Mtb advice for older novice

[Hennie L]

60yr male 75kg 183cm fit squash player want to take up social mountain biking in semi retirement. 

From my research seems 2nd hand 29er soft tail a good option. Aim to spend about R10k but max R20k.

Will use bike 50% of the time on tarred or hard surface, 25% dirt tracks and 25% on Mtb trails on the estate where I stay. Perhaps hard tail more appropriate? Not worried about mass of the bike or to compete in events.

[PeterF]

This, should be you size as well.

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/207792-giant-anthem-x/

[dev null]

60yr male 75kg 183cm fit squash player want to take up social mountain biking in semi retirement. 

From my research seems 2nd hand 29er soft tail a good option. Aim to spend about R10k but max R20k.

Will use bike 50% of the time on tarred or hard surface, 25% dirt tracks and 25% on Mtb trails on the estate where I stay. Perhaps hard tail more appropriate? Not worried about mass of the bike or to compete in events.

 

Join the Wannabees, and then loan a dual suspension MTB and ride the Somerbosch and other trails. You will soon find that you will spend less time on the tar roads. Then, in a year's time when you have found your mojo on your MTB, join us on the Helderberg Farm trails.

 

At 60 years old you are still a spring chicken amongst the MTB crowd. In most of the races you will find at least half the field will be between 45 and 70 years old. Being 60 years old is no excuse to labour on the tar roads and keep on smelling exhaust fumes.

 

BTW, the Anthem posted above is a very good start.

[Hamstring]

Don"t even look at a hard tail dual sus all the way.