New to Mountain Biking ????

[Goosebump]

You must hate these posts by now, but please assist me with your expertise!

 

Male, 198 cm tall, 112 kg with a lower back problem.

 

I need assistance in which bike to buy?

 

I am new to MTB so don't know where to start.

 

Was thinking 29r due to my length and weight and maybe dual suspension?

 

What is a decent price for an entry level bike with these characteristics?

[Vetseun]

Welcome Tjaaina. 20 naainer dual for sure. IMO, shop in the classifieds here in Hubville. Youll get more bike for your rand. Most important, enjoy.

[Skylark]

Back problems = dual suspension for definite

[martinsnyman]

29er dual sus,make sure of the size - it is the most important.

[Goosebump]

Thanks for the reply!

Any price range I can get a good deal in?

[Flowta]

Regardless of the wheel size, make sure the frame fits you correctly. Dual-sus for the back, is it a longterm problem?

 

Don't go to light on the wheels, make sure they're built strong.

[Flowta]

29er dual sus,make sure of the size - it is the most important.

 

+1 size is most important to enjoy the experience

[Goosebump]

Back problem sort of on/off.

Given my length, would you recommend XL frame or does it differ from brand?

 

Any good stores with good deals?

[DR ◣◢]

Differs from brand to brand. Find a good shop with a good reputation to size you up properly.

 

Do as much work to strengthen your core and start getting used to proper stretching post ride. A lot of lower back problem are more related to muscles, a weak core and bad posture than actual spine or similar.

[Flowta]

Back problem sort of on/off.

Given my length, would you recommend XL frame or does it differ from brand?

 

Any good stores with good deals?

Differs from brand to brand. Find a good shop with a good reputation to size you up properly.

 

Do as much work to strengthen your core and start getting used to proper stretching post ride. A lot of lower back problem are more related to muscles, a weak core and bad posture than actual spine or similar.

 

Yes, XL most likely, but as Sir Maxxis says, it differs from brand to brand.

[Goosebump]

Thanks!

Much appreciated!

[madbradd]

Hey goose. I'm 193, and heavy too, and ride an xl, you may need a 2xl But there are very few that make them and usually if they do it's a slightly more compact frame anyway. Also got a lower back issue from rowing, so find that the less "racy" bikes are more comfy. Just finished a 230km single day event on a 29er dual sus with no lower back pain - so would highly recommend going that route.

 

My suggestion would be to spend the money now, if you don't enjoy it you'll be able to sell it on here for a relatively small loss. If you buy the wrong bike because it's a good deal, you won't enjoy your riding.

[Goosebump]

Thanks madbradd!

That is really good advice. Glad to hear your back was okay after the race.

 

I can get a Giant-anthem-x-4-29er for about R18 000 or a Merida-big-ninety-nine-1000 for about R22 000.

 

Does this seem like good deals?

[Helpmytrap]

Don't forget to factor kit (good helmet, gloves, shoes etc.) and tubeless conversion into your budget.

[madmarc]

198cm @ 112kg wow you a big boy

 

I'm 1.84 and weighed 97kg when i bought my full suss 29er, went for XL and just did a session with Cycle Fit, they reckon the XL frame was the perfect choice. So choose carefully because if you go XL and it's a bit small you can always raise the seat post but make sure you have enough stem length to play with the height of the handlebars, especialy if you have back problems.

 

the standard rims were very flexy, so i decided to buy wheels for racing and chose ZTR Flow EX but had them triple lace the spokes with HOPE hubs. the standard rims i changed the Shitmano Hub that kept loosening the cone nuts to Hope and triple laced them as well to keep as spare wheels. Most 29ers i looked at had double laced wheels, "cannot understand why manufacurers don't triple lace 29er wheels as standard for rigidity "

 

IMHO i would go see a proper fit lab to size you for frame size first then go buy a bike that suites your geometry

 

Go check out different bikes in CT but before you buy phone Solomons or Cajees in JHB and barter for a good deal i.e. Solomons got TREK Rumblefish AL and TREK Superfly 100 AL for 19 999 ronds and they will ship to CT

 

BTW - welcome to the dark side we have lots of cookies

[madbradd]

Thanks madbradd!

That is really good advice. Glad to hear your back was okay after the race.

 

I can get a Giant-anthem-x-4-29er for about R18 000 or a Merida-big-ninety-nine-1000 for about R22 000.

 

Does this seem like good deals?

 

I paid 25 for the anthem x1 with a crank upgrade, shifters upgrade (both from slx to xt), tubeless Tyre conversion and geax tnt tyres plus a few on the bike extras. Also you should bring able to pick up discounts on the 2013 bikes soon, so I reckon they could knock a few thousand off the anthem x4 price, or at least throw in a set of tubeless types.

 

I got phenomenal quotes on the merida from finish line cycles in kempton park, But decided to go with the giant as it was a bit more upright.

 

Also look at the specialized camber, they didn't have my size at the time and weren't expecting stock for a while. Tried the epic - great suspension But I wouldn't have been able to last long hours in that riding position. Camber is a little more relaxed, But not too trail focused.