Hi, I am just starting out with mountain biking and to be honest, am very confused. I went into the Cycle Lab and was quotes on an entry level Merida TFS100D (R5,000). All looked good, I went in today to actually buy it and they had run out of stock. The next one up was R8,000. Alternatively, I could purchase a Trek, same spec as the TFS100D (apparently) but it costs R6,700. Now I can probably push it to R7,000, but if the Trek is the same spec, why pay more? Apparently for a life time warranty on the frame! I have been told that a bike is only as good as its components and that I should be at least looking at hydraulic disk brakes. No problem there, I see the reasons here and I’m sold. So, my question is this, what bike and components would constitute beast value for money in my price bracket? And where would I find such a bike? Being new to the sport, I am not in a position to be sure if I’m just being ripped off or not. I live in Fourways and would like some alternative bike shops options to both Cajees (sic) and Cycle Lab. Any ideas?
