RavenShield Posted December 27, 2011 Posted December 27, 2011 (edited) Hi guys and girls!I have been lurking around the classifieds section for some time now, and decided to join! I used to cycle road a few years back, but since then i started riding enduro and now want to take up MTB cycling to improve on fitness for riding enduro. So i dont plan on racing MTB, plan on having a ride each morning before work just to improve fitness. But as i am new to riding MTB i need some advice!1. I am 1.8m tall, so what size frame will be best for me?2. Is it better to buy new or second hand? (Budget is 6k!) I read a bit about MTB bikes and what to look for and so on, seems as for what i want to do with the bike i don't need dual suspension. The most important things seem to be to have the weight of the bike < 14kg, to have a good quality fork with remote lockout, hydraulic brakes and quality components. Considering all of the above i have come to find a liking in the Merida Matts TFS 500.Is it a good bike to start with for what i plan on doing??Any advice welcome!!! Regards Edited December 27, 2011 by RavenShield
MrJacques Posted December 27, 2011 Posted December 27, 2011 Welcome 1. Probably a large (if you choose a 26er, otherwise maybe even a medium if you go for a 29er)2. You will probably find a nicer 2nd hand bike for that price than a new one at the same price. Tubeless is very nice to have, much less issues with punctures.
RavenShield Posted December 28, 2011 Author Posted December 28, 2011 Cool thanx, will keep the tubeless in mind!Now to find the right bike!
Just Keep Pedaling Posted December 28, 2011 Posted December 28, 2011 Hi Raven MTB is different to road in that wear and tear on bikes is significantly more. In other words, buy new unless you enjoy repairing bikes. I would suggest a GT Avalanche 2 in that price bracket. Bike weight will have little to no impact on your enjoyment unless you plan to win races (in which case budget 35k+ for a bike) so don't get involved in that bollocks. Buy a sturdy, comfortable bike. Ps.Same applies for remote lockout. Components are consumables. If you buy XT all round after a year be prepared to replace most of it. I would go for bottom of the range as it is actually very good. Tubeless is by far the best ugrade you can do. Then fork. Then wheelset.
Tumbleweed Posted December 28, 2011 Posted December 28, 2011 Is 6K your total budget? Or is that just for the bike? Air fork is also a good option to look out for. Welcome to the forum and the sport!
Just Keep Pedaling Posted December 28, 2011 Posted December 28, 2011 Another point: Disc brakes are vastly superior in wet conditions. In dry conditions that differenace is not that big. Disk brakes are expensive to buy and maintain.
scotty Posted December 28, 2011 Posted December 28, 2011 IMO for what you've listed a decent 21" HT with V brakes fitted with tyre liners will suffice.
Tumbleweed Posted December 28, 2011 Posted December 28, 2011 Another point: Disc brakes are vastly superior in wet conditions. In dry conditions that differenace is not that big. Disk brakes are expensive to buy and maintain. On that note, steer clear of mechanical discs. They're terrible to maintain. Go hydraulic.
RavenShield Posted December 28, 2011 Author Posted December 28, 2011 Thanx for all the advice guys! I am looking just for fitness, but seems like i am entering a whole new endless money pit, as if enduro doesn't take enough ha ha!Tumbleweed, 6k is just for the bike! Most of the rest i still have from cycling road, helmet, tools, clothing...
Mojoman Posted December 28, 2011 Posted December 28, 2011 Thanx for all the advice guys! I am looking just for fitness, but seems like i am entering a whole new endless money pit, as if enduro doesn't take enough ha ha!Tumbleweed, 6k is just for the bike! Most of the rest i still have from cycling road, helmet, tools, clothing... Shop around in Jan, last year in Feb I got a GT avalanche 1 for R6500.
Tumbleweed Posted December 28, 2011 Posted December 28, 2011 Thanx for all the advice guys! I am looking just for fitness, but seems like i am entering a whole new endless money pit, as if enduro doesn't take enough ha ha!Tumbleweed, 6k is just for the bike! Most of the rest i still have from cycling road, helmet, tools, clothing... Cool! You'll most probably need new shoes though. R6K will get you a decent new bike. Try www.obike.co.za for some decent deals. They often have some good deals on older models.
RavenShield Posted December 28, 2011 Author Posted December 28, 2011 Cool! You'll most probably need new shoes though. R6K will get you a decent new bike. Try www.obike.co.za for some decent deals. They often have some good deals on older models. Yes i will need new shoes, sold my road ones with the bike! But for the first while i will do without those and just get into the routine first and then look at getting some!Thanx, will check out www.obike.co.za
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