greg_sa

Ah, I see now. Still confused by the frame colour though.

Yep, agreed. they have 2017 in Large and 2018 in Small and Medium.

Ah, cool... Just can't find that colour combo (the frame) online... Almost seems like a mix of 930 frame and other suspension?

Yep, I don't know how they "label" the spark range... Not sure why your fork doesn't have any decals (stickers)... https://www.scott-sports.com/za/en/product/scott-spark-930-bike

I assume the OP is going for a 940, 950 or 960? As they all have 12-speed NX. Edit: Ooops... Looks like its a 930

Anthem 3 is 2x10 (2018 and 2019). Others higher end models are 1x11 or 1x12 I have an older Anthem, which is 2x10 and very happy with it.

The Anthem and Sido will probably be most efficient then...

The VIPA TRAIL ALLOY 2 says "SRAM GX", but still lists all parts as NX, except for the GX cranks/chainring. Is this a typo?

For your terrain, I'd definitely choose the Anthem. But I'd try find a used one though with higher spec. Then sell you bike privately.

I've also bought quite a lot of Ice Toolz - I just wait for different bits to go on sale... and also just buy what I need when I need it.

I've got one of the cheap ones from CWC... It does the job just fine for me.

Perfect. My son will need a nice 20" bike in about 6 months or a year...

Nice! Hope they carry the kids bikes too!

Normal trails close at sunset. The traverse closes at 17:30.

Should be able to pick up a few year old Giant Anthem or Scott Spark in that price range very easily, if you're keen on dual suspension.

What did you ride before?

Beat me to it... almost identical posts Not sure what size is needed, but they only have Small & Medium Spark 940

Where will you be riding? And what do your friends ride? It looks like the Merida is more cross-country (XC) biased... shorter travel (100mm), lighter... Might climb faster. The Scott Spark is more of an all-rounder, light trail bike (120mm travel, but heavier). If you go for a Scott, check out the 940 - it is higher spec and about the same price... https://bike-addict.co.za/collections/winter-sale/products/scott-spark-940-2018?variant=12579673636948 So it depends if you are more keen on racing (and staying closer to the ground) or more jumps, drop-offs, more forgiving on downhills, etc.

Cool, thanks for the info! I think I should demo the new Anthem and Trance 29 in the future!

Sorry for the hijack, but I have a 2015 Anthem 29er. Was you're a 29er too? I'm thinking of upgrading... How do you find the climbing efficiency of the Camber in comparison?

When I started riding MTB ath the age of 37, it was pretty tough at first on the climbs. Had to walk at times and rest often, etc. But after 6 months, it was great. It is super rewarding noticing your climbing improve, and not needing the lower granny gears anymore.

Nice balance bike... It is actually a Kokua Jumper though - just resprayed it seems. Can buy them locally... my son had one.

My son went from a 12" balance bike, to a 14" pedal bike (with no training wheels). The reason I went for 14", is so that I could drop the saddle at first, and he could touch the floor while sitting. So he felt confident. Then he was peddling in no time and I've gradually raised the seat. I went with an Avalanche Storm - its heavy, but rides well - geometry seems good. http://avalanchebicycles.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Storm-boys-790x500.jpg I was going to buy a Commencal Ramones 16" (via chain reaction) but they no longer stock it.

I only buy used, unwashed bibs

That is true, but for any used bike I suppose. And definitely agree on the reserve cash. I looked at quite a few bikes before I found one in good nick, for a good price. Definitely need to be patient - I looked for about 2 months. Try find one that was properly maintained (with receipts), or ask the owner if you can take it for a check-up at your LBS before you buy.