Narrowing down the MTB choice - Another Newbie

[Gripen_85]

Hello,

 

Been watching quietly from the corner of the forum for a few weeks, but now it's time to get out there.

 

I want to get into mountain biking. Earlier this year I hit Oak Valley with my sister. I was on my cheapie Makro MTB, and when going over one of those A-frame bridge things, my handlebars came loose (just as I got to the top), and I went flying over them. We didn't have an allen-key to tighten the bars again, so I had to walk the last few km, which really sucked because it seemed like an awesome section.

 

Anyway, now I'm looking for a more solid ride.

 

Requirements:

- 26er

- Hardtail

- Hydraulic disc brakes

- Medium frame (I think... 1.75m tall, and weight +-60kg)

 

Budget (don't laugh) - +-R5000

 

Uses:

- Oak Valley

- Jonkershoek

- Bit of tar stuff

- Nothing hectic. Will try ride once a week to begin with

 

I've been looking at the shops around Somerset West... Titan Sport - R5200, Silverback Stride 10 - R5200, Giant Revel 0 - R6200 (heard the shock is a pain).

 

Silverback Stride 10 seems like a decent entry-level bike.

 

But I've been reading all these "Which bike" threads, and I've started looking at the secondhand stuff too. Which makes sense- spend less, maybe get a bit more, and if I find that I don't actually enjoy the cycling, I won't have spent over R5000 on a shiney new bike that's just going to sit in the garage.

 

Now, I know very little about bicycles, so I Google all of the components and read reviews. I'm not too concerned about having awesome components, because I found my cheapie Dunlop alright (apart from the handlebar issue), but that being said, if I'm going to spend R5000, I want it to be on reliable stuff.

 

So, if you gents (and gals) see any specials, or have a mate who's selling a bike and it's in my price range and would suit my needs, please help me out and point me in the right direction.

 

For example, while browsing the Classifieds section here, I came across a GT Avalanche for R4000. According to Google, the components seem to be the high-end of the more entry-level stuff.

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/54493-gt-avalanche-medium/

Opinions?

 

*EDIT: Should I wait until the 2014 bikes come out, and see if I can find some good clearance specials/bikers who are upgrading their rides.

 

Many thanks!

Edited July 29, 2013 by Gripen_85

[Wimmas]

Hi Gripen_85

 

The prices you received on those bikes are too high and you could get them for cheaper.

 

Currently, it would be a good idea to look around at 2013 stock clearance sales as you might get a good deal somewhere. 2014 models are/will be more expensive than 2013 bikes due to exchange rate fluctuations and increase, so you will likely recieve a worse spec'd bike if you go for a 2014 model.

 

Here are a few bikes that fall into your price range and I reckon are worth looking at:

 

26"

 

2013 Momsen AL126 http://www.momsenbik...=175&Itemid=743

 

2013 Silverback Spectra 2.0 http://www.silverbac...spectra2_13.htm

 

27.5"

 

2014 Momsen AL651 http://www.momsenbik...242&Itemid=1052

 

29ER

 

2013 Momsen AL129 http://www.momsenbik...=118&Itemid=646

 

They are all good (hydraulic disc brakes etc), but I would personally go for the 29er or maybe even the 2014 Momsen AL651.

 

Furthermore you could look at Merida Matts TFS 300 or 500, Titan Trail etc.

Edited July 29, 2013 by Wimmas

[Gripen_85]

Hi Wimmas,

 

Thanks for the reply.

I looked at Cycle Lab, Helderberg Cycles, William's Cycles, some place in Strand, and the Cycle Factory website.

Where are other reasonable places in Somerset West/Stellenbosch/CT?

 

Don't really want to go with 27.5" as it seems they are more expensive. And I also want to factor in purchasing new tyres down the line etc. As for the 29er, I'm not looking for speed, so is it worth it?

[Face Plant]

Gripen check out www.obike.co.za there are some good deals there

Edited July 29, 2013 by Face Plant

[Gripen_85]

Gripen check out www.obike.co.za there are some good deals there

Gripen check out www.obike.co.za there are some good deals there

 

Ooooh, thank you

[Guest Latent Blue]

Is the cheap merida deals still on at cwc???

[Wimmas]

A 29er is not faster and the tyres for the bike basically cost the same as the 26". It just provides a much softer, smoother ride. I had 2x 26" bikes before I went 29er, they were good bikes but I won't ever go back to a 26" and I'm only 1.69m tall.

[Goblin]

you can also have a look at vbike.co.za, they had some good deals as well on last years stuff.

[Gripen_85]

CWC Merida's... the ones I see are over R10k (after discount). Thanks anyway.

 

Re 29er. If I can find a good deal, I'll take it. Not super stressed about 26/29" at this stage.

 

vbike, I have been keeping an eye on them, thanks!

[Maximis]

Momsen al129 29er or merida big nine tfs 100

 

My 1st bike was a merida matts tfs 300 26er, was really happy with it. Decent components for price. Upgraded to merida 29er and will never look back. Cheapest merida 29er as far as I know is the big nine tfs 100 @ abt 6k I think? Good frame to upgrade from too.

 

Good luck

[braailegend]

For R5000 you can get awesome second hand deals, I prefer second hand to new, but being a newbie, it might not be the best option.

[DoubleDee]

27,5" is the way to go! 29ers are on the way out! By the time you need to replace tyres, they will be a lot more affordable! You will get the best of both worlds! My opinion anyway!

[Guest Latent Blue]

Momsen al126 ftw

[dev null]

Hi Wimmas,

 

Thanks for the reply.

I looked at Cycle Lab, Helderberg Cycles, William's Cycles, some place in Strand, and the Cycle Factory website.

Where are other reasonable places in Somerset West/Stellenbosch/CT?

 

Don't really want to go with 27.5" as it seems they are more expensive. And I also want to factor in purchasing new tyres down the line etc. As for the 29er, I'm not looking for speed, so is it worth it?

 

Tried Velolife (Old Cycle Addiction)? I would go for the Silverback. It comes with good components for the money you pay. That is if you can't get a decent second-hand 26er.

[Wayne Potgieter]

Silverback. Great bikes.

[Wayne Potgieter]

Silverback spectra. Def.