Advice on entry level bike

[tRoN]

Hi guys.

This is my first post so be gentle.

 

I haven't rode a bike in over 20 years (I'm 39 now)

 

I want to get back on the saddle mainly for recreation/exercise.

 

So now I need a bike.

 

Been to a couple of bike shops and was overwhelmed by the variety of options. (remember last time I rode "western flyer" was the "in" bike)

 

Now I seemed to have decided (or convinced by the sales guys) to go for mountain bike versus a road bike as it provides more versatility.

 

Based on my budget (which went 20% higher after I entered the first store) I narrowed down my choice to a Silverback Stride 10 @ R4250.00

 

Is this a good choice. Any other options at that price or LOWER?

p.s I am 1,8 m tall and weigh 85kg

 

tRoN

Edited December 24, 2011 by tRoN

[arendoog]

Silverback is good value for money ,but if you buy a new bike at that price and you are 1.8 cm tall ,you will need a large frame .Thus a large frame in that price range will weigh a lot more than a good used bike .There are always large and medium bikes plentiful on the hub .I see it weighs in at 13.5 kg which is very good for a bike in that price range. Also have a look at swinn moab bike

[Zac.A]

go 2nd hand, you might find a great deal for a better bike at the same price or the same bike at a lower price, but the 1st option is better

[Skubarra]

In you're price range you can't go wrong with a new Silverback. Yes 2nd hand would be better value for money but for a first time buyer its a bit daunting because you don't know what is good value and what is not(yet anyway). Also, if you dig the sport you will upgrade within a few months anyway and by then you will have a better idea of what you want, so don't get too stressed about getting it 100% right the first time.

[ShaughnK]

All good Advice so far, also check if any of your Local Bike Shops (LBS) have any 2011 bikes for sale that they are discounting. The son of a friend picked up a large frame 29er MTB for one helluva discount a couple weeks back because the lbs was keen to move it to make room for 2012 stock.

 

Once you have your bike enjoy riding We have some awesome places to ride in Durbs and if you are really quick you might still be able to pick up a 2012 EMBA licence.

[DJR]

Welcome. Also remember essentials like helmet, gloves, GOOD cycling shorts, pump, spare tube. Try and keep your riding fun, aim at slow improvement and a lifestyle change.

[cycle&sport]

We can do an entry level Avalanche 29er for R3500 cable disk brakes and Acera group set

 

or

 

I have one 2011 20inch Serfas XC 1 for R3990 left - hydraulic disk brakes with Alivio group set the (2012 comes with Acera)

 

Cycle and Sport

Westville Mall (Virgin Active Mall)

35 Buckingham Terrace

Westville

031 2667606

[tRoN]

Thanks for all the great advice guys!

 

So I bumped up my budget...(again!) and went for a 2011 GT Avalanche 2.0 that was on special for R4950

 

I have attached a pic (sorry for the poor quality...ipad camera)

 

I cant wait to go riding...darn rain!

 

Edited December 25, 2011 by tRoN

[Christopher Brunsdon]

Thanks for all the great advice guys!

 

So I bumped up my budget...(again!) and went for a 2011 GT Avalanche 2.0 that was on special for R4950

 

I have attached a pic (sorry for the poor quality...ipad camera)

 

I cant wait to go riding...darn rain!

 

 

Nice and welcome to your new addiction ... and why should rain be an issue its an MTB. Now get on your saddle ad ride.

[Tuxstir]

Awesome bike can't go wrong, My misses has one of thoses, just a older model.

Happy riding

Edited December 25, 2011 by tedibear

[CAAD4]

Welcome back. Good choice. Gary Turner is a legend in the sport and his legacy continues in those bikes.

[Mojoman]

Good choice, I ride an GT (well over 10,000k's on the frame now and I am a porker!), bought the GF a GT and the next bike will be a GT, I think they have a certain look that does not age, check out the Facebook GT and have a look...

[tRoN]

... and why should rain be an issue its an MTB. Now get on your saddle ad ride.

 

haha I did say I was a noob....last rode many moons ago...I'm scared of a slip in the wet....

 

I just need to get my confidence back...

[Clinton1]

Based on my budget (which went 20% higher after I entered the first store) I narrowed down my choice to a Silverback Stride 10 @ R4250.00

 

Is this a good choice. Any other options at that price or LOWER?

p.s I am 1,8 m tall and weigh 85kg

 

tRoN

 

Oops only realised now I wasted my time as you have bought a new bike! ha ha. Enjoy! Hopefully someone else benefits from this advice

 

 

I personally would also definitely go the mountain bike route. Far less limitations on where you can ride even if it is the odd pavement hopping while road riding.

 

As regards bike choice, I too had the same budget range and was looking at the Titans and the Silverbacks. I ended up comparing the components offered as most in that price range had similar aluminium alloy frames. I was almost decided on the Titan when a sale of 2011 Silverbacks was advertised on here. At the end of every year bike shops have a clear out of current stock as the next years stock comes in.

 

I ended up with a new Silverback Phoenix 2011 for R4500 about a month ago. It was still selling in some shops for R6500 and I had been offered a second hand one for R4000, so it was a bargain. You don't mention the year of release of the Stride in question but my Phoenix, to allow you to get an idea of whether yours is value for money, has Deore components (shifters, front derailleur), SLX shadow rear derailleur, Shimano hydraulic disk brakes and Suntour Raidon Airfork.

 

You might be too late trying to find 2011 stock clearance sales now as I'm sure most shops would have cleared their stock by now.

 

As regards sizing, I'm sure the real experts on here will have differing opinions, but I am 1.85m and 77kg and found that, based on most online measurements, I was on the cusp of a large and an XL. I jumped on a few and felt more comfortable on a large. Of course it is not just about your height but inner leg length, arm reach etc etc. I chose to go large but this was slightly influenced by the fact that the one on offer on special was a large

 

Hope this helps a little.

 

Oh, and I tried the second hand route but it is so much easier finding a new bike in the size you want and not have to worry about inheriting issues! Who really knows how much of a beating those components have taken? You also find a good looking second hand bike but then realise it is a small, or medium. Or you see a great large, go through the whole process of ensuring it is in good condition, make arrangements to pay the next day and then get a message that a family member has decided to take the bike (yes that happened to me, thankfully in hindsight). Wasted time... With a new bike you eliminate the whole checking out condition part of the process.

Edited December 25, 2011 by Clint_ZA

[tRoN]

Oops only realised now I wasted my time as you have bought a new bike! ha ha. Enjoy! Hopefully someone else benefits from this advice

 

No probs mate

It's good advice even any which way you look at it