mynameisluka

Heyoo! Thank you! Yes, it's a Paradox V3. I'm new to MTB and feel like I got really lucky getting it. Just eats everything up - way above my skill level, but great coz it's really inspiring my confidence. Sure is a looker too As is that Silverback!

Hey amigo, New to MTB and this forum. I was recently in a similar situation. Wasn't sure about sizing, suspension, components, all that. Had done a lot of research and was going over the smallest things over and over. I'm also 179cm and also wanted a more trail orientated bike than a XC. I ended up with a Med hardtail with 140mm travel, and it's perfect. Mind you, not all Mediums are the same. The bike I got feels bigger, which is great because I wanted something to throw around. Climbs fine, but then I'm still not bike fit. I think we tend to overthink. I was stuck on dual sus or hardtail, but thats a significant difference, whereas in this case, it seems like these two are quite similar so... which one do you think looks nicer? Go with that one. Go with your gut.

Thank you hubbers. No dual sus required. Can now confirm.

Thanks @JoeMerida I totally hear you. I'm also trying to understand the differences, especially from people with experience like yourself, considering costs, environment, types of riding, etc. This has all been very helpful.

Hey @WT Holy cow! Thank you so, so much for your reply and advice. Really appreciate the time and thought it must have taken to write out. So awesome to hear from someone riding in the area, so this advice is invaluable. As I mentioned to @Jono above, a rowdy trail HT with some aggressive geo and decent travel was my first choice, before I started worrying about capabilities, comfort, etc. Hence, my original question here. Not even looking at XC bikes. This is exactly the kind of information I was looking for, and someone said the same thing earlier. Thank you! And as I would be starting off alone, likely not going for very long rides or travelling often to Jozi or out of province to ride different trails. Most of the time, especially in the beginning, it will be the PTA trails. (And most of that time would be Wolwe, Grootfontein, and Big Red Barn). Yes, and a full sus is more expensive up front, without even mentioning things like Helmet, petals, shoes, pumps, maintenance kits, and all that other stuff that adds up quickly. Personally, I don't have a massive budget, but I think a fair one for someone who is starting out. When I look at new bikes, it's either an entry level full sus (hopefully an ok one if there is a sale) or a pretty decent looking HT - though very few trail HT options new at the big stores. I haven't really considered lessons, outside of, say, YouTube tutorials, but I'll keep them in mind too. And, yes, I've heard that HTs are easier to learn on as they don't shift under weight, like when pumping, popping up, etc. And as they are less forgiving over obstacles, everyone says an HT teaches smarter decisions like line choice too. My worry was that I'm not 20 years old and learning. I'm 40 and learning, and knocks feel different now. So then I thought a full suspension might be smarter. But... then that just brings me back to your first point about the trails we have here I'll didn't even think to consider this, because I just figured it would be too expensive. Thank you, again! for your recommendations regarding components. I have picked up on some of this before, like the importance of a dropper post and four piston breaks. But, even with constantly looking for bikes and trying to learn, I haven't even heard of Rapide or DVO forks. I'll definitely be looking them up, but I think I would probably need help from someone who knows better than I do. I was looking at something like this: https://bike-addict.co.za/collections/merida/products/merida-big-trail-500-2025 I was also told by another store that it can be special ordered, just curious about what that would mean for the price. Either way, I have to wait a little while (till December) before I buy but the confusion between whether or not I should get a HT or full sus was doing my head in. This thread has been really, very useful. As has your essay Thank you so much! I actually really might just DM you in the future for some additional advice/opinions. Thank you for offering.

Thanks @Jono Super helpful and basically one of the two options that I have been looking at. A trail HT was first option to be honest - before I started having concerns about capabilities in and around our local (PTA for me) MTB landscape and then started looking at full sus trail bikes (whatever cheaper one with decent travel I could find.) Absolutely will spend time learning the bike properly too, and will ride flats for sure. Thanks so much for the advice. Really appreciate it.

Hey @mrcg Thank you for your reply. Really appreciate you taking the time. Yes, the plan is definitely to try out a few bikes. They also have some Scott Sparks at Grootfontein to rent for a few hours, so will check out what I can. In terms of experience, I did ride a MTB when I was much younger/a teen. Nothing serious, about as much as most kids ride I suppose. I have also done some skateboarding back then, and recently, and while it's got nothing to do with MTB, it does lead me to believe I would be more attracted to shorter, more adventurous stuff than longer rides. Mostly, I appreciate that you have ridden the PTA environment and that really helps to know that HTs are capable enough - if it comes down to that. (I don't expect massive elevation, downhill stuff over rocks around here for sure :))

Thank you @droo Unfortunately I'm going to need a large. But this is exactly the kind of thing I have come to look for.

Actually, I just moved. Like two weeks ago! But I did live on the second floor for the past 6 years actually... and yes, I did make my username after that song. And yes, I do hate that song. And to clarify, I meant this Christmas. The next one. lol I'm almost 40. But I feel 39.

A rowdy HT does sound exciting. That was my initial consideration. And then I started learning more about the sport and HT vs Full Sus, etc. There is certainly a LOT more options for Full Sus than exciting HT (new models anyway), but that obviously comes with much higher prices.

Thanks Robbie, really appreciate your advice. Honestly, I can't speak to the nature of my riding either, because this would be new to me. But I know myself and I'm looking for fun - I'm sure I'll get to an obstacle or something that I know I don't have the skill for and go "Eh... what the heck." This thread is really helpful because it's becoming very clear that all "kinds" of MTBs have pros and cons, like you say, and they are all capable. I think I should just find something good that's in budget and go and explore. Thanks so much.

Yeah, I didn't mention budget, but did mention some models in my original post so figured that is something to go on. Looks like it would either be a pretty good HT or a entry level FS. So, getting a FS with really meh components just because it's a full sus is not really what I wanna do. I know there is more to specs than have or not having a rear shock. I'll have to wait and then see what is available on sale during Christmas time.

Yeah, I've come across this advice too. And I've heard a lot about being overbiked, which I figure means not having enough skill to get the most out of a shmancy bike. Still, we learn things differently at 40, than we do at 20. Recovery times take longer, and I understand that a dual-sus is more forgiving. So that's just another thing that has me going back and forth. Again, perhaps I'm overthinking. Hear you loud and clear though! Thanks

This is so, so helpful. Thank you. The fact that you have ridden all of these bikes in the local area, and your advice comes down to just what you personally found more fun, and not some major technical/physical distinction between the bikes says a lot to me.... basically, I'm overthinking this. Seriously, thanks!

My head says dual-sus, my heart says HT.

Hi! So buying a MTB for the first time sucks. With all the MTB information I've consumed over the past month I feel like I could enter some kind of All-MTB version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire." And I'd win.... like that guy who used his Phone-a-Friend just so he could tell his dad he knew the answer for the $1,000,000 question. I digress... I feel so overwhelmed. I still have no idea what kind of MTB to get. I know I'm looking for a trail bike, not a XC. Something with mid-to-long travel up front. But... do I need a dual-suspension or is a good hardtail more than capable? I'm 40 years young in January - I'm not in bad shape, but not in great shape (90kg but crossfitting okay!). Would a hardtail destroy my back and my ankles? I hear full sus is more comfortable and gives you confidence. I hear HT is more fun but punishing. Long term... is there a massive difference? I know what you gonna ask... I live 5 min from Wolwespruit, and 10 min from Grootfontein in PTA. So I'll be riding that. All that. Also... I'm probably going to ride harder and faster than I should, and probably take risks (Wired that way, can't help it. It's not overconfidence, it's being immature.) Now, I'm not trying to set up a full squish (check the terminology guys!) vs HT discussion, but I would like to get expert advice from some fine, handsome people with experience in our local environment. Been looking at something like the Merida Big Trail 500 or Titan Cerberus Dash for hardtails. And Merida One-Twenty 300 or Titan Skyrim Sport/Dash for the dual-sus (depending on what I can find on sale when the time comes). Please help... before I do something stupid with my Christmas bonus. Cheers!