The geometry of an MTB is meant to be upright, the gearing, riding style and the aerodynamics are completely different. MTB is far less efficient. Two different sports as far as I'm concerned.
Get the best new trainer you can get for your money, probabaly the Core. I've found smart trainers to be a real game changer because of their convenience and lack of logistics. Jump on and ride whenever you want knowing that you're safe and the training is very effective. Even R400 a month for Zwift is value for money if you use it.
Danced around this for months myself, buy a new Titan. You won't regret it. https://www.cyclelab.com/product/1017655-bike-mtb-ds-alu-titan-cypher-rs-ltd-edition?source=google&medium=ppc&campaignid=20298412298&adgroupid=&device=c&keyword=&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw65-zBhBkEiwAjrqRMBMhtMR66iOhBqq60yCV9gS8WMSnCpXdfCLqeZeMwsRIwgOa-Y4aYhoCDeoQAvD_BwE
I got caught twice because of this, definitely have to blame myself but in all fairness if you are a certain size with almost all brands and their equivalent is for an 11 year old midget then their sizing is definitely also an issue. Tried contacting them but they just ignored me. Never and never again.
I must say I was quite surprised by how many riders last year battled with very basic obstacles, maybe they should enforce the seeding rather. Bottlenecks were ridiculous in the heat.
As already mentioned, rather do the 25 km first. You need to have a seeding for longer rides to do the 50 km anyway else you won't be able to enter. Maybe try some of the other rides like the Trailseeker series first to get first hand experience of the rides. Most importantly, have fun.
Too much of a liability for me personally. If they even suspect you may have a gun your chances of getting away unharmed are probably zero and the bike becomes a distant second and the gun first prize for them. I have to ask myself what are the odds of me needing to use that gun and successfuly using it, versus it being used on me or taken. On the other hand I completely uderstand anyone feeling they need to carry one in this day and age.
Apologies if this is not completely related but I probably don't wash mine as often as I should (no it doesn't stink yet thankfully 😁) but lately it seems to be underreading big time. I gave it a wash the other day and its just as bad, is it dead? Its not even a year old so I'm not impressed.
My 50c is the upward angle of the seat is forcing you to sit further back on the seat and causing your legs to make contact with the bag. Have you had a proper bike setup done? You might find your setup is more the problem then the saddle bag? Just my 50c anyway.
Sounds like your saddle bag is way too big or too full? Split what you carry between your bag and your pockets. As mentioned by others there are various options for carrying. Unless you're riding the Giro you don't need to worry abut unnecessary drag or bike aesthetics.
This is going to be like the DSTV conundrum, so many 'potential' cheaper alternatives yet in reality so few simple alternatives that have the same offering. I'll stick to Zwift for now, its not cheap but I've tried others and keep going back because its the most complete as far as I'm concerned.
Personally I can only vouch for the Neo 2T which has been an absolute pleasure for me for over a year. Its like choosing between a Mercedes and a BMW though. Theres a lot of tests and comparisons on both, check Rainmaker DC but I don't believe you can go wrong with either.
