First MTB. Do I need dual suspension?

[Super Sywurm]

12 minutes ago, mynameisluka said:

My head says dual-sus, my heart says HT.

There is your answer, follow your heart.

[Scott roy]

9 minutes ago, mynameisluka said:

This is so, so helpful. Thank you. The fact that you have ridden all of these bikes in the local area, and your advice comes down to just what you personally found more fun, and not some major technical/physical distinction between the bikes says a lot to me.... basically, I'm overthinking this. Seriously, thanks!

I would personally want something around 120mm, everything there is doable on that. But you might also battle, more travel and the geometry that comes with it is more confidence inspiring. But there is nothing steep enough or technical enough to need it, you would just be pedalling a heavier and less pedal friendly bike back up the mountain. 
On the plus side of long travel bikes, they are much cheaper (in SA) due to the very small market for them. 
 

You can definitely get away with a hardtail, but I wouldn’t bother. 

[Bro Derek]

I'll also add that a HT is not an XC bike and a dual suss is not suddenly a trail bike.

There are HTs built for getting rowdy and twitchy XC dual suss bikes.

IMHO a rowdy(ish) HT is boss. 

Dropper post, 120-140mm forks and a slackish head angle will be more than enough bike to ride some burly trails. 

So getting the right Geometry for the type of bike you want is more important than 'HT or Dual Suss'

[mynameisluka]

14 minutes ago, droo said:

If you've got the cash, go DS. But don't spec down, especially wheels and suspension, to make a FS fit your budget.

Yeah, I didn't mention budget, but did mention some models in my original post so figured that is something to go on. Looks like it would either be a pretty good HT or a entry level FS. So, getting a FS with really meh components just because it's a full sus is not really what I wanna do. I know there is more to specs than have or not having a rear shock. 

I'll have to wait and then see what is available on sale during Christmas time. 

[Bro Derek]

This.... If you are a size Medium, buy this;

https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/hardtail-mountain-bikes/763348/banshee-paradox-v3

[mynameisluka]

1 hour ago, Robbie Stewart said:

I can't speak to the nature of your riding so can't give informed advice. I would say though that if the trails lean towards being better suited to XC bikes then a HT will suffice.

Full suspension bikes cost more to maintain, more often. Suspension services are NOT cheap.

But then, if you ride like I do, which is what it sounds like (throwing caution to the wind, crash first and ask questions later) then a full-sus will be better. If you ride HT and venture to more technical trails, then the full-sus will be your friend as well. 

It all really boils down to what you want to do on the bike, and start from there. Either way will work. Both have pro's and con's.

Thanks Robbie, really appreciate your advice. 
Honestly, I can't speak to the nature of my riding either, because this would be new to me. But I know myself and I'm looking for fun - I'm sure I'll get to an obstacle or something that I know I don't have the skill for and go "Eh... what the heck."

This thread is really helpful because it's becoming very clear that all "kinds" of MTBs have pros and cons, like you say, and they are all capable. I think I should just find something good that's in budget and go and explore. 

Thanks so much. 

[mynameisluka]

30 minutes ago, Bro Derek said:

IMHO a rowdy(ish) HT is boss. 

Dropper post, 120-140mm forks and a slackish head angle will be more than enough bike to ride some burly trails. 

So getting the right Geometry for the type of bike you want is more important than 'HT or Dual Suss'

A rowdy HT does sound exciting. That was my initial consideration. And then I started learning more about the sport and HT vs Full Sus, etc. There is certainly a LOT more options for Full Sus than exciting HT (new models anyway), but that obviously comes with much higher prices. 

[Shebeen]

3 hours ago, mynameisluka said:

Hi! 

So buying a MTB for the first time sucks.

With all the MTB information I've consumed over the past month I feel like I could enter some kind of All-MTB version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire."  And I'd win.... like that guy who used his Phone-a-Friend just so he could tell his dad he knew the answer for the $1,000,000 question. I digress...

I feel so overwhelmed. I still have no idea what kind of MTB to get. I know I'm looking for a trail bike, not a XC. Something with mid-to-long travel up front.

But... do I need a dual-suspension or is a good hardtail more than capable? I'm 40 years young in January - I'm not in bad shape, but not in great shape (90kg but crossfitting okay!). Would a hardtail destroy my back and my ankles? I hear full sus is more comfortable and gives you confidence. I hear HT is more fun but punishing. Long term... is there a massive difference?  

I know what you gonna ask...

I live 5 min from Wolwespruit, and 10 min from Grootfontein in PTA. So I'll be riding that. All that. Also... I'm probably going to ride harder and faster than I should, and probably take risks (Wired that way, can't help it. It's not overconfidence, it's being immature.)

Now, I'm not trying to set up a full squish (check the terminology guys!) vs HT discussion, but I would like to get expert advice from some fine, handsome people with experience in our local environment.

Been looking at something like the Merida Big Trail 500 or Titan Cerberus Dash for hardtails. And Merida One-Twenty 300 or Titan Skyrim Sport/Dash for the dual-sus (depending on what I can find on sale when the time comes). 

Please help... before I do something stupid with my Christmas bonus. 

Cheers! 

 

 

 

@mynameisluka do you live on the 2nd floor?

how do you still have your christmas bonus?

how old are you?

 

I'm leaning towards a decent HT. buy 2nd hand, sell 2nd hand as you are exploring here.

[Robbie Stewart]

I will say this with full confidence. You can listen to whatever @droo says. He runs the preemo suspension service setup in Cape Town. I've had my bike there, and it's due for another round soon again (actually, it's overdue, but don't tell him I said that . . .)

[mynameisluka]

4 minutes ago, Shebeen said:

@mynameisluka do you live on the 2nd floor?

how do you still have your christmas bonus?

how old are you?

 

I'm leaning towards a decent HT. buy 2nd hand, sell 2nd hand as you are exploring here.

Actually, I just moved. Like two weeks ago! But I did live on the second floor for the past 6 years actually... and yes, I did make my username after that song. And yes, I do hate that song. 

And to clarify, I meant this Christmas. The next one. lol

I'm almost 40. But I feel 39. 

[droo]

52 minutes ago, Bro Derek said:

This.... If you are a size Medium, buy this;

https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/hardtail-mountain-bikes/763348/banshee-paradox-v3

Can confirm.

If this fits you it'll do exactly what you want. Alu HT with some nifty and effective vibration damping in the rear triangle. Decent build.

(I'm the SA Banshee agent, so there may be an element of bias here...)

Edited September 3, 2025 by droo

[thebob]

Go to Trek Wolwespruit, they have demo bikes available. That way you can try a Top Fuel, Marlin etc on the trails you are going to ride. That way you can make an informed decision even if you don’t end up on a Trek

[Scott roy]

3 hours ago, mynameisluka said:

Yeah, I didn't mention budget, but did mention some models in my original post so figured that is something to go on. Looks like it would either be a pretty good HT or a entry level FS. So, getting a FS with really meh components just because it's a full sus is not really what I wanna do. I know there is more to specs than have or not having a rear shock. 

I'll have to wait and then see what is available on sale during Christmas time. 

In that case, good hardtail for sure. 

[Andreas_187]

Don't get a HT, you will only waste money when you end up selling it to but a DS. 

You can thank me later

[mrcg]

I would go with advice from @thebob above - try a few demo bikes. Best way to see what fits, you enjoy and learn about your skill set. Slight challenge is, that there are some specific geometry differences with various bikes, which will definitely impact your riding/comfort etc.

Speaking of skill set, as @Robbie Stewartmentioned your skill level/experience is key when starting out. Did you perhaps ride BMX as a kid? Any bike experience in general. Not being afraid does help in progressing quickly - helps to check a few good videos on YouTube or get a coach for a few pointers.

I think most experienced (older) riders probably all went from HT to FS (usually from necessity), which might seem like a good line of progression. Also, your intended riding will narrow down your choice: short and sharp rides (1-2h) or longer rides (2/3h plus).

Overall, taking into consideration your location (having ridden all PTA trails), I would say a HT would probably suffice for a start. If you were here in WC, I would definitely say FS. But that's just me. Go with your gut - it's usually right

[JoeMerida]

Don't get a HT, you will only waste money when you end up selling it to but a DS. 

You can thank me later