PYGA HYRAX

Trail riding, or “all-mountain riding”, is becoming more and more popular. A trail bike differs from an XC bike in that it usually has longer-travel suspension and a slacker head tube angle, resulting in a longer wheelbase. It probably also has 27,5-inch wheels for more responsive handling, as opposed to bigger 29-inch wheels for speed. A trail bike is not designed for long distance endurance rides, but rather for having as much fun as possible when you’re blasting along single track in the mountains. Buy one if you live close to such a trail network and you enjoy doing shorter, punchier rides that involve fast descents. Pyga is a local company based in Howick, founded by mountain-biking legend Patrick Morewood. Pat’s philosophy is to design bikes that are competitive in a race but equally fun to ride on your local trail. He’s succeeded with the Hyrax (come on, it should have been called the Dassie) which is as capable in the mountains as its scampering namesake. The frame is long and slack for optimal downhill stability and weighs next to nothing thanks to its carbon-fibre construction. It’s designed around 140 140mm mm suspension, which allows you to attack jumps and smash through rocky sections with bugs in your teeth, but it also pedals efficiently and gets you to the top of the hill without fuss. It’s a beautiful, modern bike that will give you years and years of enjoyment, made by a South African company that’s competing with the very best in the world. Frame from R39 R39995 995 at pygaindustries.com