Good XC bike for under R8000

[Dylan Solms]

Hi

What would be a good xc race bike for under R8000. I currently have an avalanche atx 575 but don't think it will survive a race. I am thinking mabye a GT avalanche 1.0, karakoram 1.0, zaskar, serfas xcr1 or something along that line. I think they all pretty gave good forks and am really specifically interested in the karakoram as its a 29e and comes with quite an awsome fork.

Any reccomendations and suggestions of bikes would be awsome. Oh, no full suspension... it feels weird and does not accelerate that well.

Thanks

Dylan

[Squier]

The GT Avalanche 1.0 is a good entry level bike. I think on the Karakoram you're substituting better components for bigger wheels. If I'm not mistaken the Karakoram has some Alivio components. The 29er wheels is a nice to have, while good components is a must.

[Kang]

I was in the same boat as you recently with a budget of 8K. My choices were the Merida MATTS TFS 500 or 300. The 500 was selling for R7800 and the 300 was R6600. I went for the 300 so I could get extras such as fancy pedals, shoes, computer, tire liners etc and the main difference was the fork. The 500 had Rock shox and the 300 a Suntour fork but both had Deore XT rear derailleur and the rest of the groupset was Alivio.

I did a lot of research and to be honest I got a Merida because of the Cape Epic. I was looking at an affordable brand that the Pro's use. LOL.

Good luck and post back on your choice with Pics.

[Redline]

go with the merida!

 

I bought a tfs 400 last year for R7200, and so far it has not given any trouble and rides like a dream.

[Meezo]

check obike website they got some deals

[Cycle Factory]

We have some specials going. Give us a call and ask for Ian.

[SwtCraigMachine]

I think it would be worth your while to check out the Scott Scale range. They are super light and come with decent components where it matters. I think the Scale 70 or even 60 will come in around R8k. The 29er (if youre interested) is more like R10k.