RobynE

You have absolutely nothing to worry about 👍

Well that’s unlocked a whole new world of possibilities in my mind 😱

No imaging of my worst bike injury which was broken big toe doing slowest OTB ever on my own driveway (my brain said GRAB THE FRONT BRAKE FOR NO GOOD REASON and I did). Horses though - I have one of these in my lower back (2022) and two in my neck (2021) as a result of smashing my discs to smithereens over the years. Elected for surgery in my early 40s. I’m a VIP at Spine Africa 😊 Also no imaging but I currently have a fabulous calf tear because horse and I parted ways and horse stood on my leg as he galloped off. Also stood on my back right at my disc replacement site but thankfully his full weight was on my leg instead.

I have the same bike and it’s a solid medium for sure and I can ride it. You’re 10cm shorter than me so I imagine it’s a little more tricky - the geometry of the frame puts the rider “on” the bike which is awesome in some ways but can be disconcerting in others. I also have a ~2014 Giant XTC carbon medium hardtail and the two bikes are totally different to ride. The Giant is, for me, a lot more confidence inspiring especially on sharp, rocky descents. The Trek makes me feel a bit like I’ll go over the bars if I’m not careful so I tend to second guess myself. Ascending on the Trek though, or putting in distance - it’s fantastic. As others have said the wheels won’t make a difference. You could probably sell your X-Caliber and come out with a small frame 29” or a medium 27.5 (also known as a 650b) and a bit of change. I just bought my kiddo (she’s 1.40 with long legs) a medium 27.5 Titan and she rides it so incredibly well. I paid R8500 for it second hand. You could probably sell your X-Caliber for R10-R14k (realistically) depending on condition.

Mitch at Mellow Velo is great 👍

The best helmet is one that fits your head and has the necessary safety ratings. I’ve yet to find a MIPS helmet that actually fits my head properly hence I don’t have one. Virginia Tech ratings are a great starting point. In horse riding one of their top rated helmets is less than $40. Yet the $200+ helmets (which are very popular in SA and sell from anything from R12k to R20k) get zero stars or a maximum of 2. The irony is that those expensive helmets will still sell for 50% of their new price second-hand. Amazing what people will pay for popularity while forgetting why helmets actually exist.

Anyone wanting a cracker of a girls bike, my daughter’s 2022 Titan Racing Calypso 26” is for sale, as I picked up a really nice 650b for her. Not your average 26” kids bike 😈 Purple Weighs 11kg XT cranks (full length) Narrow wide oval chainring SRAM GX 1x10 with XO shifter Rockshox SiD World Cup air fork - has lockout but not currently fitted Avid Elixir hydraulic brakes set up for small hands - incredible but very safe stoppage DT Swiss rims with DT Swiss hubs Maxxis Crossmark tyres with plenty life left in them Grips, pedals and seat will be put back to original or similar A scuff here and there but I can nail varnish or leave. Plus you get all the original parts minus the Tektro brakes (which were *** anyway) if you want them - if you don’t I’m happy to donate the parts to my LBS’ donations bin. Absolutely zero money to spend - gears set, bike is fantastic, totally reliable and huge fun, simply been outgrown. Best suited to a kiddo between 1.20m and 1.40m. Currently dirty so no pics but will have a wash tomorrow then I’ll put it in the Classifieds section. 10k or best offer. NB it’s not “just” a 26”. It’s the modern geometry super light frame, low step over, with really good upgraded parts and was purchased new by me and made better by @RobertWhitehead 😁

The sore butt is probably a combination of things, but the seat cover will force you to not ride due to a bad chafe or abscess, plus a whole lot of your pedalling power is going into that seat cover and not being transferred to the bike. You will probably feel nauseous at the sight of the bib shorts prices but please know it is a serious game changer and you’ll never look back. Make sure you choose one with the right pad for you. Not all pads are created equal and what one person swears by is someone else’s worst nightmare.

Lots of good info here! I will say though - get rid of those gel seat covers. That is chafe/abscess city. Rather get yourselves decent bib shorts.

Revitalising this thread as this bike is now for sale - my kiddo has outgrown it and is moving on to a 650b 😁 I’m looking for in the vicinity of 7k - all original parts except brakes are included in a box. Grips, pedals and saddle will be OEM or similar but rest of spec is as per the first post in this thread. The bike just carted my kiddo over the 25km Ride Joburg MTB and she finished first in her category with zero training on board. Brilliant, reliable, no nonsense bike. Ready to ride. DM me if you’d like to make an offer!

Mine uses Juicy Elixir which don’t stop me on her bike but stop her on a (safe) dime and she loves them! @RobertWhitehead set them up for little hands. Work like a bomb.

Was thinking of this thread yesterday when at Trailerseeker #5 Van Gaalen. 1, 2, 3 and 10th place finishers all on Pygas and having done the Half Marathon and nearly dying a million times I can’t imagine those okes climbed slowly or with difficulty on their Pygas during the Marathon 😂

Did it for the first time last year. There’s not too much flat and there’s a fair bit of non-technical climbing and some epic downhills and it’s a great day out. Take as long as you want!

I’m going to be a bit left field and suggest that you have a look at GT bikes. The user manual says they can take up to 161kg total - this is bike, luggage and rider - as per attached screenshot. What will help you is: - Bike fit to ensure your suspension is set up properly - Tubeless setup on good quality tyres (these will not be the tyres you get with the bike - you will need to upgrade) - A decent 1x12 drivetrain like Shimano M6100 as a base (or full Deore XT) - if the bike comes with 1x11 it’s ok but 1x12 is better for hills - Proper saddle that you find comfortable - Proper bib shorts with padding that works for you Lots of places sell GT, so you can go and have a look. Their frames are really seriously tough. Once you have your bike start off on level surfaces, short rides (even if boring) and work on your fitness from there. Don’t overcook it too soon. Soon you’ll find that a hill you used to take in 1st gear you’re now taking in 3rd. It’s a cool realisation. Happy bike hunting!

Road or mountain? What are your goals? Coffee rides, fitness, technical trails…? Your height? Your budget? Any orthopaedic/other challenges?