SB_CT Posted October 11, 2011 Posted October 11, 2011 Hi to all, As you can see this is my first post here. I've read a lot of other posts but decided to create my own hoping for some advice. I've had a cheapie Giant Boulder for a few years for messing around on, but recently did a stint at Meerendal, the Lourensford Spur event, and a few others, and the bug has bitten. Have been out on a trail of sorts every weekend since and really enjoying it and feel the need for a decent bike. I'm not wanting to spend more than about +/- R12,000 After having a go on one or two FS bikes I'm pretty much decided I want to go FS over hardtail. However still open to advice/opinions. Obviously it depends on what/where I will be riding most. These winefarm-type trails with some singletrack I really enjoy. Some of the options for new bikes I can find currently: TRANCE X3 (2011) R15,500 TRANCE X4 (2011) R9,900Merida TFS 900 (2012) R9,999GT Sensor 2.0 (2010) R12,000 Would really like some advice, or questions, to help me make the right choice. At this point I've only ridden the GT and X4. I'm on the shorter end of the height bracket so a small frame is what I'm after. Weight about 65kg. Cheers.
SB_CT Posted October 11, 2011 Author Posted October 11, 2011 I'm going to look at the Silverback Mercury 2011 range tomorrow at Cycle Factory, see if anything tickles my fancy.
dre Posted October 11, 2011 Posted October 11, 2011 Do you want to buy a new bike? You will get a very decent 2nd hand bike for that price if you keep an eye on the classifieds. Enjoy
Burts Posted October 11, 2011 Posted October 11, 2011 Hi SB_CT. Welcome to the hub. I'ts been a while since I've been here, but I've managed to stumple straight to your topic.. Just like dre asked... Do you really want to buy new? To be honest... I picked up a decent Specialized Epic Marathon FS for 10K more than a year ago. XT Equipped. With Avid Juicy 7 Diskbrakes. I only upgraded my suspension fork and rims (I am a heavy guy). The bike hasn't dissapoint me yet. Just make sure that you take a friend who knowes something about bikes (that i if you are not sure of everything) with you when you decide to go secondhand, The thing with full suspensions... You lose a lot of power with a FS on climbs. That is if you can't lock out the shock. And I don't think that you will find a new bike in that price range with a lockout shock. If you buy second hand, you can get much better groupsets for the same price. Hope that all my babbel helps.Good luck!
JJACK Posted October 11, 2011 Posted October 11, 2011 (edited) Was in the same situation few months ago.. Bought the Silverback Mercury 3 from CycleFactory, and loving it!! Best value for money on a FS with decent suspension and components. Good luck!! Edited October 12, 2011 by JJACK
SB_CT Posted October 12, 2011 Author Posted October 12, 2011 Thanks for all the replies thus far. I'm not convinced that I need a new bike, after all the comments and looking around I've done it's quite obvious that a very decent 1 or 2 year old bike can be had for this amount of money. I'm keeping my eye on various classifieds. New would be nice, but actually makes the least sense. Thing is, I wouldn't really be able to decide, on paper, between bikes that I would find in classifieds. A Trance X1, Anthem X2, Specialised FS, the only way to figure it out is to go and ride each one. I'll still head to cycle factory later today in order to get some more advice and possibly take something for a spin. The more information I have, the better. Do you really lose THAT much efficiency on the climb with a non-lockout FS bike, even if it's setup correctly?
Smolly Posted October 12, 2011 Posted October 12, 2011 I bought a new Merida 1-20 800d new last year november. Full suspension with lock out on both shocks! I paid 13k and have never looked back. Just a quick word of advice. the 12k will turn into 20k, as when the bug bites, you are always "needing" some sort of mod! Good luck!
Katy Posted October 12, 2011 Posted October 12, 2011 Just be careful if you buy second hand that you either budget some money for a service/replacement parts, or that you know exactly what condition its in before you buy. Its pretty easy to check if the chain and casette are worn when you see the bike, and that can be a pretty big expense if they need to be replaced.
scotty Posted October 12, 2011 Posted October 12, 2011 The Silverback 2011 available stock is a bit thin but for R12000 if you can find one the Mercury 2 is a good buy. Frame - AL-R6 Generation III TechnologyFork - Rock Shox Reba RL Dual Air 100mmRear Shock - Fox Float RP2Rims - Shimano MT65 Tubeless - Wheel setHubs - Shimano MT65 - Wheel setTyres - Maxxis Crossmark UST 26" x 2.1Shifters - Shimano SLX 10 Speed Rapidfire PlusFront Derailleur - Shimano SLX 10 SpeedRear Derailleur - Shimano SLX 10 SpeedChainwheel - Shimano SLX 24/32/42T 10 Speed, 2 PieceBottom Bracket - Shimano 2 Piece InclCassette - Shimano HG81, 10 Speed 11-34TPedals - Shimano PD-M520Brake Set - Shimano M575 Hydraulic Disc
SB_CT Posted October 12, 2011 Author Posted October 12, 2011 Just be careful if you buy second hand that you either budget some money for a service/replacement parts, or that you know exactly what condition its in before you buy. Its pretty easy to check if the chain and casette are worn when you see the bike, and that can be a pretty big expense if they need to be replaced. Any advice on what to look for/how to test this? Apart from looking for significant signs of wear with the eye. I suppose a test ride will show up any serious issues?
SB_CT Posted October 12, 2011 Author Posted October 12, 2011 So I went to Cycle Factory and had a look at a Silverback Mercury 2. Nice bike, took it for a spin and liked it. Expensive though as it's out the box, R15,200. I mentioned to the salesman (who was extremely helpful) and told him I was undecided about old vs new. He told me some horror stories about ppl buying used, and the risks involved in terms of expenses when having to replace and repair components. He also agreed to the flip side that a great bike can be had at a good price second hand and showed me some things to look out for. To cut a long story short there was a Trance 2010 X1 for sale in the classifieds here for a few grand less than the Silverback. I went to look at it and it has hardly been used, in beautiful condition. Took it for a ride and instantly fell in love - like riding on a dream. Really, what luxury. Comparing it to the Mercury 2 and GT Sensor I tried earlier in the week made them feel terrible, even though they are great bikes. So the X1 is mine and I'm very chuffed, all has worked out well. Thanks for the advise during the process
scotty Posted October 13, 2011 Posted October 13, 2011 Expensive though as it's out the box, R15,200. Over priced, i was quoted R12000 for the Mercury2 but opted for the Modanine for R15000.
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