Advice needed - MTB

[Alida]

Hi everybody ... hope everyone had a great holiday. 

 

I'm back from my holiday - said holiday gave me enough time to think (which is dangerous) about getting a mountain bike.  Having been a roadie for a good few years now I'd like to

 

a) try mountain biking which looks like much fun, and

b) get off of the tar because its becoming a bit of a warzone between us cyclists and motorists

 

So that said ... I am in need of some advice on what too look for in a mountain bike.  My budget is not limitless and I'll have to save up a bit but I appreciate that with cycling you tend to get what you pay for - I'm a competitive person so would like to get a decent bike (although R45000 is completely and totally out of my price range )

 

So let me know ... components, frame, price etc. 

 

Thanks a million

[AndreZA]

You will have to give a budget window. You can get crappy full suspension for the same price as a reasonable hard tail.

[Alida]

Ok - max R15000 (going to have to tighten the belt a bit)

[Saffa_G]

yes...very true!  And what distances are you looking at racing/riding 45km or full marathons?

[paulvs]

A gr8 entry level racing geometry bike would be the Merida Matts 500D(+-6200) or if you can afford a little extra the 700D.

 

Is that more or less the price bracket you're looking at?

 

[Alida]

I'd like to get a bike that I can progress to bigger things on ... not meaning that I want to take on the Epic but will start off small and probably move on to marathons.

[AndreZA]

Now for that you can start looking at a pretty good full suspension or excellent hard tail. Look at the Giant Anthems. I think youshould get a 2 for around that price.

 

[paulvs]

look at the giant anthem 1 in the classifieds section for 15k - a good buy if you're looking at a dual susser....

[Alida]

Ok ... also could someone please explain what the pros and cons are of full suspension versus hardtail??  I'm really not all that jacked up on mountain bikes at all so really appreciate any help ...

[AndreZA]

Ok ... also could someone please explain what the pros and cons are of full suspension versus hardtail?? 

 

OH NO!!! you did not just ask that.

 

*makes a beelin to the nearest bomb shelter*

Mampara2008-01-02 06:47:23

[scotty]

They have some women specific MTB (merida and scott) on bicycling website

 

http://www.bicycling.co.za/bbg/listing/

[Alida]

Ok ... also could someone please explain what the pros and cons are of full suspension versus hardtail?? 

 

OH NO!!! you did not just ask that.

 

*makes a beelin to the nearest bomb shelter*

 

Oops!!! Was that like asking whether Campy or Shimano is better?

[AndreZA]

Be original and look at the Commencal Meta 4.3. Very nice frames with relaxed geometry. They sell from arounf R15000.

Okay Alida, the main difference between HT and FS is that you will be able to sit while going over obsticles instead of letting your legs to the suspension. Body does not take all the beating.

 

 

[Alida]

Be original and look at the Commencal Meta 4.3. Very nice frames with relaxed geometry. They sell from arounf R15000.

Okay Alida' date=' the main difference between HT and FS is that you will be able to sit while going over obsticles instead of letting your legs to the suspension. Body does not take all the beating.

 

 

[/quote']

 

Ah now I understand ... thanks Mampara  

 

[linnega]

Similar, except most of the arguments for hardtails have strong counter arguments (unlike the Shimano-Campy argument where the Shimano camp don't have a leg to stand on). 

 

Hardtails are cheaper remains the biggest obstacle in the way of dual suspension bikes.  If you are going to spend R15k you can get a very decent bike - Anthem's have been mentioned, and the Anthem 2 would give you some change for a pair of shoes.