[Value Beginner MTB Help [~R5k]]

Hi Hubbers!

 

I recently taught a friend to ride a bike (after pestering him for years) and he's now got the bug. He wants to get a bike and I want to make sure he gets some value on the cheaper end of the spectrum. He would likely need a medium frame (1.75m, 95kg). I think a MTB is the most versatile for general cycling and (probable) lack of maintenance on his side. We are in Cape Town.

 

- New versus used? I assume the value is in the used but there don't seem to be too many options.

- Where's the sweet spot? He wants to spend 3k-5k but will stretch up to 7k if the value is there.

- Anything else I should note?

 

Thanks for helping me get another riding buddy .

 

For 5k you mostly going to get crap.  Would probably get a very decent 26" but I suggest rather aiming for at least 27.5 or better yet 29".

 

If possible rather start looking at bikes advertised at R7 to 8k, and then negotiate the price down.

 

Look through these to see if there is anything he like then we can assist from there as to what would be the better choices:

 

https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/c/hardtail-mountain-bikes?meta_discipline%5Bis_multi_select%5D=true&meta_discipline%5Bvalue%5D=Mountain+Bike&minimum_price=6000&maximum_price=8000&meta_size%5Bis_multi_select%5D=true&meta_size%5Bvalue%5D=M%2CL&meta_wheel_size%5Bis_multi_select%5D=true&meta_wheel_size%5Bvalue%5D=29%22

 

At the given budget, Aluminum hardtails is what you mostly looking for.

[Cricket......]

and we're back

 

 

And he probably thought he got away with it, surprise, surprise!  Not so easy these days with all the cameras to get away with that type of shlt.

[Is this "Fixable"]

youtu.be/b_m9F2gZJno

 

Try copy this to your browser.  Can you normally watch youtube videos at work?

[Is this "Fixable"]

Thanks all, appreciate the input.

 

@Theo, yeah that screw bolt is mainly for cosmetic purposes. as your second edit probably alludes to

 

@Adam - just need to find a clamp!  Might go and bug my neighbour.

 

 

I was referring more to that if its possible to flex the rails enough as per the video.  It would have been convenient to, just unscrew & re-assemble though.

[Is this "Fixable"]

I'm pretty sure you should be able to get it back without any detriment.  Maybe focus on getting the flex from the saddle and not the rails, the rails are flippen stiff, good luck getting any significant flex out of them.

 

To bend and bend back the rails, I don't see as an option.

 

Edit:  Is there a screw/bolt you can remove there, maybe not even necessary to do any bending.

 

2nd Edit:  I stand corrected:  

[Muc-Off Tubeless Valves]

Response from Sean from www.bikemob.co.za regarding muc-off tubeless valves, so hopefully we will be able to get them locally:

 

"Hi Theo,

​

​I have asked for those before and they said they may be getting so mailed and asked them again but haven't seen anything on their system.

​

Kind regards,

Sean"

[Muc-Off Tubeless Valves]

I use Muc-Off valves and order them from Merlin in the UK. Worth it if you are ordering a couple of items, the valves by themselves don't justify the shipping fee.

 

I have a spare set of Muc-Off 80mm black valves. DM me if that is what you are looking for.

 

Thanks very much for the offer.  80mm is way too long for my rims, need around half that.

 

Edit:  Do you like the muc-off valves, any issues with them besides the corrosion that DieselnDust pointed out?

[Muc-Off Tubeless Valves]

Thanks, those are std. ones with a "rubber only head", no Al support for the rubber from the inside.

[Muc-Off Tubeless Valves]

how much are peaty's valves ?

 

Just googled, didn't know them, that also look good, price similar to the Lezyne ones but doesn't look like local.

[Muc-Off Tubeless Valves]

They also sell KCNC valves or Two Wheels Trading for Lezyne valves.

https://twowheelstrading.co.za/product/lezyne/repair/tyre-valve-stem-cnc-tlr-valve-44mm-blk/

 

Those I like, similar to the muc-off ones.  Thanks, will investigate.

[Muc-Off Tubeless Valves]

Thanks, not the same.  The Quaxar ones is more or less the same as any other tubeless valves.  I like the muc-off ones because the rubber part is supported from the inside with Al (part of the valve base).

 

I'm struggling to get my damn valves to seal properly and reliably.  Probably to do with my rim shape on the inside and the fact that the valve holes are to big, can move the valve side to side way to much.

[Armed robbery at Hartbeespoortdam]

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10225523854509180&id=1411295929&sfnsn=scwspmo

 

I used that bridge many times riding when I was still staying in Hartbeespoort.  Absolutely shocking!

 

At least guys are OK.

[Muc-Off Tubeless Valves]

I'm looking for local suppliers of these:

 

https://muc-off.com/collections/no-puncture-hassle/products/black-tubeless-presta-valve-pair

 

The shipping cost from muc-off.com is more than the product.

 

Anyone know where I can find locally?

[iPhone 12 release]

I think this is where many will be disappointed. The data transfer speeds we have with 4G will suffice for the tech/media we currently consume on our personal mobile devices.

 

It will take a while for B2C tech to catch up to the speed benefits. With data becoming the new oil, there are many more imminent B2B benefits though.

 

Yip, not to mention you will blow through your costly monthly data allowance in no time on 5G speed.  SA rates on cellular data simply have to come down.

[Discovery Health - Vitality & Team Vitality plus everything else you need to know]

Yes that will work for sure.

[Discovery Health - Vitality & Team Vitality plus everything else you need to know]

Hi all anyone know if wahoo bike computers can be synced ti discovery for points?

 

Probably not directly.  If you upload to Starva and link that to the Apple Helath App (assuming you have an iphone) and from there to Discovery, should work.

 

Edit:  I'm speculating though, never had a wahoo before, best someone that did answer.  I have a Polar V650 & Vantage V, upload to Polar Flow which is directly linked with Discovery.

[Marino Bikes]

Did you have a look at the local Rapide frame?

 

https://community.bikehub.co.za/features/_/gear/gear-news/rapide-introduces-tigre-steel-mtb-hardtail-r8219?source=sidebar

[Dual Suspension for Wife]

imho the Liv is your best choice.  The rolling resistance of a 29" over a 27.5" is not that huge and she will probably enjoy a smaller & lighter bike a lot more.

[Dual Suspension for Wife]

This one looks almost brand new. 

 

Good buy?

 

https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/dual-suspension-bikes/448406/titan-sonic-trial

 

Yes also a good option, just check the size like DR says.

[Dual Suspension for Wife]

Views on this for my wife?

 

https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/dual-suspension-bikes/434381/axis-a30fs-s-new

 

That is a decent bike and seems to be in fairly good condition.  I would negotiate on the price though, R15k is a bit much.

[The great Chain Cassette Gears thread]

Thanks.

 

How do you guys manage with such small chain rings?  I'm on a 38 (12sp 10-51) and sometimes consider to go to a 40.  When I loose the 20kg that I want to and also get fitter, will for sure do that.

 

I couldn't find a hill yet that I cant climb in the 51T gear and hate spinning like hell, ever, slow & power works for me.

[The great Chain Cassette Gears thread]

Initial impressions of the oval are positive. I'm no expert - more of an avid weekend warrior who enjoys the technical stuff. 

 

After a short ride (and this may just be all the marketing hype I read about) I must say really enjoyed it. Felt very "efficient" - like the power was exactly where it was suppose to be (no dead spots). Technical climbs that I've been riding for years seemed easier (by about 10%) and didn't feel much leg fatigue.

 

Again, just some uneducated feedback, but doubt I'd go back to a round chainring.

 

Hope that helps

 

From round to oval, did you change # teeth or kept it the same?

 

Edit:  Same question to DR.

[Where has your bike taken you today?]

I feel kind of dirty saying this but..... your bike gives me a boner.

 

This thread should have a age restriction ....    

[Formula 1...]

*drove - last time i checked you drive cars haha.

 

i wouldnt call ending the year equal on points against a 'rookie' that completed almost 10000km of testing before he got a seat in arguably the best car on he grid...in a team that was so blatantly pro Hamilton at the time - driving circles around him lol.

Proof = Hungary of 2007. Hamilton was Ron Dennis's prodigal child.

But thats the narrative of the Hamilton fans unfortunately. He 'Beat' a 2x WDC in his rookie season apparently and even though they ended equal on points....going by countback, lewlew is listed above nando in the final results lol. Mclaren were so busy with the infighting....kimi sneaked in under the radar and was gifted a WDC by massa at the last race of the year in brazil.

I'd love to see a modern Alonso vs Hamilton in equally crap cars. we all know who would start whining and give up first....

And anyhow...Hamilton was beaten by rosberg to a wdc as well as Button over a season. nuf said. 

 

Edit: I also cant wait for Alo to just be somewhere around the top 5 next year. just like I hope vettel finds his mojo again,..like I hope Perez pulls finger, like a

hope ferrari's spaghetti culture doesn't ruin another f1 car and Leclerc and Sainz are up there. I hope mclaren gets a speed boost with the merc PU and Dani Rix is up there. We have for the first time in a long while the prospect of an epic battle up front.   I want them all to be in there causing headaches to a team/guy who has had it easy the past 6 years.

 

So bek moet jam kry 

 

Edit:  Maybe not completely factual, but the jist is there

[Cape Town danger areas]

Ridiculous!  And the sad thing about it is that a good & effective police system will take care of it in no time.

 

Unfortunately, I don't see that happening any time soon.