I am 58 years old and down-sized from larger dual-purpose bikes to the XT-225 (2005 model) last summer. This little bike is a rush in the BLM hills here in Wyoming. Bigger is not necessarily better. I am able to work this bike up gnarly draws with better results and less excertion than the bigger/heavier dirt bikes. I keep the bike under 60mph on the road and drive mostly in the hills around town off-road. I don´t think the versatility of this bike can be beat, the price is good too. This bike is a little pit-bull, it´s tough!