Irish Trail Types

Hi, been looking at different websites and there are so many bike classifications it was hard to know what to get. With XC, AM, DH etc. and to me the only obvious one is DH.... you need a different helmet

What would you class Ticknock, Ballinastoe and Ballyhoura as?

I got a XC hardtail thinking to learn on hardtail and use for commute but feels like I will wreck it after going for a few laps of Ticknock at the weekend. I like to go fast as I am able but think I might have got the wrong bike, or maybe I am just underestimating what newer bikes are able for. It's a Kona Kahuna Deluxe 29er 2012 which is supposed to be mtb trail/all mountain. The newer one is classed mtb trail only, although they seem to add new categories every year.

I will get something to protect the frame from chain slap as that was probably making it seem worse.

G

They are all a mixture of XC and enduro. If u can ride a ht xc well u should be able to progress onto most trails in those areas. Join a good club and u will learn lots by riding with all levels of riders.

Ticknock is notoriously hard on bikes - it's not technically difficult but it is fast and I know from personal experience that that a 29er hardtail feels like it's being shaken apart in places ..... but it's not!
All bikes are a compromise - your 29er will be great for XC racing, the Coillte trails and for your commute but will be hard work for more technical stuff. If you are going to have only one bike and your budget allows it then I think that something like a Giant Trance would be what most people would recommend ie. a medium travel (130mm ish) full suss! Hard work on your commute though! I wouldn't get hung up on trail types - they really don't mean much in the Irish context!

Thanks for the replies