BEST FUTUREPROOF MTB

TITAN DRONE EXPERT

R14 950 / TITANRACINGBIKES.COM

MOUNTAIN BIKING HAS CHANGED COMPLETELY SINCE YOU LAST RODE THE GIANT IGUANA that’s been gathering dust in your garage for the past decade. Drivetrains have been redesigned, frames have been lengthened and slackened, wheels have grown in size, and air suspension is now available to the masses.

The riding has changed, too. Guys were stoked with any old gravel road in 2009, whereas these days you’ll find hundreds of kilometres of purposebuilt singletrack close to every major city in South Africa, featuring berms, jumps, switchbacks and rock gardens that will eat your Iguana for breakfast.

Mountain biking has also become hellishly expensive – the best carbon dual-suspension rigs routinely clock in at close to R200k. Thankfully, there are local companies like Titan Racing that offer capable bikes at much more realistic prices.

Of course, you can pick up a mountain bike for less than R10k (like the Momsen Mia Sport One a few pages back), but those are really only suitable for fun rides on non-technical terrain. The Titan Drone Expert is different – it’s a real trail machine, more capable than you are, and a great example of how spending a little extra can getyoua lot more bike.

The geometry of the frame is more stretched out than on the previous model, with wide bars and a short stem for better, more predictable handling. Cables are routed internally to protect them and keep them out of the way, and there’s modern ‘boost’ spacing at the back – a wider axle results in a stiffer, more efficient rear wheel.

The frame even has routing for a dropper post, should you wish to instal one. (We think you should – a dropper makes descending safer, and way more fun.)

The Shimano disc brakes are hydraulic, and the 1x12 SRAM SX drivetrain gives you all the range you’ll ever need in a no-fuss, easy-shifting package. Tubeless tyres are the only way to go when you’re riding in the dirt, and the Vittoria Barzos on the Drone Expert are just waiting for rim tape, valves and sealant. They’re a decent width, too, offering plenty of grip in all conditions.

The Manitou Markhor fork has 100mm of travel with a remote lockout on the handlebar, and you can adjust the air pressure and rebound for optimal damping.

In short, Titan Racing has built a versatile bike that you can ride weekend after weekend without having to worry about parts breaking or wearing out – or about whether the bike will be able to handle the terrain. You can ride farm roads, jeep tracks and even the odd tar route; and when you’re ready, you can hit the singletrack with your buddies.

If you’re moving to a 29er from an older bike with 26-inch wheels, you’ll be amazed at how easily you’ll roll over obstacles and how fast you’ll fly down the hills.

Best of all: besides that dropper post, you don’t have to upgrade a thing.