El Duderino

Giant Revolt is a great Gravel Bike for the price. Love mine.

+1 for Garmin Instinct. No frills, does all the basics well and has outstanding battery life.

You sound like someone who would comment on a rape victim's attire.

Red Shoes! Guaranteed extra 20 watts!!

I have one. It works fine. Does move up a bit on steep descents. But, I'm happy with mine.

Cycling single file on the downhill sections of Chappies is a bit of an issue. I am often behind cyclists on Chappies on the downhill section into Noordhoek or the other side into HB. They are often in the middle of the road. And, they are going at or above the speed limit. If I try pass them...it means exceeding the speed limit on Chappies. Maybe because I'm a cyclist I don't have an issue with this. I just stay behind them until I get an opportunity to pass safely, or they drop me when I stop at the toll. Something to consider.

If you're referring to a Giant Reign (Enduro bike) then, yes....it is a heavy bike. The reign is designed to go downhill fast on rough terrain. It is going to be hard going on long climbs and will be slow when pedaling on fire roads and jeep track. I would not buy a Giant Reign to ride flow trails. You better off with a decent trail bike. Giant Trance or Trek Fuel Ex much better options. And they can also handle steep, rocky stuff if you come across it.

I just came here to see who the most prolific poster is!!

This exact thing happened to me. A call from a legitimate looking number at Cape Town International Airport. I was a bit confused and freaked out. But, I just happened to be driving to SAPS to verify a document, and I said to the caller to call me in five minutes and explain to SAPS official what the issue was. He put the phone down and never called back.

Was going to suggest this too. I have a Revolt Advanced 2. Can take 50mm tyres with ease.

Go for the one that can take the widest tyres.

You're never going to convince anyone here. Motornormativity is like heteronormativity, it is so endemic, you will struggle to get people to see the issue from the perspective of the other side. And we live in a country where victim blaming is ubiquitous. You get hijacked (why do you drive a BMW or Toyota?) or you get run over by a car on your bicycle and people debate flashing lights and the color of your clothes, instead of the bigger problem of inconsiderate, inattentive drivers. Meanwhile, South Africa has 25 deaths per 100 000 due to traffic accidents. One of the highest in the world. That's not because of cyclists riding abreast in dark clothes.

My advice would be to sell the Titan e-bike and keep the Rock Hopper as a dedicated bike for the IDT. Then buy a decent road or Gravel bike for the road. If you get a road bike, get an endurance frame, something like a Trek Domane which has a more comfortable geometry and will put less strain on your back. Gravel bikes also have more comfortable geometry and can take wider road tyres for increased comfort. Having a dedicated bike for the IDT just makes life easier.

I bought a new entry level Tacx smart trainer (Flux S) in mid 2021. Have had zero issues to date.

I think you're missing Bro D's point. Gauging the accuracy of a sentiment by the amount of people on BH willing to jump on your bandwagon with their pitchforks, is not very valid. Just think about what he is saying. Low Ball offers are not highly exploitative. Paying a security guard R5000 per month is highly exploitative. Offering someone less than they expect for a bicycle, an offer they can refuse, does not reach the threshold required to be labeled grossly exploitative.

I've used sleeping aids (sleeping pills) when doing stage races where you sleep in a race village, in a tent with lots of noise around you. Difficult to get sleep. We're all different, but avoid using anti histamine as a sleeping aid. You will sleep, but you will feel tired the next day. And don't use anything you haven't tested before race day. I've used Zolpidem (Stillnox), taking half and you dont feel tired the next day. You get a good night's sleep and wake up feeling fresh. Might not work for youu though. You need script for Zolpidem.

I think a smart trainer is your best option. Here's what I did and Im very happy with my set up: Bought a Tacx Flux S a few years ago for about 10K, brand new. Have had four years of excellent performance from what is regarded as a budget option. Spent 4K on a old road bike that is permanently on the trainer. Took out a Zwift subscription and I was good to go. Now on Rouvy, which I prefer, and I use this set up 2 to 3 times per week. Good luck with your decision. Hope this helps.

Lekker! Subscribed.

What about rides on Rouvy? Do they sync with Vitality or are they disregarded too, so I have to double record with my Garmin watch?

Dstv channel 208 from 1pm

No worries, fixed so you can sleep tonight Thank you 😆 🤣

*write Sorry 😞

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.