You can buy a perfectly decent second hand bike for R5000. Over the past three weeks I have purchased two second-hand bikes for R4000 and R3500 respectively (one from a Hubber, and the other off Gumtree). I spent money on a helmet (essential), bottle cages, a computer and a saddle bag. If you do some homework, you can get a decent bike for around R4000, spend R500 on a helmet, and then another few hundred bucks on bottle cages (R50 bucks each), a saddle bag, a spare tyre, a small pump, and a puncture kit. That really is all you need for now. The rest of the stuff (computer, cycle shorts, Co2 bombs, and any other fancy stuff) can come later, for now get the essentials - helmet, bike, and ways to fix a flat (in that order - safety first). There is another prominent cycling website that has a South African price guide, use that to determine whether you are being ripped off, and always make a cash offer. If you buy from a Hubber, your chances are quite good that the bike will be well looked after, and serviced regularly. Gumtree perhaps less so, but if you get someone who was seriously into cycling, the bike should be in good condition. Remember that the frame is the important part, it should be in good condition. All other parts can be replaced. Ride the bike before you buy - check the gears, check the suspensions, check the brakes. Happy shopping.
