thebob

Never assume the handlebar width markings are correct or even the same on either side of a handlebar. Just checked my 3 Burgtec bars and all 3 had different centre to outside edge measurements in spite of all being cut to the indicated 780mm

Been considering getting them myself. How did you get them over here?

Holy thread revival Batman

1280GS834609B1/380000017 GIANT DROPOUT KIT 142x12 THRU AXLE IRIS BRANDS (dragons.co.za) Listed on the Giant SA distributor site. @Giant Bicycles South Africa can you help?

As Droo noted, the headset routing is a pain in the rear. The headset bearing on the 910 I briefly owned started to show signs of corrosion after less than a month as there is nothing stopping water getting to it. I also found the rear shock bottomed really easily and there was no provision for volume spacers in the Fox shock on that bike. Other than those issues it rode very nicely.

All three are great options for what you are looking for. Maybe another one to consider is the Trek Top Fuel. bikenetwork did a review on the Titan recently and posted a long term review of the Trek.

Exactly as Robbie says. That bike has a 460mm reach, which is more in the realm of a size M these days. For reference I am 175cm and my size M Ibis is the same size as that Trek (reach wise). It could work for you, but may feel a bit cramped. A proper ride would be needed to see if you end up with any aches and pains which could indicate a substandard fit

Just cause the size chart says it is right, doesn't mean it will work for you

A well-designed modern geo bike with a great suspension platform and crappy components Is better than an older bike with top-of-the-line components. I'd go for the bike with the most modern geometry and upgrade or replace components as needed. In this case the Trek wins it for me. However, getting the right size is vital. You haven't given any indication on your sizing or that of the bikes. From personal experience, Trek sizing can be a bit different if you are in the 175cm range. Also budget for some servicing. I'd be sending the suspension off for a rebuild and having all the bearings checked unless proof can be provided that work has been done

SA Enduro Cup round 1 at Thaba Trails. Was quite spicy after the overnight rains

Can also do some sections more than once for distance. Doing "up the creek", "ruins of Mordor" and "Mudderless" trails twice on the yellow loop will get you close to 40km

This sounds like the negative air chamber is not charging properly, which is usually caused by too much grease on the air spring or a bushing tolerance (both as @DuncanDoughnuts suggested). Dust will have nothing to do with the stiction, unless the inside of your fork is literally full of it. I'd suggest sending the fork to someone like RBC, Cogent Industries, Stoke Suspension or SGB Service Centre for a full strip and rebuild. They'll be able to check everything is in spec and correct any issues.

I made a suggestion to admin that we have an option to select when placing an offer to specify whether or not "trade buyers" are welcome to make an offer on an item. Could help mitigate this issue somewhat. But yes, I got a pathetic offer from them for my Giant Revolt. Sold it shortly afterwards for my asking price to a very happy buyer

Great podcast from Escape Collective with the owner of Factor bikes on this topic

Thinking behind making the seat tube angle slacker? Most of the contemporary XC and DC type bikes are in the 75 degree range.