Gareth1982 Posted March 22, 2011 Posted March 22, 2011 Hi allI hope I am posting in the right section.I am looking to buy a Avalanche ATX375 Mountain bike for R2900 and as far as I can understand it is a large frameMy Question is this, is this bike a good entry level bike to do a few small races and so on, is the price good and what should I look for on a bike? I have no previous experience in Mountain biking so your Help and input will be greatly Appreciated. Thank you in advance.
patches Posted March 22, 2011 Posted March 22, 2011 Hi allI hope I am posting in the right section.I am looking to buy a Avalanche ATX375 Mountain bike for R2900 and as far as I can understand it is a large frameMy Question is this, is this bike a good entry level bike to do a few small races and so on, is the price good and what should I look for on a bike? I have no previous experience in Mountain biking so your Help and input will be greatly Appreciated. Thank you in advance. Hi Gareth, welcome to the hub. So to answer your question about the Avalanche... well that depends... when it comes to buying a MTB (or any bike for that matter), one has to decide whether they want only brand new bikes, or whether they are willing to go the 2nd hand route. Granted, 2nd hand can mean paying good money for bad product. So it is risky. But in some, in fact quite a few, cases one can find a bargain and get a way better bike than that money would be able to get in the "new section". Finding these bargains is tricky though. As for the brand new market... I'm not sure what else is available for around the R3000 mark. I'm guessing that this Avalanche was seen at a Sportsman's Warehouse?! If so, try a local bike shop and see what they have in the way of entry level bikes. Maybe look at the Raleighs around the same price. Also feel free to note the specs on your finds, post theme here and the hubbers will give you their opinion. Sorry that wasn't a cut and dry answer, but hope it helps a bit.
Gareth1982 Posted March 22, 2011 Author Posted March 22, 2011 Thanks Patchesit does help and I was looking at 2nd hand mountain bikes but I can't find any in this price range at the moment. I found the Avalanche ATX375 at my LBS and he is the cheapest in Potchefstroom and that is why I was wondering about it.
Polo Posted March 22, 2011 Posted March 22, 2011 I would say if you want to do anything more than ride to the shop (you mention you want to do a few races) then this bike is not a good choice. Look for something with at least SRAM X5/Shimano Deore components (entry level, but with a 9-speed cassette at the back) and at least some Rockshox/Manitou fork (the lower end forks at quite heavy as they use coil springs, whereas higher end shocks use air and oil suspension systems - lighter). There is a guy selling a Giant Talon 29er in the classified for R5500, seems like a good buy. Not sure what kind of budget you have, but for around R8000 (saw it for about R7800), you can get a GT Karakoram 29er, which is very well specced for the price.http://www.gtbicycles.com/bikes/mountain/endurance/2011-karakoram-1-0-green Some entry and mid-level components, with a very decent mid-level fork. If your budget is tight, you should be able to find something on the hub or Gumtree for under R5k. The thing is that mountain biking is a bit of a craze at the moment (much like roller blading), so everyone wants to try it, resulting a high demand for bikes in the lower price bracket.
Gareth1982 Posted March 22, 2011 Author Posted March 22, 2011 Thanks for the Advice PoloI will go tomorrow to the LBS and get the full specs of the bike and a few others and i will post it here.as far as I know this bike has got a 9-speed cassette at the back. The biggest problem for me is the budget and that is why I was looking at the Avalantche ATX375 but I will have a look and see if I can't maybe save abit longer and buy something better.
RodTi Posted March 22, 2011 Posted March 22, 2011 Hey Gareth... Welcome to the Hub... If possible, try and save a bit more - you won't regret it.Whereas I'm not trying to dis Avalanche bikes - it's simply not one of the recognised MTB brands... Spend a little bit of time here on the Hub, and you will quickly start picking up the stalwart brands... Mongoose, Silverback, GT, Raleigh (and several others that will no doubt be suggested by Hubbers) are the more established brands, with a long history behind them. Entry level bikes in these brands will only set you back a extra few thousand Rands (if that much), but will be a much better purchase... If you'll excuse the terrible and inaccurate analogy - rather get an entry level Toyota, Golf, Nissan, Mazda etc. than a Tata or GWM (nothing against the latter ), but hope you know what I mean... If you're simply looking at getting a foot in the door - then you don't need to break the bank, but a bit more research and patience (and saving up) will make a huge difference... If possible, go and check out some of the bigger LBS's - the one you've been at might have a reputation for being a bit cheaper - but the bigger stores can often get better prices on the entry-levels, simply because they sell more - and will have a larger variety on display. Window shopping costs nothing - as does surfing the Hub! Good luck - and don't be shy to pop up some more options as you find them!
Quantum Theory Posted March 22, 2011 Posted March 22, 2011 (edited) Was looking at the Silverback Reno for R3500, with similar components as the Avalanche. I then decided to stretch the budget and save some more to get a Merida TFS-100 for R4650, but changed my mind again to get the Scott Aspect 30 for R5300 (I've now heard of a special @ R4700)... I think you will be a lot happier with something around the R5K price range, especially if you are thinking of doing some light racing. I wish I could spend even more... Edited March 22, 2011 by Quantum Theory
Me-rider Posted March 22, 2011 Posted March 22, 2011 I would say if you want to do anything more than ride to the shop (you mention you want to do a few races) then this bike is not a good choice. Look for something with at least SRAM X5/Shimano Deore components (entry level, but with a 9-speed cassette at the back) and at least some Rockshox/Manitou fork (the lower end forks at quite heavy as they use coil springs, whereas higher end shocks use air and oil suspension systems - lighter). There is a guy selling a Giant Talon 29er in the classified for R5500, seems like a good buy. Not sure what kind of budget you have, but for around R8000 (saw it for about R7800), you can get a GT Karakoram 29er, which is very well specced for the price.http://www.gtbicycles.com/bikes/mountain/endurance/2011-karakoram-1-0-green Some entry and mid-level components, with a very decent mid-level fork. If your budget is tight, you should be able to find something on the hub or Gumtree for under R5k. The thing is that mountain biking is a bit of a craze at the moment (much like roller blading), so everyone wants to try it, resulting a high demand for bikes in the lower price bracket. If you looking at GTs, the 3.0 is a bit cheaper. Granted it does not have 9 speed cassette or deore components but is probably more than adequate. I bought a Merida tfs 100 last year whcih is in similair range as the GT3.0 in terms of components and I have had absolutely no issues with it. My 24 speed bike has managed to serve me pretty well up to this point. Advice to buying a bike: (having no prior experience like I did) -1 Go to as many bike shops as you can and ask them all the same questions. After a while you will piece together the truth -2 Take a pen and paper and write down components specs, prices etc and then google the bikes -3 Once you have a better idea of what is out there, set your budget and go to the shop you felt most comfortable at and ask to try out the models in your price range. -4 They will always tell you that the next level up is better (and it is, but not necessarily for your purposes). -5 Leave your ego at home! Sales people thrive on that - if your budget x then your budget is x don't feel bad about it. -6 There are plenty of hidden costs to budget in as well, so expect to go over budget on accessories. Helmet, shoes, spds are obvious, but dont forget spare tubes, pump, multitool, bottle cages, bottles, chain lube, tyre levers (worth every cent if you have had a flat. Bike Rack? Happy buying - its the start of something beautiful.
Gareth1982 Posted March 23, 2011 Author Posted March 23, 2011 Thanks for all the advice so far I appreciate it.I am going to do a bit more window shopping and I will post the specs here so you guys can help me make the best choice.
Teppla Posted March 23, 2011 Posted March 23, 2011 Im also looking for an entry level MTB, my budget (5k) and advice from hubbers have left me with a few choices, which all fit in the category, any advice on these four? my heart is kinda set on the scott but i hope these four can maybe narrow your search (and mine) down....Merida TFS 100 dScott Aspect 30Schwinn Moab CompSilverback Saturn 2010 model (can get it for R4800) Oh yes, Hermanus cycles are selling the Scott Aspect 30 for R4700 with free delivery in the Western Cape Good luck!
chris_w_65 Posted March 23, 2011 Posted March 23, 2011 Im also looking for an entry level MTB, my budget (5k) and advice from hubbers have left me with a few choices, which all fit in the category, any advice on these four? my heart is kinda set on the scott but i hope these four can maybe narrow your search (and mine) down....Merida TFS 100 dScott Aspect 30Schwinn Moab CompSilverback Saturn 2010 model (can get it for R4800) Oh yes, Hermanus cycles are selling the Scott Aspect 30 for R4700 with free delivery in the Western Cape Good luck! As far as I know the Silverback Saturn 2011 retails for R5500.00 and you should be able to get 10% discount
MTB_Roadie Posted March 23, 2011 Posted March 23, 2011 I would say if you want to do anything more than ride to the shop (you mention you want to do a few races) then this bike is not a good choice. Look for something with at least SRAM X5/Shimano Deore components (entry level, but with a 9-speed cassette at the back) and at least some Rockshox/Manitou fork (the lower end forks at quite heavy as they use coil springs, whereas higher end shocks use air and oil suspension systems - lighter). There is a guy selling a Giant Talon 29er in the classified for R5500, seems like a good buy. Not sure what kind of budget you have, but for around R8000 (saw it for about R7800), you can get a GT Karakoram 29er, which is very well specced for the price.http://www.gtbicycle...koram-1-0-green Some entry and mid-level components, with a very decent mid-level fork. If your budget is tight, you should be able to find something on the hub or Gumtree for under R5k. The thing is that mountain biking is a bit of a craze at the moment (much like roller blading), so everyone wants to try it, resulting a high demand for bikes in the lower price bracket. Bikes with Deore components will set you back R7k+ For your budget it would be Alivio....but shop around but I wuld rather go the 2nd hand route because of your budget.
RudoJ Posted March 23, 2011 Posted March 23, 2011 I bought myself a Bianchi Doss 5100 from Solomons last year for R4000-00Alivio Shifters, Deore mechanical disk brakes and deraillers (back and front)Suntour XCT V1 fork The fork is not the best in the business but I get by. I have done amongst others the 60km Bulldog MTB race, 2 x Babbas 70km Marathons, and various other races at Teak Place, Avianto and Red Stone etc etc. Both me and the Bike survived, and we are going to do the Karoo to Coast on the very same bike. Only changes I made are Schwalbe Smart Sam tyres, shimano clipless pedals and comfier grips I will be looking to buy a new bike in a year or so, but until then, this one serves me very well. And yes, it doenst say much, but it happens in races that you pass guys on better and more expensive bikes, and yes it does give me great satisfaction in doing so. In the end all that matters is that you must ensure the bike fits you and what you want to do/achieve best. What would happen if you buy an expensive mtb and decide a few months downt the line the sport is not for you? As Me-rider said, be aware of the "hidden costs" as well BUT, having said all of the above, welcome to the most amazing sport on the planet but be warned, as soon as you hit your first trail, there will be no turning back!
chris_w_65 Posted March 23, 2011 Posted March 23, 2011 If you looking at GTs, the 3.0 is a bit cheaper. Granted it does not have 9 speed cassette or deore components but is probably more than adequate. I bought a Merida tfs 100 last year whcih is in similair range as the GT3.0 in terms of components and I have had absolutely no issues with it. My 24 speed bike has managed to serve me pretty well up to this point. Advice to buying a bike: (having no prior experience like I did) -1 Go to as many bike shops as you can and ask them all the same questions. After a while you will piece together the truth -2 Take a pen and paper and write down components specs, prices etc and then google the bikes -3 Once you have a better idea of what is out there, set your budget and go to the shop you felt most comfortable at and ask to try out the models in your price range. -4 They will always tell you that the next level up is better (and it is, but not necessarily for your purposes). -5 Leave your ego at home! Sales people thrive on that - if your budget x then your budget is x don't feel bad about it. -6 There are plenty of hidden costs to budget in as well, so expect to go over budget on accessories. Helmet, shoes, spds are obvious, but dont forget spare tubes, pump, multitool, bottle cages, bottles, chain lube, tyre levers (worth every cent if you have had a flat. Bike Rack? Happy buying - its the start of something beautiful. What century are you in? Don't write anything down, take pics of prices/bikes/components with your phone BEWARE the hidden costs. Most LBS discount their bikes because they know you have been shopping around. When you buy the bike they tell you about the extras you need and many will rip you off blind for these
Brakkies Sport Fotos Posted March 23, 2011 Posted March 23, 2011 Hi Í dont want to bash a avelance, but NO, I will not recommend that. I will recommend you start a topic here were you asked for a entry level MTB for about R3000. A lot of hubbers will monitor/police that offers (dont worry, they are the best in the business) Maybe you can buy a R3000 good secondhand, thats acctually worth R5000. So, no dont buy the Avelance.
Gareth1982 Posted March 23, 2011 Author Posted March 23, 2011 Thanks for the Advice guys, keep it coming.SO if I understand you all right none of the Avalanches are really worth it?but I am off to do some window shopping now so will let you guys know what I find a bit later.Thanks again.
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now