Chasing_single_track

Bontrager Evoke Baggies - 1299 come with remove chamois Bontrager Rhythm Baggies - 999 no chamois but a slimmer fit both great value for money and they have a 30 day no questions asked return policy.

Things to consider: the frame, wheels and fork are most NB as it is unlikely that you will upgrade these parts. Make sure you are getting an air fork not a coil/spring fork as the adjustments to the feel of fork play a massive role to the overall feel of the bike. Make sure the bike shop sets up the pressure and rebound before you leave. Make note of what it is set too as well for future repairs / services. As a first time rider try find something that is more progressive and forgiving. 67 degrees or higher. The groupset, brakes, tires are all "consumables" for lack of a better work and you can upgrade these as your skills and riding progresses. Tires must be tubeless before you leave the shop. This is a no brainer on a HT. Also check the warranty on the bike as well. Might get a "good" deal on a titan but the warranty from Trek / Scott is better and the brand is stronger for resale.

I would recommend that you go get a proper saddle fit done. Find a store that has a pressure mapping system that will highlight your sit bones while you ride on your bike. If that is too pricey for your liking, most good stores should offer a satisfaction return for a bike fit items. I know that Bontrager and Trek offer a 30 day Unconditional Bontrager Guarantee. If you want to buy a good saddle try the Aeolus comp saddle. It is a short nose saddle with a relief channel. there are multiple sizes available so if you are not comfortable you can exchange it for a different size or get your money back.

Cycle @ Lynnwood has a good selection on the floor - Lynnwood Bridge, PTA The Bicycle Company Centurion - multiple brands on the floor (Trek, Scott and I think Titan) Midstream Cycles, smaller section of bikes. Thinking he is mostly Trek, Titan and was Cannodale, not sure if they are still in the store. Now more than ever I would recommend any LBS that is a small independent business. They might not have the full depth of a Lab but they just opened their doors and started trading and need support. Just my 2 cents.

https://www.cwcycles.co.za/product/garmin-speed-and-cadence-sensor Speed and cadence sensor to get some stats while on the rollers...

I managed to get my hands on a 530 in the US about a month ago. Loving the unit. 5/7 would recommend. Navigation is great even without the SA maps loaded yet. Picks up satellite significantly faster than my forerunner 235 does. If you like looking at data and stats like i do then the 'new' performance features should make you smile. Jump feature on MTB mode seem to be very sensitive as it picks up the front wheel movement, ie wheels, nose pops etc are seen as a jump. Yet to get the full benefit of grit/flow as this seems to be mostly tuned to DH / enduro runs more than JHB riding. I am no tech guru but this has been one of the better bike purchases in 2019 for me.