Lazlo6

Thank you, it seems I am on the cut. Will get proper guidance here before purchasing. Thank you. Thanks, I think I am going to go for something with about 130mm Seems that this is the case with a lot of things nowadays! Thanks for the heads up. This will be my approach too. I'm quite confident with a toolbox. Rebuilt quite a few modern four stroke MX engines over the years. Spares availability worries me a bit more though. Yip, this was my initial concern, and the reason for my post to begin with. Even if the owners are so kind to let me ride there, its still an hours drive from the nature reserve I will be in (albeit just 2km as the crow flies). Thanks so much guys, for all the advice. Really seems like a great community you guys got going here. My current feeling is to go for an Epic Evo, Top Fuel, Spark. Depending on what I can get. If the bug really bites and I get to a point where my bike feels to be the limiting factor, it might just be best to get a second bike.

Hi Shebeen, You are correct, it doesn't seem like there is access to the top of the mountain from the reserve side. The longer way around seems to only way. Hence my original question on XC vs Trail, realistically I am going to be spending a lot of time cycling from my house around there rather than drive an hour to start cycling. But then again, I don't really plan on doing anything competitively again in my life. I am sure Ill have a nice time cycling on a shorter travel trail bike regardless.

Wow, thank you for all the input guys. It is really appreciated.

Haha, I would still appreciate as much input as I can get. It is however quite easy to convince a man in the direction he wants to go🙃

Hi Milky, Thanks for your input, much appreciated. I will be in the Banghoek reserve. I do intend to get involved in the local community as much as possible, perhaps I get to ride the trails. Trail bike seems to be the way to go then. Thank you.

Hi Guys, I have a rather area specific question, hope someone could shed some light. I'm moving to Piket-Bo-Berg area (Banghoek Private Nature Reserve) in the next month or so, and I figured its a perfect time to get back into mountain biking. I'm 32 years old now, last time I cycled was in my teens, and things seemed to have progressed at a mayor pace. I come from a competitive motocross racing background, and decided to hang it up after yet another serious injury last year. I need to start from scratch, as I haven't owned a bicycle in a long time. I want to buy a Trail bike, as I like the exciting stuff and understand the value of good suspension when things get rough. My question for you guys is, considering the type of riding around Piketberg (I have no clue), would I be shooting myself in the peddle not getting an XC bike instead? I've read about some of the amazing trails on the mountain, but it doesn't seem to be accessible to the public most of the year. Other than the private trails, everything else seems to be dirt roads and jeep tracks. Or am I mistaken? Any info/input would be greatly appreciated. Cheers, Louis

Hi Guys, New to the forum and mountain biking in general. I come from a Motocross background, but decided to "hang up the boots" last year after 20 odd years of racing. Not quite ready to give up on two wheels though. Been browsing for a while, some really helpful info on here, thanks guys.