help for a roadie / MTB noob

[Audible Anarchy]

hi all

 

Looking at buying a cheapie MTB to play with / have as a backup bike for when my roadbike is outta action.

 

Live on the braamfontein spruit so dont need anything too hectic.

 

Id like to spend around 5 k and am looking at the following bikes:

 

26"

 

GT avalanche 3

Merida TFS 100

Silverback Stride 10

 

or, im thinking perhaps a 29" (help keep up with the roadies?)

 

GT Karakoram 3

Silverback VIDA 5

 

to my knowledge all have 100mm suntour forks (cheapies i assume) ,hydraulic disc's and 8 spd alivio.

 

any thoughts on these? so many options ot choose from!

[LukeV-2]

Spend a little more and get better components.. Dont wanna have to upgrade in a year or so..

[Audible Anarchy]

prob is the limited budget - have to support my road habit too! hahaha - also keep in mind il need new pedals ,shoes etc...

 

will prob only ride it 2/3 times a week to be honest and as i mentioned, nothing intense - just a bit of bugger 'round with the missus n that.

[LukeV-2]

Oh yea i see.. well my mate just got a silverback spectra for 6800.. But when u take into account all the rest you could end up about 10 G's down. Ja then i guess take all the bikes u listed for a ride and then decide.. It will be personal preference if you aren't gonna throw it around and crash at high speed and need something tough.

[Schnavel]

Go second hand... For that price you can get 9 speed slx with a rock shox... Just look around here on the hub

[scotty]

Another brand you could look at is axis

 

http://www.axis-bikes.com/bikes/mtb-path-and-trail/a-60

[Audible Anarchy]

Another brand you could look at is axis

 

http://www.axis-bike...-and-trail/a-60

 

thats awesome spec for the price! damn -

 

are the suntour shocks really that bad? i had an old rst on my trek 4300 (maybe ten yrs back) that did the job fine?