Momsen 650b

[DR ◣◢]

Simply cant justify paying that for a local brand. Mmm

[Mackie]

BigTop's are really awesome, especially since it's a alu/carbon mix.

 

However my comments were more specific to the fact that they seem to be asking a premium price, just because it's 650b?

 

And therefore, why not rather just buy a 26er or 29er HT and do a 650b build, because in terms of geometries there wont be much in it either way?

I hear you, but their 29er frame is R13,500, for their top of the range SL929, so I went with the Yeti after my Momsen cracked, so was not too keen to get another.

I actually got the Yeti for less than that, it p1sses me off that a local branded, chinese import is more pricey than a very well established boutique bike brand!

with much better geometry I might add.

[Morwa]

............., it p1sses me off that a local branded, chinese import is more pricey than a very well established boutique bike brand!

with much better geometry I might add.

 

The point I was trying to make as well. Nothing to do with 650b vs Big Top.

 

If we compare 29er's.... The price of the SL929 and the Santa Cruz Higball is almost the same.... Though choice?

[Hairy]

The point I was trying to make as well. Nothing to do with 650b vs Big Top.

 

If we compare 29er's.... The price of the SL929 and the Santa Cruz Higball is almost the same.... Though choice?

 

And you then need to also think of which frame would provide the best resale value and ease of sale in the future should need to sell, I recon the Santa Cruz would sell far faster and at a better price.

[Hairy]

After my comments RE this bike though, that frame still does look nice!

[TheV]

After my comments RE this bike though, that frame still does look nice!

 

Agreed, it does look awesome, and at R 7500 it would be a GREAT buy.

 

At R 7900 it would be well priced, anything after that it's overpriced.

[Mackie]

I also enjoyed riding my Momsen, it's a great bike and a good ride.

The clincher for me is that Santa Cruz, Yeti and the like plough big loot into R & D, and I am almost certain that Momsen don't spend a cent on the R & D of their generic Chinese frames....

[Master-Yoda]

I took a Momsen SL650B for a ride this weekend that belongs to the owner of the local bike store and boy was I impressed, it's simply an awesome frame. I've ordered one myself and unless something goes terribly wrong with the frame, I don't see myself regretting my purchase. Having gone from a 26er to a 29er and to test ride the 650B this weekend, I felt right at home and was so much more confident on the bike within minutes, more than on my other bikes which I ride often.

 

The frame looks great and definitely a high quality product, this is NOT a cheap Chinese frame and as far as I'm aware (was told..) Momsen started by importing Chinese frames into the country but then started designing and manufacturing frames locally. I have no clue if that's true or not but who cares as long as it's a quality product, right? At least they're South African and we South Africans we should keep our money within our borders even if it costs more instead of always pissing it out. Not everything that is "local is lekker" but some things are and as far as I'm concerned, the Momsen frames that I've personally seen (SL650B and the VIPA) are superb quality and worth every cent.

 

My 0.2c..

[YUMEYA]

If I were to get a HT, It would have had to be a YETI ARC Carbon 650b.

Sadly they only do 650b in sizes xs and small. 29 inch for the bigger sizes.

[Andrew_ew]

I have been riding a SL650b for a little while now. It is an awesome frame. My previous frame was a Carbon Zaskar with 6b0b wheels, not a shabby frame either.

 

I had my first ride on it the day before Hill2hill and then did Hill2hill expecting some difficulties with getting used to a new frame. It was perfect - no problems at all - very comfortable but still exceptionally stiff - not sure how they get that right.

 

Also did the Berg & Bush 2 day descent on it and it was great on those tracks - sailed up Mike's Pass like it was tarred - and that was passing walkers enjoying their walk on the track too much to move off it so riding in the rougher stuff on the side of the track.

 

The geometry is just right and the bike always feels sure footed and behaves very predictably - it is quite happy to get air under the wheels and loves being chucked around and is highly manoeuvrable. Mud clearance is also very good.

 

I do xc and marathon so I need a bike that does both well and for me this bike is perfect.

 

I did consider a Chinese frame very strongly but could not find one where the geometry was spot on for me so coughed up the extra dosh and I am glad I did.

[Iwan Kemp]

Mine

 

[Iwan Kemp]

...and it being build

 

[flat29]

Mine

 

 

How many bike do you have? Looks like you got the complete momsen range.

[CAAD4]

How do you find the X Fusion fork? How are they priced compared to Reba and Fox?

[Andrew_ew]

My SL650b

[Iwan Kemp]

How many bike do you have?

Never enough.

 

How do you find the X Fusion fork? How are they priced compared to Reba and Fox?

In short: I'd take one over a Fox any day! 2013 CTD was sheet, 2014 looks better, but not 100% sorted yet.

 

I was very happy with it's performance. Did not stand back in any department when compared to a Reba. Came as package deal with frame which made it a steal, but aftermarket prices I've compared it wouldn't make sense to buy one of those over a RockShox.