Hey Hubbers, I'm a prospective MTBer looking to make my first purchase. I've done a fair amount of reading on this forum so I'm slowly getting an idea of things. I don't want to get a complete entry-level bike that I'm going to have to upgrade soon. I'll also be doing most of my riding in Dullstroom - very rocky and rather hilly. So it's gotta be able to withstand the conditions (as does my soft behind). A mixture of cross country and (rocky) trail. I'm about 1.84/1.85m - so probably a Large frame? 650b or 29er? (personal preference I guess) I'm looking at a max budget of about 10k (MAYBE a little more, depending on how much I spend on a car) (I know all the rest of the gear adds up too) Been to two shops so far and had the following suggestions in that price range: GT Zaskar 9R Sport http://www.gtbicycles.co.za/2014%20GT%20Bicycles%20Zaskar%209R%20Sport.html Silverback Sola 3 http://www.silverbacklab.com/bike/mountain/silverback-sola-3/ It doesn't have to be new, I don't mind buying second-hand. I have had a look at the classifieds. But then I'd need some advice on what to look out for in terms of components etc. Thanks so much everyone, Grant
