[Need some serious advice - Want to buy my 1st bike]

at your budget definitely check out decathlon

[Frame Protection JHB]

These guys just did mine in Durban and it's amazing. Full coverage if you give them just the frame, but they can do it with a fully built bike too. I see there's one in Midrand. I did also put the honeycomb All Mountain kit on myself from Trailtech, just to add a bit of bling. It's actually so easy, and took 20minutes.

hey bud ! please leave the details for the midrand people?! 

 

thanks in advance! 

[Frame Protection JHB]

Hi All 

 

Im looking for a JHB based company who can assist with Frame protection 

 

i see cycle lab sell frame protection  kits etc, but i would like this applied by a proffesional  

 

any advice ?  

 

 

similar to this .. https://armour-ride.com/

[Same question, different noob - Perfect Starter MTB Hardtail]

Depends on what you want to do with the bike. MTB has different segments, xc, enduro, trail, downhill.

I will assume you looking at a XC bike, a trail bike could be a bit nicer for you. If you after marathon riding, gravel grinding etc, then a 29er ht should be ideal. You can do this with 27.5 and 26 as well.

There are lots of other factors to consider as well. Quality of parts, you weight vs number of spokes. 32 spokes for the win all round.

Thanks for the reply!

 

Im a average 178cm x 70kgs - so assuming a medium/ large depending on the brand? And I was concerned the 29s would be a bit big once I get braver! ????.. Most guys are using 27,5 when they start jumping around than just trail pedaling? Am I right?

[Same question, different noob - Perfect Starter MTB Hardtail]

Hi and welcome.

 

With your budget you can get a fairly ok bike new. Choosing a bike is often more about the components on it than the brand, but Titan seem to often have a good arrangement.

 

Checklist for me would be

 

1. Air shock vs coil shock - Air shock much better. My experience with coil shocks is not very good. But if on a budget a coil shock can also work fine.

 

2. Hydraulic brakes - Non negotiable for me. The cable activated disc brakes are ok I guess but for reliability - hydraulic.

 

3. Drivetrain - Some guys would shoot me for this.... Do not get too caught up in having a 1xsomething drivetrain. I had a 3x10 and currently have 2x11. Both very good range even if it might be slightly heavier.

 

4. Tubeless tires. Make sure that you can do a tubeless conversion with the tires and rims on the bike. Very important upgrade to do.

 

5. Rim size - If you choose a size, just make sure that you will get tires in a few years. People still riding 26 is struggling to get tires from what I have seen (nothing wrong with 26).

 

I would normally ask how serious do you think you will get about MTB'ing. If you enjoy it a lot and see yourself investing a lot of time, rather look for a cheaper second hand bike now and put the rest towards the next upgrade as your second bike is often a few times more expensive than the first (full sus, dropper post, trhough axles and all those types of goodies).

 

Anyway good luck shopping and enjoy it.

Thanks Gerhard!

 

I was seriously wondering about the wheel size options? - if I had to purchase a 2nd hand older 26" with all the bells & whistled , is it possible to upgrade to 27,5/29" wheels? - vs a newer 27,5/29er?

 

And lastly, well that's the conundrum, how "into it" will I be?

 

Well, I used to be very active and sporty in school, however 10 years later iv struggled to find something fitness I actually enjoy. Iv joined multiple gyms with a number of friends and just can't seem to pick up a routine as pumping machines in an enlcosed environment just doesn't stimulate me ????

 

So, Iv thought long and hard about a activity I will enjoy and MTB'ing just seems to tick all the boxes-fitness, outdoors, fun all in one!

 

I do insist I am going to dive straight in, but of course the more expensive bike I go the longer it takes me to get started, and right now I'm itching! And ready to get involved, hence why I'm looking for the best all-rounder hardtail bike - basic trails, small jumps, some downhill and that i can upgrade component wise as i improve and so that I can realise im ready to hide my bank statements from my Mrs ????????

[Same question, different noob - Perfect Starter MTB Hardtail]

Hi hubbers! I'm new to MTB, bike hub and the whole industry

 

Would really appreciate some advice on a decent entry, upgradable hardtail -

 

Budget is 8/10k - very entry level, hence hardtail.

 

I have been scouring the classifieds for a decent 2nd hand option and of course literally every single online portal to see what's available new -but between a decent 2nd options and all the advantages of buying new it's left me confused!

 

IMO - i think the Titan is the best over all starter? As there are a so many conflicting reviews, I thought id make a post - so any and all advice / reccomemedations are welcome.

 

I know that this is an overly asked question but thought id revive the feed for others in the same position!

 

If you kind enough to post a bit of a checklist regarding components so us noobs can start getting an idea

 

Thanks in advance everyone!