Best buy for a beginner: 29er

[Matt123]

Hi All,

 

i need some advice,i am buying my first MTB. i have decided on a 29er, i just need to decide what to spend.

 

i could spend up to 15k, i do not however want to spend the full amount if i dont need to.

 

I am considering buying the Momsen AL 329 (10k): http://www.momsenbikes.com/bikes.cfm?prod=al329

 

All the salesmen i have spoken to, say it is a good bike, but are abviously trying to up sellme ( they are sales men!)

 

my question is should i go for the momsen or upgrade to something like this at about 15k: http://www.merida-bikes.com/en_za/bike/2011/60/MTB+Hardtail/TWENTY-NINE+Lite+1000-D

 

i will probably ride once a week, as a break from running.

[philip.maree]

The groupset on the Merida is better than the Momsen. The Momsen has got nice wheels though. So it really depends on what you want to do.

 

Just to add to your list of bikes to consider. You can get either one of these for R13.5k at Cajees.

 

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-IN/bikes/model/xtc.29er/7554/46922/

 

http://www.scott-sports.com/gb_en/product/10040/55514/217951

 

The Giant in my Opinion is the best value for money bike currently.

Edited May 11, 2011 by philip.maree

[Squier]

I haven't heard anything bad about hte Momsen. Looks like good value. Though I'm always sceptical when it comes to Aliviio components. Also, the weight on the website is without clipless pedals and bottle cages. You'll be surprised how much pedals weigh... The weight won't kill you though. For once a week riding I don't think you'll really need more than this.

 

Have a look in the new Bicycling mag. They have an article comparing a bunch of 29er hardtails.

[MTBer wannabee]

you should probably ask TNT1. He knows a lot about 29ers good luck

[Mailman7412]

once a week...the momsen. Those wheels are delicious. The alivio shifters work fine. The front deraileur I changed

[BlinkFan]

Silverback Segma - R15k (or so other people have said)

http://silverbacklab.com/2011/segma.jpg

 

I have the Giant XTC 29er. Can't go wrong.

Edited May 11, 2011 by BlinkFan

[Big H*]

Make sure it has a "cockpit"

[philip.maree]

Silverback Segma - R15k (or so other people have said)

http://silverbacklab.com/2011/segma.jpg

 

I have the Giant XTC 29er. Can go wrong.

 

Can go wrong?

[BlinkFan]

Can go wrong?

 

Oops, fixed it

[Matt123]

Thanks fro the feedback guys! much appreciated.

 

i guess it comes down to whether i feel like i want to fork out another 4k.

[Tubeless]

Budget for an immediate tubeless conversion.

[LeTurbo]

I think in the Bicycling mag, the Momsen came out as best value for money because of a well-judged selection of componenents. The smegma ... er, segma ... also rated very well if pricier and with an ill-judged name that's going to get you ripped apart by all your buddies.

[Matt123]

absolutely, as well as cleats

[Trubie]

Hi All,

 

i need some advice,i am buying my first MTB. i have decided on a 29er, i just need to decide what to spend.

 

i could spend up to 15k, i do not however want to spend the full amount if i dont need to.

 

I am considering buying the Momsen AL 329 (10k): http://www.momsenbikes.com/bikes.cfm?prod=al329

 

All the salesmen i have spoken to, say it is a good bike, but are abviously trying to up sellme ( they are sales men!)

 

my question is should i go for the momsen or upgrade to something like this at about 15k: http://www.merida-bikes.com/en_za/bike/2011/60/MTB+Hardtail/TWENTY-NINE+Lite+1000-D

 

i will probably ride once a week, as a break from running.

 

 

Get the Trek/Gary Fisher Cobia HT, tubeless, pedals, cages, barends- paid less than R 12k.

[KnobbyMech]

Make sure it has a "cockpit"

 

Please be so kind as to give us a name that suits YOU and describes it better than "cockpit". BTW 26er bikes also have them so stop swinging around your sarcasm and not-so-whitty whip and start contributing FFS

[Eldron]

If I was buying a 29er in that price range it would definitely be bewteen the Segma and XTC1.

 

XTC has better frame and fork (tapered front end and the XTC frames are super light). Wheel are heavy!

 

Segma fantastic group set and wheels combo - full XT for that price is awesome. Frame is a bit ordinary. Edit: also comes with pedals!

 

I don't think you'll be happy with the Momsen - the gruppo just isn't good enough - not nearly as smooth and precise at SLX or XT.

 

If you are going to have some cash in the future I would recommend buying the XTC1 then buying a set of American Classic racing wheels in the future. Train on the Giant in house wheels and race on the American Classics. That will be a fantastic bike!

 

If you are only into training then the Segma I reckon. Best bang for buck out of the box.

Edited May 11, 2011 by Eldron