SymbolOfLife

Hi everyone, After a while of back-and-forth, myself and the missus have decided to get ourselves some mountain bikes and getting a little more active. We're in Pratoria East, and I have some general questions, some area specific, and some about bike choices. Bikes. Our budget isnt massive (as I may need to get my vehicle kitted as well possibly...more on that later). Currently looking at Titan Racing Rogue Alpines. I'd prefer to buy new as then at least the bikes havent been abused, but for absolute beginners, is this the way to go? Or rather secondhand? If so, secondhand brand/model recommendations? Reputable secondhand dealers? Safety. I regularly read reports of people getting their bikes hijacked essentially. Is that common? I'd assume it's best to rather drive to a trail and then bike from there. But, on the occasion that we maybe want to go for an afternoon ride without venturing out, is it generally safe? I know this is a tough one to answer as I guess things can happen everywhere. Trails. In the greater area, is there a lot of choice that's failry safe? (Is there maybe an app you can recommend to have a look?) Vehicle kitting. I drive a Suzuki Grand Vitara. Thinking of having it fitted with a towbar for bike transport, but, I'm also thinking that the bikes may just fit in the back with the seats down for now? (We dont have kids...just the two of us). Is it generally ok to store bikes using those wall-hanger type solutions like this? Any other tips/recommendations? Thank you!

Thanks! Look, starting out, the R2k saving will be very welcome as well.

Hi guys, I am in the process of getting into the sport. Good to meet you all. After deciding on a bike (thread here) I will have to get the towbar and rack sorted so we can be a bit more mobile. So, a platform type will be great but the price at this point might not be possible. I will be fitting a towbar though. So the next best thing will be something like a Thule Xpress 2 or any of the other rack-style carriers. However, looking at the design, what is the possibility of the bikes swinging and potentially damaging the car with these types of racks? (sorry if it's a silly question) Other suggestions also welcome! Thanks a lot!

Hi guys, New here and looking forward to getting into the MTB swing of things, and have visited an couple of shops over the weekend to have a look at some hardtails. I will come right quicker buying new as a start as I don't see a lot of XL bikes doing the rounds secondhand unfortunately. Ok, so intro out of the way, my nearest shop has a couple of bikes in my starter price range, and it's been narrowed down to three options a little above budget but I can stretch a bit. Around R11k is the absolute max I'm willing to spend....for now. I am essentially looking for a bike that can handle some bumps and starter trails etc etc. Just something of decent quality. I'm not planning on jumping it on massive ramps and so on. The options available are: Titan Racing Rogue SE (R9k) Scott Navajo 955 (R11k) Silverback Stride Deluxe (R11k) Out of the lot the friendly sales guy suggested that the Silverback is the best buy in terms of value for money etc etc. Thoughts? Are there other options I can/should be looking at? Thanks a million!