OemD

Sunday afternoon around Wellington

Sunday funride - Wellington (WC)

Hi As an owner of the Giant Trance 2019 - https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/trance-advanced-pro-29-1-2019 This is an amazing machine, absolutely built for smashing trails. So based on you information, it depends on the amount of trail riding you are going to do with the bike, as is. The geometry + suspension makes the machine a TrailBoss. The bike is very responsive and the ride is plush. In my experience , the Maxxis Minion tires are not made for long XC rides, they are heavy and with high rolling resistance. The tires are amazing on trails with seemingly endless grip. I use a XC hardtail for all XC rides and unleash my Giant on the trails. I would use my Giant for XC purposes if I paired it with faster rolling tires. Hope this helps.

Yes REAL mountain biking, just FYI, I was up there over the weekend, use the trails from Welvanpas, Bainskloof is closed at Antoniesvlei .."No Cycling" ...and the there is some work on the last few switch backs of Aap DHuez. Had to jump off and push.

Just to add the trail overall is in an acceptable condition, its not manicured. The climb up to the Monty's is littered with loose stones and pine cones, which is always fun on a 10+% climb. The downhills features the occasional "well placed" pine cone. But, I ride the trails at least once every 2 weeks and I love it.

Trail builders indicated that the signage still shows closed but you are welcome to use but the trails are not maintained and there is no support. The trail markings are mostly still up, some have been damaged or removed, so if you know the route you are welcome to use.

This sign always puts a smile on my face and screaming .."Yippee ki-yay, MF'ers"..... LMAO

Hoe is daai grondpad bokant Bains, deesdae?

Early bird special. Short pre-work visit to the hurt locker AKA Bealah, Wellington. If you know, you know...LOL

This morning, Wellington - Perdeskoen - 05h14

Really !!!! Woohoo im off tomorrow! It is "open"...i.e. trail builders let us know that you are welcome to use the trails, but they will not provide support or maintain the trails. The trails is in a bad state, Aap DHuez climb has about 10 tree across the trail and the start of Full Monty 2 is eroded badly. Entrance to Full Monty 3 is blocked by a tree.

Welvenpas Black route

92 kgs rider + Bike - 29" 2.30 Maxxis Minion Tyres - 1.5 bar rear, 1.3 front for trail riding. 1.8 rear + 1.5 front on gravel roads+tar. BEST ADVICE: Tyre pressure is a personal thing, test different pressures and find the pressure that works for you.

True story. My friend owns a LBS and bike sales went up post lockdown. He is also noticing an increase in EBike sales...

As a Giant Trance (2019 model) owner - I can CONFIRM the suspension is pogo stick like at low speed (if pumped correctly) but "feels" firmer the faster you go.