Help comparing spec sets please - 1st "real" bike

[diverdi]

Hi. Following on from my thread yesterday ("Upgrading from 10-ish year old Avalanche Tundra"), I would appreciate some opinions from people on some bikes I've been offered in my intended price range - R4000 - R6000.

 

First option: Momsen AL126 2012

Frame Race Tech 1, Alloy 6061 Tubeset

Fork SR Suntour XCM RL, Remote Lockout Lever

Chainwheel Shimano M361 42/32/22T

Bottom Bracket Cartridge Type

F. Derailleur Shimano Acera

R. Derailleur Shimano SLX

Shifter Shimano M390 Trigger Type

Brake Levers Tektro Draco Hydraulic

Brakes Tektro Draco Hydraulic

Cassette Shimano HG20 Cassette, 11-32T

Rims Weinmann ZAC2000, 32H

Tires Kenda Small Block Eight 26 x 2.10 60tpi

Pedals Alloy Platform Type

Handlebar Alloy Riser, 31.8mm Oversize

Stem Alloy Forged, 31.8mm Oversize

Seatpost Alloy Micro-Adjust

Seat SR Seta

Headset Ahead Type, 1.1/8"

Colors Matte Black w/Red Details

Chain KMC 9 Speed

Hubset Shimano Centerlock, 32h

Spokes Stainless Steel

Grips Kraton Comfort

 

 

Second option: Silverback Alpine 3

Frame / G2 Force Alloy

Fork / Suntour XCR LO Lock-out 100mm - Alloy Steerer

Rims / Alex TD25 Double Wall Aluminium

Hubs / Shimano RM66 Center lock

Tyres / Kenda Small Block Eight 26" x 2.1

Shifters / Shimano SL-M390, 9 Speed Rapidfire Plus

Front derailleur / Shimano M390

Rear derailleur / Shimano Deore Shadow

Crankset / Shimano M391 Octalink 22/32/42T

Bottom bracket / Shimano ES25 Octalink

Cassette / Shimano HG20-9 Speed, 11-32T

Pedals / VP Components

Brake set / Shimano M445 Hydraulic Disc

 

3rd option: Silverback Alpine 2

Frame / G2 Force Alloy

Fork / Suntour Raidon X2 Air Lock-out 100mm - Alloy Steerer

Rims / Alex TD25 Double Wall Aluminium

Hubs / Shimano RM66 Center lock

Tyres / Kenda Small Block Eight 26" x 2.1

Shifters / Shimano Alivio 9 Speed Rapidfire Plus

Front derailleur / Shimano Alivio

Rear derailleur / Shimano SLX Shadow

Crankset / Shimano M430 Octalink 22/32/44T

Bottom bracket / Shimano ES25 Octalink

Cassette / Shimano HG50-9, 9 Speed 11-32T

Pedals / VP Components

Brake set / Shimano M445 Hydraulic Disc

 

 

Option 4: (a push financially!!!!) Momsen AL129

 

Frame Race Tech 2, Alloy 6061 Butted Tubeset

Fork RockShox XC30 Turnkey Lockout 100mm

Chainwheel SRAM E400 44/32/22T

Bottom Bracket Cartridge Sealed

F. Derailleur SRAM X5

R. Derailleur SRAM X5 9 Speed

Shifter SRAM X5 Trigger

Brake Levers Tektro Hydraulic

Brakes Tektro Hydraulic

Cassette SRAM PG950, 11-32T

Rims Weinmann Alloy, 32H

Tires Kenda 26 x 1.95"

Pedals Alloy Cage

Handlebar Alloy Riser , 640mm x 15mm Rise, 31.8mm Oversize

Stem Alloy Forged, 31.8mm Oversize

Seatpost Alloy Micro-Adjust

Seat Momsen Race

Headset Ahead Type

Colors Matte Black w/Red Details

Chain KMC 9 Speed

Hubset SRAM 306H, 32h

Spokes Stainless

Grips Kraton

 

As you can see all but the last are 26inchers. I'm 1.67m with inner leg measurement of 79cm so I'm not so sure about the 29inch bike. Also I'm sure there are other bikes I could look at but these are the best specced ones I've been offered in this price range. (I'd love to pay less and the Silverback Stride 10 is one such option here.

 

 

To date I have been sticking to riding on the road (existing bike has slicks). A couple of hubbers are doing their best to convince me to go offroad. Lets assume I will still do a fair amount of road riding with some dirt riding. Which would be better on both surfaces - the 26 inch or the 29 inch with knobblies or would they be fairly similar?

 

Main aim: fitness and weight loss!! I work weird hours so most of my cycling is likely to be done alone - when I'm not working everyone else is and vice versa!

 

Thanks

[awesme]

If you do allot of riding alone, then I'd def rather look at MTb'ing.

 

there are various parks around where you can ride safely alone, alone on our roads today, I'm def not keen on.

 

G

[Dirty Sanchez]

What have you been quoted on on the al126?

[scotty]

IMO this bike from Solomons in Woodmead is a better option for R6000.

 

SIZES S (15"), S/M (17"), M (19"), M/L (21"), L (23")

COLOR(S) Black/Red

MAIN FRAME A1-SL alloy w/ PowerCurve down tube, hydroformed top tube, oversized seat tube and semi-integrated head tube, double water bottle mounts

REAR TRIANGLE A1-SL alloy w/ S-bend stay, cold forged dropout and disc mount w/ replaceable hanger

FORK SR Suntour XCR w/ hydraulic-speed lockout, 100mm travel

REAR SHOCK N/A

CRANKSET Shimano M522 Hollow Tech, 24/32/42T

BOTTOM BRACKET Shimano octalink

PEDALS FPD w/ alloy cage

FRONT DERAILLEUR Shimano Deore, 34.9mm

REAR DERAILLEUR Shimano Deore XT SGS top normal, 10-speed

SHIFTERS Shimano Deore Rapid Fire, 30-speed

CASSETTE Shimano Deore, 11-34T 10-speed

CHAIN KMC X10, 10-speed

WHEELSET Fuji mountain disc 32H hubs, Jalco AX430 alloy disc rims

TIRES Hutchinson Scorpion 26x2.0 or Kenda K-837F/K-848R ATB, 26x2.1"

BRAKE SET Tektro Draco hydraulic disc, 160mm rotor

BRAKE LEVERS Tektro Draco hydraulic disc

HEADSET Fuji custom 1 1/8" semi-integrated, 30mm spacers

HANDLEBAR Fuji alloy riser bar, 20mm rise, 6° sweep, 31.8mm, 640mm wide

STEM Fuji forged alloy w/ removable faceplate

TAPE/GRIP Fuji dual density kraton

SADDLE Fuji sport mountain w/ steel rails

SEAT POST Fuji alloy micro-adjust, 31.6x350mm

Edited September 14, 2012 by scotty

[diverdi]

Hi guys. Multiquote seems to not be working this morning so:

@ awesme: fortunately there are a number of very quiet roads in my area at the times I am able to ride so not too much of an problem for me. I know I enjoy it so I do want to keep road cycling as an option.

 

@Skandalis - R5000

 

@Scott - a lot of what Solomons have on their website they don't have stock of - I know because I've been to see them and called with follow-up questions. Not 100% sure which bike you've listed the specs of - the Nevada 1.0 maybe? I can contact them to ask if they have that one in stock however it is on the extreme of the "may consider" price range so please tell me why specifically this one as opposed to say the Silverback Alpine 2 (my option 3)? And if I went for it which of the tyre sets would most likely work better for me (since I see there's a choice) - the Hutchinsons or the Kendras?

 

Thanks..

[CAAD4]

Welcome to the Hub. Fyi Kendra was a potentially attractive blondie, until she opened her mouth and, anyway with that Hef guy...

 

The tyres that you mention, are Kenda. Good luck with your choice and I hope you have many hapy miles..

[diverdi]

Welcome to the Hub. Fyi Kendra was a potentially attractive blondie, until she opened her mouth and, anyway with that Hef guy...

 

The tyres that you mention, are Kenda. Good luck with your choice and I hope you have many hapy miles..

LOL... sorry about the typo.

But this isn't helping with my choice of bike !

[ibruegge]

You see, you'll never find the bike in a budget X that has all right components Y. Somehow we are obsessed with owning the latest gear spec, even the average rider wouldn't really notice a difference between a 2012 SRAM x7 or a 2013 XT. All bikes in your price range would have won world champs 7 years ago, so of it is fitness and fun you're after they all serve you well - get out, make a choice and enjoy the ride.

[diverdi]

ibruegge - those are probably valid points - I just don't want to blow money because I do not see myself upgrading - can't justify it.

Scott - Solomon's don't have stock of the Fuji you recommended unfortunately..

[Dirty Sanchez]

ibruegge - those are probably valid points - I just don't want to blow money because I do not see myself upgrading - can't justify it.

Scott - Solomon's don't have stock of the Fuji you recommended unfortunately..

You probably can't go wrong with any of the bikes mentioned.

 

I'm vouching for the AL129 cause I have one & love it to bits. Would let it sleep next to me if I could Just double-check the price with Solomons (If that's where you got the quote), as I paid R4 500 for mine a couple of weeks ago.

 

And don't forget do budget for all the other kit

[DR ◣◢]

You have the AL126 if I remeber correctly. Very capable bike with really good quality components.

 

Also looks great in black.

 

Personally I think you cant go wrong with that. Great value for money that will last a lifetime.

[Dirty Sanchez]

Yip. Typo, my bad

[Dirty Sanchez]

Mobile browser double posted

Edited September 15, 2012 by Skandalis

[diverdi]

Hi.

Skandalis, so did you get your AL126 at Solomons? If so it seems they no longer have stock, only have the AL129 (which I have pretty much decided against because I'm not convinced I want to go 29inch NOR pay the higher price.) If elsewhere please tell where

The AL126 quote I got was from Westrand.

After reading up all day I was leaning towards one of the Alpines based on the forks because it seems the XCR or the Radion are better than the XCM..?

But good to know you're loving yours - its still in the mix for sure.. - especially if I can find it for R4500!

[Dirty Sanchez]

Yip, got it from Solomons. Saw one on their shop floor today. Strange that they said they don't have stock though as they were willing to order one in for me at the time... Surely not much can change in 3 weeks?

 

Whichever you choose, hope you have a blast. My only regret is not getting into the sport sooner!

[diverdi]

Hmmm. Maybe the salesman is just trying to push the more expensive 129... I'll double check on Monday. Thanks for the info!