newbie bike help

[bella87]

I need any help I can get, I want to get into riding trails and cross country etc, so far I know I am looking at a hardtail mtb. i am currently looking at a second hand merida TFS 500 for about R5500, but I can get a KHS Alite 2000 for the same price brand new?

 

KHS

 

http://www.khsbicycles.com/04_alite_2000_11.htm

 

Merida

 

http://www.merida.com.au/en_za/bike/2011/202/MTB+Hardtail/MATTS+TFS+500-D

 

Please help as I have no idea what all those specs mean! oh and I am a girl so be nice please!

[Slowbee]

Bella, for now, the best thing you can do is read.

 

Find out as much as you can about what the names of the different components mean.

 

Then try read up on what things make a difference to riding and try make sure you can get the best bang for your buck. Look into second hand vs new.

 

The best advice is dont buy a bike on the spur of the momement. When a sales man tells you something, go and google it, make sure you can ask more questions.

 

One thing for sure - things will always be as clear as mud, and you will ride in loads of the mud when you do buy your bike and will always want to upgrade something.

[BushGoblin]

Also go to your local bike shop and ask if they have a demo model or could source one for you.

[bella87]

Thanks for the advice, unfortunately my local bike shop is none existing, closest one to me is about 150km away, but will look around a bit more and see what is available in my price range. Will try and get a better understanding of the different components, having problems with the quality of the parts etc.