Advice needed on freeride hardtail or DJ bike

[David Messem]

Hi everyone!

 

I used to ride BMX and I am trying to start mountain biking.

I am looking to do some trail riding, dirt jumps, and some cross-country.

 

The research I have done has lead me to believe I should get a freeride hardtail or dirt jump bike with gears.

Someone suggested the Santa Cruz Chameleon, but it seems a bit too pricey for me.

I have test ridden the Mongoose Fireball 26" but it seemed too small (I am 6ft tall)

 

Does anyone know any bike shops in Gauteng that stock these types of bikes?

Know of any bikes available in SA that would suit my needs? I am looking in the R7000 - R8000 range.

 

Any feedback or suggestions welcome!

 

Edit: I should probably add that I am not planning to do any competitive riding, only for enjoyment.

Edited November 10, 2012 by dINGLE485

[David Messem]

Update:

 

It seems I can get a 2013 Jamis Komodo 1 for R6999.

http://www.myjamis.com/SSP%20Applications/JamisBikes/MyJamis/consumer/bike.html?year=2013&model=Komodo&cat_grp=mtb26_1

 

The components seem ok but not great,

but it is the only bike that I have found that would be suitable and in my price range.

 

Would anyone recommend the bike for this price?

Any opinions on Jamis bikes in general?

[BikeBailing]

Hey, also maybe look at the On one 456 or the Cotic BFe. They are sold just as frames but you could build up a nice bike on them for a decent price.

 

I have a 456 with a revelation fork, downhill wheels and SLX groupset and it was within your price range.

 

The bikes are super tough and a jack-of-all-trades frames (a bit heavy for XC but still easy enough to ride around).

 

I am only getting into jumping now but am having a whale of a time on the 456 every time I take it out.

 

Here are some links to check out:

 

http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/FROO4561/on_one_456_evo_frame (I bought my frame directly from the UK, was simple enough)

 

http://cotic.co.za/

 

http://www.cotic.co.uk/

[David Messem]

Hey BikeBailing, thanks for your response

 

I guess I assumed it would work out more expensive to build a bike than to buy one complete.

Did you buy the rest of the components locally or online from overseas?

[BikeBailing]

Hey BikeBailing, thanks for your response

 

I guess I assumed it would work out more expensive to build a bike than to buy one complete.

Did you buy the rest of the components locally or online from overseas?

 

 

I shopped around looking for deals but did it all online, so had a mix of SA and int stores that are available on the interweb.

[David Messem]

I have heard from a bike shop that they can get a 2012 GT La Bomba

 

http://www.vitalmtb.com/product/guide/Bikes,3/GT/La-Bomba,2741#product-specs

 

The specs look a lot better than the Jamis Komodo.

I haven't got an exact price but between 8 and 10k apparently.

Does anyone know if this bike would be suitable for trail riding and a bit of XC as well as jumping?