Hi hubbers, I've recently gotten into the MTB scene. My 1st event was a very wet and muddy Gravel Travel, but I loved every second of it! I currently ride a large 09 S-Works Stumpjumper. I love the bike, but I'm looking to get something newer before the value of this 26er depreciates completely. There are also days when I don't feel as if the bike is "mine" as I bought it second hand and it hasn't been set up to my spec as of yet. Being 191cm and 103kg I also feel the large frame isn't as comfortable as an XL. So here's my question. I'm looking for something that I can ride XC races on as well as the odd gravity enduro. I do a lot of riding in Jonkershoek, Eden and G-spot seeing as I study in Stellies. Factoring that in obviously means I'm on a student budget. I've thought about it a lot and when describing a good climbing bike that is also a decent descender, one tends to revert straight back to the stumpy. It is the benchmark, but for some reason I just want something different. I've looked at various options and the ones that stand out are the Giant Trance 650b and the Santa Cruz heckler. I love the sound of the heckler, but just curious as to availability within South Africa. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, Regards, Gareth
