DCJ

I know with some bikes the manufacturer happily allow you to change the fork travel by 10mm either way, but some don't. If your bike is still in warranty, you might void it by adding a fork with 20mm more travel. If that kind of things worries you, you might want to check with the supplier first.

I've also used Brunox. To my untrained eye it dis seem to make a difference. https://www.evobikes.co.za/components/brunox-suspension-fork-deodorant.html

There are a few different types of bike geometries around. These different styles of mountain bikes are better for different things. Let me start of by giving a bit of a breakdown of some of these. I have left out enduro and downhill bikes, they are out of scope for this conversation. I'm using rear travel as a basic classification mechanism, but it is only one of many factors to consider when defining the "type" of bike. But I'm trying to keep it simple. Any more knowledgeable hubbers, please feel free to chip in! XC bikes/Marathon - typically come with approx. 90 - 110mm of front and rear travel. Lightweight and fast. Good for climbing and really long distance rides. Designed for fast ascending, can be a bit unforgiving when descending trails that are a bit "narly", especially if you are inexperienced. Trail bikes - Anything from 120 - 130mm of front and rear travel. A bit heavier than XC bikes, but more comfortable and forgiving because of the extra travel. They still climb pretty well, but generally descend a fair amount better than an XC bike. All mountain bikes - 140 - 150mm of front and rear travel. Generally start to get a fair amount heavier. Modern bikes however are pretty good with regards to the peddle efficiency, but the extra weight will weigh you down a bit. Much better for navigating the more technical trails/descents. So, now its time for me to give my opinion. I think that too many bike shops in SA only stock XC bikes, and will persuade you that that's what you want/need. While the modern day XC bike is very capable, the light weight and extra climbing ability are only really going to make a difference to the riders where the time that is saved is important. For example riders trying to get into the top echelon in racing etc. If you can only have one bike, which is what most of us mere mortals can afford, I would recommend considering a trail bike. The added comfort, more forgiving nature and fun factor outweigh the advantages of an XC bike for most riders. For me, they are more balanced, and will serve you well for long rides, and give you a bit more bang for your buck on the descents. The problem that you'll have though is finding a trail bike that will fit a tight budget, they are generally more expensive than the equivalent XC specced bike as it is, but that coupled with the fact that fewer of them are brought in to the country, makes it a bit worse. The Merida One Twenty came to mind because they are good bang for your buckreasonably easy to find in SAhave a good range of specs that can suit more walletsYou mentioned the Big Nine, it's a good bike for your money if you decide to go the XC hardtail route. Many companies make trail hardtails, but you won't find them easily if at all in SA. If your budget can make it, take a look at: https://www.cyclelab.com/product/2020-merida-one-twenty-600-grey-29-dual-suspension-aluminium-mountain-bike

Unless you are planning on shaving off a few mibutes here and ther, consider the Merida 120. It's a bit heavier, but also a bit more versatile/less "racey".

The G.O.A.T started (on a motocross bike, so not DH exactly) when he was 4 years old. Not sure when he started real downhill though. Maybe only in his teens.

A left field option. Get him a motocross bike. They should be available in his size, and it's what Greg Minnaar started on. From what I understand the skills learnt transfer pretty well to downhill.

Have you found these in SA? Or are you flying it in?

I just picked up the last Ibis Ripmo AF at the old price . Apparently they will go from R58k to R68k because of the current exchange rate. BTW. There will be a Pyga 110 available soon during the second hand explosion

Maybe I misunderstood and it was R100k for a full bike

I think part of it is there isn't an equivalent frame from those brands. The carbon used for the mobu is top notch, maybe even compared to the best used by Spez/Santa Cruz etc. That and the versatility make it something that is for the rich and famous. Maybe if we are lucky they will filter the tech down to alu, so that us mere mortals might afford one, one day. That said, equivalent top end Santa Cruz frames would probably cost around 70-75k once duties etc have been paid. Same for the top of the range S-works Spez. * Disclaimer, to get pricing all I did was take us frameset price in dollars and add 30% for import duties and profit for the local importer. This is by no means scientific, please don't lynch me

I would buy a Hyrax for fun, and a decent Hardtail XC bike for the boring long rides.

That's what I last heard from the Pyga guys end of last year, but don't quote me on it, time will tell. The company that is doing the carbon frames for them are really good, and do quality work with the best carbon. But it comes at a cost. The first 50 frames have already been bought. So I guess there are people willing to pay.

If I win the lotto, this is on my list! But at R100k for a frame, I would have to sell a kidney. Looks great and love the concept though. Also, how can you beat this proudly South African initiative from Pyga.

It's not exactly Enduro (you get shuttled to the top of the hill, but it is Enduro style riding down), but the DRI events are worth a visit too: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1676898132559396/

Can't help you with the differences on the frames, but what is your price range and are you in a hurry?