splat

These are usually fun threads, as there are so many variable here. You have mentioned suspension, which is always quite dividing. Also, stock and availability might affect your choice, if your budget is flexible. There are nice bikes that cost as much as the frame sets on that list. And then there is the Sram vs Shimano 1x vs 2x topic, which you didn't dive into (yet). The list that you propose is quite wide and varied in terms of price and types of bike. Someone is going to ask if you are just riding, or racing (and aiming for podium). Are you looking for all out race performance, or looking for some comfort ? Most people will either recommend what they have, or tell you what they wish they had. I would suggest a frame that can take 50mm tyres, I fitted a Redshift stem to take the sting off the bumpy dirt and I went 2 x 12 for a good range for road and dirt. And I went titanium (because I had an itch to scratch). I would add a Diverge to your list. And possibly a Trek Checkpoint/Mate.

Of the list, I would say that the Stigmata is probably the most 'Mountain Bikey'. Especially with some suspension up front.

He is young, so I hope they gently nurture him and don't rush him into achieving success with HUGE pressure risking burnout etc.

They're closer than you think... https://bikerumor.com/32-mountain-bikes-of-sea-otter-2026-all-the-big-wheeled-bikes-we-could-find/ Edit: And already ridden in The Epic https://bikerumor.com/32-inch-bikes-make-their-world-stage-debut-at-the-absa-cape-epic/

And tubeless tyres and disc brakes

Alan getting some nice air time: https://velo.outsideonline.com/mountain/mountain-bike-star-hatherly-risks-it-all-on-the-road-to-dominate-the-dirt-in-la-2028/

And another ghost bike...

They have a slightly cheaper one. I have no idea how it compares https://ciovita.co.za/products/mens-supremo-rain-shell-jacket-flint?_pos=1&_fid=73207dd4d&_ss=c&variant=52890528743608 But a critical thing with these rain jackets is breath-ability. Keeping the rain out is one thing, but sweating in the inside will get you just as wet. And then the cold sets in... I have a thing about riding in the rain, so I don't even have a rain jacket and am not in a position to comment. I have a feeling that the Goretex Shakedry was the pinnacle of that game, but they don't make them any more/

Don't ever go and read the comments on social media Mega Trigger Warning !

It has mounting points for either a bottle cage (2 bolts) or a cargo cage bag (3 bolts)

crazy scene:

A few of us did an Overberg loop of sorts (Greyton to Stanford to Grabouw to Greyton). About 70 to 80 km per day for 3 days. More tar than I would have liked (and a lot of rain on day 2) But a lekker outing for a group of mates.

Available locally ?

https://thulestore.co.za/thule-bike-protector