Fisher WP

I had a look at 2013 Scotts and eventually decided with the to me large increases in prices to rather pick up a good deal on a brand new 2012 model, I also detest matt paintwork!

I can appreciate the issue you have because I have been looking at new and second hand and to be honest the price differential at what I am looking at makes new a more appealing option, one simply cant know how a bike has been looked after, how much trail work it has done. In the past I have bought second hand but was more pure luck than any exact science. My thinking if you buy second hand be prepared to budget for at the very least a full service. Where this all get confusing as its all really opinion, can most us really tell whats objectively better? For example I went to three bike shops last weekend, all told me different info!

I think "best" is all relative because like you I am looking at a few bikes, the main thing I think is to find a frame you like and feel comfortable on because in time one can upgrade if one feels the need. It also depends on what sort of riding you are going to be doing. I'd argue go with the one with the best combination of frame and components.

Am leaning towards the Team as I may be able to get a good deal on a new one vs possibly buying an Elite second hand, spec for spec to a newbie like me there doesnt seem to be a massive amount of difference, certain my opinion not enough to mitigate the Elite being R4k more! Possible idea being to put some cash aside for upgrades, the DT Swiss seems to be an issue so, maybe swop that out at some stage with a Fox, mind you for the recreational jeep track riding I do the DT will probably be ok.

I am in much the same position as the opening poster and this was one of the bikes I put on my list, alas 2013 stock has not arrived yet and there are no 2012 models in stock, at least not when I phone last week. Getting one for R20k may be somewhat of a challenge but it does seem like a great bike!

Is there any specific issue with the rear shock on the Elite? I am noticing that the Silverback has XT vs the SLX on the Scott Team, I guess I am going to have to try and find a Silverback I can actually look at to decide between the two.

There is a bit of a proviso to start this post, I am a best a recreational rider, do some road riding, some mountain riding, albeit just jeep track for the time being. Recently had my old bike stolen and have been looking around at replacements. Up until this morning I knew very little about these two above brands. I was able to have a look at two different Scott bikes 29 Team: http://www.scott-sports.com/global/en/products/221701009/bike-spark-29-team-xl/ 29 Elite: http://www.scott-sports.com/global/en/products/221700009/bike-spark-29-elite-xl/ There is a price difference between the two, not sure really for my purposes which would better, bikes seem to be very well built. Then the Silverback http://www.silverbacklab.com/2011_website_SILVERBACK/mercury1.htm I am really quite undecided between these threee, the Scott Spark 29 Elite would be a bit of stretch to buy but it can be done if there is anything seriously better about it than the Team model. The last time I shopped for bikes was around 10 years ago and much has changed so any advice/opinion would be welcome.

I did I phoned and asked what bikes he had and asked about a ficticious Trek I was looking for, he mentioned he didnt have that model but had something else and when I mentioned I wanted that specific model he said something to the affect that its sounds like the bike was stolen from me.... Will actually go around to the shop and have a look around, I also used a false name when I phoned.

Wow ok I actually phoned and asked about another bike because I thought this may be the case, yeh he tried to sell me something else.

Thanks for the advice, will go there and ask around...by co incidence I live fairly close to Plumstead.

Hi, am a bit of newbie here, been reading a bit and I need some advice. Am bit angry, had my Gary Fisher Sugar 4 stolen recently, really, really loved that bike, was such a good ride. At the moment I am looking for replacements and honestly the market is big out there I dont really have a clue as to what I could look at which would have a decent spec and give me a great riding experience like the Sugar did. Obviously I have looked at the Gary Fisher/Trek Rumblefish but am not sure, I dont really want to spend more than R25k, less would be better. I do however want a soft tail. Opinions most welcome.

Here is a pic. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/Ferrari360/2012-04-09_11-53-02_285.jpg

Stolen from my property yesterday in the southern suburbs(Cape Town) I am offering a reward for its return, no questions asked. The bike is red and silver, red seat with a slight tear on the side. It also has a pump and a water bottle holder. Black wheels, Fox rear shock. After looking for one of these bikes for a long time I found one 3 months ago, ridden it in total 4 times before yesterday. Any assistance would be greately appreciated.