Eugene

Don't.... Both are equipped with Campagnolo. As good as Campag is, their prices are insane. A simple cassette will cost an arm, a leg and a kidney.

I watch a guy on YouTube with a channel called Berm Peak.... He swears by Bolany forks and uses them extensively on his builds. Having said that, I've seen some, not so good reviews on the 100mm Bolany. Mostly where the crown and steerer separate. At best, the steerer just rotates and at worst, it snaps

Even a medium frame would have been too big for you. As mentioned by others, changing your wheel size will not make a difference. Fortunately, hardtail frames are relatively cheap on the second hand market. Hunt around for a s/xs on Bikehub and one will come up eventually. It does not have to be a Trek

Just a few comments 1. You can replace the fork with an aftermarket one, but, a fork better than the fork on the bike, will cost more than the bike itself. Don't worry, the standard fork will be fine. 2. Many bike brands rebrand forks in their own name. These are normally Suntour (or as someone else mentioned X Fusion). Even the entry level ones of these brands will do the job. Don't worry about the fork. 3. All reputable bikes have replaceable hangers. They are designed to break in the event of a fall so that the more expensive frame does not get damaged. 4. Zini is a local brand and makes some competent bikes. Get the bike, you won't be sorry. 5. Zini is supported by many bike shops. Rather buy it from a bike shop. Sportsmans Warehouse is not cheap and the knowledge of the staff on bikes is doubtful at best. If you go to a bike shop, you know it will have been built properly and you will get better advice regarding sizing etc. Edit: I missed the part about being on special at Sportsmans. If you can't buy it elsewhere at that price, then get it from Sportsmans. The big issue is size. Don't buy a bike because it is on special and then it ends up being the wrong size. Size trumps almost anything when getting a bike. It must fit you properly

I did it 3 months ago and there are 100s of people doing it from all corners of the globe. At no point did we ever worry about our safety from a crime point of view. But there were lots of spots one could fall and injure yourself if not careful. When I was in the army in Cape Town in the 90s, one of our Staff Sergeants lost his son on Table Mountain. He slipped and fell somewhere and both he and the adult he was with died

Interesting stats. Whats also interesting is that this was posted 5 hours ago and I am the first to respond.

To answer your question as to what is wrong with Makro bikes. A friend of mine bought one from Game, against my advice. Both wheels were out of true, the fork was on backwards, both pedals broke within a month, the gears never shifted properly (even a bike shop could not get it right) and the chain kept falling between the chain rings and each time we had to remove them to get the chain out. Rust started to appear within a few months. Having said that, Makro sells a bike called a Raleigh Pro 1 and a Volcan (they are identical). They are semi decent and do their job.

I didn't realise the SL6 came with rim brakes. Personally, I think rim brakes are fine and do the job just fine, however, discs are the rage at the moment and maybe discs are the way to go. The Cannondale is a good bike. Also, look at Titan as someone else mentioned.. You can get a new bike, with a warranty, close to your budget

I would scrap the Scott 1. It's an older model 2. The condition is not so good 3. It's too big for you. The Cannondale looks good and comes a close second. I would go Specialized. You mention it's in mint condition and you are getting it from a bike shop. At least you know it has been serviced etc and you have recourse if something goes wrong.

Looks like it is a type of auction and he just put in a value. Looking at the description, just trying to figure if they are tongue in cheek comment or aggressive comments

Ive been watching YouTube videos and I found a couple where you use another wheel to line it up and bend it using the wheel

Did you say 25-30km winds? That's a light breeze for us in PE. Fortunately, we don't have the heat at such early hours of the morning.

Huh?

Its already been mentioned, but I'm placing my money on a worn drop out. Someone mentioned dishing your wheel. I don't think that is the issue here, but dishing may actually help. With time the dropout will wear more and you'll be back where you were. You don't mention what the dropouts are made of, but carbon dropouts have a reputation for wearing.

Just looking at the Axis sizing chart, it seems as if your son would need a large frame. Not sure what the size of the Axis he has shown you. Personally, as a 16 year old, I would also prefer the more modern 29 inch as well.