Dappere

Bontrager stock a few options. My girlfriend bought one from a Trek shop not too long ago: R 1 550.00 https://www.trekbikes.com/za/en_ZA/equipment/cycling-components/bike-handlebars/road-bike-handlebars/bontrager-elite-isozone-vr-sf-road-handlebar/p/32191/?colorCode=black

@Phillippe Coetzee https://armour-ride.com/ They have wrapped most of my bikes, highly recommended.

Personally find them very similar. I wear a medium in both Assos and Ciovita. Pending on the model you are looking at. I know the bibs on the race end of each brand to mention they fit more snug. For reference I have: Assos equipe & mille gto ciovita apex

@Thoneshan have a look at Lake shoes. https://lakecycling.co.za For wide feet they might offer the most sizing flexibility. Should you want to try them, they have a bunch of cycling stores that stock their shoes.

I have a large Supercaliber. Can confirm 2 x 750ml water bottles do fit.

You can probably get away with a bit less if running an insert, 2.3 Front and 2.4 Back sounds about right.

Don't most bike shops offer a 'free' tubeless conversion when buying a new bike from them? That was the case when my girlfriend bought hers.

100%, my girlfriend's Titan Switch Carbon came with cable-actuated brakes and road-like gear ratios. She bought the bike on a sale and we incrementally upgraded the components. I called out the handlebar because that might have to be factored into the OP's budget when considering the bike. 44cm feels crazy wide, she generally rides a 36/38 😅

My girlfriend recently bought a Titan Switch Carbon, based on her experience on the bike I would recommend it—heaps of tire clearance, 50mm on 700c. The finishing kit is okay, at worst you'll need to change the handlebar, as all sizes are shipped with 44cm handlebars.

A second-hand bike is a good option, just take into consideration wear on bikes. Even though you might find a good deal on a second-hand bike, you might need to replace, the tyres, chain, cassette etc... Best to weigh up those factors. As a new cyclist, I would look at more endurance focussed frame/bike. Racing bikes are nice, but they have a very low front end, which could make them uncomfortable in the beginning. Once you get fit on the bike you can look at getting lower and more aggressive on the bike. Something like: https://bike-addict.co.za/collections/road-bikes/products/giant-contend-3-2022 https://bike-addict.co.za/collections/road-bikes/products/avalanche-solo-2020

@Thoneshan Older bike, not sure what your intended purpose is with the bike. If the goal is to get into cycling; then it could be a good buy for that price. Alternatively, you could look at an aluminium option that will be slightly more, but new. Regarding sizing, tricky one. I had a TCR SL years back and rode an M/L. I am the same height as you. The M/L has a 55.5 top tube, which I assume is meant to be the 55.5 printed on the frame. If you are just starting out, the best would be to go to a bike shop and try a few sizes. Height alone is a poor indicator to select a frame size.

https://www.jasure.com

Had my gravel bike wrapped middle of January. I have never gone through their website, I contact them directly on Whatsapp. Pretty sure they still do full custom wraps. reach out to them. Great bunch of people. https://armour-ride.com/

I had 3 bikes wrapped by Armour My Ride. Highly recommended. They came to pick up my bike, wrapped it and delivered it. No issue this far.

https://armour-ride.com

Personally, its not either-or. I would take a shake post each type of effort described above. My interpretation of a long day: > 4 hours, and short day: < 2 hours. Post long day effort would generally include a meal after a protein shake, where a short day would only include a protein shake.

I generally have a shake after each workout. Never thought about having a shake prior to exercise, but for longer rides, I do have add Cadence Marathon to one bottle, which includes protein. Regarding the amount; all depends on your diet/other sources of protein intake. There is a lot of info that mentions the best time to take your protein shake is in the anabolic window, which is between 30 - 60min after a workout, but further studies have proven that isn't as important as once thought. As long as you replenish nutrients after a workout and get an adequate amount of protein per day.

If you should use the Garmin Rally pedals, their stack height is quite heigh. Just ensure you make the correct fit adjustments.

The process of swopping the pedal body is quite straightforward -> You'll do it for the first few times and then buy another garmin pedal set, believe me 🤣. Doesn't take away from the point that it isn't a complicated process.

@TheoG Try and purge all bluetooth connections from the device. Not familiar with XCadey power meters, but generally if a device has a power button, switch off, and switch back on, but hold the power button for about 20 - 30 seconds. Alternatively remove the power meter from all previously connected devices, like your phone. Remove the battery the power meter and let the power meter completely de-load.

https://carbonbikerepair.co.za/wp/ Based in Durbanville

Also recommend Lake.

Having both. Both are great systems that have proven to be a better option in helmets that have the technology, than those that don’t. Each have pro’s and con’s. Some argue that MIPS might be the beter option as it has been around longer than wavecell. Wavecell also have a slight weight penalty compared to MIPS, 30 or so grams. I don’t notice the difference when wearing a wavecell helmets to be honest. Ons noticeable thing between MIPS and wavecell is ventilation. The ventilation on my MIPS helmet is better. Here are my helmets for reference: https://www.trekbikes.com/za/en_ZA/equipment/bike-accessories/bike-helmets/wavecel-helmets/bontrager-xxx-wavecel-road-bike-helmet/p/25367/?colorCode=black https://www.trekbikes.com/za/en_ZA/equipment/bike-accessories/bike-helmets/road-bike-helmets/bontrager-velocis-mips-road-helmet/p/14896/?colorCode=black

Schwalbe G-One Bite is the better option in my opinion. Currently running the g-one RS on the gravel bike. Very impressed.

From that whole post, that is the only thing that stood out to you 🤯. OP was giving context on to the purchase of the bike.