clauderoux Posted August 4, 2011 Share Hi Guys, I've been riding for a while now and i've got a hardtail. Ive done the karoo to coast, 2 argusses, and a wolseley race and i mustadmit i like my hardtail, but i think its time for me to make the switch to a dual. I enjoy singletrack the most of all the aspects of mtb-ing but not crazy jumps and drops. And the agony of a "sinkplaat pad" on a hardtail is another reason i must admit. Now, to the interesting stuff... The choices My budget is limited to around 12k( i know thats not ideal), but thats what i've got.I've been looking at mostly 3 bikes Silverback Slider http://www.silverbacklab.com/2011/slider.jpgSilverback Mercury 3 http://www.silverbacklab.com/2011/mercury_3.jpgMerida 120 500d http://www.kayalamicycles.co.za/images/stories/merida/merida-mountain-bikes/120500d//120500d.jpg I must admit, the slider is my first choice and its very pretty.Not too fond on merida as a brand... Don't know why... Anyway, opinions will be appreciated Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manchillz Posted August 4, 2011 Share Hey man, changing to a Dual was best decision iv ever made.Another option...Trance x4 and if u can stretch a bit more the trance x3 is def worth it.http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-za/bikes/model/trance.x.3/8347/46812/I work at Olympic Cycles and I can get those Silverbacks for u but i would way rather u go look at that Trance x3. We have some specials on at the moment so the prices are cheaper than you see on the site. Around R15000 for X3 But come in and jump on it for a test ride. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tankman Posted August 4, 2011 Share If I had to choose on your behalf, out of those three, I would go with the Mercury 3.Simply because it has better rear shock, marginally better front shock, shifters, crank and FD than the Slider. The Merida 120 is a tad bit heavier than the Silverbacks also.Something about the riding position on the Merida 120 just didnt gel with me personally. But choosing a bike is a personal thing, choose the one YOU like most! Edited August 4, 2011 by Tankman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GaryP Posted August 4, 2011 Share Hi. I have just bought the Giant Trance X4. Awesome bike at a very good price (well below your budget ) and would highly recommend that you look at it. Happy shopping! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RollandBounce Posted August 5, 2011 Share I would go for the Silverback Mercury. I recently bought a new Specialized Epic 2010 frame for R9900 (specialized has a winter sale) and I am loving it! Also depends if you want a very "soft" ride or a very efficient- the Silverback pivot system seem to be pretty much sorted out- found the linkage setup like the merida 120s to be very "inefficient" especially if you are planning on doing cross country marathon race etc.Best would be to take the bike for a test ride. Goodluck with the bike!! Must say my epic is my first dual and loving it!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scotty Posted August 5, 2011 Share For the price of around R12000 you could get the Mecury 2, better shock and 10spd. Looking forward to seeing the 2012 Silverback range as my LBS reckons they will be stunning. Edited August 5, 2011 by scotty Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tankman Posted August 5, 2011 Share Hi. I have just bought the Giant Trance X4. Awesome bike at a very good price (well below your budget ) and would highly recommend that you look at it. Happy shopping! Best advice someone gave me a long time ago, if you have say a 12k budget, spend that 12k on the bike and get the accessories (helmet, shoes etc as you can afford them) Buying a cheaper bike means cheaper heavier frame, shocks, wheels and groupset. Upgrading all that will cost you much more than just buying the more expensive model from the get. (Not referring to the Trance3, I don't know what they cost, just in general) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
awesme Posted August 5, 2011 Share Hi there My fiancé got the 1-20 500d and she loves it, you'll be able to get it from CycleLab at R10K. I got a little modified Merida 1-20 500, some replaced components to specs level of the 1-20 1500, Def vouch for it. Love the bikes. G Hi Guys, I've been riding for a while now and i've got a hardtail. Ive done the karoo to coast, 2 argusses, and a wolseley race and i mustadmit i like my hardtail, but i think its time for me to make the switch to a dual. I enjoy singletrack the most of all the aspects of mtb-ing but not crazy jumps and drops. And the agony of a "sinkplaat pad" on a hardtail is another reason i must admit. Now, to the interesting stuff... The choices My budget is limited to around 12k( i know thats not ideal), but thats what i've got.I've been looking at mostly 3 bikes Silverback Slider http://www.silverbacklab.com/2011/slider.jpgSilverback Mercury 3 http://www.silverbacklab.com/2011/mercury_3.jpgMerida 120 500d http://www.kayalamicycles.co.za/images/stories/merida/merida-mountain-bikes/120500d//120500d.jpg I must admit, the slider is my first choice and its very pretty.Not too fond on merida as a brand... Don't know why... Anyway, opinions will be appreciated Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clauderoux Posted August 8, 2011 Share Thanx for all the replies, Had a look at the trance x4 today... Im sold! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caerus Posted August 8, 2011 Share Thanx for all the replies, Had a look at the trance x4 today... Im sold! Nice, you will be happy, and if need be you can always upgrade bits as you go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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