ArtemisGoose

My 10cents worth: I'm a 1.6m short lady and I ride a 27.5" size SMALL. I've owned a 26er, 27.5, and 29er. My thoughts on the different wheel sizes: 26er - great starting wheel size for beginner MTBers. Can get a little sketch when you get into more technical riding 27.5 - This is my happy place. It's faster rolling than the 26er but not as exhausting to get going as the 29er. Nimble around corners and super fun on the technical terrain. 29er - Felt like a bus. Always felt completely wiped after a ride on single track. Getting that thing to turn was ugh. Handling just never felt great.

Hotspot cycles in Pretoria has a few one up products in stock.

Go to big red barn. Its the prettiest and will make almost anyone fall in love with mountain biking instantly. Cowhouse is easy and flat. There are some bridges, which newcomers might find intimidating. It is also a working farm, so your chances of riding into a herd of cows is pretty big. But it's a bunch of very friendly milk cows. Might be a bit out of your way if you are driving from Centurion.

Lady mtb'er here, measuring a whopping 1.6m, riding a small mtb. I much prefer my 27.5 mtb to the 29er I had. The 29er felt too big and clunky. The 27.5 wheel size made a huge difference. Going faster and having more fun. I don't feel like I'm wrestling the bike around like I did with the 29er

I have a pair of both the older ones and the new ones. The sizing on the new one are smaller. I had to size up to get the same fit. Regarding the material: The new ones feel less breathable The new ones do feel slightly thicker, and may be more durable My 2cents worth