Onik Dovahkiin

I don't really have access to such services where I live atm. I got a simple padded seat cover on Takealot for under R200 and it has improved the general comfort by 200%.

Awesomeness! Glad to see that my post helped others. I indeed acquired a 29er but in L. And L is massive! The size of this bike took me off guard as I don't remember bikes being this big. I wouldn't recommend a XL if you're not taller than 185cm. The ride itself (Trek Marlin 5) is a breeze. Also super solid and sturdy as I'm feeling zero creeks and tension. The brakes however feels soft so I'll be taking it in to see if that's normal or needs to be tuned. One thing I'll recommend to get is a softer seat! You do get used to the hard seat but it's uncomfortable. Also invest in a good kickstand, as well as front and rear lights asap. Lemme know what ride you eventually settled with!

The search has ended. I settled with a Trek Marlin 5 on sale for R8999 https://biket.co.za/products/2022-marlin-5-lithium-grey?_pos=1&_psq=Marlin&_ss=e&_v=1.0 It's the only bike with a high weight rating of 136KG that I could find. It also has internal routing and a 8x2 drivetrain. I can't wait to start my bikepacking trips!

So... Any thoughts on the following bike? https://www.cyclelab.com/product/1013355-bike-mtb-ht-alu-slvback-stride-sport-2022 Seems to be a solid start for a lot of people seeing that it has a 100 plus reviews.

Much appreciated, this made so much sense to me without YouTubing. I'm glad it can be upgraded later on. I'll most likely going to get the Scott Aspect 970, the frame for me just looks better and stronger. The in pipe custom tubing just makes sense to me as well, something I don't see with the other options that I listed. All in all, like y'all said a bike can be upgraded later on...

Please explain this to me like I'm 8 years old. I'm not going to do any touring, I'll probably be max 4 hours on a ride session but most probably 2. Also won't be near any mountains or intense inclines. And sadly I don't have a proper bike shop where I live, just a basic one that's catering more to the road cyclists community. And the usual Game options.

So I did some intensive browsing and got a list together, if anyone has some deeper knowledge on the following in terms of what to look out for or what to avoid (like the type of metal the frame is made from) I'll appreciate it a ton. https://bike-addict.co.za/products/titan-rogue-cruz-2022 (over my budget but seems like a solid choice, seeing that a lot here recommends Titan) https://www.cyclelab.com/product/1014374-bike-mtb-ht-alu-scott-aspect-970-my22 (I really like this one, don't know anything about the brand tho but seems like a good deal) https://www.cyclelab.com/product/1016916-bike-mtb-ht-alu-titan-rogue-ryde-my22 (also seems like a solid choice) https://www.cyclelab.com/product/1014195-bike-mtb-ht-alu-marin-bobcat-trail-4 (no opinion but looks good) https://www.cyclelab.com/product/1014119-bike-mtb-ht-alu-slvback-stride-delight-2022 (looks like a great choice as well) If anyone else have some good links to share I'll appreciate it (budget is R5000-R11000, but the lower the better as I want to get a ton of bags for the ride). Thanks again to everyone, all of you are helping a new rider with excellent knowledge. I hope this forum will help out other intrigued minds as well.

Any good suggestions and sites to buy from? I increased my bike budget to 10k btw, I think I'll start with a Titan. I'm not going to do anything extreme off road wise, but I'm aware of little fist sized rocks that must be treated like landmines. Heck, even going for a hike you could die and fall lol.

Much appreciated. I'll look into these brands. I'm not going to do any touring, just something light camping around my town with some friends. Actually a Titan Rogue Cruz for 10k is on my top list atm, looks like a solid bike to start off with. Any suggestions on good trustworthy sites to browse for bike accessories and bags? I'm struggling to find fork bags and stem bags.

I'm a complete newbie when it comes to bicycles but I'm super keen in getting one for camping. I'm only familiar with the super market brands like Raleigh but I want to get something decent at least. My budget is R5000, I just need to know where to search for a good brand new bike that's easy to maintain. I'll upgrade in the future tho. Also, is solomoncycles any good to buy from and is Avalanche bike any decent? I found this one going for R3999, see below link. https://solomonscycles.co.za/products/avalanche-reflex-3-29/?attribute_size=Large&utm_source=Google Shopping&utm_campaign=Google Merch &utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=73651 I need a bike with a good frame to add stem, back rail and frame bags. I'm also a tall muscular dude (190cm and 115kg), so I fear something buckling under my weight and the extra added camping gear. Much obliged for the future assistance