Coldphir3

Hi thanks for the recommendation, I have gone for a Top Fuel 7, it was also highly recommended by most bike shops I called, it is really a great bike, been riding it for 4 weeks now, went for a bike fit about a week ago and that has changed my riding experience. I have also worked on my fitness level and eating habits, at first pedaling was hard on my quads that I decided to join gym, and eat healthy. Fast forward, I am now down to 137kg and feel a lot fit for my bike. I have been riding mostly on the road but I plan to go mountain trails later this month.

I’m in the market for a mountain bike and am a complete newbie. I’ve done some research and have come up with a few ideas of what bikes I’d like. So far, I’ve looked into the Trek Fuel EX 7 Gen 6 and the Specialized Stumpjumper Alloy. I’m open to other recommendations if there’s something better suited to my needs. Here’s some context: Weight: 140kg, Height: 172cm. Primary uses: Trail riding, commuting on pavement, off-road adventures. Requirements: A bike that will hold up well for my weight. Preference: Leaning toward full suspension for extra comfort on trails, though I'm not sure if this would work well for my weight. I’m open to a very sturdy hardtail if that would be a better option for durability. Budget: Sub R40,000. I have also looked at Titan racing brand but I couldn't find anything as far as reviews are concerned. Given my weight and intended use, would the Trek Fuel EX 7 Gen 6 or Specialized Stumpjumper Alloy be a solid choice, or are there other models or brands I should consider in this price range? Thanks in advance for your input!