The Axis A90 and sub R 3 K mtb’s

[Java001]

Some hubber help needed.

 

The missus has started with a bit of social mtb’ing and her 15 year old Makro Raleigh, although unused, is just not quite cutting it!

 

I know I can get a lot more bang for buck with a 2nd hand mtb, but would like to buy her something new - her needs are basic and she just wants something to ride a 2 - 5 km trail per week and the occasional bit of road riding with the rest of the family.

 

Went to look at the recently launced Axis A90, which LBS’s are selling @ R 1995 and promoting as the next best thing since sliced bread. Spec's are simply not available on www, but it looks like a decent entry level alloy MTB. It is simply not within my nature to buy something even at this price point, without comparing with other sub R 3 000 bikes; trawling the web, the following 2010 and 2011 bikes appear:

 

KHS Alite 150 R 2 999

Serfas XC3V R 2 600

Serfas XC3D R 2 895

Avalanche ATX 250 R 1 940

Avalanche ATX 275 R 2 280

Silverback Stride R 2 345

Silverback Oakland R 2 935

Raleigh Nomad 80 R 2 599

Titan Cruz R 2 300

Titan Sport Calypso R 2 800

Scott Aspect 60 R 2 699

 

Height 1.58 m / inseam 74 cm so I think she needs a small in most makes.

Any recommendations ? Bikes to avoid ? Bikes that I should consider that is not listed?

[Eugene]

Read Brandon Els's blog on www.probike.co.za

 

Apparantly the Axis A90 was tested by Tread Magazine. Maybe you will find a review in the latest (or soon to be released issue).

 

If you have a budget of R3 000, maybe consider one of the higher Axis bikes, I'm sure there will be one soon with a better spec, within your price range.

 

I've heard good things about Serfas and Scott has always been a good option.

[Danger Dassie]

Read Brandon Els's blog on www.probike.co.za

 

Apparantly the Axis A90 was tested by Tread Magazine. Maybe you will find a review in the latest (or soon to be released issue).

 

If you have a budget of R3 000, maybe consider one of the higher Axis bikes, I'm sure there will be one soon with a better spec, within your price range.

 

I've heard good things about Serfas and Scott has always been a good option.

 

It was not.

So happened I had to photograph the bike on a trail and studio shots. As I had a shoot with Tread Mag the same day, I killed two birds with one stone and they assisted me with getting the trail shots I needed. So it wasn't a test perse, not to say there wont be either though, more of a preview if anything.

Having said that, myself and the guy who rode the A90 were pleasantly surprised by it for the short period we had it.

Good spec, alloy frame and relatively decent parts and looks nice. They are specced and designed by the same guys who worked on the Raleigh/Nomad range previously, so there is a carry over of experience and backup.

 

It's a competitive segment in the market, after all, the brands listed by the OP are all good value for money on the entry level point. For the use he describes any one of them will do really, boils down to which the buyer feels more of an affinity for.