New bike day for the Munga

I have been riding a 2022 Trek Top Fuel 7 trail bike and I love it. I’ve ridden most of the western cape MTB trails on it as well as quite a few 100-mile gravel grinds, a Trans Baviaans and a couple of 36one rides. The bike is stable and extremely capable on the trails, but it is a heavy brute (15,8kg in the extra large I require) and with 120mm of suspension front and rear, it’s not the bike for endurance events.

I’ve been pondering the N+1 formula that is the answer to “How many bikes is the right number?” but haven’t been able to justify the expense of an ultra-light cross-country racer as much as I might drool over the Super Caliber at the bike shop.

Trek Top Fuel 9.8 SL (2019)
New member of the family

Then on Friday, I walked into the Gear Change where Justin Tuck was putting the grips onto a brand spanking new E-bike for someone who was selling his Trek Top Fuel 9.8 SL (2019) at a fair price. The bike was Justin’s when he and Dave George rode The Epic in 2019 and is in excellent condition. He suggested I buy the bike, introduced me to his customer and after test riding it on Saturday, I made an offer, and the bike is now on my insurance policy.

My darling partner T, with implaccable logic, said “But you’ve already got an orange bike”.

Duplicate colours notwithstanding, this is definitely the right bike for the Munga and other ultra events, It’s a TEARS cat’s whisker shy of 3kg lighter, has only 100mm of travel front and rear and the geometry and full carbon stiffness makes it a pleasure to climb with. I took it out to Contermansklloof on Sunday, and it is as lively, responsive, and fun as I would have expected it to be.

It is by far the best bike I’ve ever owned.

My bikes have interesting names – at least I find them so; There was Princess Merida, the aluminum dual suspension who was replaced by Tom Fuelery VII (The Top fuel 7). I’m a Trek fanboy so I also have an aluminum checkpoint (Checkpoint Charlie) and a Trek Emonda (King Edomondo).

I have a mate who says I look like a dentist who walked into a Trek shop which is unkind to dentists and overestimates my income. My helmets are all Bontrager too. The newcomer has been christened Lord Thomas de Fuel IX – Munga muncher. It’s quite a handle but I think he’s up to it.

But what of Tom Fuelery VII? I am pondering rehoming him but I’ve been advised that I am currently high on being in love with Lord Thomas and that I might have seller’s remorse once I no longer have a trail bike.

MAMILs – 55 going on 15.

Oh and don’t forget to think about donating to the Mamil for Munga campaign for TEARS (None of the money finances the bike or any of my expenses. It all goes to the furry creatures. https://www.givengain.com/project/david-raising-funds-for-tears-70051

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