Singletrack Society members get access to exclusive, regular original content. Because we also publish loads of all-access content, the member-only content can sometimes be hard to find. So we have created an easy-to-navigate archive here.
TESTED: TREK TOP FUEL 9.8 GX AXS (GENERATION 4)
Four years ago, we test-rode the TREK Top Fuel Generation 3 and loved it. In fact, we rated it among the top five bikes we had ever ridden at that time. So, we were keen to see what the Generation 4 model would offer. We spent a few weeks on the TREK Top Fuel 9.8 GX AXS and here’s what we discovered.
THESE ARE SOUTH AFRICA’S BEST MARATHON MTB RACES
While new disciplines have given mountain bikers more racing options in recent years, the marathon remains the most popular form of racing for South African mountain bikers. Primarily a test of endurance with a varying element of skill required (depending on the course), here’s what we consider to be South Africa’s 19 best mountain bike marathons. Full story.
TESTED: SCOTT ADDICT RC GRAVEL
There’s no doubt that the gravel bike market is enjoying significant growth in South Africa. As with mountain bikes, road bikes and eBikes, SCOTT has committed to designing a high-performance flagship model that’s aimed at the committed and very serious gravel racer. We spent a few weeks test riding the R239 000 SCOTT Addict RC Gravel. Here’s what we discovered.
TESTED: SPECIALIZED CHISEL COMP SHIMANO
Specialized recently surprised the market by launching the Chisel, a sub-R60 000 aluminium full-suspension bike claimed to offer the high-performance features of the highly successful, (much) higher-priced Specialized Epic. But does it though? We test rode one. Here’s what we think.
TESTED: GIANT STANCE E+1 PRO
Giant is one of the leading eBike brands, both globally and in South Africa. The brand’s quest to offer feature-packed eBikes at reasonable pricing has no doubt helped with its popularity. We spent some time test-riding the Giant Stance E+1 Pro to see if how it rides. Here’s what we discovered.
YOU DON’T NEED ELECTRONIC GEARS ON MOUNTAIN BIKES
It feels like we had lots of time to absorb and adopt the introduction of tubeless tyres, hydraulic disc brakes, 29-inch wheels and one-by drivetrains. But the latest technology is coming at us fast now! Although not that new, electronic gears have been on the periphery for most South African mountain bikers. But now that’s changing. We’ve done some testing and introspection and decided that you actually don’t need electronic shifting.
THIS IS THE AVERAGE SOUTH AFRICAN MOUNTAIN BIKER
Mountain biking is one of the most popular participation sports/activities in South Africa. We follow some global trends, but undoubtedly also have nuances that confound the international norms. We’ve been doing research for the past five years and can reveal that this is what the average South African mountain biker looks like in terms of employment, age, type of bike, brand of car, preferred gear, race entry frequency and more.
WHY CANDICE LILL MAY CHOOSE TO REMAIN A PRIVATEER IN 2025
Following a remarkable 2024 season that saw her reach second on the UCI World Rankings, finish third in the UCI XCO World Cup Series, fourth at the XCO World Champs and third at the Marathon World Champs, South Africa’s Candice Lill has, not surprisingly, attracted plenty of attention from the big brand teams. Here’s why she may choose to turn down the offers and remain a Privateer in 2025.
THE ONE THING YOU CAN DO TO IMPROVE YOUR MTB SPEED IMMEDIATELY
THESE ARE SOUTH AFRICA’S BEST BEGINNER MOUNTAIN BIKING TRAILS PARKS
SOUTH AFRICAN BICYCLE INSURANCE: THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
