Noob - Bike help needed

[Bigbatman]

*Moved topic to "Buyers Guide"

 

 

Hi all,

 

I'm new to MTB'ing and The Hub.

 

I've started doing some single track rides on a friends bike and now want to get my own. I'm looking to spend R6,000 and would need a large. I'm not too concerned about dual suspension or having a 29er.

 

1. Titan Elite 2011 Mountain Bike (2012 Frame) for R6000. Is it any good?
   

Here are the specs:

 

HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKES

SHIMANO GEARS (27 SPEED)

TEKTRO DRACO BRAKES

TEKTRO DRACO 180MM

TEKTRO DRACO 160MM

SHIMANO HG-53

SHIMANO M430 44-32-22T

SHIMANO FD-M430

SHIMANO RD-M430

SHIMANO HG-50-9

TITAN PRO

TITAN TRAILBAR 31.8

TITAN ALLOY 31.8

SHIMANO M475

SHIMANO M475

VP ALLOY

ALEX TD-17

TITAN PRO

TITAN Q/R

TITAN 31.6MM

SHIMANO SL-M430

BLACK STAINLESS

MAXXIS MONORAIL 2.1 TYRES

 

Any help would be great.

 

Thanks,

Bigbatman

Edited January 6, 2012 by Bigbatman

[Witkop]

search the forum, there are many threads answering this question. Remember if the salesman tells you that the bike will make it easier or you a better cyclist, just walk away.

[Ryinc]

Hi Bigbatman

 

Welcome to the hub and to mtbing.

 

There are plenty guys on here that have much more experience and knowledge than me...but here is my 2c worth:

 

You could do better than the bike that you have listed. My advice would be to buy a second hand bicycle. I think you will be able to get a better, frame, wheels and spec for around R3.5k-R4k 2nd hand than the advert you listed. You will then still have some money left over to further upgrade/replace one or two parts which may be worn out and for other bits and bobs. It has the further advantage that if you decide MTBing is not for you or if you would like to buy a more expensive bike you will not lose as much on resale as you would if you bought new. There are also a lot of close to new bikes which get sold because either the previous owner did not get into it or because the owner wants a new bike (e.g. wants a new 29er). You may also get a couple of bits and bobs thrown in with the deal(e.g. helmet, cycle computer etc). The classifieds section of this sight is a great place to start, otherwise junkmail or gumtree are options (although be careful there are loads of scammers on those sights).

 

I guess the main disadvantages of buying second hand are:

- Some parts may be worn out and need to be replaced

- You have to wait to find the right bike

- You don't get quite the same excitement as buying new

 

If you buy 2nd hand it would be worthwhile to take someone along who is knowledgeable to ensure that the bike you buy is in fair condition and to help you make sure that you don't end up buying a bike which is not the right size.

 

If your heart is set on buying new i would still advise against purchasing the bike you listed. I would stick to one of the following brands for the frame - Scott, Silverback, Giant, Merida, Schwinn, Trek, Raleigh (one from a proper bike shop not Makro etc), GT, Specialized (might be one or two others i have left out). Most of these brands have a bike in or below your budget. If you are prepared to take a 2011 or 2010 model you may get lucky with a good deal.

 

The wheels and components are important in the bike's performance and the codes you listed for the spec seem to be Shimino "Alivio". My opinion is that for a nice reliable ride the least that you want is Shimano Deore which is better than the Shimano Alivio or Acera - especially on the shifters and derailleurs (i.e. gear chaning mechanisms). You could also look at SRAM components most of which are decent. If you buy 2nd hand you may get a decent set of wheels with the bike, if you buy new it will probably not be great but probably as lease as good as the spec you have mentioned.

 

If you plan to buy new, do not buy from Makro, Sportsman's warehouse etc. Rather go to a proper bikeshop. They will make sure you get the right size and the bike comes with a free service plan of sorts.

 

To get a feel for what you can get new you can have a look at the bike buyers guide on www.bicycling.co.za. Will give you a broad idea of what you can get for your money.

 

Anyway welcome again and many happy hours of riding.