Can anyone assist me with my search for a MTB 29er?

[Mish-ka-moo]

Hi Guys

Am a newie to the Hub, and really impressed at all the advice given to other members!

So I hope you are you ready for all my ???????

 

Have done some MTB races this yr (Karkloof Classic & Lion Man etc.), using a friend's 29er Lynskey Hardtail and his Trek Carbon Softail. I am now looking to buy my own bike, budget R10K, but boy am I confused with all that's out there!

So far, my preferences on the 29er's are:

Cannondale Trail SL29

Trek Corbia 2013

Titan Elite 2013

Momsen AL129 or is it AL329?

 

I will use the bike for training at Northern, and around Kyalami, etc. and then various events throughout the year. I have also started road cycling a few months back which helped with my first 94.7 and next, my first Argus, which I use my Raleigh for.

 

Am really missing being offroad, so am keen to get back to some MTB riding.

Look forward to any advice or suggestions.

Many thanks

Michele

[Witkop]

29er Lynskey Hardtail = over 14k for just the frame.

 

Maybe you should up your price limit as the sweet ride was more the titanium frame than the clown wheels

[Mish-ka-moo]

I realise the Lynskey is out of my price bracket, so not looking for the same, hence my other choices!

[Ryanpmb]

Momsen's are usually well spec'd compared to competitors in the same price range.

[Witkop]

http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/FBOOINX529/on_one_inbred_x5_29er_bike

 

http://www.on-one.co.uk/imgs/products/900x650_constWH/FBOOINX529_P21.jpg

[Ryanpmb]

http://www.on-one.co...ed_x5_29er_bike

 

 

 

X5 bike? And then subject to big duties and taxes being a full bike?... Makes no sense.

 

Will end up at over R15k for this.

 

Perhaps makes sense to bring the frame in and build, but I doubt a noob will be keen on this. Could be wrong.

 

PS: On One give you comms or something?...

Edited December 23, 2012 by Ryanpmb

[Witkop]

X5 bike? And then subject to big duties and taxes being a full bike?... Makes no sense.

 

Will end up at over R15k for this.

 

Perhaps makes sense to bring the frame in and build, but I doubt a noob will be keen on this. Could be wrong.

 

PS: On One give you comms or something?...

 

no commision, but they are good bikes. They do have some bundle options. I believe that one should look beyond the very narrow South African import range. After checking out many options, on-one was one of the few that still came in competitively (even with all the import duties) against what is being retailed in South Africa. I would encourage a look at Salsa, genesis.co.uk, ragley, van nicholas, kona, be-one ext before just docking up the money to a "South African" import. ps most of them come in steel, Alu, ti and carbon.

[Mish-ka-moo]

Momsen's are usually well spec'd compared to competitors in the same price range.

 

Thanks Ryan! I read an article in the latest 'Bicycling Magazine' where the Momsen AL329 had an excellent write up, and not badly price too at R9995!

Will need to find a supplier to test it out, along with the Cannondale & Trek Corbia.

[Ryanpmb]

no commision, but they are good bikes. They do have some bundle options. I believe that one should look beyond the very narrow South African import range. After checking out many options, on-one was one of the few that still came in competitively (even with all the import duties) against what is being retailed in South Africa. I would encourage a look at Salsa, genesis.co.uk, ragley, van nicholas, kona, be-one ext before just docking up the money to a "South African" import. ps most of them come in steel, Alu, ti and carbon.

 

Yeah dude - many of us are fully aware of the possibilities of imports and do it extensively. Just have a look through the SS threads on here. Most of the guys who have graduated from there 'hand me down builds' are bringing in some really cool bikes.

 

The OP gave a budget of R10k. For the money she'll be better off buying the bikes she's listed. They'll be light and have better components. I love my steel bikes, but an X5 machine at probably R5k over her budget just doesnt make sense. Bring the frame in and add your bits, now we talking!

 

Oh, and I always look local before running overseas. Understandably, unique frames etc need to be brought in but even then I try do it through local distributors. Often it works out the same, cost wise, and you get to support a local store/ distributor.

 

Just my 5c...

Edited December 23, 2012 by Ryanpmb

[Ryanpmb]

Thanks Ryan! I read an article in the latest 'Bicycling Magazine' where the Momsen AL329 had an excellent write up, and not badly price too at R9995!

Will need to find a supplier to test it out, along with the Cannondale & Trek Corbia.

 

I'm not too clued up on these bikes, but from past experience the Momsen's seem good value.

 

Maybe give us a run down of the specs and I'm sure the lads will advise... components, fork, wheels will be whats asked about.

[Mish-ka-moo]

X5 bike? And then subject to big duties and taxes being a full bike?... Makes no sense.

 

Will end up at over R15k for this.

 

Perhaps makes sense to bring the frame in and build, but I doubt a noob will be keen on this. Could be wrong.

 

PS: On One give you comms or something?...

 

Not heard of this make, but I see they retail for 799GBP, so will most definitely be out of my price range.

[Ryanpmb]

Not heard of this make, but I see they retail for 799GBP, so will most definitely be out of my price range.

 

They're really cool bikes. Fantastic value for money if you bring a frame in and build up. Duties on a frame are far less than a full bike so a full bike import will be expensive but frames are reasonable. Definately worth a look if you confident to source parts and build.

 

And you'll be riding steel

[Mish-ka-moo]

Having done a lot of research and reading up on various Models, I have an option to buy a 2nd hand

SCOTT SCALE Elite 29er (virtually Brand New).

Original Price R14,500, the seller is asking R10,400!

Woud like to do a deal with the Seller today, so if anyone has any advice/comments, please post a reply asap.

Thanks

Michele

[Mish-ka-moo]

SCOTT SCALE ELITE - Specs

 

•

SPECS

GEOMETRY

SIZE CHART

DOCS

Frame

Scale 29 Alloy 6061, custom butted superlight tubing, forged race disc dropouts PM160, bridgeless seatstays, Integ. Headset, replaceable hanger

Fork

Rock Shox Reba 29 RL Air, Pop Loc remote Lockout, rebound adjustable, 100mm travel

Headset

Ritchey OE 1 1/8“, semi integrated 44/50mm

Rear Derailleur

Shimano XT, RD-M780 SGS, Shadow Type, 30 Speed

Front Derailleur

Shimano SLX, FC-M660-10, 34.9mm

Shifters

Shimano SLX, SL-M660-10, Rapidfire plus, 2 way release, w/gear indicator

Brake Levers

Avid Elixir 3

Brakes

Avid Elixir 3, 180/F and 160/R mm HS1 Rotor

Crankset

Shimano FC-M552, 2-piece Design, 42Ax32Ax24T

BB-Set

Shimano Cartridge, 68mm shell

Handlebar

Scott Hot Rod T OS 31.8mm, T shape Flat, 680mm, 9° bend

Stem

Scott Comp, 4 Bolt, OS 31.8mm, 1 1/8“, -6° angle

Pedals

Wellgo C128

Seatpost

Scott Comp zero offset, 31.6mm

Seat

Scott Racing

Front Hub

Scott Comp Disc IT

Rear Hub

Shimano FH-M529 Disc

Chain

Shimano CN-HG54

Cassette

Shimano CS-HG62-10, 11-36 T

Spokes

DT Swiss Champion Black 1.8mm

Rims

DT Swiss 485d, 32H

Tires

Schwalbe Rocket Ron, 29 x 2.25, 67EPI, Kevlar bead, Performance Serie

[DR ◣◢]

Specs look really good. Especially the fork and groupset.

 

Wheels will be a logical upgrade later but not a deterrent to buying the bike.

 

If the size is right then id say go for it.

 

Offer R10000 and use the change to have it setup correctly.

[Mish-ka-moo]

Thanks Johan,

 

Sealed the deal for R10K, and bought some new extras for R1000.

Do you have any recommendations for a proper setup, that isn't a rip off?