New Forest - what sort of mtb is best suited?

jimmm

So after living in Bournemouth for five years now, I have only just realised how quick it is to get to the New Forest by train. I've been a road cyclist for coming up a year, but with the New Forest on my doorstep I want to try my hand at mountain biking. However, I have no idea what the trails/paths/general cyclable areas are actually like?

I enjoy the speed (and lightness) of road cycling, so would really like to keep this when moving across. I believe XC bikes are best suited to this - would they suit the New Forest? I also need to make the decision between 26 and 29ers - what would you guys recommend for the New Forest? Are there tight trails and bendy trails that would suit the 26? Or are there climbs, long flowing trails that would suit the 29er?

Thanks in advance

Dave_P1

An XC bike is perfect for the New Forest as a lot of the tracks are gravel.
Assuming you believe the reviews about a 29er rolling better than I expect that would be the bike of choice for the terrain in the forest, but having never ridden a 29er I can't say for sure.

jimmm

That's good to hear. The reviews seem to all point in that direction, and think coming from a road bike to a mtb that the 29er may be a better choice. I presume as it is mostly gravel that a hardtail would be fine? Are there any trails that you would recommend?

scottfitz

Yep 29ers are good in the new forest, 29er single speeds work well too.

Dave_P1

Hardtail will be perfect.

The best thing with the forest is just to explore and see what you find