Search the Community

Hey fellow hubbers The time has come to buy a new MTB. After 6 years of trusted service from my alu hardtail, my body has decided that a dual sus with longer travel is required. I am a weekend warrior, thus the slacker geometry and longer travel will make the ride more enjoyable (or so I read). Below are the bikes I have on my radar. You guys are welcome to comment on the list, recommend bikes I have missed or remove if I should not consider due to experience. The option on my budget Scott Spark 930 2018 – R40k: https://bike-addict.co.za/collections/scott/products/scott-spark-930-2018 Scott Spark 920 2017 (carbon main frame) – R49k http://www.vbike.co.za/scott-spark-920-2017/ Trek fuel ex 9.7 2018 (carbon main frame) – R53k https://www.trekbikes.com/za/en_ZA/bikes/mountain-bikes/trail-mountain-bikes/fuel-ex/fuel-ex-9-7-29/p/2144600-2018/?colorCode=black_red Specialized Camper comp 2018 (carbon main frame) – R55k https://www.specialized.com/za/en/mens-camber-comp-carbon-29---2x/p/133921?color=239846-133921 Ideally I would like to stay as close as possible to my budget of around R40k, however considering I am going to ride this for a long time I can probably stretch it a bit for good reason. My LBS does not have any of the bikes I am looking at, and this is where I have a problem. I do not mind buying the bike over the internet (if my LBS cannot get the bike for a competitive price). But I would like to test ride the bike. From the treads below, it is clear that a test ride is important to make a decision. Similar treads on bike hub: https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/172711-what-to-buy-scott-vs-giant-mtb/ https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/172692-spez-camber-comp-2017-or-giant-anthem-2-2018/ https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/171934-spaz-camber-2018-or/ Thus I have come to the point for my blabbing on in this post: I live close to JHB/PTA area and are able to drive through for a day over the weekend to test ride some bikes. I do not know where or which bike shops have demo bikes to test based on my list above and this is where you guys come in. I am looking for bike shops I can contact to test ride as many of the bikes in a day as possible

Following the release of the mid-fat Fuel EX 27.5 Plus, Trek has unveiled a new generation of its most popular and highly-acclaimed full suspension trail bike platforms, Fuel EX and Remedy. The all-new models bring more capability than ever before with more aggressive geometry, additional travel, stiffer frames, and wheel sizes optimized for their intended ride style. Fuel EX remains the obvious choice for the versatile trail rider who never backs down from adventure and refuses to shy away from aggressive terrain. The all-new Remedy further embraces its all-mountain roots, matching perfectly with the rider who requires trail bike agility and DH toughness in one package. Click here to view the article

Trek has expanded one of the world’s most popular trail bike lines with the introduction of the Fuel EX 27.5 Plus. The popularity of mid-fat tires has shown riders how a little extra tire volume can yield a lot more traction and a lot more fun. Now the benefits of wider tires are being combined with full-suspension capability in the all-new Fuel EX 27.5 Plus. Click here to view the article

I am looking to buy a new bike that is a pretty much an all mountain machine, decent on the climbs and fast and responsive on the descents and can take a few jumps on the way. I have been eyeing up the 'Trek fuel Ex 7 27.5' (26k in my local bike shop). I am currently riding an entry level hard tail so anything is an upgrade and I am finding it hard to be subjective. Any comments on this bike? It looks pretty decent overall but its a tad on the heavier side. Comments suggestions please!