CaptainKipper

if all else fails https://share.temu.com/snGPwnIcRzA

So many red flags one doesn't know where to start. Problem for me is these guys make my life difficult because I am a seafarer and am legit offshore a lot of the time. Sellers hear that and usually run a mile! 🤣

Does anyone know where I can find the Schwalbe Marathon Mondial in 700 x 42 to 47? The 50 may even work as long as the actual measured width is 47mm or less. Nobody in SA seems to have stock.

Found this nicely sorted touring setup: https://www.gumtree.co.za/a-road-bikes/blouberg/fahrradmanufactur-tx+400/10012728377951011034307309.

I’m looking for some v brakes if there are any floating around. Bonus if they are Shimano. Please and thank you.

Yeah, I like them too but not available in SA. Importing would be only option and it would be an expensive exercise. Like the LHT, they have a cult following.

@Prince Albert Cycles and @Shebeen I'm not near it at the moment to give you pics, but its a stock bike for now, circa 2010/2012. I have gathered a few bits n pieces but being in Dubai makes it tricky. It will remain stock for a while until I figure out what works for me and what doesn't. Google will show you.

I just picked up a Surly Long Haul Trucker for exactly this purpose. Super basic bikes purpose built for touring and built to withstand the apocalypse. Long chain stays, comfortable geometry, steel, good tyre clearances that give you tyre options, simple components, mounting points for fenders bottles and racks and and and. Won't win a beauty contest but gets the job done. And all for R4k. What's not to like?

That's all good and well but nowadays a sub 20k bike is considered entry level.

Thanks Robbie. Fixed. 1 Merida Big Nine XT 1 Silverback Sola 1

Thanks to all the advise so far. My conundrum is that 1) I am currently in Dubai for a month, and 2) even if I was in SA, these bikes aren't in CPT. That aside, I seem to have narrowed it down to the following 2 candidates. Both seem to tick the right boxes, but 1 is 12k while the other is 16k. Alternatively, what other suggestions might you have? This brings me back to my original question: is it worth a beginner spending 4k more for 1 over the other? Is there that much difference between the 2 to warrant it. Is there perhaps a reputable hubber or LBS that could inspect the bike for me (happy to pay for the privilege) Also - courier options - who to use? https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/hardtail-mountain-bikes/711185/merida-xt-edition-size-xl-2022-model https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/hardtail-mountain-bikes/712196/silverback-sola1-xl-gx-12-spd

Perhaps some examples that catch the eye: MERIDA XT EDITION SIZE XL 2022 MODEL | Hardtail Mountain Bikes | Bike Hub Merida Big Nine Limited (UPGRADED) XL | Hardtail Mountain Bikes | Bike Hub MERIDA BIG NINE XT2 | Hardtail Mountain Bikes | Bike Hub MOMSEN 29 Inch MTB | Hardtail Mountain Bikes | Bike Hub Another (Sold) example GT AVALANCHE EXPERT (XL) **SOLD** | Hardtail Mountain Bikes | Bike Hub Is it overkill? I just don't want to get something (again) that sucks/is wrong for me and it kills the enjoyment.

Greetings hubbers. Long time lurker, 1st time poster... I have not been on a bike seriously since high school where cutting edge tech was a Diamondback or Giant Yukon. I have the ability to spend a decent amount on a secondhand bike. The question is more one of is R15k ish that much better than a R10k 2nd hand bike for a relative beginner? Would I notice the difference? The purpose of the bike is mostly to get my fitness up and I live near Tokai, so have lots of good options wrt places to ride. A hard tail bike is what I'm after, but also love the nostalgia of steel frames (Surly, Mercer etc - am I daft?) I wouldn't discount a gravel bike either, but not being familiar with them, I'm not sure it fits the bill. I'm also a believer in the buy nice or buy twice philosophy (I bought a real POS Mongoose dual sus bike a while ago and it was totally wrong for me and i learnt my lesson). Any advice or recommendations would be gratefully received. I'm 187cm and 88kg (45) if that means anything.