feet on the ground or get a fixie
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Did you do them yourself?
I can’t get the damn axle out.
Manual says some 17mm bearing puller tool.
Which I don’t have.
I’ve tried a rubber mallet too
Also; where do you get bearings from?
(Found them! Whych 
)
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Somewhere in Wales then I guess?
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