ChrisO

Hi, the bag Ive been using for years is the Thule Covert: https://thulestore.co.za/thule-covert-dslr-backpack-32l-covert32 I have the older model, which is really great, the newer one is an improvement on this. It is designated as a camera bag, but Ive used it for everything you've listed. I put my shoes and socks in the camera section, away from my clothing, plus clothing, plus laptop and charger, snacks, and assorted odds and ends. A little pricey, but Ive had mine for 11 years, in daily use, still going strong. Buy once, cry once 🙂

New commuter to the conversation. For years Ive been sitting in my car in notorious Stellenbosch 8am and 5pm peak traffic, an hour wasted in total, to cover a mere 10k's (there and back). This month the traffic seems to have doubled from last year, so I decided to start riding my MTB to work. It is the best quality of life decision I've made in a long time. Now I get it - the calm, the joy of passing long rows of crawling cars, fresh air, smiles, changing the route, slipping in a gravel or trail section along the way, no hunting and paying for parking, no Wrangler V6 fuel bill, greeting pedestrians and cyclists along the way, waving at a mate ... the simple joys of a zen bicycle commute. No more "drive to work in traffic" angst. Thanks to you guys!

Garmin Duel runs like a metronome. Never had a single issue in years of use.

Spot on. I think this post should be on page 1 of Bike Hub 👌

I’m completely with you on this, I feel for those guys. In end you’ll lose the money, and time, by being too optimistic. But, it must be painful. Then again, you’ve had the joy of riding a premium product, albeit at a premium price. I can only imagine what it must feel like to have your first ride on your new 250k piece of dream kit. Surely life’s too short not to do that at least once?

Haha - thanks! I already own the 22 Stance e Pro, exactly as in the pic, for the family, and 22 Trance Xe Pro +2 for myself. Looking for an enduro, preferably the 22 Reign e+1. So if you know about one 🤞Must be XL, maybe L. Anyone?

Looking with keen eyes! Just want a fair, market related deal. No more, no less.

Looking at buying a second eMTB bike for enduro riding. Ive been scanning the Hub for a few weeks now for a good used bike, and see that bikes are moving veeeeery sloooowly, but the prices remain stubbornly static. What is going on? Is it worth waiting a bit more till the prices adjust to the current market dynamics? Are used bikes overpriced, is there an excess in supply, are manufacturers discounting older models and giving specials on new bikes right after launch? I see that Giant are offering reduced pricing, already, on some of the 2024 models eg the Reign 2 and 3. Surely this brings the new vs older prices closer together, creating a more stagnant used market? Especially with eMTB, where a warrantee on electrics is a big deal. Add to that 0% financing offers in other parts of the world, stronger competition with an increasing amount of models, more smaller manufacturers coming into the country, more spec value for your buck, the bigger guys not wanting to lose market share, etc. Maybe this is an overdue correction in pricing. Any thoughts?

Just saw you suggestions, thanks for the info on Float vs Performance, I wasn’t aware of this. A bar with rise sounds good. I’ll also check w my local shop re the air shaft option. Will also save a lot of $.

True! Looks like the Fox Performance is a good option 👍

Yes about 85kg. You’re right, E-bike so weight is not such a huge factor. I’m an amputee so difficult to lift my butt when hitting roots, jumps and ruts, so suspension makes a big difference in this situation. im 100% going to look into the Fox Performance option, thanks for the suggestion!

Hi riders, Im needing to replace the fork on my 22 Trance X E+2. It currently has a Fox 36 Float Rhythm 150mm. Im considering increasing to a Fox Factory 36 160mm. Does anyone here have experience with a 160mm (or even 170 at a stretch) on this bike? It would slacken it slightly and rise the bars somewhat, which with this geometry should be fine as the bike has a very "forward leaning bias" in my experience (Size XL, Im 6'2) which can be unnerving going downhill (great for climbing though). Looking for some additional travel, although 160mm is still quite mid-range. Would appreciate your thoughts on this. Thanks!

Here on the Stellenbosch trails the Spez bikes are everywhere, Ive once seen another Trance e knocking about. Kinda like it this way to be honest.

You've summed up how I feel about my Trance, guess Im a fanboy for life now. It is just such an awesome piece of kit 👌

Hi guys, Im curious if anyone can tell me why I very rarely see Giant Trance X e (21 / 22 models) for sale on Bike Hub? Many Specialized, Trek etc on offer though. Im not sure if it's a market share thing, but it seems disproportionate. Im looking for something like a Trance X e+1 2022, or the likes, but nothing! Been looking for a while now. I currently have a 2022 Trance X e+2 Pro and looking for an additional bike, preferably the 22 e+1 or possibly a 21/22 Reign e. Any thoughts?

Agreed Dave, a transit van or crew bus would be great for all the outdoor activities. Also, taking a dirty bike in for a service, or going on a ride with a dirty bike, doesn't sit well with me either. So for now, until that crew bus happens, its black bags and masking tape, with a quick wash and DIY job pre-ride.

Great suggestions, thank you Chris. It harder to source a battery than I thought it would be!

Thanks for the suggestion, it looks like a good solution to my problem, just wondering about the wind resistance, my Trance X e+ is longer than my Wrangler is wide. Should be fine though, not too expensive so worth a try.

My current go-to solution 😊

Hi all, I'm looking to buy an additional ebike battery for my 2022 Giant Trance Xe+2 for multi day distance rides through the Karoo. Ive searched online but cannot find a supplier and quoted price for one. Im based close to Cape Town. Looking to buy new or near new 625, 750 or 800 Wh battery, any links or suggestions would be appreciated. Any suggestions on backup portable off grid chargers from someone who uses this method would also be helpful. Thanks!

Thank you!

Thanks for the reply, I completely would have preferred the roof option, but 2 of the 3 bikes are eMTBs which are too heavy at around 24kg's each. Im going to try the drive chain cover and see how iy goes. Thanks!

Bloody hell 😂

Yeah I took a look at these, worth a try for net time. But how to get the wheel straps through?

This looks like a great option, solves 90% of the issue. Thanks man!