Newbie Needs Bike

[rouxtjie]

Not worried about v-brakes as that we can upgrade as she gets more into it.

I appreciate all the comments but seriously my expectations aren't as high as Rouxtjie has made it out to be...but appreciate his comments (or sarcasm) anyway. I know im not gonna find much for the budget hence im asking the question if anyone knows of anything out there for that price range, please let me know... Thanks Marko35s, dirt rider for your constructive comments

Newb, I am not trying to be an arse, I just giving you the facts. At your budget there is really very little choice and I can almost guarantee you won't be able to upgrade the bike since the fork and frame won't have the disc mounts to be able to as an example. I also mean no disrespect but have the feeling you might have forgotten items like a helmet, cheapo glasses and some riding shorts for your wife...

 

I say double the budget and get something that you can work with vs. something that is totally fubar or a total donkey that isn't worth upgrading. Don't throw good money after bad. There are some great secondhand bike right here on thehub, but not in that price bracket(1500)...I am not suggesting that you take out a loan but try and spend as much as you possibly can, goedkoop is duurkoop.

[Uni]

let me add my 5c - when i was looking for a bike at the end of lastyear, i was also going for cheap as I wasn't sure if I would want to do this cycling thing and the idea of spending more than a house payment on a bicycle seemed ludicrous - my partner ended up buying me the bike I have now as a present for me, and I regret that we didn't pool resources and buy something a little better - although it's gotten me where I am and it's probably the wrong fit - it did get me to where I am but I have no option but to buy another one very soon (costing more in the long run - it cost me R400 odd in the first 3 months to replace gear shifters and they broke)

[dimsum]

rather save up every month and then after a year get something decent...

 

I'd say look at spending between 3 - 5k for a decent entry level bike. The more you spend the better parts.

 

You can pick up a MTB at Sportsmens for around 3k but then it's probably a 7 speed with a fixed front fork.

 

For 3 - 5k for 2nd hand though, you can find something decent. So my biggest recommendation would be to save up and then buy something a lil later.

[Ryanpmb]

let me add my 5c

 

Now there's R1500.05 to spend .

[Newbie76]

Newb, I am not trying to be an arse, I just giving you the facts. At your budget there is really very little choice and I can almost guarantee you won't be able to upgrade the bike since the fork and frame won't have the disc mounts to be able to as an example. I also mean no disrespect but have the feeling you might have forgotten items like a helmet, cheapo glasses and some riding shorts for your wife...

 

I say double the budget and get something that you can work with vs. something that is totally fubar or a total donkey that isn't worth upgrading. Don't throw good money after bad. There are some great secondhand bike right here on thehub, but not in that price bracket(1500)...I am not suggesting that you take out a loan but try and spend as much as you possibly can, goedkoop is duurkoop.

 

Thanks for the advice Rouxtjie. I appreciate it. I sometimes hate these text forums as there is no tone & I might've taken up what you said as sarcasm - apologies for that. I understand what your are sayin but the budget doesn't allow for much more... I pretty much have a choice of either supplying stuff for my child ie nappies, food etc or increasing the available money for a bike...im sure you know what I would choose.

well the search continues...

[marko35s]

im goin to look at a Scott YZ3 for R1800.00. anyone know if its worth that?

A bit heavy and has V brakes but a fairly reliable ride. You should be able to get that price down a bit more.

I have one in the garage if you want to try one out before commiting to buying.

[rouxtjie]

Thanks for the advice Rouxtjie. I appreciate it. I sometimes hate these text forums as there is no tone & I might've taken up what you said as sarcasm - apologies for that. I understand what your are sayin but the budget doesn't allow for much more... I pretty much have a choice of either supplying stuff for my child ie nappies, food etc or increasing the available money for a bike...im sure you know what I would choose.

well the search continues...

Lekkers man....my advice would then be to hold on for a while, save up here and there and put the money in a "bikefund", keep a lookout for bargains here on the hub. Pull the trigger and ask for advice, the guys will help you.

 

[Newbie76]

A bit heavy and has V brakes but a fairly reliable ride. You should be able to get that price down a bit more.

I have one in the garage if you want to try one out before commiting to buying.

That would be really awesome & appreciated. What would I have to do or give to try it out? meaning my ID, proof of address & employment etc

[marko35s]

That would be really awesome & appreciated. What would I have to do or give to try it out? meaning my ID, proof of address & employment etc

Bring wife along, ride easy trail with us (something like Tokai forest) and see how she feels.