Ideas for ultimate all rounder MTB

[SamTaylor]

I’ve decided to move in the opposite direction of N+1, so looking to simplify, which will include clearing out some existing bikes, and set myself up with a great all rounder MTB.

will keep a gravel bike for commuting. 
 

So, if you had a budget between R80k and R120k for a bike that would be great for XC marathon events, stage races, and fun to session on the Winelands trails, but could also be capable of the odd WP enduro race if I chose. Happy to swop between tires for different conditions. Happy to buy out the box, or build to spec.

lets hear some suggestions?

[guidodg]

Epic 8

[Ruben101]

1 hour ago, SamTaylor said:

I’ve decided to move in the opposite direction of N+1, so looking to simplify, which will include clearing out some existing bikes, and set myself up with a great all rounder MTB.

will keep a gravel bike for commuting. 
 

So, if you had a budget between R80k and R120k for a bike that would be great for XC marathon events, stage races, and fun to session on the Winelands trails, but could also be capable of the odd WP enduro race if I chose. Happy to swop between tires for different conditions. Happy to buy out the box, or build to spec.

lets hear some suggestions?

Specialized Epic Evo

[Chrisjanopsyfiets]

Stumpjumper

[thebob]

Trek Top Fuel. Gen 3 if you are leaning more towards marathon and XC, Gen 4 if you are leaning more towards trail riding. Can also throw in the Pyga Tig as a good option as well

[El Duderino]

The Trek Top Fuel. Comes with a 130mm Pike, trail tyres and almosy Enduro geometry. 

I have the previous generation TF with the 120mm Sid Fork and I do everything on it. From Attakwas to odd enduro. I imagine the new generation is even better.

[RobynE]

Giant Trance Advanced Pro 

[ajnkzn]

As per the above - everyone has had good experiences / loves different brands - I'd say a Tallboy 4 / 5.

 

Basically anything with;

 

130mm front

120mm rear

65-66 degree head angle

Carbon frame to keep weight semi down (13kg ish) 

No funny standards, proven track record and support / resale in SA.

[NoirBiker01]

Yes as everyone has stated, the Stumpjumper epic evo, THE trail bike to rule them all. I thought my 150mm front, 140mm rear Trek remedy 27.5 was the be-all and end-all trail bike but God that 2023/4 Stumpie is something else, so much adjustability on that frame it'll turn from an epic climber into an epic descender/shredder.

 

Edit: grammar 

Edited March 17 by NoirBiker01

[SamTaylor]

On 3/17/2025 at 9:41 AM, ajnkzn said:

As per the above - everyone has had good experiences / loves different brands - I'd say a Tallboy 4 / 5.

 

Basically anything with;

 

130mm front

120mm rear

65-66 degree head angle

Carbon frame to keep weight semi down (13kg ish) 

No funny standards, proven track record and support / resale in SA.

The Tall boy is really good looking, but I just assumed any SC with half decent build kit would be beyond my budget, considering the premium normally attached to them.

will go take a closer look when I get a chance next week.

[Marcv]

Pyga Mobu, 130mm travel in the front, XTR or XT build to skip the batteries.

[RobynE]

This is a very lekker bike, at my LBS, and I reckon it ticks pretty much all the boxes. 

 

2020 Santa Cruz Blur at Mellow

[leon_pro]

12 hours ago, RobynE said:

This is a very lekker bike, at my LBS, and I reckon it ticks pretty much all the boxes. 

 

2020 Santa Cruz Blur at Mellow

Santa Cruz Blur 3 or 4. 
The Blur 4 can take 2 water bottles in the frame. 
I just put a 120mm on the front instead of the 100mm. 

i am 90+kg and no issues over long distance.