thebob

Any idea when they'll clean out the blue route?

It's not green enough to be a Swamp Monster

They sold out fast!

@Chadvdw67 excuse me, "Pond Monster"

Whichever one you go for, make sure to get the correct size for you.

Looking for a specific type of bike? Some brands have some stock

Nope, Trek has a Rockshox 35. As for new Scott vs previous Scott, the older Twinlock lever is miles better, but the new bike is a much better and capable bike overall.

I've owned the new Spark and now have a Top Fuel, so I have some experience. To get the shock out of the Spark you need to remove the cranks and take the rear wheel out. Not much more of a pain than a "normal" bike. For a home mechanic, no big deal, though I am sure a dealer will add some time for labour. The Scott shock is proprietary, so a few tools and parts are needed if you want to do a full service. Also good luck trying to get hold of a bigger or smaller volume spacer if needed. The only proprietary item on the Top Fuel is the Knockblock, which can be neutralized by buying a part from Trek or getting the Dremel out. As for warranty, Trek just replaced a BB on my Top Fuel 9.8XT with no fuss at all.

Priority is getting the one which is the correct size for you. Sizing is vital to enjoying a comfortable and confident ride. Don't go for the wrong size cause you will end up paying school fees! Providing you can get the right size in both bikes I'd also go for the Trek. Both are great bikes with different strengths and weaknesses. The Trek is better on the downs than the Scott, while the Scott is a bit better at technical climbing. The fork on the Scott is not great, whilst the 35 on the Trek is acceptable, but not the best though. Either can be upgraded (I have a SID the classifieds if you want to straight away 😀). Last but not least for whichever bike you get, make sure you have a decent shock pump and get your pressures dialed correctly for the correct sag front and rear.

I wouldn't say so for a base spec bike. The components will be a lot heavier than the higher end models, whilst the frame is the same, which is why it is cheaper. For example the fork is probably 800 grams heavier than a SID and the cassette 300 grams more than an XT version. 1.1kg right there,. The nice thing is you'll feel big changes when you upgrade it. For example a set of carbon wheels

Base model probably ~13kg

Don't think they have a support presence in South Africa. Quick Google search seems to support this

All wrong. It's a model designation for Fox forks, which is linked to stanchion diameter for their fork models. If it indicated stanchion diameter only then everything from a Pike to a Boxxer would be a Rockshox 35

Drop me a PM and I'll see if the guy who made my tool would make one for you and what he would ask for the work

Had a tool made to do the job based on measurements I got from the chap who started the thread on MTBR

Might be the bushings. I've opened up the ones on my SID and Pike with excellent results. Also helped @Chadvdw67 open up the bushings on his Lyrik. See this thread: https://www.mtbr.com/threads/tight-bushings-harshness.1129699/

Hit Wolwespruit this morning

Based on where you ride and Epic Evo is the right choice. A Stumpy Evo would be complete overkill

Any idea how much of Thaba is going to be messed up by Balwin? It really makes me sad when I see the work being done there and will make me violently angry if it messes up the whole area and some of the best trails in Jozi

Go for the Cetaphil Gel rather. The lotion comes off with sweat, which is *** when it runs into your eyes. The gel one doesn't run when you get sweaty and protects like a boss

Hit the lines at Grootfontein

Worst is a “What’s your best price?” enquiry. My best price is R500 more than I listed it for 🙄

Camelbak Repack also worth a look. Been using mine for almost two years now. Sometimes listed on Onedayonly for a discounted price, which is how I got mine

These Rovals are getting rave reviews everywhere: Roval Control 29 Carbon 6B XD | Specialized.com

Spark was a bit too XC focused for me. I also found some shortcomings where I needed a bigger volume spacer in the rear, but the biggest was already fitted. Also annoyed with the lack of dropper post insertion length. Don’t get me wrong, it is a fantastic bike. Absolutely brilliant at climbing and fast as heck on rolling terrain. The Trek just ticks more boxes for me