El Duderino

Agree re: Liv bikes. I know a few very happy Liv riders who I rode with when I lived in Durban. Both XC bikes and the Trail/Enduro one's. Maybe the OP has a heavier trail bike and it feels sluggish compared to an XC bike with fast rolling, light wheels/tires.

This is the worst place to come if you're confused. Someone will come along shortly to tell you to buy a Merida not a Scott, or a Cannondale. Another will tell you you can buy a brand new Titan for that price etc. If you really want an old second hand fiets, there's a guy on here, Bob Whitehead, @RobertWhitehead. Chat to him. He gives great advice and often has second hand bikes he has restored to a decent level. Otherwise you'll end spending double your budget on a brand new Titan Racing bike or a downhill bike.

I ordered 2 of the above based on your recommendations. For use on IDT. Got quite a decent discount so paid less than R800 for 2 bibs, excluding duties and VAT.

Then Trainerroad is the best. Just workouts. No Avatars, bots or "routes" that you can ride. I enjoyed the simplicity of this too.

I've used Zwift, Trainerroad and now Rouvy. Recommend TR if you want training programme's designed for specific races or fitness outcomes. Recommend Zwift for social aspect, gamification and some decent training programme's. Royvy is great for just riding interesting routes and has a fair collection of workouts and training programme's. I'm currently using Rouvy and enjoying it. Used TR last year to train for Attakwas with good results.

American Classic were making wide rims before it was fashionable, so I'm assuming you want wider rims. Can recommend Stan's Arch EX wheels if you dint mind a heavier rim. If you want something lighter but not as wide, Stan's Crest are a good option.

I think that was @MORNE

At 98kgs, that Fox 32 might feel like overcooked Spaghetti on rough terrain. I'd put on a Fox 34 or Rockshox Sid which has 35mm stanchions, I think.

The Trek Top Fuel. Comes with a 130mm Pike, trail tyres and almosy Enduro geometry. I have the previous generation TF with the 120mm Sid Fork and I do everything on it. From Attakwas to odd enduro. I imagine the new generation is even better.

It is brutal!

It's Friday!! Shots fired!

Very Naas!

Tokai has something for everyone. Lots of jeep track and some long climbs to on tar/jeep track to Noordhoek Peak and the Mast. There is also some easy singletrack like Vasbyt and some gnarlier stuff like the DH and Enduro trails. Can also access the Green Belt trails from Tokai and they are not difficult.

I don't know. I just know the warranty conditions limit fork to 130mm on 2022 TF. I thought the 130 and 140 were different forks

Putting a 140mm fork will invalidate frame warranty with Trek. And it's heavier than 130mm 😉 😜

Yep. This is the dilemma for a do-it-all bike owner. I've done long marathon rides (Attakwas, K2C) and love the SID for this stuff, but I also enjoy Donkey Trail, Cobra and chunkier terrain. SID does get a bit overwhelmed in this stuff.

What Morne said! I have a Sid 120 on my 2022 Trek Top Fuel and it's not bad for an XC fork. But you feel the need for a stiffer/better fork when things get chunky and rough. I'm not a 60kg racing snake (68kgs) but am seriously considering a 130mm Pike. Willing to take the weight penalty.

Great idea. I'm in too!

I would hardly describe the forums as being toxic. Seems like people confuse someone disagreeing with them as being toxic.

Dude! It's Titanium.

Please, God, grant me the strength and the patience to scroll by when a journalist uses loose instead of lose multiple times in an article. Don't be a loser, write lose not loose. Loose is not the antonym of win, it's lose!

Trek Top Fuel is one of the best options in the 120mm Travel XC/DC Category. Done everything from Gravel Races, Attakwas to Enduros on mine. Just the most versatile bike I've ever owned.

Absolutely nothing wrong with wearing Bibshorts, tight Lycra top with knee and elbow protectors, with a full face helmet while riding an XC bike. Don't listen to the Enduro Bros.

"when creating that deficit by restricting diet then cutting carbs makes sense.. carbs are generally high in calories" Not so sure about this. Carbs are 4 calories per gram, on average. Fats are 9 calories per gram.

Festive 500 #3